u
• RE PUBLI C OF SLOVEN IA ~ ~ MINISTRV OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ..._
~ Jl(r- 111 \\ '\ ~~ ~ EUSALP Preside ney Report 2016 - )) Republic of Slovenia
Torino lllemontc eAsd httpffwwwa lpi ne- region eu/
5 EU Member States: Austria. Fra nee. Germa ny. lta ly a nd Sloven ia
2 non EU Member States: Switzerla nd a nd Liechtenstein
48Regions: Au stria (Burg en land. Ka rnten. N iederosterreich. Oberostereich. Sa lzburg. Steierma rk. Tiro 1. Vora lberg. Wien) Fra nee (Fra ne he. Comté. Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur. Rhône-Alpes) Germany (Bayern. Baden-Württemerg) ltaly (Friu li Venezia Giu lia. Ligu ria. Lombard ia. Pie monte. Provincia Aauto no ma di Bolzano. Provincia Auto no ma di Trento. Va lie d'Aosta. Veneto) Switzerland (Aargau. Appenzell Ausserrhoden. Appenzell lnnerrhoden. Basei-Landschaft. Basei-Stadt. Bern. Freiburg. Genf. Glarus. Graubünden. Jura. Luzern. Neuenburg. Nidwalden. Obwalden. Schaffhausen. Schwyz. Solothurn. St.Gallen. Tessin. Thurgau. Uri. Waadt.Wallis. Zug. Zürich)
Tl MELINE December 2013: Request from the European Cou neil to pre pa re EUSALP July 2015: Adoption of the EUSALP Communication a nd Action Plan COM (2015) 366 fin a 1 November 2015: Endorsement by the Genera 1Aff airs Council Slovenian Presidency (2016) 25/26January 2016: Launch Conference in Brdo. Slovenia 25January 2016: Constitutive meeting of the General Assembly 26January 2076:Steering Committee Meeting togetherwith AGLs February-Apri/2016: ln itia 1rou nd of meetings of the Action Groups Apri/2016: Constitutive Executive Boa rd Meeting. Brussels June2076:AGLs Initial meeting 23 September -1 October 2016: Medite rra nea n Coast a nd EU Macro- reg ion a 1Strategies Week. Koper. lzola. Sloven ia EUSALP Preside ney Report 2016 26 September 2016- Second Executive Board Meeting. Koper. Sloven ia 16/17 November 2016: EUSALP Preside ney TR 10 meeting. Dolenjske top lice. Sloven ia OVERALL OBJECTIVES Republic of Slovenia To promo te sustainable economie and social prosperity of the Alpine Region through growth and jobs creation. by improving its attractiveness. competitiveness and connectivity wh ile at the sa me ti me preserving the environ ment and ensuring healthy and balanced ecosystems. Objectives Actions 1. Fair access to job opportunities. building on the high 1- To develop an effective research and innovation ecos y stem competitiveness of the Region 2- To increase the economie poten ti al of strategie sec tors 3- To impro ve the adequacy of labour market. education and training in the ses trategic sec tors 2. Sustainable internai and external accessibility to al/ 4- To promote inter-modality and interoperability in passengers and freight transport 5- To connect people electronically and promo te accessibili ty to public services 3. A more inclusive en vironmen ta/ framework for al/ and 6- To preserve and valorise natural resources. including water and cultural re sources rene wable and relia ble energy solutions for the fu ture 7- To develop ecological connecti vi ty in the wh ole EUS!l.LP terri tory 8- To improve risk management and to better manage elima te change. in elu ding major na tura/ risks prevention 9- To make the territory a mode/ region forenergy efficiency and renewable energy 4. A sound macro-regional governance mode/ for the Region (to impro ve cooperation and the coordination of action) GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT STRUCTURES The General Assembly is the h ighest decision ma king body; it ga th ers the h ig h-level polit ica 1 representatives of States a nd Regions invo lved in the Strategy. the European Commission. a nd the Alpine Convention as observer. The Executive Board oversees the implementation of the EUSALP and provides strategie guidance with respect to management and implementation of the EUSALP and its Action Plan. lt is formed by representatives of States and Regions including representatives from the European Commission. the Alpine Convention and the Alpine Space Transnational Programme as observers. The core of the implementation level is the Action Groups. The Action Groups are the drivers of day-to-day implementation The ir role. capacities. resou rces a nd engagement is a key element to the success of the Strategy. The Trio Presidency assures the continu ity of activities a nd s mooth handover of the EUSALP cha irma nsh ip; it is composed by the eurre nt. incoming a nd outgo ing presidency Ljubljana, Janu ary 2 017 )
CONTENT:
"EUSALP Presidency Report 2016- Republic of Slovenia" ) ) 9 START l ) 9 Launch Conference of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region, 25-26 January, Brdo Editors: Andreja Jerina, Bojana Cipot, IVIinistry of Foreign Affairs Technical editor: Bojana Cipot, IVIinistry of Foreign Affairs Introduction: Andreja Jerina, National Coordinator for EU IVIacroregional Strategies, IVIinistry of Foreign Affairs 15 STRATEGIC ORIENT~~ ~ ~ Content contributed by: Archives of the IVIinistry of Foreign Affairs, Prime IVIinister's Office, Slovenian National Assembly, lnstitute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation, European Commission ))15 ) Co st r~ve session of t ~ GJ IAssembly, 25 January 201 ~ ilrdo Translation: Translation Service of the IVIinistry of Foreign Affairs Photos: Archives of the IVIinistry of Foreign Affairs, lnstitute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation, European Commission Published by: IVIinistry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia , ~ 18 GOllER A~ ) /J .--- Printed by: Ti sk24 Print run: 1000 ( Ljubljana, 2017 ) 19 IMPLEMENTATION' The booklet was pre pa red on the occasion ofthe presidency ofthe Re public ofSiovenia overthe implementation of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region in 2016. 19 Mediterranean \ aast and EU Macro-regional Strategies Week,
Cartographie content of/cartographie display in/ this document is for illustration purposes only. 23 Sept~ Jj October 2016, Kope), lzola ::--...__...- Land and maritime border between the Republic of Slovenia and the Republic of Croatia is a matter of ) î / /t ..._____--....__...... ongoing arbitration proceedings (in accordance with the Arbitration agreement between the Government of the Republic of Slovenia and the Government of the Republic of Croatia signed on 4 November 2009). 25 STAKEHOLDERS Therefore this document is without prejudice to the border between the Re public of SIove nia and the Re public of Croatia. /JI ( î The project was run by the IVIinistry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia in cooperation with other 30 CONCLUSIONS 0 ?-HE MEDITERRANEAN COAST AND EU MACRO-~ Gl ministries and institutions. STRATEGIES WEEK ~ ClP - Katalozni zapis o publika ciji ~ ~ Narodna in univerzitetna knjiznica, Ljubljana 32 TRIO PRESIDENCY MEETING, 16-17 NOVEMBER 2016, DOLENJSKE TOPLIEE 332.1 (4)(082)(0.034.2) ~ EUSALP presidency report 2016- Republic of Slovenia [Eiektronski vir] / [editors Andreja Jerina, Bojana ) \ Cipot; introduction Andreja Jerina; translation Transla tion Service of the IVIini stry of Foreign Affairs; photos 3::; I'SH- EUSALP PRESIDENCY ROTATING SYMBOL archives of the IVIinistry of Foreign Affairs, lnstitute of the Republi c of Slovenia for Nature Conservation, European Commission].- El. knjiga.- Ljubljana: IVIinistry of Foreign Affairs, 2017 33 The wheel- an unprecedented invention
ISBN 978-961-6566-32-2 (pdf) 1. Jerina , Andreja, 1961- 288665088
4 5 Dear Reader,
this brochure is a short overview of the first year of the life of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP).
Early childhood is a very sensitive period, creating the basis for later, building resilience to negative influences from outside, but a Iso revealing the talents and potential to be stimulated and further developed in years to come. EUSALP is the youngest of the EU macroregional strategies, and is privileged in benefiting from the experience of older institutions, but with its own unique character, dynamics, potential and beauty.
With this brochure, we present the most important milestones and achievements of the first year of the EUSALP presidency. Slovenia is weil satisfied with its achievements in 2016. having achieved ali the presidency's goals.lmplementating EUSALP means hard and dedicated MouV'-t~tV'vs.!AL-ps uV'vtte. work, but is also inspiring and enriching. Let's. cross tltle AL-ps togetV\er.
The Republic of Slovenia was entrusted with the EUSALP presidency in October 2015, before the official approval of EUSALP by the General Affairs Council (November 2015) and the European Council (June2016) and even before the setting up ofthe EUSALP General Assembly (January 2016). This put Slovenia in a pioneering roleto set up the whole EUSALP governance structure, although not ali political decisions had been adopted, and to assure the requisite conditions for the structure to be operational. Equipped with experience from two other macroregional strategies in which Slovenia - the Strategy for the Danube Region and the Strategy for Adriatic lonian Region - we knew we needed to assure the highest political support first.
