The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region
The Northern Dimension framework (Russia, Norway, Iceland and EU) provides the basis for the external aspects of cooperation in the Baltic Sea region. The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region covers eight Member States (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden). The strategy aims to improve the environmental state of the Baltic Sea Region and especially of the Sea; to make the Baltic Sea Region a more prosperous place by supporting balanced economic development across the Region; to make the Baltic Sea Region a more accessible and attractive place for both its inhabitants, for competent labour force and for tourists; to make the Baltic Sea Region a safer and more secure place. The EIB was involved in developing the Strategy with the Commission services and is the lead IFI in the region. The initiative has been one of the main priorities of the Swedish EU Presidency during the second half of 2009.
