The Regions and the Governance of Globalisation The Baltic Sea Region

1. CPMR BALTIC SEA COMMISSION The Regions and the Governance of Globalisation The Baltic Sea Region CPMR General Assembly Florence, Italy – 18 October 2007 Christel Liljeström, President BSC www.balticseacommission.org CPMR Baltic Sea Commission – 2007, ASM

2. The enlargement In the Baltic Sea Area The enlargement had a very dramatic impact on cooperation in the Baltic Sea Area and perhaps more so than in any other part of the Union Most of our neighbourhood partners became EU member states www.balticseacommission.org CPMR Baltic Sea Commission – 2007, ASM

3. European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) The presidency progress report President Barroso: “…the fundamental principle of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) is differentiation – in other words, a tailored approach determined by differing needs.” Commissioner Benita Ferrero-Waldner …. the Commission is doing its utmost to maximize our offer under ENP. We want to give our neighbours as many different options as possible to pursue a differentiated relationship with us Above all, we want to work together to pursue our mutual interests, involving all levels of society in this process. www.balticseacommission.org CPMR Baltic Sea Commission – 2007, ASM

4. EU agreement with the Baltic Sea Area neighboring countries Relations at very mixed levels Norway Well established with its close ties to the union BelarusThe country's current system is considered authoritarian by the EU, and thus contractual links will be developed only upon the establishment of a democratic form of government based on free and fair elections. Russiais not part of the ENP The 1997 Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA) provide the legal basis for the EU's relations with Russia. www.balticseacommission.org CPMR Baltic Sea Commission – 2007, ASM

5. European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) The roll of the regions Trade, exchange and contact on the individual level is the way forward. Regions, rather than nations, can play an important part … … as it is often easier to establish cooperation and partnership between regions than between nations www.balticseacommission.org CPMR Baltic Sea Commission – 2007, ASM

6. Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013 To make the Baltic Sea Region an attractive place to invest, work and live in. Eligible areas are: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Sweden and the northern parts of Germany Norway, Belarus and the north-west regions of Russia www.balticseacommission.org CPMR Baltic Sea Commission – 2007, ASM

7. Baltic Sea Region Programme 2007-2013 Program priorities Fostering innovations. Innovation means successful production, assimilation and exploitation of novelty in the economic and social spheres. Internal and external accessibility. Baltic Sea as a common resource. Attractive and competitive cities and regions. www.balticseacommission.org CPMR Baltic Sea Commission – 2007, ASM

8. Russia and the EU neighbourhood policy The regions play an important roll The Baltic Sea area remains the context in which relations between the EU institutions and Russia are most intense and continuative. It is important for the stability and positive development in the Baltic Sea Area that Russia is well integrated in our future development. www.balticseacommission.org CPMR Baltic Sea Commission – 2007, ASM

9. Christel Liljestöm Regions can – should – and will be active in cooperation between regions within internal and external borders. Thank you www.balticseacommission.org CPMR Baltic Sea Commission – 2007, ASM