Second Working meeting/EUSBSR: Challenges and shortcomings in the implementation phase Ole Norrback, Honorary Minister of Finland and former Ambassador February 2011 | Gdansk, Poland

Ole Norrback Living in a changing world means Challenges are international Pollution passes the national borders Global trade and economy need global rules Human rights are individual and should be protected by the international society in all countries

Ole Norrback When living in a changing world we need Stronger common international rules and less national protectionist rules in most sectors Stronger international organizations More politicians, focused on the international cooperation To forget short term national interests and focus on long term common and nationalistic goals

Ole Norrback Regions in a key position Cross border cooperation is most beneficial in border regions Borders are not only dividing lines, borders are important and challenging meeting points Regions should challenge national authorities to make cross border cooperation easier Ordinary people in border regions are most supportive in tearing down border barriers Regions can be a forerunner in the international cooperation

Ole Norrback Clear and tangible goals Be well prepared Search carefully the possibilities in the upcoming changes Choose your threats and challenges carefully Prepare yourself well for the real threats, not for the small ones Concentrate your recourses and your energy on a few and the most important goals Good will is good, but never enough; hard work, clear goals and sustainable, durable arguments can change the world => Remember that only results count.

Ole Norrback Choose your counterparts carefully Additional competence good for all partners Make sure that the partners have god plans and realistic goals Criticize constructively and challenge each other Benefit from solutions in cooperating regions by modifying them for your own use Show respect for cultural, religious and historical differences

Ole Norrback To be good or to be poor The support from EU is bigger to poor regions A region trying to always maximize EU support has to remain poor and can never be good An important goal must be to be good (competitive) and thereby minimize the EU support Are you brave enough to lift the ambitions to survive more on your own in the future?

Ole Norrback Only the results count A good application is only a good start A good staff is basic for the work A good seminar or conference offer at least one new idea to implement at home Maximize the use of experts – but never trust them totally Good reports are never enough A project has failed totally if the final report is the only result of your project. Only the results count

Ole Norrback Your work is important. All success to all of you!

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