The purpose of this article is to analyze from the perspective of the game-theoretical lenses the most adequate way(s) to interact for two actors: the European Union and the Black Sea region (seen as unitary player and at individual states’ level). An important element lies in the fact that the regionis not homogenous, the countries demonstrating different levels of economic development. The pillars where a country needs to undertake specific measures, in order to determine progress for its economic development, are highlighted in the Global Competitiveness Report. These pillars include, ultimately, the various domains of interaction and form a structure for the international cooperation. The strategy of cooperation that an international actor chooses must bring an advantage (or a concrete gain value) and basically ensure its own economic growth and increased competitiveness with pre-requisites allowing the advancement to a superior economic development stage.