The main objective of the launch conference (January 2016) was twofold:
1. To bring together as many high political Al/ members oftheSiovenian EUSALP Presidency Team representatives from ali the EUSALP states, regions and EU institutions and build a broad political consensus on the strategie orientation for implementing EUSALP; 2. To demonstrate to the interested public and stakeholders, including partners from Slovenia, the true potential of the EUSALP.
6 7 To our satisfaction, both objectives were met. Members of General Assembly created the necessary framework for governance and launch of Action Groups; broad participation in the conference created the necessary visibility, but also high expectations for results.
Sufficient political support allowed the smooth setting of the coordination structure - the Executive Board and the implementation structure- the nine Action Groups, including early approval of the AlpGov implementation support project. Coordination among partners started immediately, resulting already in Launch Conference of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region September in a major public event presenting common activities focused on ecological connectivity and 1 simultaneously already demonstrating synergies in the wider region. EUSALP was launched on January 25 h, 2016 at Br do, Slovenia, with a conference th at brought together over 700 participants from ali EUSALP states and regions, including numerous representatives of EU High political ownership of EUSALP's implementation in Slovenia demonstrated by the active involvement institutions, civil society, business, non-governmental organisations, interested stakeholders and the media. of the President of the National Assembly, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and other political actors from alllevels of governance helped to give the implementation of EUSALP the maximum Themes such as Diverse in Unity of EUSALP, Alpine Leadership, Partnership with Stakeholders, Building impetus. By the end of 2016, we could already evaluate the first implementation results and draw the first and lncreasing knowledge, Smart Networks, Cooperation for Green Opportunities and Challenges, conclusions and make recommendations for improving EUSALP governance. The recommendations were Governance & Lessons Learned were presented and discussed, immediately building also on experience widely presented and promoted at the EU level and introduced to the 2017 EUSALP presidency at the from EUSDR and EUSAIR. Presidency Trio meeting. The first race is fini shed, but the competition is still onl The aim of the macro-regional strategy is to We wish ali success to Bavaria in 20171 mobilise new projects and initiatives, creating a sense of common responsibility. They provide regional Let's set EUSALP in motion! building blocks for EU-wide policy, marshalling national approaches into more coherent EU-Ievel implementation.
The aim of EUSALP is to enhance cooperation and investment to the benefit of ali parties involved: states, regions, civil society stakeholders and European citizens. lt is intended to increase the attractiveness of the Alpine region in Europe, taking better advantage of its assets and seizing opportunities for innovative and sustainable More than 700 participants gathered at the /aunch event of development in a European context. EUSALP, discussing issues and challenges also at the cocktail reception. January 2076, Brdo, 5/ovenia
During the workshops and exhibition, practical examples of Alpine projects, project ideas and cooperation potential were discussed and presented, which improved EUSALP's visibility and contributed to networking among EUSALP stakeholders. A sound basis was laid for implementing EUSALP.
EUSALP Presidency Support
8 9 25January2016, MONDA Y 26January2016, TUESDAY Moderator: Igor Evgen Bergant, journa/ist 08:30 - 09:30 Registration and We/come Coffee 9:00-71:00 Registration and We/come Coffee Parallel Panels- round1, EN Plenary Session "Diverse in Unity of EUSALP", Grandis Hall, EN. 51, FR. DE. IT Host: Karl Erjavec, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. 5/ovenia Grandis Hall Heros Hall Panel1: Building and increasing know/edge Panel1: Sm art networks 71:00 - 12:30 Speakers: Policy area 1: Economie growth and Innovation Policy are a 1: Connectivity and fvlobility · Cori na Cretu. EU Commission er for Regional and Urban Po/icy · Violeta Bulc, EU Commissioner for Transport Chair: Giacomo fvlattinô, Head of Unit Europe Network and Chair: Hera/d Ruijters, Head of Unit, Directorate-Generalfor Mobility · Alenka Smerkolj, Minister without portfolio responsib/e for Development, Strategie Projects and Cohesion of 5/ovenia Internationalisation ofSMEs. Directorate-Generalfor Internai Market, and Transport. European Commission · Harlem Désir. Minister of State for European affairs. France /ndustry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs. European Commission · fvlichae/ Linhart, Secretary General at the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs, Austria · Benedetto Della Vedova. Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Speakers: Speakers: Cooperation. /ta/y ·Ales Gnamus, Joint Research Center. Sevi/le · fvlarco Ponti, University of Milan o. /ta/y · Georges fvlartin, Deputy State Secretary of the Federal Department of ForeignAffairs of the Swiss Confederation · Anna Giorgi, Lombardy, Action Group Leader 7 - "Alpine RTD · Ewald fvloser, EGTC Tyrol - South Tyrol - Trentino, Action · Joachim Bleicker. Director for Relations with European Union Member States. German Federal Foreign Office ecosystem" Group Leader 4 "inter-moda/ity and interoperabi/ity freight and · fvlartin Frick. Director of the Office for Foreign A ffairs - Lichtenstein · Susanne Ast, Baden Württemberg and representative of Rhone- passengers" Press Conference, Grandis Hall, EN. 51, FR. DE. IT Alpes, Action Group Leader 2- "increase potentia/ of economie · Franc Zepic, EUSDR PAC 1b, Ministry of infrastructure, Repub/ic Chair: Marjana Prvinsek Bokal. Head of PR Office, MFA 5/ovenia sectors" of 5/ovenia- "Rail, raad and air" · Boglarka Ete/ka Fenyvesi Kis, Trento, Action Group Leader 3 · Robert Henkel, Directorate-Genera/ for Communications 12:30- 13:00 Speakers: - "improve the economie and social environment of economie Networks. Content and Techno/ogy, European Commission · Karl Erjavec, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. 5/ovenia operators" · Giorgio Consol. Valle d'Aosta. Action Group Leader 5 'To · Cori na Cretu. EU Commissioner for Regional Po licy · Alberto Ri bol/a, President Confindustria Lombardia e-connect people and promote accessibi/ity to public services" · Violeta Bulc. EU Commissioner for Transport · Tomaz RodiC. SPACE.S/ · Enzo Smrekar. President of Ski Association 5/ovenia · Gregor Store. Planica /nstitute of Sports. 5/ovenia - "hea/thy 12:30- 14:30 Networking Lunch /ifestyle" 13:00 Family Photo, Brdo Cast/e Rapporteur: Jean fvlarc Venineaux. Directorate-General for Regional Rapporteur: Florian fvlast . Directorate-General for Regional and 13:05- 14:30 General Assembl!l Meeting, Br do Cast/e (in camerafc/osed session) and Urban Policy, European Commission Urban Policy, European Commission (photo/video opportunity prior to the meeting) 71:00 - 77:30 Coffee Break 14:30 - 15:00 Projection of videos on European Territorial Cooperation Panei"Aipine Leadership", Grandis Hall, EN. 51, FR. DE. fT 71:30 - 13:00 Parallel Panels- round 2, EN Chair: Lena Andersson-Pench. Director. Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Po/icy, European Commission 15:00- 76:30 Speakers: Grandis Hall Heros Hall · Beate fvlerk, State Minister for EuropeanAffairs and International Relations, Bavaria, Germany Panel 3: Cooperation for green opportunities and for challenges - Panel4: Governance & Lessons Learned · Roberto fvl aroni. President of Lombardia Region. /ta/y Policy area 3: Environ m ent and Energy Chair: Andrea fvlairate , Head of Unit, Directorate-General for · Günther Piotter, Governor of Tyrol, Austria Chair: fvl arco Onida, Directorate-Genera/ for Regional and Urban Regional and Urban Po/icy, European Commission · Norman Gobbi, President of the Ticino Government Po/icy, European Commission Commission · Mercedes Bresso. Member of the Europ ean Parliament Speakers: Speakers: · Herwig van Staa, Member of the Committee of the Regions · Katarina Brus Grgas, Directorate-Genera/ for Environment, · Dorothee Allain-Dupre, Organisation for Economie Co-operation Europ ean Commission and Development (OECD) 76:30- 17:00 Coffee Break/ Interview Possibilities with Commissioner, EC Interview room (TBC) · Wolfger fvl ayrhofer. Alpine Convention and Helmut Serra. · Anders Bergs tréi m , EUSBR horizontal action coordinator Carinthia, Action Group Leader 6 - "to preserve and valoris e "capacity and mu/ti/eve/ governance" Panel "Partnership with Stakeholders", Grandis Hall . EN. 5 1. FR. DE. fT natur al resources " · /reno Luka(. EUS DR - Priority area coordinator governance: Chair: Char/ina Vitcheva, Director, Directorate-Genera/ for Regional and Urban Policy, European Commission · Tina Trampus, /nstitute for nature conservation, 5 /ovenia and Centre of Excellence of Finances, 5 /ovenia 17:00 - 18:3 0 Speakers: Michaela Künz l. Bavaria, Action Group Leader 7 "ecologica/ · Vicente Rodriguez Saez, Directorate-Genera/ for Regional and · T]as a Ficko. Deputy Mayor of Ljubljana. Ljubljana EU Green Capita/2016 connectivity" Urban Po/icy, European Commission · Ilia na lotova, Member of the European Parliament, rapporteur of the "Cohesion poli cy in the mountainous regions" · Ronja Wo/ter-Krautb/atter, Bavaria and Maria Patek. Austria, · Erlends Calabuig, Euranet, European Radio Network · Andrej Zorko, Member of the European Economie and Social Committee Action Group Leader 8- "risk management and dimate change" Rapporteur: Filomena Corvo/ho. Directorate-General for Regional · fvlarkus Reiterer. Secretary General of the Alpine Convention · Ulrich Santa. South-Tyrol. Action Group Leader 9- "efficiency and Urban Po/icy, European Commission · Andreas Pichler, Deputy Director Cipra International and renewable energy" · Georges Elziére. French Federation of Mountain Clubs (FFCAM) · fvlitja Bricelj, TS G3 "Environment" EUSAIR. Ministry of · Uros Brezan. Mayor of Ta/min- Alpine town of the year 2016. 5 /ovenia environ ment. Repub/ic of 5 /ovenia Rapporteur: Frithjof Ehm, Directorate-Genera/ for Regional and 18:30 - 19:30 Cocktail Rece ption Urban Po/i cy, European Commission
10 11 13:15- 13:45 Reporting on the panel sessions b!J DCi RECi/0 and conclusions b!J Andreja Jerina. National Coordinator. Ministry ADDRESS BY THE DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE of Foreign Affairs Republic of Slovenia. and Lena Andersson-Pench. Director. Directorate-Genera/ for Regional and REPUBLIC OFSLOVENIA KARL ERJAVEC Urban Policy. European Commission Grandis Hall. EN Dear Participant.
