1 EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region Presentation of Actions Visby, 11 June 2009 Colin Wolfe European Commission DG Regional Policy, Territorial Cooperation

2 Whats the issue? severe ecological danger uneven economic development insufficient energy transmission and supply networks, gaps in transport links shortcomings in maritime safety and security The region is facing a variety of challenges and opportunities:

3 Why the EU ? Why EU programmes? 8 of the 9 countries bordering the Baltic Sea are EU members; Many of the challenges are in EU policy fields; Need for more coordination of numerous stakeholders and countries involved. It can be seen therefore that: The EU Cohesion Policy programmes in the region provide many opportunities to address these challenges, and exploit these opportunities.

4 The Strategy – The Big Themes The 4 pillars : Environment: to improve the environmental state of the Baltic Sea Region, the largest brackish water system in the world Economy: to make the Baltic Sea Region more prosperous by better networking, better shared ideas, breaking down barriers and better economic development Energy and transport: to make the region more accessible and attractive, for its inhabitants, for its labour force and for tourists Safety and Security: to prevent accidents in the Region, reduce dangers and work together to solve crimes and sort out problems

5 The Priority Areas, The Flagship Actions Action Plan, with 15 Priority Areas, inc. 80 Flagship Projects Priority Areas (examples) Environment: - to reduce nutrient inputs to the sea to acceptable levels - to become a model region for clean shipping Prosperity: - to exploit the full potential of the region in research and innovation Accessibility & Attractiveness: - to improve access to, and the efficiency and security of the energy markets - to improve internal and external transport links Safety and Security: - to reinforce protection from major emergencies at sea and on land

6 Examples of flagship projects Remove phosphates in detergents; Connect the Baltic States to the energy networks; Create a fund for innovation and research; Promote environment-friendly technologies; Develop the Baltic « Motorways of the Seas » Establish better cooperation in case of marine pollution Establish joint curricula in universities Coordinate better the maritime surveillance systems

7 The Guiding Principles Better alignment of policy development at the European level, at the Baltic level Better use of existing funding, esp. via EU programmes at all levels but also national, regional, local, IFIs, private sector Better coordination in implementing EU legislation, cutting red-tape Better coordination on practical matters between all countries inc. Russia, Norway, Belarus, in the region

8 Thank you !