Report on the Implementation of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR)

Summary:

Report published by the European Commission in June 2011 on the Implementation of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR).

Further Information:

The European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), adopted by the European Commission in June 2009, has played its part. It addresses key challenges and untapped potential of this large region, covering about one third of the total area of the EU. It provides an integrated framework for improving the environmental condition of this shallow enclosed sea, tackling transport bottlenecks and energy interconnections. It facilitates development of markets across borders, as well as common networks for research, innovation and enterprise. With these concrete steps, the Strategy contributes significantly to such major EU policies as Europe 2020 and the Integrated Maritime Policy, as well as reinforcing the EU integration of the Region following enlargement.

The Strategy shows that through common action the challenges to promote a sustainable environment; enhance the Region's prosperity; increase accessibility and attractiveness; and ensure safety and security can be tackled effectively. It reinforces efforts to achieve common EU objectives, and integrate territorial and sectoral issues based on shared challenges. The Northern Dimension, a common policy of the EU, Russia, Norway and Iceland, provides the basis for external cooperation.

Now well into the implementation phase, the Strategy shows the value of a new way of cooperating. It demonstrates commitment of partners at national, regional, and civil society levels, built especially on the work of the European Parliament and the wide local input in the open consultation phase. While the implementation process points to issues needing to be further addressed, including better alignment of funding and a reinforced organisational structure, it is the Commission's assessment that the Strategy is already contributing positively to enhanced cooperation in the Region.

• Alternative Source 1

Official

European Commission: Press release, 24/06/2011: Commission welcomes progress of Macro-Regional Strategies http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-11-786_en.htm

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