13:45 - 15:00 Networking lunch S/ovenia's location at the junction of the Alps. the Dinaric Alps and the /VIediterranean a//ows it to participate in three of the four existing macro-regional strategies of the EU: for the Alpine. Danube. and Adriatic and /onian regions. For thousands of yeas. Slovenia's territory has been the meeting point of different cultural influences and traditions. Economie connections and historical links with the broac/er region represent an advantage and an opportunity for the country.
ln macro-regional strategies. S/ovenia participates as a whole: state institutions and local communities alike engage in them. A comprehensive approach encompassing different stakeho/ders is a guarantee of positive cooperation and direct contacts between the local and national/eve/s. contributing to focused action. efficiency. and results.
The EU Strategy for the Alpine Region will bring acfded value to the Alpine Convention. building on its estab/ished structure and extensive know-how and experience. The Strategy marks a stepping-stone on the way to the ali-round deve/opment. growth and prosperity of the participants.
The cooperation between Austria. France. Germany. /ta/y. Liechtenstein. S/ovenia and Switzerland. their regions. local communities. international institutions. civil society and non-governmental organisations may unlock limitless potential for each participating country or region and the Alpine area as a who le by facilitating further deve/opment. innovation. sustainab/e mobility. growth. and prosperity. The most promising European economie region. the Alpine area a/so has the responsibility to respondto the current challenges and issuesfacing Europe and the world- many of the solutions and answers will depend on its ability to cooperate close/y.
1 am honoured and proud that S/ovenia was the first to be entrusted with chairing the Alpine macro-region in 2016 and with organising. High po/itical support for the EUSALP was demonstrated at the p/enary session Alenka Smerkolj, /VIinister without Portfolio Responsib/e together with the European Commission. a /aunch conference bringing together al/ the decisive actors that cancon tri bute to a better /ife for for Deve/opment, Strategie Projects and OJhesion of 5/ovenia, Corina Cretu, EU Commissioner for Regional and Urban Po/icy, Karl Erjavec, us al/. ln our common endeavours to this end. we will build on /essons /earned. synergies and close cooperation. which is open to everyone in Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vio/eta Bu le, EU Commissioner for Transport, and many other senior po/itica/ guests. the Alpine region. We have our differences. but together we are able to achieve a lot. ln doing so. it is important that we follow the /eading January 2076, Brdo, 5/ovenia princip/e of the p/enary session of the /aunch conference. in which foreign ministers and EU commissioners will participate- Diverse in unit y ofEUS4LP·.
FOREWORD BY COR/NA CRETU. EU COMMISSIONER FOR REGIONAL AND URBAN POLICY
Europe is at a crossroads. The financial and economie cri sis has sharpened our minds: we must think more deeply on Launch c how best we use EU and national financing to promote sustainab/e growth andjobs. But we should not underestimate of the EUOnference the impact of rising populism which endangers our fundamental values in Europe. Against it. we must preserve and or the Alp~trategy even reinforce trust. cooperation and so/idarity between our countries. 5 rne Region d-26 January 2016 r o, Slovenia The macro-regional approach can provide a boost to doser integration asa solution to increasinglytransnational prob/ems. ft has produced LP so far recognised results in other macro-regions. ft optimises the impact of existing funds and ensures a joined-up· thinking between and
across different sectors. regions and countries sharing a functional area. tf~Cf'SI.OW.IIIl "'\JSJ!Itt Oo ~~(:... o\fl~ ~-- We need to find better joint solutions to our common prob/ems: the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region will promote joint actions and intensified networks in the fields of research and innovation. business deve/opment. mobility. environment. energy and much more.
This /aunch OJnference is the opportunity to present the work done and challenges lying ahead. We need to consider together how the Strategy can contribute to build a more competitive. but a/so a more cohesive and integrated Europe.
We need to establish the Strategy·s links with the 2014-2020 programmes. to make sure our EU budget and programmes can make it a success.
Building the future of the Alpine Region is our common challenge. We are al/ part of it. Karl Erjavec, Deputy Prime Minister and Mini ster of Foreign Affoirs of the Repu blic of5/ovenia at the official o pening ofthe La un ch Conference of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region. 25 January 2076, Brdo, 5/ovenia Let us take this opportunity in order to be active/y invo/ved in shaping the future of the Alpine region!
12 13 Macroregional strategies build on existing structures and knowledge. The launch conference was an excellent opportunity to present key players and stakeholders from Slovenia, including through the exhibition.
Exhibitors Constitutive session of the EUSALP General Assembly, 25 January 2016, Brdo
___...... -...... Alp;,'Je Convention --_...,.... Overall, EUSALP political steering and decision-making is entrusted to the General Assernbly -the high http:ffwww.alpconv.orgfenfconvention/default.html Eleven Slovenian exhibitors presented themselves during the 2-day level political representation of states and regions involved in the strategy, event Brdo, January 20 16, Slovenia (Ljubljana - Euro pean Green
~~,.,)) f,~~eg 111101 o ~ Capital 2016) The EUSALP General Assembly met at its first, constitutive, session at Brdo on January 25, 2016. Bled Strategie Forum demonstrating political ownership and leadership of the EU Strategy for the Al pine Region , at both national http:ffwww.bledstrot.egicfo lli m.orgf and regional leve!.
