DG Regio Open Days, 28 sept 2004, Torben Aaberg Experiences of cross-border cooperation in the Øresund region Torben Aaberg Deputy Director, Øresund Committee Copenhagen, Denmark

DG Regio Open Days, 28 sept 2004, Torben Aaberg Øresund: Population density & administrative structure

DG Regio Open Days, 28 sept 2004, Torben Aaberg The Øresund Region Danish Zealand and Swedish Scania = km2 3,5 mill inhabitants (metropolitan core 2,5 mill) 15 universities, students, researchers GDP growth rate 2001: 1,5 (Denmark 1,4 Sweden 1,1) 2002: 2,3 (Denmark 1,6 Sweden 1,9) Infrastructure investments: 7,5 billion EUR th largest airport in Europe Strength positions: Bio-medico, IT, environment & food industries

DG Regio Open Days, 28 sept 2004, Torben Aaberg The basis for a functionally integrated Øresund region Strategic geographical and geopolitical position Human resources: High population density and educational level Strong performance and potentials of innovation & economic growth Highly developed infrastructure Common history and similarities in society, language and culture

DG Regio Open Days, 28 sept 2004, Torben Aaberg Vision for Øresund To develop the most functional and integrated cross border region in Europe = It shall be easy and attractive for citizens and enterprises to live, locate, study or work all over the region Strategies Conditions for economic growth and welfare = Framework conditions, highlight possibilities, profiling the region Integration across the border (to release the potential) = Mobility, compatibility, identity & legitimacy A comprehensive region = Develop infrastructure & communication, taking advantage of regional disparities, develop cohesion and a broad partnership

DG Regio Open Days, 28 sept 2004, Torben Aaberg The Öresund Committee A political cross-border co-operation body Est by local and regional authorities & the two govts. Board of 32 local and regional politicians Catalyst for cooperations Lobbying for Øresund interests at national & European level Meeting place and ”embassy” Labour market, business cooperation, education & health, cross border statistics, regional development and analysis, infrastructure, culture, information, EU Interreg IIIA

DG Regio Open Days, 28 sept 2004, Torben Aaberg Examples of cross border cooperations in Øresund Øresund Business Council Øresund Chamber of Industry and Commerce Øresund Labour Market Council Øresund University Øresund Science Region Medicon Valley Academy Øresund IT Academy Øresund Environment Academy Øresund Food Academy Øresund Network Øresund TV Cooperation Øresund Cultural Bridge Copenhagen – Malmø cities Elsinore – Helsingborg municipalities Öresund Committee

DG Regio Open Days, 28 sept 2004, Torben Aaberg Signs of integration: Traffic Commuters Students Business cooperation Cultural visits Shopping Challenges for integration: Stimulate incentives Tackle incompatible legislation Tackle political fragmentation

DG Regio Open Days, 28 sept 2004, Torben Aaberg Key Challenges for Øresund Compatibility of labour markets Common development strategies Øresund in Europe Identity & legitimacy Cross border governance & common agenda