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EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region

News :
new Save the date: 3rd Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, Copenhangen, 18-19 June 2012

An EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region was approved by the European Council in October 2009, following a Communication from the European Commission.  This was the first time that a comprehensive strategy, covering several EU policies, was targeted at a ‘macro-region’.

What is the aim of the Strategy?

The eight EU countries that make up the Baltic Sea Region (Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland) face several common challenges:

  • Maritime (shortcomings in safety and security)
  • Environmental (sea pollution, dwindling fish stocks, risk of oil spills, climate change)
  • Economic (uneven development, due partly to a failure to exploit the opportunities offered by access to the EU single market and a lack of enterprise culture)
  • Energy (insufficient energy transmission and supply networks, which are not adequately connected)
  • Transport (gaps in transport connections)
  • Safety and security

How does it work?

The Strategy helps to coordinate action by the European Union, EU countries, regions, pan-Baltic organisations, financing institutions and non-governmental bodies to promote a more balanced development of the Baltic Sea Region.

The Strategy aims to make this part of Europe more:

  • Environmentally sustainable (e.g. reducing pollution in the sea);
  • Prosperous (e.g. promoting innovation in small and medium enterprises);
  • Accessible and attractive (e.g. better transport links);
  • Safe and secure (e.g. improving accident response).

It helps to mobilise all relevant EU funding and policies.

Fifteen priority areas have been identified for action in the coming years.  Flagship projects are listed in an Action Plan, which is updated regularly:

What progress has been made?

The Commission publishes regular reports on the implementation of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region.

Progress achieved so far includes:

  • Support for new projects, including cooperation between farmers to reduce eutrophication and improved planning for transport infrastructure;
  • Greater involvement of Russian partners in areas like environmental protection, water quality and innovation;
  • Improved cooperation between regions and other partners, including the private sector.

 

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