The role of Territorial Cooperation in IWT and integrated planning Nathalie Verschelde DG Regional Policy 2 October 2009

Territorial Cooperation Structural fund support for cooperation at borders or within transnational zones Specific programmes with clearly established geographical scope (52 cross-border and 13 transnational programmes) 7 years, SWOT analysis, strategy translated into priorities Priorities translated into projects, mostly through bottom-up calls for projects

What is financed ? JOINT projects, tackling specific problems or addressing potential synergies for development Sectors are wide : economic development, innovation, growth, jobs, culture BUT ALSO environment and transport Main pre-condition : international dimension across borders or across a transnational zones. All projects must benefit the programme area as a whole

What about rivers ? Majority of large navigable rivers are international Most stretches are covered by territorial cooperation programmes, either cross-border or transnational

What about rivers ? Cross-border areas

What about rivers ? Transnational zones – here Central Europe

What about rivers ? Transnational zones – here North-West Europe

What about rivers ? Programmes offer a good framework for multi- sector, multi-governance work Facilitation of dialogue among stakeholders, studies and plans, limited possibilities for infrastructure investment Cooperation between Natura 2000 sites across borders

Illustration - Danube 8 bi-lateral programmes all along the Danube (DE-AT, AT-SK, HU-SK, AT-HU, HU-HR, HU- SRB, RO-SRB, RO-BG) = 746 million €* Also 2 transnational zones covering the river and most of its basin (Central Europe and South-East Europe) = 452 million €* * Not all dedicated to rivers, transport or environment

Illustration - Danube

New element – Danube 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. 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

Model of the recent Baltic sea macro-region strategy 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

Baltic sea macro-region strategy - results? 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

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.

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) Nov 2009-Apr 2010: formal discussion phase (Stakeholder Conferences, Thematic roundtables, Web consultation) Sep 2009-Nov 2009: start up phase and informal discussions (ad-hoc workshops, meetings)

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

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

Thank you