Almost 40 members of the General Assembly gathered for the first time, including the highest Center of Excelle nee in Finance representatives of the European Commission, httpfjH ww.cef·see.orgf European Parliament and Alpine Convention, and
CHAMIII Of CW1 "took the opportunity to build up an effective AND SM.IIJ.IUSINI!S Of SlOVENIAo mu/ti-leve/ governance system, fui/y respecting the Cham ber of Craft and Sm ali Business ofSlovenia institutional architecture of the participating states http:ffwww.ozs.sifozsengf and regions and their respective competences", as The EUSLl. LP lnfo Point offered participants at the event a lot of stated by Oeputy Prime Minister and Minister of ft Cllyor usefr.l in formation about EUSALP, January 2016, Brdo,Siovenia Foreign Affairs of Republic of Slovenia, Karl Erjavec, ~ l.jubiJano J};;J!; • the host and chair of the General Assembly during Michael Un hart, Austrian Secretary General for Foreign Affairs at the Cit!J of Ljubljana the2016. EUSALP General Assembly meeting. January 2076, Brdo,Sio venia http:ffwww.ljubljana9fenfmunicipalitijf
As members of the General Assembly, national and regi onal politicians agreed on the establishment of this highly important political body of the EU Strategy of the Alpine Region. They confirmed their overall Elan Inventa d.o.o. responsibilities and role, mainly focusing on laying down the general political guidel ines for the Strategy. http:ffwww.elan-inventacomfenjHome
EUSALP http:ffwww.alpine -region. aJ/ Folk group from Tolmin ·Razor presented some typical dances from Tolmin and its vicinity, January 2076, Brdo, Slo venia (Tolmin - Alpine Town of the Year 2016) h 11H liU Of fMI lJP\.I.ItC Of 5t~"'lA 10• N""-" Co-o.w~... fiO""
1nstitute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation http j jwVWt .zrsvn.sifen/ Municipalit!J of Tolmin n erreg Ill http:ffwww. tolmin.s i/ Alpine Space • 1nterreg Alpine Space Programme SPACE SI http:fjN ww.alpine-space.euf ··C··
Slovenian Centre of Excelle nee for Space Sciences and Technologies Slovenian Tourist Board http j jWWN.space.sifenfaboutf http:ffwww.slovenia.info/ - ZAVODZA. -=;.. -? (\(/v l SPORT :RS ~ ;;/ U PLANJCA SlovenianBusinessand ResearchAssociation Zavod za sport Re publike Slovenije Plo nica http:ffwww.sbra.befenfabout-us httpjjWWN.zsrs-planicasif EUSALP General Assembly gathers for the firs t time. January 2016, Brdo, S lovenia
14 15 By meeting on a regular basis, holding ministerial BRDO JOINT STATEMENT ON THE EUROPEAN UNION EXPRESS sincere thanks to the European Commission for its · APPRECIATE and PRA/SE the valuable work carried out by meetings, involving the European Commission for STRATEGY FOR THE ALPINE REGION (EUSALP) continuous support during al/ preparatory phases of the EUSALP the Steering Committee members and ENCOURAGE them to strategie coordination, the Alpine Convention in its and for its commitment to continue working side-by-side with continue their efficient and dedicated work as Executive Board advisory role and other important stakeholders, Brdo. 25 January 2016 the Participating States and Regions as weil as international members; the General Assembly has created an important organisations and civil society in the Alpine Region during the political tool, unique among other EU macroregional We. representatives of the National and Regional Governments implementation phase and for ensuring thot the Strategy is taken · MANDATE the Executive Board to supervise and coordinate strategies. of Austria, France, Germany. /ta/y, Liechtenstein, S/ovenia and into account in relevant EU po licy initiatives and programmes; the translation of the objectives and priorities laid dawn in the Switzerland, Strategy into concrete actions. and to regularly report to the As co-chair of the General Assembly, Commissioner ACKNOWLEDCE the validity of the princip le of mu/ti/eve/ governance General Assembly on how this work is proceeding. The Executive Cretu pointed out: "We need to consider together BASED on the Communication from the Commission to the of the macro regional strategy outlined in the Commission Report 3 Board is also mandated to report on possible proposais how the Strategy con contribute to building a more European Par/ iament. the Council, the European Economie and Social and in accordance with the Grenoble Political resolution4 and Milan emanating from the Action Croups regarding possible revisions competitive, but also a more cohesive and integrated Committee and the Committee of the Regions concerning a European Declaration5 involving three interrelated levels: (D politicalleadership of the priorities laid dawn in the Strategy; Europe." Union Strategy for the Alpine Regiod and the accompanying Action and ownership M coordination and OiO implementation; Plan; · CONF/RN that the Action Croups are a prerequisite for effective/y UNDERLINE thot governance is a shared process and thot the implementing the actions of the Strategy and therefore 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 CUIDED by the Council conclusions 2 on the European Union Strategy implementation of the Strategy relies on a collective effort on ENDORSE the proposed leadership of the Action Croups; Brdo General Assembly agreed inter alia to: for the Alpine Region of 27 November 2015; the part of the participating actors in their different raies in the implementation of the Strategy; · ENCOURAGE the Action Croups to use the existing networks be responsible for laying dawn the general RECALLINC the potential of macro-regional strategies as an in the Alpine Region and capitalise on the results achieved by political guidel ines for the Strategy; integrated framework relating to Nember States and Regions. INVITE the European Commission to retain the coordinating raie cooperative projects in the Alpine region; meet on a regular basis, probably once a year; including non-EU countries, as weil as to international organisations for the Strategy and establish synergies among existing EU Macro- take decisions by consensus, with one vote for and the civil society in the same geographical are a in arder to address regional strategies and EU Programmes, especially those direct/y · ENPHASISE the need for the appointed Action Croup Leaders each national delegation and common challenges. to benefit from strengthened cooperation. managed by the Commission. to ensure the strategie coordination of al/ relevant actors; to possibly meet also in an extended format open to contribute to the achievement of the Europe 2020 Strategy effective/y cooperate with sectorial ministries in al/ leve/s; to to ali relevant stakeholders, such as at the objectives. parti cu/arly the promotion of growth and jobs; WE active/y involve stakeholders from the Alpine Region. including Annual Forum and par/ iaments. regional governments and civil society, and to make the European Commission should continue t o CONVINCED thot macro-regional strategies are an instrumentaimed · COMMIT TO ENSURINC the necessary political ownership and the best use of the national, cross-border and Transnational EU act as a facilitator a nd coordinator a nd at the optimal use of existing fi nan cial resources. better coordination leadership demonstratedthrough the EUSALPCenera/Assembly Programmes. induding for governance and implementation the Alpine Convention should participate in an among existing institutions and improved implementation of existing strategie orientation. We agree to continue the exchange started s upport. advisory role. legislation; at Brdo today, to sustain momentum and whenever required, 11111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111111 support at the politicallevel; ACKNOWLEDCE thot the Strategy builds on long experience of BEINCAWARE thot the Strategy will affect around 80 million people many cooperative structures already operating in the areas s uch as living in 48 regions in seven States, of which five are EU Nember ·AGREE thot fully-fledged ownership in the participating States the Alpine Convention, theA/pineSpace INTERREC Programme and The General Assembly's strategie ori entation was States and two are non-EU countries. and Regions requires an active commitment by al/ relevant other ad hoc structures. and on the /essons from the existing macro elaborated and adopted in Brdo Joint Statement, line ministers and regional bodies; in this respect, the key regional s trategies; in which po li tical leaders acknowl edg e the validity NOTINC thot the Alpine Region comprises some of the most dynamic implementers of the Strate gy (notably national coordinators and of the pr in ciple of mul ti level governance of the European regions and should build on its high competitiveness and action group leaders) will be du/y empowered and the conditions RECIS TER with satisfaction thot in S /ovenia three EU macro-regional three interrelated level s (i) political leadership and enhance existing opportunities; established for them to undertake their tas ks; strategies meet: the Danube, the Adriatic lonian and the Alpine ownership, (ii) coordination and (iii) impl ementation. macro-region. and EN TRUS T S /ovenia with the EUSALP presidency CON VI NCED that the active cooper ation ofal/ interested international. · COMMIT to implementing the EUSALP and invite international. in 2016. The Executive Board was mandated to supervise national, regional and local organis ations and communities in areas national, regional and local actors as weil as stakeholders to and coordinate the translation of the objectives and where actions of mutual benefit con be identified are synergy contribute to the achievement of the EUSALP objectives. With EXPRESS willingness to cooper ote on the smooth commencement priorities laid down in the Strategy into concrete oriented, promoting con crete achievements and value-added res ults; the s upport of the European Commission, the partners involved of the implementation of the Strategy. beginning with a s uccessful actions and to regularly report to the General should identify ways to ens ure doser coordination with existing launch event at Brdo. Assembly on how this work is proceeding. ACREEINC thot. to ensure adequate visibility, communication activities and programmes in the area. and awareness raising about the Strategy's objectives and desired Action groups were recognised as a prerequisite for results. the involvement of al/ actors in their different raies is required; effectively implementing the actions of the Strategy ARE SATISFIED with the efficient implementation of the European and the proposed leadership of the Action Groups Council Conclusions of 19-20 December 2013 and the progress made were endorsed. The General Assembly congratul ated in the preparation. public consultation and endorsement of the Slovenia on taking over the first presidency of the Strategy and its Action Plan; Strategy in 2016 and on the successful organisation 3 Report from th e Commission ta the Europ ean Porliament. the Cou neil. the Euro pean Economie and Social Committee and th e Commit tee of of the EUSALP laun ch conference at Brdo. The the Regions conceming the govemance of macro -regional strategies - General Assembly also agreed to entrust the next 20 0 5 2014 - C0/1(20 14) 284 final 4 Palitical resolutio n towards a European Union S trategy fo r the Alpine presidency in 2017 to Bavaria. C0/1 (2015) 366 fi nal region of 18 Oeta ber 20 13 2 14 613/15 5 Milan Dedaration o f t he Alpine States and Regions ofl December 2014
16 17 The crucial element of governance is part of the After setting up ali ofthe ni ne Action Groups and following the initial round of their meetings, a second major implementation of any macro-regional strategy event, focused on discussing common challenges and actions, open to the interested public and stakeholders coordination. lt ensures greater dialogue and ofthe wider Alpine, Danube and Adriatic lonian region was held in September on the Slovenian coast. cooperation across ali decision-making levels and sectors within each country, as weil as between part1c1pating states and regions to reduce Mediterranean Coast and EU Macro-regional Strategies Week, 23 September-1 October 2016, Koper, lzola fragmentation, improve the realisation of actions and encourage the effective participation of ali relevant Between September 23 and October 12016, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia actors. lt also requires the capacity to exchange in cooperation with the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, the Ministry of Environment and information and detect policy gaps wh en they arise. Physical Planning, the Government Office for Development and European Cohesion Policy, the lnstitute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation and nu merous local and regional actors held Mediterranean The General Assembly's strategie guidelines laid Coast and Macroregional Strategies Week. The main objective of the Week was to build synergy in the area the basis for establishing coordination both at the of connectivity, with a focus on the ecological connectivity of the wider Danube, Adriatic lonian and Alpine national and macroregionallevels. Last EUSALP Steering Croup meeting. Brdo January 2076 region.
