1. European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region – A new Challenge ? Southern Baltic Sea Parliamentary Forum – Youth Meeting, Stralsund, 27.04.2009 Elke Ording, Head of Section, Baltic Sea Cooperation, State Chancellery

2. 2 Table of Content A. Situation in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) B. Main objectives of the EU-Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (BSS) C. BSS structure D. BSS procedure E. Challenges ?

3. 3 A. Situation in the Baltic Sea Region Eight of nine states bordering the Baltic Sea are EU members Wide disparities in growth and development High potential in e.g. research, productive innovation, well educated workforce Unique environment Common history and culture

4. 4 B. BSS: main objectives (four pillars) To make the Baltic Sea Region an environmentally sustainable place, a prosperous place, an accessible and attractive place, a safe and secure place.

5. 5 C. BSS structure Strategy of the European Union Integrated approach Within the financial and legal framework Addressed to EU-Member States

6. 6 C. BSS structure: strategy of the European Union Policy co-ordination by the Council of Ministers – General Affairs (GAERC) Of interest to all Member States, no exclusive groups Applicable to other comparable macro-regional strategies Respecting the autonomy of third countries

7. 7 C. BSS structure: integrated approach Communication Indicative Action Plan (AP): priority areas, strategic and cooperative actions and flagship projects bases on the four pillars Working Dokument

8. 8 C. BSS structure: Within the financial and legal framework Relevant policies e.g. Cohesion Policy, Integrated Maritime Policy, Marine Strategic Framework Directive / HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan, Single Market Policies, Lisbon Agenda, Trans-European Networks Closer cooperation and co-ordination on all levels (trans- national, national, regional and local bodies) Coordination of relevant EU-programmes according to the BSS objectives

9. 9 C. BSS structure: Addressed to EU-Member States High Level Working Group of Senior Officials from all Member States with the European Commission Facilitator to coordinate the AP priority areas i.g.: to preserve natural zones and biodiversity; to promote entrepreneurship; to reinforce sustainable agriculture, forestry and fishing; to maintain attractiveness; to become a leading region in maritime safety and security. Lead partner of flagship projects i.g.: putting best practices in agricultur into work; develop a BSR programme of innovation; clusters and SME- Networks; to develop a sustainable tourism strategy

10. 10 C. BSS structure: Addressed to EU-Member States How to involve non-EU-Member-States like Russia, Belarus and Norway Nothern Dimension Eastern Partnership But.....with the option to use alternative channels.....

11. 11 D. BSS procedure 14.12.2007European Council invited KOM to present a BSS 2008public discussion, stakeholder conferences, round tables, youth conference, public consultation 06.04.2009Interservice consultation started Juni 2009BSS to be presented to the European Council Dec. 2009BSS to be adopted (Swedish Presidency)

12. 12 E. Challenges ? Integrated aproach Macroregion Modelregion Russia Global crises

13. 13 Links concerning BSS DG REGIO: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/cooperation/baltic/index_en.htm State Chancellery of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: http://www.regierung-mv.de/cms2/Regierungsportal_prod/regierungsportal/de /stk/Themen/Ostseekooperation_und_regionale_Partnerschaften/Forum_zur_ Ostseestrategie/index.jsp

14. 14 Thank you for your attention!