1. EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region
TCUM session about territorial cooperation 25 September 2009
Sverker Lindblad
Ministry of Enterprise, Energy and Communications, Sweden

2. What is a macro-region?
A macro-region is a geopolitical subdivision that encompasses several traditionally or politically defined regions. The meaning may vary, the common denominator being cultural, economical, historical or social similarity within a macroregion. The term is often used in the context of globalisation. (Wikipedia)
A macro-region faces common challenges and is often built around a territorial asset (e.g. sea- or river basin) forming the bases for a cooperative development work with the aim to make use of hidden territorial potentials. (own reflection)

3. The view of the EU-commission…
An area including territory from a number of different countries or regions associated with one or more common features or challenges. In an EU context a macro-region will involve several regions in several countries but the number of Member States should be significantly fewer than in the Union as a whole.
Thanks to the common features or challenges, it is not essential that the limits of the region to be precisely defined. Following the principles of place-based policy in functional regions, the physical boundaries may vary according to the relevance of the policy area in question.

4. Why Baltic Sea Region? Historical connections…
The Hansa
Sweden 1690

5. Why Baltic Sea Region? The environment…

6. Why Baltic Sea Region? Transportations…

7. Why Baltic Sea Region? Trade and cohesion…

8. The Baltic Sea Region. Some facts…
The Baltic Sea Region comprises eight Member States as well as important neighbouring countries including Russia.
It has a population of over 96 million, and accounts for over 20% of the European Union population.
The Baltic Sea is losing its quality and bio-diversity: excessive discharges of nitrates and phosphates – from agriculture, industry and domestic sources are causing increasing eutrophication.
Interconnection of electricity supplies across borders is impeded by incompatible technical standards. There are over 100 shipping collisions per year.
But also:
Some of the most innovative regions in the world.
The Øresund and Haparanda-Tornio regions are models of productive cross-border cooperation.
15% of the world’s cargo – 2000 ships – are in the Baltic at any one time.
The region is a world leader in mobile telecommunications.
(Danuta Hübner, February 2009)

9. Baltic Sea Strategy initiative – why?
New political basis for cooperation – globalisation, EU, integration
Update structures and priorities
Urgent state of the most common – the sea
Potential
Increased openness in EU to adapting to territorial differences
Guidance for numerous co operations

10. Baltic Sea Strategy – what?
Communication from the Commission, June European Council conclusion in October
Strategy identifying 4 objectives: *Sustainable environment *Increased prosperity *Accessibility and attractiveness *Safety and security
Action Plan identifying around 50 projects - flagship projects among the 50
Rolling Action Plan updated regularly- a new process

11. Geographical coverage
The extent depends on the topic: for example on economic issues it would involve all the countries in the region, on water quality issues it would involve the whole catchment area, etc.
Overall, it concerns the eight Member States bordering the Baltic Sea. Close cooperation between the EU and Russia is also necessary in order to tackle jointly many of the regional challenges. The same need for constructive cooperation applies also to Norway and Belarus.

12. Baltic Sea Strategy – how?
Agreement among the EU MS
Cooperation with Norway, RU/BY on projects
Lead Partners identified for the 50 projects
Governance structure incl. monitoring (General Affairs Council, COM, MS)
Aligned EU-funding – EU-programs in the BSR contribute to the realisation of the Strategy
”The coordination of EU programmes is a key ingredient to ensure that funds available to the region fully contribute to the strategy”
(EU Commission)

13. The “Three No”s… No new funds No new legislations
No new institutions instead…
Better co-ordination of resources
Coherent implementation of regulations and laws
Minimal structures making use of those that exists
”Responsibility should be placed at the level most appropriate – usually as low as possible – rather than the Commission taking over.”
(EU Commission)

14. Thank you for your attention!