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.
Sweden's Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson has seen a broader consensus emerge between the Baltic Sea states. Photo: Martina Huber/the Government Offices.
IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute held its Baltic Sea Seminar for the second consecutive year on Thursday 29 March. The seminar is for companies, agencies and organisations that are interested in starting initiatives linked to the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region or that are already involved in business projects and growth issues in the Baltic Sea region. A series of lectures and panel discussions on the topic were held during the day which concluded with a look into the Baltic Sea region's future by Minister for EU Affairs Birgitta Ohlsson.
"Cooperation strengthens Sweden's position"
In her speech, Ms Ohlsson built on the importance of cooperation between the Baltic Sea states. She noted that eight of the nine are EU Member States. Close cooperation with them therefore improves Sweden's chances to exert influence in the EU, and she pointed out that work on the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region plays a key role here.
"During my two years as EU Minister, I have seen a broader consensus emerge between the Baltic Sea states."
Three goals
Ms Ohlsson also brought up the three goals that the Government proposed at a hearing in November 2011: save the marine environment, increase integration and improve prosperity in the Baltic Sea region. She also mentioned that scientists and entrepreneurs in attendance had responded enthusiastically to these goals and presented their viewpoints after the hearing. In addition, the EU Commission has now confirmed three goals for the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region which, by and large, are identical to those proposed by the Government last autumn.
"It is important to realise that these are not three separate goals, but that they all influence each other. For example, a better environment and more economic cooperation will enhance prosperity," said Ms Ohlsson.
The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region as a model for others
According to Ms Ohlsson, work on the Strategy has already resulted in projects that will be of consequence to achieving the three goals. Among the projects, she mentioned MONALISA, the Swedish Maritime Administration's project for safe maritime transport.
"The accident that occurred in Italy involving the cruise ship Costa Concordia would never have happened with this technology."
In conclusion, Ms Ohlsson emphasised how instrumental the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region is for the EU as a whole, not only the Baltic Sea region.
"The Strategy is a pioneer and a trailblazer. Because it is a major inspiration for other large-scale projects within the EU, failure on our part will have a negative impact on these too," she said.
