4. Planning System

As regards the planning system, BSR countries prioritise

• the integration of environmental protection into spatial plans,
• the better harmonisation of development with protection goals, and
• the enhancement of good governance.

The European Union member states of the BSR and Norway have a highly developed environmental protection legislation. But it is not yet sufficiently integrated into a cross-sector planning system. The process of balancing different development and protection interests (= sustainable development) needs further refinement.

In the transition states environmental legislative systems are not fully developed yet, but are rapidly advancing. There, too, the integration of different development and protection goals has not become yet a satisfactorily functioning element of the planning system.

Finland seeks to incorporate strategic environmental assessments and environmental impact analyses into the daily routine of administration, trade and industry.

In Latvia, the Ministry of Environment Protection and Regional Development works on a national Regional Development Program. The purpose is to define mechanisms for the implementation of regional policy, co-operation and co-ordination between different partners (institutions) and different levels of public administration. Financial support is given to local governments for spatial planning and development measures. This is based on the recognition that the present state and municipal administrative system does not provide for development and implementation of integrated strategies at regional level. Partnership between government and regional levels lacks clearly identified functions and balanced competence. Existing programs are considered too sectoral and too centralised.

Lithuania aims at restructuring the institutional system, ranging from improvements of health care services to more efficient business and service co-operations and to administrative reforms.

The Kaliningrad Region is the only part of the Russian Federation entirely separated from the rest of country. The establishment of the Special Economic Zone with favourable investment and customs regimes is envisaged. A local free-customs zones and an international financial centre shall provide the means for foreign trade operations.

Norway sets priority to integrate environmental issues into spatial planning. Regional planning is seen as an important instrument for reducing local air pollution and noise. Regional planning shall strengthen co-operation and interaction between sectors and administrative levels in connection with land use. The objective is to bring about synergy between different instruments and measures for the accomplishment of social, cultural and economic objectives.

Poland is introducing Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) procedures for plans and policies and seeks to improve public participation and subsidiarity. Contrary to the long tradition of centralised regional planning the strengthening of the regional authorities as the main policy makers is envisaged.

Sweden gives priority to more efficient administrative structures and enhanced democracy at the regional level (as an intermediate level between municipalities and the State). New models for regional governance are tested in selected regions.