Implementing the Danube Strategy

structures

:

macro-regional mechanisms and

GOVERNANCE OF THE EU STRATEGY FOR THE DANUBE REGION

Ruse, 10 May 2010 David Sweet, DG REGIO, European Commission 1

Introduction

• Governance – Choosing the directions to go – Choosing what to do • Implementation – Making it happen • Who does what?

• Who pays?

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Basic principles

Macro-regional strategies are: – Multi-sectoral – Integrated – Long-term They are also – Multi-level – Consensus-based – decentralised 3

Who decides?

The origins and process • Prime Ministers ask Commission to make proposals (Summer 2008) • European Council invites Commission to prepare Strategy (June 2009) • Commission will adopt Strategy and present to Council (Dec 2010) • Council will presumably draw conclusions endorsing Strategy (Spring 2011) 4

What about the partnership?

Is the consultation process worthwhile?

– Governments ask Commission because they need help – Commission consults because it cannot work alone – Implementation depends on active and committed partnership – So Commission – and Member States – need all the stakeholders to contribute ideas, leadership and above all action 5

Choosing what to do

•

The Strategy is an EU Strategy

– 27 Member States have to agree – Commission has to ensure compatibility with EU policies – Partners in region have to agree to implement it •

No one is compelled to participate

6

Choosing the direction

•

The Strategy must be adaptable

– Partners are closest to ground and will see need for changes first – Commission assesses proposals for changes – Member States agree to appropriate changes •

Any changes will be by consensus

7

Two groups

three levels

•

A group of Member States

– All 27 represented – Commission chairs – Committee of Regions and EIB take part •

A forum for all partners

– Annual gathering of stakeholders – National, regional, local administrations, NGOs, private sector 8

Two groups

three levels

• •

National Contact Points

– From countries most concerned – Coordinate national administrations – Provide advice and especially information

Priority Area Coordinators

– Volunteers from national or regional level – Encourage and coordinate project leaders, partners – Report to Commission on progress and difficulties 9

Two groups

three levels

(ii)

•

Flagship project leaders

– Partner that will be part of project – Volunteers to find others (with help of NCPs) – Seeks out funding opportunities – Reports on progress, difficulties and blockages 10

Role of the Commission

•

Commission given tasks by Council

 Facilitates other groups, especially Priority Area Coordinators    Supports High Level Group Monitors and evaluates progress Reports and recommends any changes 11

Role of national authorities

•

Support at national level essential

 National Contact Points channel information   Ministries and agencies lead projects Managing Authorities review alignment with structural funds’ programmes 12

Role of regions and cities

•

Multi-level ownership must be a reality

 Regions align their strategies with the EUSDR  Cities prepare integrated projects with trans-regional impact  Communicate with National Contact Points and Commission 13

Role of NGOs and private bodies

•

A partnership of all stakeholders

  Participate in flagship projects Look for positive solutions to contentious issues  Keep Commission and other partners informed of what needs to be improved  Participate in Annual Forum 14

Future strategies

 Will macro-regional strategies become universal or remain exceptional responses to specific situations?

• Will future macro-regions be based on geographic features or other criteria?

–

Have suggestions for macro-regions in Adriatic, Mediterranean, North Sea, Alpine Space, ...

–

Must regions cross national frontiers to be valid?

• Can strategies combine integrated policy approach with delivery of cohesion policy and Europe 2020?

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