BALTIC SEA REGION PROGRAMME 2007-2013

The Baltic Sea Region (BSR) Programme 2007-2013 is implemented under the European Community’s territorial co-operation objective. It is built on the experience of the two predecessor programmes supporting transnational co-operation in the Baltic Sea region under the Community Initiatives ‘INTERREG IIC’ (1997-1999) and ‘INTERREG III B Neighbourhood Programme’ (2000-2006).

The overarching strategic objective of the Baltic Sea Region Programme is to strengthen the development towards a sustainable, competitive and territorially integrated Baltic Sea region by connecting potentials over the borders. The programme thus addresses the European Union’s Lisbon and Gothenburg strategies.

THE PROGRAMME AREA
The eligible area includes the whole territory of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden, and northern parts of Germany (( the States (Lander) of Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Schleswig-Holstein and Niedersachsen (only NUTS II area Luneburg)), as EU member states. Also the neighbouring countries of Norway (whole country), Russia (St Petersburg and the surrounding Leningrad Oblast, Republic of Karelia, the Oblasts of Kaliningrad, Murmansk, Novgorod and Pskov; for projects addressing the Barents Region, also co-operation with Archangelsk Oblast, Komi Republic and Nenetsky Autonomous Okrug is envisaged) and Belarus (whole country) belong to the programme area.

The first priority is focused on facilitating generation and dissemination of innovations across the BSR. It is dedicated to core innovations in the field of natural and technical science but also to selected non-technical innovations, such as business services, design. Actions will be targeted at the performance of innovation sources and their links to SMEs, facilitation of transnational transfer of technology and knowledge as well as at making social groups of citizens fitter for generating and absorbing knowledge. The priority will also, especially in a context of co-operation with Russia and Belarus, support actions aimed at broader socio-economic development at the regional level.

The second priority is dedicated to improving the external and internal accessibility of the Baltic Sea region. Priority topics highlights promotion and preparation of joint transnational solutions in the field of transport and information and communication technology (ICT), in particular those overcoming functional barriers to both, diffusion of innovation, and to traffic flows. Also further integration of already existing strategic development zones, spread along the transnational transport corridors in the BSR, will be promoted, as well as creating new transnational links.

The third priority concentrates on environmental pollution of the Baltic Sea in a broader framework of a sustainable management of the sea resources. It supports operations aiming at limiting pollution inputs into and pollution impacts on the marine environment. Special emphasis is put on enhanced maritime safety. Attention is given to an integrated development of offshore and coastal areas in the BSR in the context of climate change tendencies.

The fourth priority promotes co-operation of metropolitan regions, cities and rural areas enhancing its attractiveness for citizens and investors. It features action programmes and policies at the BSR level to make cities and regions more competitive engines for economic development. At the same time, ideas will be promoted, which strengthen urban-rural partnerships and support a viable economic transformation of BSR areas with smaller and less dense settlements. A special feature under this priority is joint actions dedicated to the social issues within regional and city development, as well as governance and capacity building in the public sector, exclusively promoted in co-operation projects with Russia and Belarus.

BUDGET
Available funds:
• European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) – 208 mln EUR
• European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument (ENPI) - 22,6 mln EUR
• National funding of Norway - 6 mln EUR
Polish contribution to the Programme budget in 2007-2013 - 47,7 mln EUR.

ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES
Eligible beneficiaries comprise public authorities from national, regional and local level as well as public equivalent bodies (such as research and training institutions, business development institutions and other non-profit organisations). Private (commercial) organisations may act as additional partners with own financing. At least three benefiting institutions from at least three different countries shall form a partnership for transnational co-operation.