The Government's vision
is for the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region to contribute to a better marine environment, strong and sustainable growth, reduced economic disparities and reduced cross-border crime. The aim is for the Baltic Sea region to be a pioneer region for the whole of the EU.
Photo: Martina Huber/the Government Offices
EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region produces 'clear results'
Work on the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region has already started showing clear results - both in projects that can prevent serious shipping accidents and in a larger consensus between the Baltic Sea states. So said Sweden's Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson when she gave the closing speech at the Swedish Environmental Research Institute's Baltic Sea Seminar before representatives from government agencies and the business sector.
Clear impact for Swedish efforts in EU Baltic Sea Strategy objectives
Save the Sea, Connect the Region, and Increase Prosperity. These are the primary objectives of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, as announced by the European Commission. The objectives are very close to the ones that Sweden has sought to have adopted.
New website for EU Baltic Sea Strategy
A new website for the EU Baltic Sea Strategy was launched on 21 March. The website, which will be shared by all participating parties, features the strategy's logotype and graphic identity.
Miljöminister Lena Ek, foto: Martina Huber/Regeringskansliet
Time for the 2nd Annual Forum on the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region
At the second Annual Forum on the EUSBSR in Gdansk, 24-26 October, the Swedish Government will be represented by the Minister for Environment, Lena Ek. State Secretary Marita Ljung will speek on the concept of a Ditigal Agenda for the Baltic Sea Region and participate in a panel discussion on the Swedish Model for Baltic Cooperation and the use of seed money for catalysing projects.
This second Annual Forum is organised by the Baltic Development Forum (BDF) jointly with the Commission, the Polish Presidency, the Pomorskie Region and the City of Gdansk. The Annual Forum for the EUSBSR was introduced during the Swedish Presidency 2009 as a means to maintain a dialogue with stakeholders and create a platform for Baltic Sea Region issues in the EU.
Birgitta Ohlsson, Minister for EU-affairs Photo: Government Offices
New network of agencies to strengthen implementation of EUSBSR
On 13 October 2011, the Government decided to mandate all 21 county administrative boards and 34 public agencies to work actively on Baltic Sea issues. The Government is establishing a network of agencies to implement the EU Baltic Sea Strategy, under the leadership of the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth.
"Today's decision raises the level of ambition on the part of the Government when it comes to improving the marine environment, promoting strong and sustainable growth, decreasing economic disparities and reducing cross-border crime throughout the Baltic Sea region. Our aim is for the Baltic Sea region to set an example for the whole of the EU," says Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson.
Management and coordination in Sweden
The Minister for EU Affairs is responsible for the Government's management of the EUSBSR. Ministries and government agencies have a major responsibility for implementation at the national level. Account should be taken of the Strategy when designing national policies of relevance to the Baltic Sea region. Commitment at regional level is also crucial for successful implementation of the EUSBSR.
Financing
The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region builds on the more coordinated use of existing resources. Although the Strategy does not have any funding of its own, financing is available in the Baltic Sea region via the EU Cohesion Fund and other EU financing that can be used to help implement the Strategy.
Current meetings
24-26 October: II Annual Forum on EUSBSR, Gdansk
15 November: EU/GAC to adopt Council Conclusions on the EUSBSR review
30 November: Initial meeting of the Government Agency Network for the EUSBSR, Stockholm
Questions about the EUSBSR?
National contact point is Mr Erik Kiesow, the EU Coordination Secretariat, Prime Minister's Office. Ph: +46 8 405 10 00
Funding
Information on EU funding for implementation of the EUSBSR
