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Europaudvalget 2000-01
EUU Alm.del Bilag 1372
Offentligt

Modtaget via elektronisk post. Der tages forbehold for evt. fejl

Europaudvalget

(Alm. del - bilag 1372)

Det Europæiske Råd

(Offentligt)

Medlemmerne af Folketingets Europaudvalg

og deres stedfortrædere

Bilag

Journalnummer

400.C.2-0

Kontor

EU-sekr.

13. juni 2001

Til underretning for Folketingets Europaudvalg vedlægges i forbindelse med Det Europæiske Råd i Göteborg

den 15.-16. juni 2001 formandskabets rapport vedrørende Den nordlige Dimension, 9804/01.

Den danske version af rapporten fremsendes, så snart den måtte foreligge.

REPORT

from :

on :

to :

Subject :

Presidency

11 June 2001

EUROPEAN COUNCIL, Göteborg, 15/16 June 2001

Full report on Northern Dimension Policies

1. In endorsing in June 2000 the Action Plan for the Northern Dimension, the European Council in Feira

welcomed the intention of the future Swedish Presidency to prepare a full report on Northern

Dimension policies in preparation for the Göteborg European Council in June 2001.

2. On 11 June 2001, the Council took note of the attached report prepared by the Presidency in

cooperation with the Commission with a view to submitting it to the European Council.

____________

1. ANNEX

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1. Full Report on Northern Dimension Policies

As invited by the Feira European Council, this full report on Northern Dimension policies has been prepared

by the Swedish Presidency, together with the Commission, in preparation for the Göteborg European Council

on 15-16 June, 2001.

The Feira European Council in June 2000, endorsed an Action Plan for the Northern Dimension. The Action

Plan was prepared by the Commission, which was also invited to take a leading role in its implementation. This

report reviews ongoing activities and initiatives on the Northern Dimension. It also outlines appropriate

proposals for follow-up.

At the Second Foreign Ministers' Conference on the Northern Dimension organised in Luxembourg in April

2001, participants gave broad political endorsement to ongoing work and welcomed new initiatives and ideas,

which were summarized in the Conclusions of the Chair.

1. OVERVIEW OF ACTORS

The Northern Dimension has developed into an effective tool for enhancing co-operation in Northern Europe

and for the forging of closer ties between the EU and its Member States and the seven Partner Countries:

Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and the Russian Federation.

1.1 European Union

Member States are actively working together on the implementation of the ND Action Plan and the further

development of the ND initiative. All Member States recognise the value of the ND for promoting national

and sub-national co-operation across present and future external borders of the Union. With enlargement, the

EU will have eight Member States in the ND region, making the internal EU aspects of ND co-operation with

neighbouring countries in Northern Europe even more eviden t.

The Commission and its Services are fully committed to implement the Action Plan and their leading role

ensures continuity in the work. The Commission is promoting a more efficient alignment of EU policies and

instruments while facilitating effective co-ordination with non-EU actors. A network of contact points is being

set up between participating countries, institutions and organisations. The Commission is also working to

streamline procedures for EU financial instruments covered by th e ND, in particular the Tacis, Phare and the

Interreg programmes.

The European Investment Bank is also providing support to the ND Action Plan through appropriate long-

term financing of projects that contribute in meeting priority objectives, such as the environment. The EIB has

been financing investments in the Member States in the ND area, the EFTA partners, the Accession countries,

and following the Stockholm European Council, is prepared to extend financing under certain conditions for

selected environmental projects in North West Russia.

Other EU institutions, such as the European Parliament, the Committee of Regions and the Economic and

Social Committee take an active part in the ND initiative.

1.2 Partner Countries

Active participation of the Partner Countries is a basic feature of ND co-operation and should be encouraged

and facilitated. The Partner Countries are involved in all stages of the implementation of the Action Plan. At

the Luxembourg Conference, Partner Countries reiterated their commitment to the ND process and their

intention to contribute with national resources.

