Implementing the Danube Strategy : macro-regional mechanisms and structures

1. Implementing the Danube Strategy :macro-regional mechanisms and structures GOVERNANCE OF THE EU STRATEGY FOR THE DANUBE REGION Ruse, 10 May 2010David Sweet, DG REGIO, European Commission

2. Introduction • Governance • Choosing the directions to go • Choosing what to do • Implementation • Making it happen • Who does what? • Who pays?

3. Basic principles Macro-regional strategies are: • Multi-sectoral • Integrated • Long-term They are also • Multi-level • Consensus-based • decentralised

4. 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)

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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?