1 The role of macro- regional strategies after 2013 The Commissions view (or rather the view of one official) David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European

1

The role of macro-regional strategies

after 2013The Commission’s view (or rather the view of

one official)David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European Commission

2

What is a macro-regional strategy?

3

Macro-regional strategies post 2013

David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European Commission

Our working definition

An integrated framework that allows the European Union and Member States to identify needs and allocate available resources thus enabling the Region to enjoy a sustainable environment and optimal economic and social development.

4



Key questions

• Why do you need a strategy?

• Are the pre-conditions in place?

• What should be the scope?

• What benefits can be expected?

5



Why do you need a strategy?

• A strategy is expensive in energy• Requires political commitment,

administrative support and TRUST• No guarantee of new resources• Not a magic wand to solve problems

6



Are the pre-conditions in place?• A (or several) clear challenge that cannot

be resolved by normal means• A common commitment to work with the

strategy at all levels of action

7



What should be the scope?

• What must the strategy do (or it will clearly fail)

• What should the strategy do (or opportunities will be wasted)

• What can the strategy do (to increase cooperation and effectiveness)

8



What benefits do we expect?

• Unblocking key issues and challenges• Better implementation of significant EU

and other policies• Wider sense of belonging – more impact of

the European project• Integrated approach to policy delivery –

necessary, for example, for Europe 2020

9

What should change after 2013?

10



Keep what works

• What works in preparation– Consultation: over 100

responses– Coherence: Strategy + Action

Plan– Consensus: European

Council Conclusions

11



Keep what works

What works in implementation• 3 NOs: no unnecessary disputes• Delegation: using local partners to

lead implementation • Communication: Newsletter, website,

stakeholder events, Annual Forum

12



But recognise costs

• Co-ordination takes time and costs money

• Alignment of funding more difficult than hoped

• Evaluation and monitoring very difficult

13



First ideas (personal view)

• Maintain cross-sectoral approach– Macro-regional strategies are not

only about cohesion policy

• Don’t give special treatment in Regulations– Each strategy should be able to

develop own approach

14



First ideas (personal view)• Enable limited funding for

management– Projects should still be funded

through relevant policy programmes• Reinforce trans-national programmes

– Whether in areas with or without strategies

– Strategies should get priority where they exist

15

Points to consider

16



Strategy or no strategy?

• Strategies have costs• They require commitment

from all parties• They are not a ‘magic bullet’

17



New legislation?

• It’s not the shortage of rules that holds people back!

• Strategies are new instruments: too early to lay down rules

18



EU or not EU?

• Real meaning of EU control not yet clear: Danube will clarify

• Macro-regional strategy approach has wider validity

• Europe 2020 has many aspects in common with strategies

19



A thought to close

Europe of Strategies?•consensus-driven•place-based •co-ordinated

policy approach

Documents

1 The role of macro- regional strategies after 2013 The Commissions view (or rather the view of one official) David Sweet, DG Regional Policy, European