Brussels, 10/06/2002 (Agence Europe) - Michel Barnier took part in the fourth Summit of the Baltic Sea States on Monday. In his address, the European Commissioner for regional policy stressed the Commission's commitment to the Northern Dimension Action Plan, the goal of which is to intensify cross-border co-operation between the EU and its neighbouring countries and regions in northern Europe, creating security and stability and addressing the problems related to uneven development in the region. Mr. Barnier spoke of the challenges that enlargement would pose for the region of the Baltic Sea, stating that "history shows that past enlargements were beneficial not only for the countries directly involved, but also for their neighbours". He also recalled the Commission's offer to provide financial support to contribute to resolving the problem of nuclear waste in North-West Russia and that of sea pollution in the Baltic.