1 Macro-regions a new test of the integrated approach territorial cohesion: improving policy coherence on the ground

2 What is a macro-region? an area including territory from a number of different countries or regions associated with one or more common features or challenges Geographic features (sea, river) Historic-cultural-social features? (former empires, language groups …) Functional features (ports, capital cities, research poles)

3 What is a macro-region? Working definition: an area including territory from a number of different countries or regions linked by a geographic feature and associated with one or more common challenges

4 What is a macro-regional strategy? An integrated framework that allows the European Union and Member States to identify needs and allocate available resources thus enabling the region to enjoy a sustainable environment and optimal economic and social development

5 Key elements Common challenge(s) –Recognised as trans-boundary –Resist conventional solutions Common commitment –Support for action at all levels and in all locations Mutual trust –Cannot work if each party is bargaining at all times

6 Possible scope Territorial cooperation –Cross-border –Transnational … but also much wider –Major infrastructure –Social-cultural –Safety and security –…

7 Limits Strategy for the macro-region –Actions for the macro-region –Not just relabeling local initiatives … A three level test: –What MUST be done –What SHOULD be done –What CAN be done

8 Without an integrated approach Problems can be easily identified –E.g. environmental state of the Sea A structure is created to address them –E.g. HELCOM for the Baltic Sea But its actions are unimplemented or ineffective –Key actors (e.g. farmers, fisheries) not involved

9 With an integrated approach Problems are cross-referenced across sectors –environmental issues linked to security or economic progress Motivated high-level commitment thanks to advantages to all –Investment in water treatment compensated by access to innovation skills Genuinely multi-faceted issues can be addressed –Navigation linked to flood-prevention linked to biotope conservation

10 Does it work? A lot of work to set up –Intensive consultation during preparation –Identification and support of implementers –Frequent meetings in early stages Many partners to keep involved –Multi-level –Multi-regional –Multi-sectoral

11 And the result … Fruit is still growing –Money from different funds allocated in line with strategy –Projects being worked up in different sectors –First Structural Funds annual implementation reports arriving now – special section on EUSBSR But some is ripening nicely –BSR Stars (innovation networks for SMEs) –Bonus-169 (common research projects) –Baltic Deal (best practices in agriculture) –Baltic Transport Outlook (TEN-T pilot)

12 To find out more Visit the Annual Forum Tallinn October 2010 Join 500 partners from every sector and field Registration opens 15 July: