Enhancing Visibility of the Union of Baltic Cities in Brussels and Key Policy Focus Areas

Ideas and suggestions were presented to the UBC Board to increase visibility in Brussels by the EU offices of Turku, Zealand Denmark, South Norway, Pomorskie, and North Sweden. The focus includes positioning UBC as a relevant actor to the EU, branding through lobbying and clear communication, and suggested policy areas such as the urban agenda in the Baltic region, the Covenant of Mayors, and Smart Specialisation Strategies. Actions proposed involve developing EU relations and advocating for regional initiatives.

• Baltic Cities
• EU
• Brussels
• Urban Agenda
• Covenant of Mayors

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1. The Union of Baltic Cities Ideas and suggestions for more visibility in Brussels by the EU Offices of Turku, Zealand Denmark, South Norway, Pomorskie and North Sweden Presented to the UBC Board 24.05.2012 by Krista Taipale, TURKU-Southwest Finland European Office

2. The need for focus in UBC s Brussels-based work Position the UBC as a relevant actor to the EU institutions: What is the UBC s unique added value to Brussels? Branding through lobbying and communication: Policy focus Key objectives Clear messages

3. Suggested policy focus The urban agenda in the Baltic region The Baltic Sea Region Strategy (EUBSRS) and the role of cities Urban policy and the role of cities Smart Specialisation Strategies (3S) The Covenant of Mayors (CoM) The Arctic dimension

4. The Covenant of Mayors (CoM) Agreement for municipalities and networks of local authorities Launched by the European Commission in 2008 More than 4000 cities have signed Commitment to reduce CO2 emissions with more than 20% Evaluation of Sustainable Energy Action Plans (SEAPs)

5. The Covenant of Mayors (CoM) Need to decentralise or regionalise to raise efficiency of scheme EU funding available for Covenant cities / regions The EU COM wants to extend this type of voluntary scheme to other fields Suggestion: The UBC member cities could build either A Baltic Covenant of Mayors city group, or A Baltic Covenant of Mayors macro region

6. Smart Specialisation Strategy (3S) Concept from the Europe 2020 strategy, the Innovation Union flagship Through 3S, regions can improve their competitiveness ERDF 2014-2020: 3S necessary to access funding Most UBS cities are MS and this work needs to be undertaken Suggestions: The UBC could offer training in developing 3S for UBC cities regions (in Brussels?) in collaboration with Brussels offices. Consider a 3SSS for the Baltic Sea Macro Region Question: In what field(s)?

7. Suggested Actions I Develop EU-roadmap for UBC-relevant EU-related issues and activities Keep EU stakeholders updated about UBC positions and activities Keep Brussels offices in the loop Regular coordination meetings with Brussels offices Networking event in Brussels Offer UBC training on most relevant EU-topics for UBC

8. Suggested Actions II Cooperation with other networks such as Covenant of Mayors Informal Baltic Sea Group ERRIN (European regional research and innovation network) Eurocities Other Baltic Sea region networks Participation in European events such as Open days EU Sustainable Energy Week EU Green Week

9. Conclusions There are many ways to showcase the UBC and the network s aims Need of strategy and focus The Brussels offices offer cooperation

10. Thank you for your attention!