The transformation towards a sustainable society requires not only technological progress and innovative solutions, but also a strong cultural sector that inspires change in consumption and production. Culture is the fourth pillar of the Nordic countries’ sustainability approach, complementing its … Read More
The latest Eurobarometer survey results published in July 2014 is the first EU-wide opinion poll conducted since the European Parliament elections in May which were organised under the slogan “This time it’s different”. The opinions collected have shown that this … Read More
I have made it my habit to be rather frank when I speak to you at our annual meetings. So, I don’t mind telling you, that when I became European Commissioner in 2010, I really didn’t expect the Macro-Regional Strategies … Read More
There are presently two macro-regional strategies in the EU: the Baltic Sea region and the Danube river region. In the Commission’s report on the European macro-regional strategies the new approaches and priorities are described covering political leadership and economic governance. … Read More
“The 1st of May, we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the reunification of Europe. This is a moment to remember how important the accession of these 10 member states has been, not only for them but for us in Europe, … Read More
The demand for food and energy is growing dramatically. Bioeconomy could be an answer to this challenge. But a biobased economy requires increased cooperation across borders and sectors. The Nordic Council of Ministers would like to offer a path towards … Read More
Strategic transport planning in the Baltic Sea Region is carried out at several levels, by different partners – from both the public and the private sectors. Although government authorities have been established to facilitate joint action at different levels, the … Read More
Labour mobility has existed for more than fifty years within the European Union, but in recent months has become the subject of much controversy, as I am sure you have noticed. In various EU countries, we have seen increasing unease, … Read More
EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, Johannes Hahn, meeting with representatives of regional offices based in Brussels set the conditions for future projects in the EU. Here his speak to the representatives: “Two years of difficult negotiations are over. This is only … Read More
Even though the threat of an armed aggression in the region is low, it cannot be ruled out completely in the long term. Writes Ari Puheloinen, the General Commander of the Finish Defence Forces, in a new Baltic Rim Economies expert … Read More
“The Baltic Sea cooperation is not only necessary but unavoidable if we want to preserve our centuries-old lifestyle and value system.” Writes the Estonian Minister of Culture, Rein Lang, in the latest issue of Rim Economies. Culture and life-stile are … Read More
Human trafficking is twenty-first century’s modern form of slavery that concerns every Member State, every European neighborhood policy partner country and the whole EU. Trafficking in human beings is a severe violation of fundamental human rights and at the same … Read More
Blue Growth is the new black in the Baltic Sea and definitely the area where new progress in both regional and European integration can be made. Our region is perfectly suited to be European and even global leaders in promoting … Read More
Credibility, growth and openness are Lithuania’s priorities as it has taken over the 6-month EU’s Council presidency on 1 July 2013. Lithuania is the first Baltic State to “administer” one of the two co-legislative institutions in the EU. It’s both … Read More
Cooperation, competitiveness and building maritime clusters in the Baltic Sea is an extremely topical theme for Finland now. Finlands Minister for Transport, Merja Kyllönen is very keen on an active policy in the rapidly changing environment. In the new issue of … Read More
A few weeks ago, the Nordic Place Branding Conference 2013 was held in Stockholm. Representatives from cities, regions and government agencies in the five Nordic countries met to listen to speakers discussing their various place branding efforts. Several of the … Read More
One of this days Latvia gets the first accept of meeting the Maastricht criteria o join the Eurozone by 1 January 2014. In an expert article in Baltic Rim Economies May issue, Morten Hansen from the Stockholm School of Economics … Read More
In the Baltic Sea Region cross-border collaboration on health and health care may improve health, enhance cost-effectiviness of the health care systems and provide new jobs and businesses. There are significant differences in the survival rate within various diseases in … Read More
Russia presently holds the G20 Presidency and the G20 leaders’ meeting will take place 5-6 September in Sankt Petersburg. It is an important event for the region. On the agenda is the global economy, of course, and how financial market and investment … Read More