1.3 Regional Bodies

Three intergovernmental regional bodies, the Council of Baltic Sea States (CBSS), the Barents Euro-Arctic

Council (BEAC), and the Arctic Council (AC) presented proposals to the Luxembourg Conference on their

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contribution to the ND. Since their establishment, the Commission has participated in the work of the CBSS

and the BEAC, and, more recently, also in the AC.

1.4 International Financial Institutions

The IFI:s have a central role in addressing the significant investment needs in key ND sectors. The ND

initiative, in turn, provides an impetus for various multilateral actors to optimise their co-operation in the ND

region. With the aim of increasing the mobilisation of loan and grant funds and to allow for a proper matching

of resources, a meeting between representatives of IFI:s and the Commission was organised in Helsinki in

March, 2001. The meeting focussed on areas identified as central in the ND Action Plan, such as environment

and infrastructure including energy as well as regulatory and institutional issues related to investments in those

sectors. It established a foundation for co-ordination between the IFI:s and the Commission within the ND

framework. A proposal for a "Northern Dimension Environmental Partnership" was subsequently elaborated.

1.5 Other Actors

Sub-national co-operation between local and regional authorities is extensive and has become an established

feature in relations between the countries of the ND region. Local and regional actors in the ND region also

work together in co-ordinating bodies such as the Baltic Sea States Sub-regional Co-operation (BSSSC) and the

Union of Baltic Cities (UBC). Barents regional governments meet in the Barents Regional Council. These and

other sub-national bodies have stated their will ingness to contribute to the implementation of the Action Plan.

Prospects for a rapid EU enlargement in Northern Europe are raising expectations by the business community

on Governments to speed up regulatory reform and increase the institutional and legal predictability required

for dynamic social and economic development in the ND region. The "Northern Dimension Business Forum"

met in Tallinn in April 2001.

Strengthened transatlantic co-operation on Northern issues, in the context of the New Transatlantic Agenda

(NTA), opens for further synergies and the attraction of wider financial support. Steps have been taken to

improve mutual information between the Commission and the United States and Canada, respectively, on

Northern policies and activities. Canada is actively working with the EU to develop joint projects with a focus

on sustainable development in Arctic areas. The EU and the United States are together identifying projects

where combined support action would result in synergies.

As regards Arctic issues, Greenland is also a central actor who wants to take active part in the development of

co-operation within this part of the ND framework.

2. SECTORIAL OVERVIEW

The Action Plan for the Northern Dimension covers a broad range of sectors. The Feira European Council in

its conclusions specifically mentioned three priorities: environment, including nuclear safety, the fight against

international crime, and Kaliningrad and invited the Commission to prepare follow-up proposals. In many

areas covered by the Action Plan tangible progress and concrete results have been achieved.

2.1 Environment

The pre-accession process has focused the four candidate countries on meeting the environmental

requirements of EU membership. Legislation introducing higher standards of protection has been adopted and

there is a major focus on implementation and enforcement. Phare, Tacis and other Community programmes

are playing a prominent role to address some of the most urgent problems of the region, mainly in two priority

areas: water and nuclear safety. Integration of environmental concerns in to different sectors of economic co-

operation is an overall objective of the ND. Between the EU and Russia, this is particularly relevant in the

development of the energy dialogue, and should be regularly discussed in relevant frameworks of the PCA.

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Due consideration for the vulnerability of the northern maritime environments with their cold waters and/or

low salinity is required in relation to all types of economic activity in the ND region. With enlargement, the

Union's responsibility for the environmental condition of the Baltic Sea is increasing. HELCOM and Baltic 21

provide regional frameworks for reinforced action.

2.2 Nuclear Safety

The EU is playing a major role in the region on nuclear-related problems. EU activities in support of nuclear

safety so far mainly focused on reactor safety (the Ignalina, Leningrad and Kola NPP:s) and on the

decommissioning of Unit 1 of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant. The EU has also financed feasibility studies

and other preparatory projects for the management of spent fuel and radioactive waste in North West Russia.

