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Macro-regions in the EU - towards a Danube Strategy
Nathalie Verschelde DG Regional Policy
27 October 2009
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Macro-region…?
An area including territory from a number of different countries or regions associated with one or more common features or challenges
A macro-region will involve several regions in several countries but the number of MS should be significantly fewer then in the Union as a whole
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Macro-region strategy…?
An integrated framework that allows the European Union and Member States to identify needs and allocate available
resources thus enabling a macro-region to enjoy sustainable environment and optimal economic and social development.
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Baltic sea macro-region strategy - why?
• Initial movement from MS – MEP – state of the water
• Commitment on highest political level
• Existing institutions/networks not yielding anticipated results
• Better alignment of policy development at the European level, at the Baltic level
• Better co-operation at macro-region level
• Mechanism to focus attention and resources on agreed priorities and project, not necessarily requiring new funding
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Policy development: European Council
Coordination, monitoring and follow-up: European Commission
Member State or equivalent to coordinate Priority Areas;
Ministry, agency, or other body to lead flagship projects
Simple implementation system: making better use of existing institutions, funding, and legislation. Annual Forum with stakeholders
No new institutions, no new funding, no new legislation
Baltic sea macro-region strategy - how?
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Baltic sea macro-region strategy - how?
•Analytical report on the Baltic Sea Region
•Rolling EU Action Plan for Baltic Sea Region:- Actors responsible- Concrete actions to address challenges- Deadlines- Regular reviews
•70 actions, 80 flagship projects
•Better use of existing funding, esp. via EU programmes at all levels but also national, regional, local, IFIs, private sector
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Ingredients (lessons learned from the Baltic Sea exercice):
•Move from political statements to action;
•Simple / straightforward approach needed;
•Integrated approach (not compartmentalised);
•Use the strong potential for improvement;
•Stakeholder involvement essential.
Danube macro-region strategy – how?
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Danube macro-region strategy – the story so far ?
• Summer 2008 : Joint letter AT and RO asking for more coordination of policies and programmes on Danube
• Oct 2008 : yes letter from Pres. Barroso + Commissioner Huebner's proposal for strategy
• Early 2009 – idea gathers momentum, many statements and events
• June 2009 – Council Conclusions request EC to coordinate a Danube Strategy
• 1 October 2009 – DG Regional Policy as coordinator
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Danube macro-region strategy – the next steps ?
Going backwards:
• Spring 2011 :Presidency Conclusions then HU Presidency first half 2011
• Sep 2010-Dec 2010: adoption of strategy and launch (ISC, adoption procedure, launch)
• Apr 2010-Sep 2010: validation of a first draft (esp with MS)
• Jan-April 2010: formal discussion phase (Stakeholder Conferences, Thematic roundtables, Web consultation)
• Sep 2009-Dec 2009: start up phase and informal discussions (ad-hoc workshops, meetings)
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Danube macro-region strategy – What ?
This is principally to be discussed and agreed with the MS, but we have had some thoughts:
• Connectivity – access to and from Danube, transportation on the Danube, energy connections
• Environment – water quality, biodiversity, risk prevention and management
• Unlocking the potential – economic development, education, culture
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Danube macro-region strategy – what else or what more ?
This is for all of us to contribute to…
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Thank you
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