At the national level, national coordinators were The event brought together representatives of ali three interrelated governance levels, each of them appointed and mandated. They represent three searching a Iso for mutual benefit. members of the Executive Board per participating country which has a decision-making capacity. General Assembly members committed to ensuring the necessary conditions for national coordination S/ovenia is /ocated at thejunction of the Alps. Pannonian Plain. Oinaric Range and the /VIediterranean. /ts geographica/ position as weil as and functioning of action groups. its rich natural and cultural heritage provide numerous opportunities and pose challenges which are common and di sregard borders. With the knowledge and experience gained in the Danube. Adriatic and /onian. and Alpine macroregions. S/ovenia i sable to create synergies The Executive Board adopted its own rules of between strategies and contents. and establish connections which contribute to knowledge and innovations. sustainab/e mobility. and the procedure and on this basis also framework rules of growth and prosperity of the people living in these regions. procedure for the functioning of action groups. After the successful EUSALP Launch Conference and the constitutive session of the EUSALP General Assembly in January 2076 at Brdo. the /VIediterranean Coast and /VIacroregional Strategies Week isthe secondin a series of eventsorganised by S/oveniaduring its chairmanship The Executive Board also decided that Objective of EUSALP From 23 September to 1 October 2016. the S/ovenian Coast will be the venue for numerous events with the linking theme of Coordination is to be performed by action groups/ environmenta/ connectivity and the meeting place of various stakeho/ders co-creating our common space in the region. Meetings. talks. action groups leaders cooperation such as action exchanges of ltiews and experience as weil as varied presentations he/p raise the awareness th at every in di vidual. institution and organisation group leaders' board meetings. Second Executive Board meeting. Ko per 2076 can contribute to a better and more meaningfullife in harmony with nature; on/y together can we change our way of thinking and acting. and make a /eap forward. You are invited to join us. Andreja Jerina. /VISe National Coordinator for EU /VIacroregional Strategies /VIinistry of Foreign Affairs Republic of S/ovenia
This time. the /VIediterranean Coast Week is dedicated to connectivity. for we be/ieve that on/y successful integration can /ead to comprehensive nature conservation. ln the series of this year·s events we are connecting the governmenta/ and non-governmental sectors. managers of protected areas and local communities. p/anners and imp/ementers of conservation measures. and project partners. We draw attention to the advantages of integral spatial planning. particularly on the sea. the habitat that knows no borders. Since January this year. the lnstitute of the Republic of Slovenia for Nature Conservation has led. in cooperation with the Bavarian /VIinistry of the Environment and Consumer Protection. one of the action groups of the EU Strategy for the Alpine Region. The group is dedicated to establishing eco/ogica/ connectiltity in the who/e territory of EUSALP which. however. demands strengthening of connections among people. We wish that this years events that are to take place on the S/ovenian coast will a/so contribute to improved cooperation between governmental and non governmental organizationsand experts and the public. also for the nature conservation purposes. Darij KrajCic. PhD Prime fvlinister of the Republic of 5/ovenia fvlr. fvliro Cerar at the Oirector of the lnstitute of the Republic of S/ovenia for Nature Conservation (AGL7) second Executive Board meeting, Koper September 2076
18 19 /zola isa live/y /VIediterranean town known for its warmness. hospitality and modesty of its residents. One of the most important economie The event connects 40 years of experience in integrated sea management within the Barcelona Convention with new ideas of the EU's activities in /zola. as weil as in other lstrian seaside towns today. is tourism. But /zola has a sou/ which derives from preserving an old fishing youngest macro-regional strategy - the EUSALP. /t connects the old and experienced with the new and fresh to ac/dress the same goal - the menta/ity and this is what distinguishes it from other nearby towns. Picturesque countryside with many va/leys and long hi//s offers gourmet we/1-being for al/. delights with a wonderful view on the Gulf of Trieste. ltalian coast and Alps Those viewpoints can be mag ica/ as weil during winter. Beside meetings of various management structures of the Alpine and the Adriatic-/onian strategy. three expert conferences will take place /zola is a multicultural town where /talian community and institutional bilingua/ism have a great effect on the terri tory and make us even on eco/ogical connectivity. and a round table on the role ofpar/iaments. regional initiatives and civil society in estab/ishing c/oser cooperation to more connected to our neig hbo ur Ital y. Be side /talions. people from other parts of Adriatic-/onian. Afp and Danube region live in /zola. This is co-shape a common future for the wider region. Additionally. a series of events will address the wider public. such as the S/ovenian-S/ovakian wh y our efforts for implementation of structures. such as Facility point for Adriatic-/onian region. should be understood as an opportunity for exhibition using an innovative approach to showcase the differences and similarities between the two countries chairing two EU strategies. integration and as a search of new mutua/ development opportunities that will assure new green and blue jobs andfurthermore. new mutual Throughout the week. film projections will aim to rai se awareness about our dependence on nature. and protected areas will open their doors projects for an even better enforcement of synergies in the region. to the public. 1am particu/arly glad that many of these events also made space for the young. the new generations that will take over our You are more than welcome to get to know our town with its Slovenian fishing and gourmet tradition. heritage and its management in the years to come. Igor Kolenc. /V/Sc Mayor of the /VIunicipality of /zola Ladies and gentlemen.
The implementation level is an essential one, as it is based mainly on the results of joint actions and S/ovenia can be considered one of the hotspots of biodiversity in Europe. By the number of species by square kilometre it is an abso/ute projects at the macro-regionallevel so that better, and informed, decisions can be made at the politicallevel champion of the o/d continent. and by other biodiversity indicators it iseven one of the richest countries in the world. Although S/ovenia covers to improve the efficiency of the policies concerned and to attain the objectives of the strategy. on/y 0.004% of the World's surface it provides a habitat to more than 2% of known terrest ria/ animal species.
For implementation to succeed, awareness and recognition of the efforts and endeavours of the ln S/ovenia. experts have so far registered around 24.000 species of which more than a quarter are endemie animal species. ln the past implementation structure at the politicallevel is crucial, and also adds toits visibility. 50 year. however. the rate of change in biodiversity caused by human activity is unprecedented in history. The current eco/ogica/ footprint of S/ovenians is 2. 4 times above our territory's capa city. By consequence. al/ of us need to ado pt a more responsi ble lifestyle. The opening address of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Slovenia at Mediterranean Coast and Macroregional Strategies Week and his participation in the second meeting of the Executive Board Today. the world is changing as never before. and not a/ways in the most desirable way. Numerousevents and processes have changedthe demonstrated the politicalleadership of EUSALP. po/itical. security and geostrategic situation of the region. Europe and beyond. The financial and economie cri sis was fo/lowed by a security cri sis; we are facing the challenges of dealing with migrations. particularly in S/ovenia and the wider region.
