1. Macro-regions in the EU - towards a Danube Strategy
Nathalie Verschelde
DG Regional Policy
27 October 2009

2. Macro-region…?
An area including territory from a number of different countries or regions
associated with one or more common features or challenges
A macro-region will involve several regions in several countries
but the number of MS should be significantly fewer then in the Union as a whole

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

4. Baltic sea macro-region strategy - why?
Initial movement from MS – MEP – state of the water
Commitment on highest political level
Existing institutions/networks not yielding anticipated results
Better alignment of policy development at the European level, at the Baltic level
Better co-operation at macro-region level
Mechanism to focus attention and resources on agreed priorities and project, not necessarily requiring new funding

5. Baltic sea macro-region strategy - how?
Policy development: European Council Coordination, monitoring and follow-up: European Commission Member State or equivalent to coordinate Priority Areas; Ministry, agency, or other body to lead flagship projects Simple implementation system: making better use of existing institutions, funding, and legislation. Annual Forum with stakeholders No new institutions, no new funding, no new legislation

6. Baltic sea macro-region strategy - how?
Analytical report on the Baltic Sea Region
Rolling EU Action Plan for Baltic Sea Region:
- Actors responsible
Concrete actions to address challenges
- Deadlines
- Regular reviews
70 actions, 80 flagship projects
Better use of existing funding, esp. via EU programmes at all levels but also national, regional, local, IFIs, private sector

7. Danube macro-region strategy – how?
Ingredients (lessons learned from the Baltic Sea exercice):
Move from political statements to action;
Simple / straightforward approach needed;
Integrated approach (not compartmentalised);
Use the strong potential for improvement;
Stakeholder involvement essential.

8. Danube macro-region strategy – the story so far ?
Summer 2008 : Joint letter AT and RO asking for more coordination of policies and programmes on Danube
Oct 2008 : yes letter from Pres. Barroso + Commissioner Huebner's proposal for strategy
Early 2009 – idea gathers momentum, many statements and events
June 2009 – Council Conclusions request EC to coordinate a Danube Strategy
1 October 2009 – DG Regional Policy as coordinator

9. Danube macro-region strategy – the next steps ?
Going backwards:
Spring 2011 :Presidency Conclusions then HU Presidency first half 2011
Sep 2010-Dec 2010: adoption of strategy and launch (ISC, adoption procedure, launch)
Apr 2010-Sep 2010: validation of a first draft (esp with MS)
Jan-April 2010: formal discussion phase (Stakeholder Conferences, Thematic roundtables, Web consultation)
Sep 2009-Dec 2009: start up phase and informal discussions (ad-hoc workshops, meetings)

10. Danube macro-region strategy – What ?
This is principally to be discussed and agreed with the MS, but we have had some thoughts:
Connectivity – access to and from Danube, transportation on the Danube, energy connections
Environment – water quality, biodiversity, risk prevention and management
Unlocking the potential – economic development, education, culture

11. Danube macro-region strategy – what else or what more ?
This is for all of us to contribute to…

12. Thank you