European Commission launches Strategy to boost development of Baltic Sea Region
The Commission addresses its proposals to the EU Member States but also recognises that many of the challenges can only be met by good cooperation with Russia. The Commission recommends boosting this cooperation through existing initiatives, notably the " Northern Dimension ", the common policy of the EU, Russia, Norway and Iceland.
The Strategy, presented by Danuta Hübner, Commissioner for Regional Policy, above all aims to maximise the development potential of the EU Member States and regions in the Baltic Sea area, which is home to nearly 100 million people.
“The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region is a major step as it marks a new way of working together in the Union. It does not simply new laws or institutions but is rather based on the will of governments and citizens in the Member States and regions to meet urgent, shared challenges. The Commission is proposing a comprehensive action plan, based on a thorough consultation with national and regional governments, business, NGOs and academia: the EU is well placed to coordinate the work that needs to be done in order to make the most of available resources to save the Baltic Sea, boost trade and improve the quality of life of everyone in the region," commented Commissioner Hübner.
This is the first time that the EU has developed such a comprehensive strategy at the level of a “macro-region”. It could inspire similar approaches in areas such as the Mediterranean or Danube basin. In particular, it constitutes a first step towards the regional implementation of the EU integrated Maritime Policy.
Between 2007 and 2013, the Baltic Sea Region will benefit from more than €50 billion of investment support under the Cohesion Policy and other EU funding, including €27 billion for improved accessibility, nearly €10 billion for the environment, €6.7 billion for competitiveness and €697 million for security and risk prevention.
Examples of projects
* Phosphates will be removed in detergent in all Member States with the aim of reducing nutrients in the sea.
* A “Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan” will be implemented to better connect Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia to European networks.
* The ‘Rail Baltica’ will connect Warsaw to Tallinn by 2013 with a target speed of 120 km per hour.
* A joint maritime surveillance system will be created.
* A fund for innovation and research will be set-up, using national and private funding to tailor research activities to the specific strengths of the region.