ADDRESS BY PRIME MINISTER DR MIROSLAV CERAR AT THE OPENING OF THE MEDITERRANEAN COAST AND EU MACRO These broad and comp/ex po/itica/ issues force us al/ into decisive action. requiring our firm commitment and a sincere desire to seek /ong REGIONAL STRATEGIES WEEK term solutions- and above al/ good communication and coordinated action. Special importance must be attached to regular dialogue in the wicler region. but a/so at the national. regional and local/eve/s. Ladies and Gentlemen. dear guests. let me begin by extending a warm welcome to al/ here in Koper. in We have our differences. but together we can achieve a great deal. And. if here in S/ovenia. between the Alps. the Adriatic Sea and the S/ovenia. where the Alps meet the sea. Danube we are able to coexist with around 24.000 species. 1 firmly believe that together. we can also find a solution for our own. human species. 1am very p/eased that numero us S/ovenian institutions joined the Ladies and gentlemen. /VIinistry of Foreign Affairs in organising the /VIediterranean Coast and EU /V/aero-regional Strategies Week. and in particular with such 1hereby declare the /VIediterranean Coast and EU /V/aero-regional Strategies Week 2016 official/y open wishing you fruitful discussions and a large turnout. After the very successfu/launch conference of the an abundance of creative energy in your joint efforts. EU Strategy for the Alpine Region (EUSALP) hosted in January in Br do. this is the second major event under S/ovenian chairmanship ofEUS4.LP
S/ovenia is situated at the junction of the Alps. the Dinarides. the /VIediterranean and the Pannonian basin. which means that we cannot address Alpine challenges without considering the challenges Prime fvlini ster fvliros/av Cerar at the official o pening of the of the wider context with its specifie geographical. historical. and fvlediterranean coast and EU macro-regional strategies week. 26 cultural features as weil as economie and po/itical ties. September 2076, Koper, 5/ovenia
The /VIediterranean Coast and EU /V/aero-regional Strategies Week and the re/ated events- involving a/1/eve/s of governance. from local to international. aswe/1 as stakeholdersfrom the wider society- will demonstrate howevery individual. institution or organisation playsa part in building a better /ife. recognising that it is on/y by joining forces that we can change our way of thinking and acting. and ensure the necessary breakthroughs.
1 am very happy that S/ovenian engagement in three out of four EU macro-regional strategies further strengthened the coordination between our Government and its institutions. which is ref/ected a/so in the Agenda for the /VIediterranean Coast and EU /V/aero-regional Strategies Week. And. even more important/y. this engagement further enhanced the coordinatedties between countries of the wider region. the Danube. the Adriatic and the Alpine regions. /t is no coincidence. then. that the main topic of this year's event is connectivity.
20 21 Official opening gathered ali representatives of multilevel governance. Teden sredozemske obale Mediterranean Coast and EU in makroregionalnih strategij u rrn reaional Strategies Week 23.9.2016-1.10.2016
Oatum/Oate 0 ogodek Evenr Kraj Jezik/ Ull/Hour language 23.9. 9:00·1700 * OeiMic:a TSG3 B.JSOIR • Cbala. ITOQe in moora Bli'AIR TS/i'J llt>d<>bop· lzola, obëînska sejna lzolo, Mun«ipality eng e19:1ncmija eo..t. S.. and 8loe !
stntegije1 wod predsednika Or2avnega zbon 8fJd macraregi()ftfJ{ sfr81egies, Republike Slovenije Mil ana Brgleza introduction by Presidem (){ l)irti.-;(11) I(~I'IY'f'l.y:; ~.,r~
Prime Minister Miros/av Cerar, ministers and mayors at the o pening
Minister for Deve/opment and European OJhesion Po/icy Alenka Smerkolj
22 Special attention was dedicated to media and communications.
Parliaments represent citizens and advocate their interests, at the EU, national and regionallevel. Through their active engagement and as platforms for broad public discussion, they can, within the scope of their powers, substantially contribute to the implementation of macro regional strategies.
Genuine macroregional actors are interested stakeholders at ali levels: local, regional, national and international.
Active and permanent stakeholder involvement is a prerequisite for successfully implementing macroregional strategies. This was demonstrated and reconfirmed during the Stakeholders' Roundtables in Skocjanski zatok in September 2016. Media briefing, Koper, 26 5eptember 2076, 5/ovenia Press conference for media. Koper, 26 5eptember 2076, 5/ovenia Parliaments and macroregional strategies
Event was used to promote possible synergies, too. The roundtable titled »Parliamentsand /VIacroregional Strategies« will focus on the important ro/e p/ayed by national par/iaments. regional parliamentsand the European Par/iament in promoting and providing support to the implementation of EU macroregional strategies. S/ovenia lies at a crossroads of as many as three macroregional strategies and we therefore see significant added value in their interconnection and in the creation of synergies between them. EU macroregional strategies have been deve/oped with an aim to establish doser cooperation between countries and regions which has been bringing bene fit to millions ofcitizens in various a reas of their /ife andwork. wh ile the ir successful implementation depends. inter alia. on politicalleadership and accountability. Parliaments represent our citizens and advocate their interests. Throug h active engagement and as a p/atform for broad public discussion. they can. within the scope of their powers. substantially contribute to the implementation of macroregional strategies by increasing their visibility. widely informing the interested public. involving key p/ayers. and converging the policies at national. regional and local/eve/s. Hence. we should strive to strengthen the in110/vement of parliaments in the implementation of EU macroregional strategies and the promotion of synergies. as weil as seek ways and means for cooperation between parliamentarians in this particu/ar area.
1ntroduction: /VIi/an Brglez. President of the National Assembly of the Republic ofS/oveniA Moderator:AndrejaJerina. National Coordinatorfor EU /VIacroregional Strategies Part 1: Porliamentar!J involvement in EU macroregional strategies A presentation of the cultural, historica/ and current similarities and 5/ovj5/ov Dimension Exhibition - differences and similarities - post experience a nd future prospects differences of two countries - the 5/ovak Republic on the occasion between two EU fvlacroregiona/5trategies Presidencies - 5/ovakia of its Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the EU5DR - 5/o venia-EU5ALP EU macroregional strategies represent a new platform for closer Republic of 5/ovenia on the 25th anniversary of its declaration of integration as weil as an opportunity for a joint response to the the 1ndependence 26 5eptember 2076 Ko per, 5/ovenia numerous challenges requiring coordinated and decisive solutions. Thanks to a different. innovative and mufti-/eve/ approach. they promote the deve/opment and progress of the regions. whi/e an Roundtable 1: Parliaments and macroregional strategies important ro/e in achieving their oqectives can indeed be p/ayed by active in vol vement of parliaments. •
Dimitrios Kommenos. /VIember of the He//enic Parliament. Deputy Chair ofthe Committeeon EconomicAffairs HouseofRepresentatives of the Par/iamentary Assembly of BiH Lodovico Sonego. Senator. CE/ Parliamentary Dimension Franc Trèek. Deputy of the National Assembly. Deputy Chair of the Committee on Infrastructure. Environment and Spatial Planning. member of the Committee on EU Affairs. member of the National Assembly·s delegation to the CE/ Parliamentary Dimension Opening of EU5AIR Adrian Faci/ity Point Office in IZDia EU5AIR Thematic 5teering Croup 3 - Enviroronment Quality Strategies Coordinator in building EU5AIR- EU5ALP synegies fvlany stakeholders followed the discussion of the pane/ists
24 25 Part 2 : Politicalleadership of macroregional strategies - the role OPENING ADDRESS BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY MILAN BRGLEZ of parliaments Distinguished parliament representatives. dear colleagues. ladies Po/itica/ leadership. accountability. and cooperation between and gentlemen. countriesfregions and the European Union are crucial for a successful implementation of the EU macroregional strategies. Within the ln the modern world. we are increasingl y faced with big and comp/ex scope of their powers. par/iaments can contribute to enhancing global challenges that have no bounclaries and compe/ us to pro vide accountability. effective/y integrating stakeholders at al/leve/s. and transnational answers. 1 firmi y believe that such canon/y be found increasing public awareness while close/y involving the civil society. thro ugh persistent. con siste nt and continuo us collaboration. mutual young people in particu/ar. • understanding and mut ua/ respect. Here. the European Union and its Tedea sredozemske obale /VIember States also have to play their part. so 1agree with the words il•llnfttiool•i• stfltetii Branislav Rajié. pos/anec Driavnega zbora. podpredsednik Oc/bora of the President of the European Commission Jean-Claude Juncker za zunanjo po/itikoj Deputy of the National Assembly. Deputy Chair who. in his recent address to the European Parliament in Strasbourg. Sloveru.l. 23.9 ·1.10.2016 of the Committee on Foreign Po/icy said th at ·we should be aware th at the world iswatching us· and th at Franc Bogovic. pos/anec Evropskega parlamentaf/VIember of the •we need our words to be fo/lowed byjoint action. otherwise. they will European Parliament be just that:words·. Igor So/tes. pos/anec Evropskega parlamentaf/VIember of the European Parliament Due toits specifie geographicallocation at the junction of the Alps. the Pannonian Basin. the Dinar ides and the /VIediterranean. S/ovenia Martina Fridl. /VIIadinski parlament Alpske konvencijefYouth hasan exceptional opportunity to con tribute its share to the efforts made for the progress and we/1-being of our ci ti zens and the people who Parliament to the Alpine Convention live in the wider region. ln this respect. 1am grateful that the National Assembly has been given the opportunity to active/y partici pate in the creation of one of the events of the rich /VIediterranean Coast and EU /V/aero-regional Strategies Week. which is taking place along the S/ovenian coast. hospitabl y provicling us with venue for the meetings and debates with various relevant stakeho/ders with whom we contribute Complementarit!l Works to /ife in our region. Parliaments as the representatives of al/ the citizens can play an important role by ensuring visibility. raising awareness among the general public. promo ting the collaboration of competent agents. and integrating local. regional. national and European policies. EU macro-regional strategies constitute a new paradigm of mu/ti As the President of the National Assembly. ltherefore recognise an excellent opportunity for parliaments to participate effective/y at a/1/eve/s leve/led and multifaceted cooperation. Institutions and civil society in imp/ementing EU macro-regional strategies. which are an innovative EU instrument for exercising the princip/es of the economie. social and are getting engaged in a new. overarching and wider perspective. territorial cohesion ofcountries in the same region. At the same ti me. it isan opportunity to achieve our common goals: deve/opment. progress whereby the established regional initiatives are in position to connect and better quality of /ife. and complement the regional framework to the integral potential Roundtable 2: Complementarity Works 1am glad th at this year's /VIediterranean Coast and EU /V/aero-regional Strategies Week isdedicated to integration and better collaboration. andthat it unitesdecision-makers. the civil society. professional circlesand other relevant agents in one single place. On/y if al/ the competent Introduction: Alenka Kosir. Head of Department for Enlargement stakeholders efficient/y and systematically integrate and operate at al/leve/s. we can achieve inclusive and above al/ sustainab/e solutions. and South-Eastern Europe Therefore. it is crucia/to be aware that we are great/y responsib/e for our living environment and our descendants because it isonly in this way Moderotor: Bojan Bertoncelj. Ambassador. Department for that we will be able to honestly look them in the eye today. Enlargement and South-Eastern Europe Ladies and gentlemen. Gazmend Turdiu. Deputy RCC Secretary General Fabio Pigliapoco. Secretary General. Permanent Secretariat of 1 am proud that this year S/ovenia is the first to assume the chairmanship of the new/y established EU Strategy for the Alpine Region Adrioatic-/onian lnnitiative (EUSALP). the fourth consecutive EU macro-region. After the successful Launch Conference and the constitutive session of the EUSALP Ugo Poli. CE/ Project Manager. by appointment of CE/ Alternate General Assembly. which took place in January 2016 at Brdo pri Kranju. the /VIediterranean Coast and EU /V/aero-regional Strategies Week is Secretary General the second in a series of events organised by S/ovenia during itschairmanship of the youngest macro-region. Mladen Kraljié. University of Maribor Milan Bufon. Faculty for Humanities. University of Primorska Our country has a special position in relation to European macro-regions given that it is the on/y EU /VIember State which active/y Gabor Sdmeider. Ovil Society and Danube Participation Day col/aborates in three out of four macro-regional strategies- the Danube. the Adriatic-/onian and the Alpine one. This week 's events th us offer Mitja Merso/. International Media Centre Roundtable 2: Complemen tarity Works us the opportunity to share the knowledge and experience that we have already acquired in two macro-regions in the new/y estab/ished one. Given the transnational nature of these initiatives. it is extremely important that the synergistic effects be produced not on/y at transnational leve/ but a/so at transregiona//evel. based on the intensive and guided networking of al/ the agents involved.
EU macro-regional strategies are definitely a new bridge of territorial cooperation that connects the terri tories of different countries and regions which have managed to identify their common key characteristics from which to form coordinated answers to numero us macro regional challenges and opportunities. Using their innovative mu/ti/eve/ approach. they bring newassets and benefits to millions of citizens in different areas of their /ife and work /t should also be pointed out that macro-regional strategies have been designed as highly inclusive. th us reaching beyond European Union membership. ln this regard. they are an additional element to the strengthening of the European integration project. especially important for the Western Balkans co un tries where the Europeanisation processes not on/y have to be maintained but also fostered and reinforced. The importance of a macro-regional approach is th us evident in light of the current debates on the future of the European Union and the strengthening of our commitment to European values. This is wh y good governance and effective implementation
26 27 thereof sho uld be in everybodrfs interest Organization of the event brought together numerous actors under the same EUSALP MFA umbrella.
At the same ti me. howelter. we need to be aware th at the latter is not self-evident The macro-regional strategies management frameworks are comp/ex and in vol \te a large number of stakeho/ders. so it is crucial to maintain not on/y their short-term. but also their /ong-term ... motivation and commitment to collaboration. 1therefore welcome the fact that numerous concrete projects have been developed within the macro-regions. sometimes exceeding the frameworks of the macro-strategies themse/ves. Because of this. we have to be aware that macro ~ ~.) ) the regions as such will sometimes functionjust as platforms on which the adcled value of this type of regional governance will be created. On the nan~ EUSAIR other hand. it is precise/y their complexity and ramifications that compel decision-makers at a/1/eltels to offer constant and sufficient support to maintain and stimulate cooperation in different fields. within different policies and at different leve/s. ,._,,..,.,.~ . ..-n~~ S.~ , • • , ' CUO'f -CO.rl-fV ~~~ Ladies and gentlemen. ,Sa)...., Zltot 102'4311
lt is for this rea son th at the full attention of today·s round table is focused on the ro/e of par/iaments and the search for new ways to incl ucle AEPUIII.ICOfSI.MNIA lt(I'\.IU( OfSID'o1:.,._.,.W• lll'UIIUC Of SliM:NIA M.UitSlQVOI A)f(II("M '-"AitK __ NATIONALASSEHBLV ANDSHTW...... : and in vol \te par/iamentarians in supporting and promo ting the implementation of EU macro-regional strategies. 1am p/easedto say that the National Assembly and the Go lternment of the Republic of S/ovenia have cooperated successfully in this a rea. but 1wi sh for this cooperation lllrueuc:OI SUMNIA fllt'Uir\O'ft ...... -~a.'54Mo t 'llo\ to be even stronger in the future. At the joint session of the Committee on Foreign Po/icy and the Committee on EU Affairs held in May fast MliiSTRYOf PIIIUC AliKIHIS"RATICW tOil'-41\.U LOIIftt-rUIOOt year. the representatives of the legis/atilte and executive branches comprehensiltely addressed the issues of EU macro-regional strategies for the first time. /VIoreover. the two cooperating committees adoptedthe decision for the Golternment to prepare annual reports on the progress of Sloltenia·s involvement in the relevant macro-regional strategies. We th us established a system that enables cleputies to contribute direct/y K en SKOCJ \OSKI to raising public awareness of the importance of macro-regional cooperation. and play an active part in its substantive guide/ines by making ~TOK fl 0 9 proposais and recommendations. ~.__ _ ...... __,_ ...... ,_ ,_._.._ ...... , _ .....__ ...... a... .. ,.a..•• ..... _...... S/ovenia has been active/y in~AJ!ved in EU macro-regional strategies since 2009. and to date it has managed to set up the necessary - implementation structure and ensure the conditions for the financia/ resources. presumably avai/ab/e before the end of 2016. aimed at -- supporting the implementation system. 1 am glad that by creating a so-ca//ed stakeholder platform we have gilten special consideration to the exchange of information and communication with the public concerned. This is particularly important in light of the Commission·s 2014 Report concerning the governance of macro-regional strategies which stresses po/itica//eadership and a sense of ownership. and cal/s for the strengthening of the involvement of stakeholders. inc/uding par/iaments and civil society. The National Assembly a/so striltes for greater cooperation with the civil society sector and other parliaments. and will continue to do soin the future. Parliamentary diplomacy. strengthened in the National Assembly over the recent years. is an excellent too/ used to communicate with partner decision-makers from individual macro-regional co un tries as weil as the European Parliament 1 therefore wish these communication channe/s to be even stronger in the future as parliaments will th us be able. within their competence. to ensure the visibility and promotion of the multi-stakeholder macro regional approach.
As parliamentarians we need to be aware of the responsibility th at we bear as the direct/y elected representatives of our citizens. Our task is to function as a link that conductsa dialogue with the governmental side on the one hand and the civil society sphere on the other. while at the same ti me we have to enab/e the creation ofa sui table communication network between al/ of our inter/ocutors. Given the experience acquired so far. 1 firmi y be/ieve that the parliamentary dimension of macro-regional strategies is a space that enables parliaments to be direct/y and full y involved in the creation of a public sphere based on participatory democracy. AlpCov meeting, /zola September 2016 AC 7 meeting, /zola September 2016
lt is my hope and wish that S/ovenia. as the first country to chair the new/y established Alpine macro-region. will manage to achieve the set goals in terms of integrating al/ the participating stakeholders. and transferring al/ the examples of good practices into the operations of Mediterranean Coast and EU Macroregional Strategies Week significantly added to EUSAIR's visibility other European macro-regions. 1 will also continue my efforts. to the best of my ability and within my competence. towards ensuring that and recognition, as it addressed more than 1000 participants from wider Danube, Adriatic lonian and this processes pay due regard to the parliamentary dimension. ln this respect. 1 wish Bavaria. the next country taking over the EUSALP Alpine region at the 25 events of the Week. With the active involvement of the Prime Minister of the chairmanshipin January 2017. great success and 1appea/ toit to organise a dedicated meeting for therepresentatiltes of regional and national Republic of Slovenia, the Minister for Development and EU Cohesion Policy, stakeholders' roundtables parliaments of the EUSALP members. chai red bythe President ofthe National Assembly ofthe Republic of Slovenia and attended by MEPs, CEl, Ali, RCC secretaries-general and numerous representatives of civil society and by meetings of different Ladies and gentlemen. EUSALP governance structures, the adopted conclusions and recommendations were widely supported.
ln conclusion. p/ease allow me to wish you successful and constructilte work at today·s round table and good cooperation in the future.
Thank yo u for yo ur attention.
28 29 Proposai no 1': Proposai no 49 :
EU macroregional strategies are not an integral part of the \lv'ithout proactive communication no effort is real/y seen from the EU budget implementation mechanism in systemic manner. The outsi de. from the stakeho/ders. A proposa/ tocreatea single horizontal ·embedding process· launched by the EC based on possibilities pi/far for al/ macroregional strategies and regional cooperation offered in ESIF common provisions and adopted by EU funds initiatives was presented. and this is "media/communication" pi/far Mediterranean Coast and Macroregional Strategies Week was the second in a series of public events organised by S/ovenia during its ministers of EUSDR and EUSAIR may. where relevant. assure that would he/pin creating sufficient visibility to our joint endea'vOurs presidency of EUSALP in 2016 funding also for macro-regional project. but not necessarily. and understanding and the support for the change of our way of Cireen Infrastructure is an issue which needs better coordination thinking and acting. During its presidency S/ovenia emphasised the synergy and interconnection among existing macro regions demonstrating that experience in funding in general and could influence a/so ES/F and other funds. "Toda y. the world is changing asne ver before. and not a/ways in the gained in one macro region can be transferred to another and- ifnecessary- be adapted. supp/emented or upgraded. /V/aero regions S/ovenia As this is something new which is not yet tackled by an ybody else in most desirable way. Numero us events and processes have changed participates in (Danube. Adriatic-/onian and Alpine macro region) are not competitors. but rather fellowtravel/ers. This iswhy S/ovenia isa spi// the EUSALP terri tory on a wider scale where we can change po/icy the political. security and geostrategic situation of the region. Europe over point. the point from where good practices and ideas from one macro region are transferredto the other and by this creating necessary consiclerably and create new partnerships. the EUSALP territory and beyond. The se broad and comp/ex polit ica/ issues force us al/ into critica/ mass for action- a/so on po/itica/leve/. This way we complement each other and grow together as a whole. could become a test area in Europe in that respect. New proposed decisive action. requiring our firm commitment and a sincere desire solutions might a/so affect future European Funding. to seek long -term solutions -and above al/ good communication and coordinated action. We have our differences. but together we can achieve a great deal" (from Opening address by Miro Cerar. Prime Presidency Recommendations 1 /VIinister of the Republic of S/ovenia). ~~ /V/aero-regions have a key role to play in a more democratie rebirth ~~~ ~ • Set up communication (internal/external) tools ~ ~ ASAP including common EUSALP cale nd ar of the EU andto overcome the current cri sis. both internai/y and in its • 1nvolve in cross MRS cooperation including: external relations. ?r0\1 os·:\\s' "'"'•"''on -~~·· JRC (September overlap), As "functional areas·. macro-regional strategies are better p/aced S\ cil•...,.""~ 1nteract initiatives tobl~ t\JY-\.1' pa .t>l'•tlla...,e"'' to intercept the needs and demands of their citizens. as the c/osest 1oes li'-C'Ioù 10 EUS DR intention for 4 MRS to meet on to the territories. to the local populations and their entities and \etttf ~h dll' 30 31 The Trio Presidency assures the continuity of activities and smooth hand-over ofthe EUSALP chairmanship; The wheel- an unprecedented invention it is composed by the current, incoming and outgoing presidency. Representatives of Slovenia, Ba varia and Tyrol met for the first time, together with representatives of the The first people looking up into the sky in awe European Commission, in Dolenjske toplice, on 16 and 17 November 2016. could not have imagined that the future millennia of inventions and discoveries would help man travel there too. Although it was the needs of individuals and entire societies that brought about numerous inventions, these were even more often a result of man's curiosity and creativity along with his desire to put the new and the unknown to the test. The greatest leap in evolution occurred with the domestication of plants and animais which, in turn, allowed for permanent settlement. The superfluous food also meant having extra time which could be dedicated to new creative activities. Some discoveries occurred by chance, i.e. by observing natural processes and during practical work and, moreover, simultaneously on different continents, with others being spread out with experiences and usability. The invention of the wheel is certainly one of the most important novelties that radically affected the development of mankind. Trio Presidency Meeting. 76 and 17 November 2076 During the visit to Base 20/Baza 20 76 November 2076 Allegedly, the first wheels were used by potters in the region of the Fertile Crescent, the same region ln the informai, friendly and open discussion the current (Siovenia) and incoming (Bavaria) presidency, where agriculture originated, as weil. The invention together with the EC and expected presidency in 2018 (Tyrol) exchanged views on the results achieved of the wheel and axle in the 4th millennium B.C. in 2016 and discussed proposais for improving governance in the next year. Agreement on future steps caused a revolution in the field of the transport of was coordinated with the Bavarian presidency plans for 2017. goods and people. And it is precisely in the Alpine ....J region th at the world's oldest wheels and axles have UJ The Trio Presidency meeting proved a valuable tool for assuring the necessary stability over a been found in the wet environments where pile UJ multiannual period, and contributed to improved coordination and governance. dwellers made their settlements. North and South I of the Alps, from Eastern France, Switzerland, S South Germany, Austria, Northern ltaly to Slovenia, UJ approximately one thousand such settlements exist. ::::) ln 2011, the World Heritage Committee included the O seriai nomination Prehistoric pile dwellings around 0:: the Alps in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The <( unique universal value helps us understand more Photo Matevi Paternoster, MCML l-- a bout prehistoric pile dwelling cultures, which 0 existed in the area for over 4,500 years. The need ::::) for precious raw materials spurred these people to travel across ali of Europe. The 5,200-year-old wooden 0:: wheel and axle comes from the Stare gmajne site near Vrhnika and was most likely part of a two-wheel 0 wagon towed by cattle. lt is constructed out of two ash slabs held together by four oak wedges. lt is <( 72 cm in diameter. The axle is made out of a single piece of oak and is 124 cm long. The find is one of 0:: the most important for the world's cultural heritage, based not only on its age, but also its technological O sophistication. ....J 0 ~ 32 33 (~\~ These days, space is not the impenetrably Actions Action Group Leaders Action Group Representatives mysterious enigma it once was, and the time when \ Lomhardg ,/ we take to the stars is drawing ever doser. Herman Action 1: To deve/op an effective research and fl'll Regione ,....., Anna Giorgi ([email protected]) Potoènik- Noordung (1892-1929), engineer of space imo>ation ecosy stem Klll Lom bardie technologies, almost three decades before the first Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Baden- man-made abject was launched into space, designed Action2: To increase the economie potentia/ of Württemherg Dr. Susanne Ast (su sanne. ast@mfw. bwl. de) a space architecture, a three-part geostationary strategiC sectors ....) --·"~@ M '-..Hélène Loiseau (HLOISEAU@rhonealpes fr) satellite compns1ng a solar power plant, an ~GNE ~ François Trusson ([email protected]) \\'f...... _. ...- observatory and a wheel for the living quarters. Trento The habitation wheel, which spins and thus uses l Boglarka Fen!Jvesi-Kiss ~ "'''' To -~ "" od Herman Potoènik - Noordung, Das Problem der Action 7: To develop ecological connectivity in the ÇJ Bavariaand Slovenia / /'llichaela Künzf Befahrung des Weltraums- Der Raketenmotor(The wholeEUSALPœrritory l - (/11ichaefa. Kuenz/@stmu v. bayem. de) Problem of Space Travel- The Rocket Motor). Berlin, Tina Tram pus ([email protected] 1929. Action8: To imprave risk management and to Austria and Bavaria Christian Wanger better manage dimote change. including major ([email protected]) The Museum and Galleries of Ljubljana na tura/ risks prevention -~ /Y/aria Patek (/[email protected]) Action 9: To make the territory a mode/ region for SouthTgrol Ulrich Santa _J energy effidency and renewable energy ; ([email protected]) L1J (energy .eusalp@ klima hau sagentur.it) L1J Is L1J :::) 0 a:: ~ 0 :::) \ a:: 0 <( a:: 0 _J 0 ~ 34