Brussels, 10/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - After 18 months of considerable efforts and a great many meetings and debates, in Brussels this Wednesday 10 June the European Commission adopted the strategy of the European Union for the Baltic Sea region. This strategy, which was presented to the press by Commissioner for Regional Policy Danuta Hübner is based on the actions contained within a plan and involves all of the services of the Commission. This multi-dimensional strategy, "which will be useful for the future", has enjoyed the support of a group of MEPs and the European Investment Bank (EIB), Ms Hübner pointed out, adding that Norway, Iceland and Russia has helped to set in place this "European strategy for the greater region of the Baltic Sea". "For the first time, we have a strategy for a macro-region which suffers from common problems which require a common solution. This strategy is a response to the challenges faced on the European territory", said Ms Hübner, who was also speaking on behalf of the President of the European Commission José Manuel Barroso, "who has been particularly involved in this dossier". The first application of this strategy will occur in 2011, under the Polish Presidency of the Union, said Danuta Hübner, who went on to announce that the conclusions of the European summit of June would specify the preparatory work of the Commission in this area and will call on the European Council of October 2009 to adopt this strategy. "The Swedish Presidency will be working to ensure that this strategy is better known within the Union. For this purpose, it will hold a conference in Stockholm this September, and will then present it at the European Summit of October for adoption", said the commissioner. The Commission, which has already been approached by the Danube region, is working with the countries this river flows through to prepare a similar strategy in 2010, she said.
As previously announced (see EUROPE 9916), four pillars have been identified for the work: environment, economic growth, accessibility and attractiveness (energy networks, transport infrastructure), the safety and security, particularly from the maritime point of view, of this macro-region. These four pillars have been translated into 15 strategic areas and 80 emblematic projects described in the action plan. Ms Hübner explains that as this strategy is evolving, "it will be updated as and when problems arise over the next (...) years". It will also be necessary, Ms Hübner continued, to "bring together all of the institutions which are already working together in the Baltic Sea region. The Union is already present in this region to the tune of €50 billion in the framework of the cohesion policy for individual projects in regions and cities". The commissioner stated that as regards funding for the region, the institutions present have had extremely positive reactions, particularly as regards research and development. "The funding must be coordinated to ensure that it is put to the best possible use, to stimulate private and financial sector to help us. The European Union's project will be the catalyst to attract this funding", Ms Hübner stressed. (G.B./transl.fl)