A conclusion of the MNEPR (Multilateral Nuclear Environmental Pr ogramme for the Russian Federation)

agreement is a prerequisite for enhanced EU participation in more extensive projects directly addressing

problems related to nuclear safety, in particular on the Kola Peninsula.

2.3 The Fight against Organised Crime/Justice and Home Affairs

The fight against organised crime was early identified as an important priority in the ND region. The Task

Force on Organised Crime in the Baltic Sea Region has proven to be an efficient body focusing on operative

and concrete multidisciplinary law enforcement measures. The region’s law enforcement agencies, inter alia,

police, customs and border guards, co-operate on operative measures. The Commission participates in the

work. The EU Presidency and Europol are regularly invite

Within the framework of the Task Force it is important to continue and develop ongoing activities such as

measures against trafficking in human beings, illegal immigration, stolen vehicles, money laundering, smuggling

of high taxed goods and corruption. Co-operation should be enhanced between the concerned EU Council

Working Parties and the Task Force, initially regarding stolen vehicles.

In line with the conclusions of the Tampere and Feira summits, more attention is being paid to migration

issues, such as readmission, visa and asylum matters, to the financing of border control posts, and to improved

border management.

The EU-Russia Action Plan on Organised Crime concentrates on judicial co-operation in criminal matters and

on law enforcement co-operation and forms the basis for other concrete projects in this field. Concrete

measures to combat double invoicing as an instrument of organised crime in trade between the EU and Russia

have been initiated by a number of Member State law enforcement authorities in co-operation with Russian

counterparts. A first ministerial meeting on Justice and Home Affairs between the EU Troika and Russia was

held in April 2001.

2.4 Kaliningrad

While recognizing that primary responsibility for the development of the Kaliningrad region lies with the

Russian federation, the Kaliningrad region deserves special attention due to its geographic location. The

Commission's Communication on Kaliningrad, adopted in January 2001, constitutes a basis for formulating

EU policies. EU-Russia co-operation on issues related to Kaliningrad is evolving within the working bodies of

the Partnership and Co-operation Agreement. In parallel, the EU discusses these issues with Lithuania and

Poland.

A new Tacis office was opened in Kaliningrad at the beginning of 2001. Kaliningrad will continue to be a

priority region under the Tacis programmes for Russia. Future priorities are expected to include environment,

administration, and law enforcement.

Regional and cross-border co-operation with Kaliningrad directly concerns several Partner Countries, e.g. in

the field of improved border control posts. The "Nida II initiative" regarding Russian-Lithuanian co-operation

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on Kaliningrad, also involving Poland, is a good example of how Partner Countries directly can contribute to

the implementation of the ND Action Plan. The CBSS academic co-operation project EuroFaculty has been

extended to include the faculties of economics and l aw at the Kaliningrad State University.

2.5 Energy

Balanced development of gas and electricity infrastructure and a high level of nuclear safety as well as the

connection to EU energy networks are high priorities. An "Integrated Gas and Electricity Study in the Baltic

Sea Region" has been co-financed under the 1999 TEN-Energy programme. The electricity companies in the

region continue to co-operate towards the completion of the Baltic Electricity Ring. In 2000, the electricity link

between Sweden and Poland was taken into operation. The E U-Russia energy dialogue is of considerable

importance for the ND region. Improvement of the investment climate in the Russian energy sector would be

an important step towards meeting the large investment needs in North West Russia.

Many of the actions in the Northern Dimension Action Plan are covered by the Baltic Sea Region Energy Co-

operation (BASREC), which has gained considerable momentum in 2000 and 2001. Four ad-hoc groups have

been created within the areas of electricity, gas, climate issues and energy efficiency. The dialogue between

actors in the electricity and gas sectors of the region is an important part of the process. The Commission has

contributed to the BASREC secretariat in Stockholm.

