Publication

A decision by the International Court of Justice in February 2009 determined the status of Snake Island and delineated the limits of Ukraine's and Romania's exclusive economic zones in the Black Sea. Even though this decision removed the major dispute between the two countries, it failed to reduce their mutual distrust. The author traces the historical, political and economic reasons for this distrust. He argues that although Romania supports Ukraine's efforts to build closer relations with the Western structures in the international arena, it cannot be ruled out that Romania's support will depend on the resolution of bilateral disputes that is favorable to Romania.