The issue

The main objective addressed by this theme is to promote spatial cohesion. In some parts of the BSR, particularly those bordering Russia and Belarus, welfare disparities are extremely high, and have been further growing. EU enlargement risks to enhance this trend.

Across the whole BSR, there is also a need within countries for spatially more balanced growth.

The proposed concept

Prosperous city regions can act as engines for spread of growth, to strengthen cohesion. This has been discussed under Key theme no.1.

The concept of strategic development zones for transnational integration extends the urban systems approach to regional development at a wider geographical scale. The concerted development of such regions (extending beyond national borders) is expected to reduce spatial disparities.

Strategic development zones are characterised by the superposition of some (or all) of the following characteristics:

                     Closeness to borders;

                     High trans-border disparities in economic and social indicators

                     High development potentials to be activated by transnational co-operation;

                     Relatively low cross-border exchange intensity (trade, business contacts, private travelling);

                     Deficient infrastructure and regulations for border crossing.

They represent in general areas with significant economic growth potentials not adequately used.

The concept of strategic development zones arises from a VASAB tradition to engage in regional corridor projects (Via Baltica, Brest-Minsk-Orsha corridors). Transport corridors are seen as one of the instruments for regional development.

Examples for strategic development zones for transnational integration

The following list is not exhaustive, nor does it indicate priorities yet:

                     South Baltic Arc regional development corridor (Lübeck - Rostock - Szczecin - Gdansk-Kaliningrad-Klaipeda-Liepaja),

                     Barents Euro-Arctic region, where exploitation of vast natural resources may lead to strong changes in spatial structures,

                     Mid-Nordic development corridor running to St. Petersburg from mid-Norway through mid-Sweden and mid-Finland,

                     Vöru - Aluksne - Pskov region,

                     Cooperation network Helsinki - St. Petersburg - Tallinn - Riga - Stockholm,

                     Via Baltica regional development zone Tampere - Helsinki- Tallinn - Riga - Kaunas - Warsaw and its continuation to Berlin,

                     STRING region Hamburg - Kiel/ Lübeck - Fehmarnbelt - Copenhagen - Malmo,

                     Oslo - Göteborg - Malmö - Copenhagen,

                     Sections of German-Polish and Finnish-Russian border zones.

                     Island cooperation such as the B7 initiative to compensate for an economically disadvantageous position in relation to mainland locations.

Potential co-operation projects

VASAB will contribute to the further identification of regions important for transnational integration. Preference will be given to zones to strengthen cohesion between eastern and western parts of the BSR and with Russia and Belarus.

Projects supported by VASAB envisage the elaboration of sustainable development strategies for such regions. Projects shall be in the hands of regional and local actors. But they require the participation of national and international bodies.

When promoting the concept of transnational integration zones, the collaboration with other international bodies shall be sought, particularly with CBSS, BSSSC, CPMR.

As most implementation measures will have to be supported by sector institutions, their involvement in all planning phases will be essential. This refers particularly to communication infrastructure, tourism, knowledge promotion, industry, trade and environment.