1 The role of macro- regional strategies after 2013 The Commissions view (or rather the view of one official) David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European Commission

2 What is a macro- regional strategy?

3 Macro-regional strategies post 2013 David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European Commission Our working definition An integrated framework that allows the European Union and Member States to identify needs and allocate available resources thus enabling the Region to enjoy a sustainable environment and optimal economic and social development.

4 Macro-regional strategies post 2013 David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European Commission Key questions Why do you need a strategy? Are the pre-conditions in place? What should be the scope? What benefits can be expected?

5 Macro-regional strategies post 2013 David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European Commission Why do you need a strategy? A strategy is expensive in energy Requires political commitment, administrative support and TRUST No guarantee of new resources Not a magic wand to solve problems

6 Macro-regional strategies post 2013 David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European Commission Are the pre-conditions in place? A (or several) clear challenge that cannot be resolved by normal means A common commitment to work with the strategy at all levels of action

7 Macro-regional strategies post 2013 David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European Commission What should be the scope? What must the strategy do (or it will clearly fail) What should the strategy do (or opportunities will be wasted) What can the strategy do (to increase cooperation and effectiveness)

8 Macro-regional strategies post 2013 David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European Commission What benefits do we expect? Unblocking key issues and challenges Better implementation of significant EU and other policies Wider sense of belonging – more impact of the European project Integrated approach to policy delivery – necessary, for example, for Europe 2020

9 What should change after 2013?

10 Macro-regional strategies post 2013 David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European Commission Keep what works What works in preparation –Consultation:over 100 responses –Coherence: Strategy + Action Plan –Consensus:European Council Conclusions

11 Macro-regional strategies post 2013 David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European Commission Keep what works What works in implementation 3 NOs:no unnecessary disputes Delegation:using local partners to lead implementation Communication:Newsletter, website, stakeholder events, Annual Forum

12 Macro-regional strategies post 2013 David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European Commission But recognise costs Co-ordination takes time and costs money Alignment of funding more difficult than hoped Evaluation and monitoring very difficult

13 Macro-regional strategies post 2013 David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European Commission First ideas (personal view) Maintain cross-sectoral approach –Macro-regional strategies are not only about cohesion policy Dont give special treatment in Regulations –Each strategy should be able to develop own approach

14 Macro-regional strategies post 2013 David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European Commission First ideas (personal view) Enable limited funding for management –Projects should still be funded through relevant policy programmes Reinforce trans-national programmes –Whether in areas with or without strategies –Strategies should get priority where they exist

15 Points to consider

16 Macro-regional strategies post 2013 David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European Commission Strategy or no strategy? Strategies have costs They require commitment from all parties They are not a magic bullet

17 Macro-regional strategies post 2013 David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European Commission New legislation? Its not the shortage of rules that holds people back! Strategies are new instruments: too early to lay down rules

18 Macro-regional strategies post 2013 David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European Commission EU or not EU? Real meaning of EU control not yet clear: Danube will clarify Macro-regional strategy approach has wider validity Europe 2020 has many aspects in common with strategies

19 Macro-regional strategies post 2013 David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European Commission A thought to close Europe of Strategies? consensus-driven place-based co-ordinated policy approach