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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