The International Centre for Black Sea Studies (ICBSS) was founded in 1998 as a non-profit organisation. It has since fulfilled a dual function a) as an independent research and training institution focusing on the wider Black Sea region, and b) as a related body of the Organisation of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) and its think-tank.

Through a series of diverse activities, ICBSS aims to enhance knowledge, empower people and enable synergies in the wider Black Sea region and beyond.

ICBSS capitalizes on its dual role to advance effective synergies between scientific and advocacy work, at both regional and international levels. 

As an independent research and training institution, the Centre elaborates and publishes research papers and studies, organises a variety of scientific events, develops capacity building activities and manages research projects that seek to foster a comprehensive and cohesive approach towards important issues of the Black Sea region, with explicit measurable results at both the academic and political level.

As BSEC related body and think tank, the ICBSS participates in the deliberations of the BSEC Organisation, and carries out studies, drafts policy documents and coordinates scientific activities upon specific mandates by BSEC. Placing special focus on fostering relations between the EU and the Black Sea region, the ICBSS is the Coordinator of the Ad hoc Group of Experts on BSEC-EU Interaction, since 2008.

The ICBSS is located in Athens, Greece.