In the Barents Euro-Arctic Region, a wide network of actors working with energy efficiency, energy savings,

and renewable energy resources has been established. Efforts should be made to involve these local actors in

future energy projects, when relevant.

2.6 Public Health

The situation as regards public health, in particular communicable diseases and antimicrobial resistance, is

serious and requires further attention and resources.

A number of initiatives have been carried out in the framework of the TACIS programme, i. a. to promote the

implementation of social and health care reforms and to combat HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted

diseases in Kaliningrad and North West Russia. More TACIS activities are in preparation on primary health

care development and preventive health education. Also the United States and Canada are active in the health

sector.

Public health issues are also dealt with by the CBSS Task Force on Communicable Disease Control and the

BEAC Health Co-operation Programme. The Arctic Council has initiated several health-related circumpolar

projects.

2.7 Information Technologies/Telecommmunications

The Northern Dimension offers a platform for accelerating transition to the information society, especially

relevant in areas with long distances and sparse population. A Northern

eDimension

action plan is being

developed by the Council of Baltic Sea States in partnership with the Commission, consulting the countries

concerned and relevant regional actors.

2.8 Transport and Border Crossings

EU support to fund infrastructure development and to assist partner countries in developing integrated border

management strategies will continue and accelerate as the prospect of enlargement draws closer. Facilitating

the flow of people and goods across borders, while ensuring that the necessary checks and controls are carried

out, represents a particular challenge.

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2.9 Research

The Fifth Framework Programme for Research and Technical Development (1998 – 2002), e.g. through its

horizontal programme "Confirming the international role of community research", favours the Northern

Dimension of RTD co-operation through joint projects, networking and training of researchers. There is a

variety of instruments at the level of EU research co-operation to promote and finance such joint research

initiatives. A considerable number of research projects, e. environmental and climatic conditions, energy and

transport issues and IT, are currently being pursued.

Projects involve researchers from EU Member States, the Russian Federation, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania,

Iceland and Norway. The EU-Russia Science and Technology Agreement facilitates co-operation and may lead

to new joint initiatives.

The association of Candidate Countries to the Sixth Framework Programme for RTD, together with the recent

EU-Russia RTD agreement, opens up possibilities for expanding the scope of RTD co-operation under the

ND and may lead to new joint initiatives provided that funding can be arranged.

2.10 Regional and Cross-border Co-operation

A growing number of regional and cross-border activities are taking place in the ND region. The Committee

of Regions has underlined the importance of developing a bottom-up approach to the implementation of the

ND Action Plan and the further development of the ND initiative.

EU support for regional and cross-border co-operation at subnational level through Interreg, Phare and Tacis

has inspired work i. a. on local democracy, public administration, health, education, border management and

water and waste treatment.

The Commission's participation in the latest Ministerial meeting of the Arctic Council signalled increased

attention to Arctic issues (the so called "Arctic Window") within the ND. The EU already supports a number

of Arctic activities in the area of information society, environmental protection and sustainable use of natural

resources, support for indigenous people, research, economic development of scarcely populated areas and

development of human resources, which are of central importa nce for the development of Arctic regions.

2.11 Trade, Business Co-operation and Investment Promotion

As reported to the Luxembourg Conference from the "Northern Dimension Business Forum" in Tallinn in

April, 2001, a prerequisite for increased trade and investment in the region is the establishment of a favourable

business climate. Quality and predictability in the legal fabric, as well as deregulation, are necessary. It is also

essential to ensure proper enforcement and application of legislation. Adherence to the principles of fair

competition, equal treatment and non-discrimination , as well as transparency in the business environment of

any country or market segment, are vital in order to make the ND region a level "playing-field" for business

and allow trade and investment to grow and develop.

