Communication concerning the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region

Summary:

Communication published by the European Commission in March 2012 concerning the European Union's Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region.

Further Information:

In June 2009, following a request by the European Council, the European Commission adopted the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR). It addresses the key challenges of sustainable environment, prosperity, accessibility, and safety and security, but also the opportunities to make this an integrated, forward-looking world-class region, the 'top of Europe'. It aims at coordinating action by Member States, regions and municipalities, the EU, pan-Baltic organisations, financing institutions and non-governmental bodies for a more effective development of the Region. The Strategy also provides the regional implementation of the Integrated Maritime Policy.

The Commission published a progress report in June 2011. The General Affairs Council then adopted Conclusions on 15 November 2011, which called on "the European Commission to review the EUSBSR by early 2012". This Communication responds to this request, by proposing:

+ Improvements to the strategic focus;
+ Alignment of policies and funding,
+ Clarification of responsibilities of different actors;
+ Better communication.

Official

European Commission: Press release, 23/03/2012: Baltic Sea Strategy steps up co operation http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-12-299_en.htm

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