The European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region – Background and analysis

Summary:

Eight of the nine states bordering the Baltic Sea are members of the European Union. The introduction of Community rules, and the opportunities created by Community instruments and policies (e.g. Cohesion Policy, the strategy for sustainable development, environmental policy, the integrated maritime policy, the internal market and the Lisbon Agenda) have opened important new possibilities for a more effective co-ordination of activities, thus delivering higher standards of living for the citizens of these Member States. However, even with good levels of international and interregional communication and co-operation, full advantage of the new opportunities that EU membership provides has not yet been taken and the challenges facing
the region have not yet been adequately addressed.

This Communication presents the strategy requested by the European Council. The strategy seeks to provide both a co-ordinated, inclusive framework in response to the key challenges facing the Baltic Sea Region and concrete solutions to these challenges. It should be read with the indicative action plan. The strategy and the proposed actions and flagship projects have been prepared following intensive consultation of Member States and stakeholders. The Commission has also endeavoured to keep non-EU Member States in the region fully informed of the preparations for this strategy

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