EU programmes are also providing technical assistance on industrial and intellectual property rights with a

view to improving both the legislation and its enforcement and fostering business development, including the

promotion of co-operation between enterprises at regional, national and international levels. Technical

assistance will also be available on matters related to standardisation and conformity assessment and, in the

case of the candidate countries, investment grants for the ada ptation of production to the health and safety

requirements of the internal market.

In addition, specific programmes address issues common to all associated countries and important support is

given to privatisation and enterprise restructuring, including SME development and the development of the

financial sector.

2.12 Other Sectors

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Co-operation in the areas of culture, education, vocational training and youth strengthens common values and

contributes to the social and economic development of the region.

The Culture 2000 programme is open for participation from Partner Countries in specific and short term

activities, involving cultural operators from at least three eligible countries, and in long term co-operation

activities, involving cultural operators from at least five eligible countries.

The second generation of EU programmes for Education and Training (SOCRATES, LEONARDO,

YOUTH FOR EUROPE – 2000-2006) is now open to full participation of Poland and the Baltic States, while

North West Russia is benefiting from parts of YOUTH and from Tempus III (2000-2006), which aims at

supporting reform and restructuring of the higher education systems of Partner Countries and their adaptation

to new socio-economic needs.

3. FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Steps have been taken by the Commission in the course of 2000-2001 to ensure a better co-ordination between

the different financial instruments. The Phare and Interreg regulations have been aligned to a great extent with

Joint Programming Documents established by the "Phare 2000 review - Strengthening Preparations for

Membership". The Commission has also prepared a "Guide to bringing Interreg and Tacis funding together"

in April. The Commission is continuing to work to enhance this hi gh degree of coordination or

interoperability between Interreg, Tacis and Phare in order to derive maximum added value from them in the

ND region.

The meeting between IFIs and the Commission in Helsinki agreed to establish a "Northern Dimension

Environmental Partnership" (NDEP), with participation of the IFI's, the Commission as well as bilateral

donors and national authorities, in order to meet environmental and energy efficiency challenges in the ND

region. A proposal for a NDEP facility to finance environmental investments in the ND region, including

nuclear safety projects, has been developed. The establishment of the NDEP i s an innovative way to mobilise

and combine resources and realise synergies when conditions are appropriate for investment.

4. IMPLEMENTATION AND FOLLOW-UP

The Luxembourg Conference expressed clear support for the development of strengthened and flexible

mechanisms for co-ordination and follow-up procedures within existing institutional frameworks. In order to

meet these requirements, the following procedures are suggested:

• Annual Progress Reports to take stock of the implementation of the Action Plan and further

development of the ND initiative will be prepared by the Commission in consultation with relevant

Council bodies and be presented to the European Council at the end of each year, beginning in 2002.

• The active involvement of the Partner Countries will be ensured through Regular Meetings of Senior

Officials in the 15+7 format. Closer interaction should also be developed between the EU and relevant

regional bodies in which Partner Countries participate actively.

• Foreign Ministers' Conferences to review progress, provide political guidance and consider further

possible actions, as in Helsinki 1999 and in Luxembourg 2001, will be organised at regular intervals. A

discussion on the further development of the Northern Dimension from 2003 and beyond should take

place at the next such Conference.

• The ECOSOC intends to organise national fora for regular dialogue between organised civil society actors

in Partner Countries.

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• High Level Forum with broad participation from all parts of society, bringing together governmental and

non-governmental partners, to benefit from active engagement of e.g. the business community, organised

civil society and international financial institutions, should be organised biannually. The venue of such

events could rotate. The CBSS could facilitate arrangements for these events. In this context, the

Commission will consider the invitation from the Tallinn Business Forum to i nitiate a regular dialogue

with the business community of the Baltic Sea region.

5. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER ACTION

The following recommendations for further actions under the Northern Dimension have been made since the

adoption of the Action Plan by the European Council in Feira, inter alia by the Luxembourg conference, and

could form the basis for further consideration by the European Council in Göteborg. It should be underlined

that these actions could be undertaken by the different EU actors, including the Commission, Member States,

the EIB as well as the European Parliament, the Committee of Regions and the Economic and Social

Committee. These actions could also be promoted by the Partner Countries, the Regional bodies, the IFI:s or

other actors within the ND framework. It is understood that in so far as the actions could have implications

for Community budgets and programmes, agreed financial frameworks and existing EU decision making

frameworks will be respected.

5.1 Actors

• An effective involvement of Partner Countries and the further development of the ND initiative will

require transparency and appropriate arrangements for their participation and contributions.

• The experience and know-how of the regional bodies could be used further to develop and implement

specific initiatives in the ND region. Co-operation between the EU and such bodies could be improved,

making full use of their resources in the development of the ND. Best use of available resources could be

made through an efficient division of labour among this and other regional bodies, building on their respective

competencies and geographical coverage.

• In particular, closer interaction could be developed between the EU and relevant expert working bodies

of the CBSS, which comprise all the Partner Countries of the ND region, and/or other regional bodies

on specific issues.

• More coherent support instruments for sub-national co-operation would facilitate a deepening of such

relations and lead to longer-term commitments

• Civil society organisations should be involved throughout the launching, implementation, monitoring

and continued development of ND activities, and authorities at all levels should co-operate to this end.

• Business and labour relations should develop in accordance with European social market economy

principles. Civil society organisations in the relevant countries should step up co-operation within the

framework of the ND. In this context the EU, as an institutional co-operation partner, could establish

regular multilateral contacts between the economic and social actors of civil society in the countries

concerned.

• The Northern Dimension Business Forum has suggested to the Commission to establish a direct

dialogue with the business community of the region on topics related to realisation of ND programmes.

The development of such a dialogue could be encouraged.

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5.2 Sectorial Initiatives

Environment and Natural Resources

• Further action is needed in relation to the identified pollution "hot spots" in the ND region such as waste

water treatment and management of hazardous waste, especially in Kaliningrad, St Petersburg and the river

Neva catchment area. Investment in wastewater treatment would make a major contribution to a cleaner Baltic

Sea. Modernisation and reconstruction of major point sources of industrial pollution in the Barents Region i. a.

the Pechenga Nickel Mining and Smelting Combine on the Kola Peninsula also deserve particular attention.

• Co-operation on climate change, including the flexible mechanisms under the Kyoto Protocol in the Baltic

Sea Region, and on transboundary environmental threats in the Arctic, such as persistent organic pollutants,

should be further pursued. Long-term co-operation on cleaner production and energy efficiency to support

economic and technological development in industry and public utilities should be encouraged.

• Minimising harmful effects of the transport sector as well as environmental safety of maritime transport

should be subject to intensified co-operation in the Baltic Sea region.

Fisheries

• The sustainability of fisheries in the Baltic Sea and the Arctic/Barents Seas requires further attention.

Concerted action in regional as well as global fora should be taken to reduce the risk for depletion of fish

stocks and other marine living organisms

Forestry

• A "Forest Sector Programme for the Northern Dimension" was presented to the Luxembourg

Conference by the BEAC. The programme provides a good basis for further work in the areas of

sustainable forest management, environmental conservation, and development of the forestry sector.

Fight against Organised Crime/Justice and Home Affairs

• Rapid implementation of the EU-Russia Action Plan against organised crime is now essential.

Kaliningrad

• It is important to address the issues raised in the Commission's Communication on Kaliningrad and

achieve concrete results acceptable to all concerned. If necessary, ad hoc meetings at expert level between

interested parties could be arranged to address technical issues raised in the Communication.

Energy

• Active participation of the Commission, Member States concerned and other stakeholders in the Baltic

Sea Region Energy Co-operation (BASREC) process will speed up successful implementation of priority

actions.

