Brussels, 18/06/2003 (Agence Europe) - The second European Commission action plan for the Nordic Dimension (2004-2006), which covers the Baltic Sea, the Arctic Sea and north-east of Russia, has indicated that special attention should be given to development of the Kaliningrad and the Arctic region. It is also planning annual meeting of senior civil servants to assess the implementation of the action plan and give political advice on future evolution. Here are the main objectives of the plan in the main sectors:
Economy, business, infrastructure: improve climate for business; promote small and medium sized businesses (especially in Russian); support sustainable development; provide social and economic opportunities to native people in the region opportunities, reduce time spent on customs clearance at borders; develop transport, electricity and natural gas networks; increase security in all modes of transport, particularly maritime; promote development of telecommunications and information networks, particularly in the north west of Russia.
Human resources, teaching, scientific research, public health: set up joint projects in education, training, research, culture; inform remote areas of apprenticeship opportunities suing new technology, such as internet; improve information exchange in science between Russia and EU; enhance research activities, particularly on climate change; tackle infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and AIDS.
Environment, nuclear security, natural resources: strengthen dialogue between EU/Russia on environmental issues: set up projects for managing irradiate nuclear fuels, nuclear waste, dismantling of installations and nuclear sub-marines, encourage responsible use of forests, with participation of local actors and native peoples in decision making process.
Justice and home affairs, border cooperation: swiftly set up action plan for EU/Russia for fighting against organised crime; ensure better integrated management of borders.