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Public Health

• Future ND activities in the area of public health should be developed in close relation with the

Commission’s framework for action that covers three main areas: information in the field of public

health, early warning systems for different health hazards and problems, health promotion and disease

prevention. An improved exchange of knowledge and information between experts is also important.

Furthermore, capacity-building within the health systems should be promoted.

◦ The wide range of efforts underway and the number of actors involved in this sector indicate that

improved co-ordination would give benefits through more efficient use of resources. The CBSS

Task Force, in which the Commission is represented, should take a leading role with regard to

control of communicable diseases.

Information Technologies/Telecommunications

• The Northern

eDimension

action plan, which is expected to be adopted at a ministerial meeting in Riga

in September 2001 to be organised by Latvia, will set priorities for further actions, provide for close

information exchange and collaboration in selected areas, and establish a framework for follow up.

Special efforts are needed to enable North West Russia, especially St Petersburg and Kaliningrad, to

participate with concrete projects.

Transport and Border Crossings

◦ The objective to significantly reduce waiting time to cross any border in the ND region needs to be

achieved without further delay. The BEAC has developed a methodology for a direct and very

successful co-operation between Nordic and Russian customs authorities that could be applied also

elsewhere.

◦ Close co-operation and co-ordination among national and regional authorities is needed in order to

improve the transport infrastructure in the ND area. When developing and implementing transport

corridors and short distance sea transport to improve the transport routes in the eastern part of the

ND region, the spatial planning approach would be useful. The work underway on developing the

Barents Euro-Arctic Transport Area (BEATA) should be intensified and co-ordinated with other

EU wo rk on TEN:s and TINA:s.

Research

◦ The new Sixth Framework Programme should fully take into account the research capacity and

potential available in the ND region.

Regional and Cross-Border Co-operation

◦ Further efforts are needed to deepen co-operation across the external borders of the Union. Apart

from Kaliningrad and neighbouring areas other parts of North West Russia close to present and

future Union external borders, such as the Pskov, Novgorod and Leningrad oblasts, would also

benefit from more extensive regional and cross-border co-operation.

◦ A next step in the development of the so called "Arctic Window" of the ND could be the

identification of specific EU interests in the Arctic.

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Trade, Business Co-operation and Investments Promotion

◦ In order for the business community to build up and establish stable and long-term economic and

trade relations throughout the whole ND region, Russia needs to get more fully integrated into the

international trading system. Co-operation and support should continue to be offered through a

range of projects for strengthening the legal and regulatory framework.

Other Sectors

◦ EU programmes, bilateral initiatives and regional activities in the areas of culture, education,

vocational training and youth should be better co-ordinated in order to play a major role in such a

fundamental sector throughout the ND region.

◦ Efficient use of the substantial resources available, i. a. through the Tempus programme, would

enable increased co-operation in higher education. Full advantage should be taken of the potential

of NGO:s and other national and regional interest groupings, such as the Barents Regional Youth

Forum.

• An action similar to that of the Euro-Mediterranean Programme for the establishment of a

Mediterranean Civil Protection System, due to pass its second stage as soon as the situation in the Middle

East will allow it, could be established through an Euro-Baltic Programme for Civil Protection in the

Baltic and Barents regions.

Financial Resources

• Arrangements could be made for a Northern Dimension Environmental Partnership (NDEP) donors

conference to be organised by the Commission and the EBRD.

• An Investment Financing Facility for small and medium sized environmental and cleaner production

projects in Russia, built on available financial instruments, such as NEFCO's Environmental Funds, also

merits consideration.

6. FINAL COMMENTS

The ND initiative has become a well-established part of policy-making within the EU and in Partner

Countries. Member States, Partner Countries, the Commission, regional bodies, International Financial

Institutions, and many other actors are contributing to the implementation of the ND Action Plan and

the further development of the ND initiative. The Commission has assumed a leading role in the

implementation of the Action Plan, which ensures efficiency and continuity in the work. Co-o peration

between the Commission, regional bodies and the International Financial Institutions is developing and

deepening. The Council and its working bodies should continue to follow actively the implementation

and further development of Northern Dimension policies.

EU enlargement will have very concrete implications in the ND region: the number of Member States in

Northern Europe will increase from four to eight. This will undoubtedly also strengthen the internal EU

aspects of the ND initiative. The present ND Action Plan covers the period 2000 – 2003. A discussion

on the further development of the initiative, including policies, procedures and arrangements from 2003

and beyond, should be initiated well in advance of that date.

____________

Annex to ANNEX

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9 April, 2001

The Second Foreign Ministers’ Conference on the Northern Dimension,

Luxembourg, 9 April, 2001

The Member States of the European Union, the Commission, the SG/HR and the seven Partner

Countries (Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland and the Russian Federation) together

with observers met to review progress made in implementing the Northern Dimension Action Plan for

the period 2000-2003, to provide political guidance and to map out further action to develop the

Northern Dimension initiative. The discussion was based on working papers presented by the Pres

idency and by the Commission. Several participants circulated written contributions.

CONCLUSIONSOFTHECHAIR

The participants welcomed progress made in the three areas of the Northern Dimension Action Plan

specifically highlighted by the European Council in Feira: environment, including nuclear safety, fight

against international crime, and Kaliningrad. There was broad agreement that work should continue in

these areas as outlined in the Presidency and Commission papers. The need to expedite work to

implement action also in the other areas of the Action Plan and in certain new areas r elated to the

Action Plan was underlined.

The proposal to establish a "Northern Dimension Environmental Partnership" to meet certain

environmental and energy efficiency challenges was well received. It was seen as a good way to mobilise

and combine financial resources and realise synergies when conditions are appropriate for investment.

The relevant international financial institutions and the Commission were encouraged to pursue

discussions with interested partners and prepare a proposal for such a facility.

The initiative to develop a "Northern eDimension Action Plan" (NeDAP), launched by the Council of

the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) in close partnership with the Commission, was noted as a promising new

development of the Northern Dimension.

Prospects for a rapid EU enlargement are raising expectations by the business community on

Governments to speed up regulatory reform and increase the institutional and legal predictability

required for dynamic economic development in the ND region. The "Tallinn Business Forum" has

suggested to the Commission to establish a direct dialogue with the business community of the region on

topics related to realisation of ND programmes. The Conference encouraged the development of such a

dialogue.

New models for co-operation between Member States and non-Member States are bringing the countries

in Northern Europe closer together. Regional bodies such as the CBSS and the Barents Euro-Arctic

Council (BEAC) promote common values, harmonisation of regulatory frameworks and concerted

operative action. The Commission’s participation in last autumn’s Arctic Council (AC) Ministerial

Meeting signalled the opening of the Arctic Window. The CBSS, BEAC and AC have presented interes ls

for their contribution to further work on the Northern Dimension. The strengthened co-operation on

Northern issues with the United States and Canada was also welcomed.

There was general recognition of the need to continue to simplify and align procedures for EU financial

instruments in order to increase interoperability and facilitate combined financing between the Union,

IFI’s and other actors. The interface between PHARE and TACIS was specifically mentioned.

The Northern Dimension (ND) has become a well established part of policy-making within the EU and

in the Partner Countries. The Commission has established a "ND Focal Point" and a web-site. A

network of contact points between participating countries, institutions and organisations is being set up.

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Among the participants there was general support for transparency and consolidation of procedures to

implement the ND Action Plan. Annual progress reports will be presented to the Euro pean Council by

the Commission and the Council. Yearly Northern Dimension Conferences alternating between

Ministerial and Senior Officials levels should be organised to provide required political guidance. There

should also be an "ND Forum", with broad participation,

inter alia

from the Business Community and

from the Civil Society at regular intervals.

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