CONGRÈS DES POUVOIRS LOCAUX ET RÉGIONAUX DE L' Chambre des Régions COUNCIL CONSEIL OF EUROPE DE L'EUROPE CONGRESS OF LOCAL AND REGIONAL AUTHORITIES OF EUROPE Chamber of Regions

Strasbourg, 10 May 2001 CPR (8) 2 Partii

EIGHTH SESSION

(Strasbourg, 29-31 May 2001)

Internationa] Co-operation at regional level

Rapporteur : Dino VIERIN ()

EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 2

INTERNATIONAL CO OPERATION AT REGIONAL LEVEL

Introduction 3 1. Transfrontier interregional co-operation 3 1.1. Challenges and objectives of interregional transfrontier co-operation 4 1.2. Constraints and comparative advantages of border areas 4 1.3. Forms of interregional transfrontier co-operation 5 a. Bilateral co-operation 5 b. The Euro regions 5 c. Regions' participation in interstate transfrontier co-operation structures.5 2. Interregional co-operation within major geographical areas 6 3. Trans-European interregional co-operation networks 7 f 3.1. Origin of trans-European interregional co-operation networks 7 3.2. Fields of activity and working methods of the trans-European interregional co- operation networks 7 3.3. Forms and examples of trans-European interregional co-operation 9 a. Bilateral co-operation 9 b. Multilateral co-operation 10 4. Participation of regions in major European interregional organisations 10 5. Region's external activities involving inter-continental development aid and co- operation 11 6. Constitutional and legal provisions governing co-operation and regions' external activities 12 a. Regions' authority to sign co-operation agreements 12 / b. Regions' authority to participate in public-law co-operation bodies 12 7. Regions' relations with the European institutions 13 a. Individual representation of regional authorities 13 b. Regions' role in decision-making within the European institutions 14 c. European co-operation between regional parliaments 15 8. Intensifying international co-operation between European regions - prospects and limiting factors 16 Appendix: condensed list of interregional co-operation activities 17 3

Introduction

There is currently a substantial increase in interregional co-operation in Europe and in regions' external activities. There are several reasons for this. Firstly, such activities make a particularly effective contribution to European integration and help to bring Europe's peoples closer to one another - regional "diplomacy" inevitably operates closer to the citizens in their own surroundings than the national equivalent. Secondly, transnational interregional co-operation is also an important factor in economic development, enabling regions to make economies of scale through networking and to participate fully in the integrated European market.

This report is the result of a survey conducted by the Secretariat of the Chamber of the Regions of the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe1, between December 2000 and March 2001. The European regions sent in a large number of replies to the Secretariat, a condensed list of which can be found in the appendix to this report. Many of these replies describe regions' external activities but very few of them evaluate the results, the spin-off or the obstacles encountered in the field of external co-operation.

Differences in the status and powers vested in the regions obviously have an impact on the opportunities they have to participate in transnational co-operation activities. Member states have a significant influence on whether regions participate in transnational co- operation, either by ratifying European treaties (eg the Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation), through statutory and constitutional provisions relating to the regions' external activities, or the allocation of grants for interregional co-operation activities.

The regions are involved in several types of international co-operation, which are not mutually exclusive and which need to be examined in greater detail. Co-operation can be bilateral or multilateral, between neighbouring countries or, on the contrary, trans- European. Historically speaking, regions' external activities have usually been cross- border activities. Only later were these activities extended, leading to trans-European interregional co-operation. Some forms of external co-operation now reach beyond Europe to countries on other continents.

1. Transfrontier interregional co-operation

Much work has already been many done by the Council of Europe on transfrontier co- operation at regional and local level. This report therefore deals with the subject in only a summary manner, highlighting the most recent forms of co-operation and, in particular, the new importance it carries for the central and east European countries.

1.1. Challenges and objectives of interregional transfrontier co-operation

There has been a substantial increase in interregional transfrontier co-operation in Western Europe over the past thirty years or so, not only for the purpose of bringing European

1 The rapporteur is grateful to Mr Jacques Robert. Strasbourg, expert consultant to the Congress and to Mr Kaido Sirel, Tallinn, for their help with the preparation of this report. 4

peoples closer and healing the scars of history but also to correct a number of malfunctions. These fall into two categories:

- the exogenous problems of border regions, for example problems over different currencies values and their variations, differences in systems and the recognition of diplomas, the diversity of economic, financial, social and administrative legislation, differing technical standards in the various countries, psychological problems and differences between political systems on either side of the borders in question. In these fields, interregional transfrontier co-operation endeavours to influence the national authorities, on whom the solution to these problems ultimately depends.

- the endogenous problems of border regions. This second category of problems arises from the particular geographical context of border regions. There is a very wide range of such problems and challenges, relating to regional planning, regional economies, cultural differences, transport and communication systems, social and employment issues, environmental management, the value derived from the natural and cultural heritage, the promotion of tourism, etc. Border regions can use their own powers to settle many of their problems through co-operation, provided that member states have removed the institutional obstacles. This is precisely the objective of the Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co- operation and its two protocols. Moreover, in the fields under consideration, transfrontier co-operation is firmly supported by Community bodies (eg through the Interreg, Phare CBC and Tacis programmes).

Political and cultural interests weigh heavily along some European borders. There may be tensions or conflicts between different ethnic groups, and borders sometimes cut through cultural communities, thereby creating a cultural minority within the national community on one side of the border, etc. Such situations are still common in central and eastern Europe, especially in the Balkans. Transfrontier co-operation between these regions has a very specific and very important role to play in preserving peace, defusing cultural tensions and gradually integrating the various communities.

1.2. Constraints and comparative advantages of border areas

Border areas have traditionally been considered to have been penalised by history. The many conflicts that have occurred in Europe over the past two centuries have had especially damaging consequences for border regions (physical destruction, inadequate economic and industrial investment, poor development of infrastructure, depopulation, etc). Other obstacles, linked to the presence of a border (customs controls and police checks, the limited permeability of borders in the economic, cultural and social fields and under-developed service industries in many border towns) have proved to be comparative disadvantages. During the decades in which the central and east European countries were governed by collectivist regimes, many borders were closed. The aim of regional policies at national and Community level is therefore to restore normal economic and social interaction in border areas by fostering economic development and promoting transfrontier co-operation.

It is however important to recognise that, in the context of an increasingly integrated Europe, border areas can also have comparative advantages. This is particularly obvious in 5

the Community context where "firm" borders (with customs controls and police checks, administrative and fiscal barriers, etc) have been abolished. In such a context the only frontiers that cannot be rapidly abolished are cultural frontiers (languages, mentalities, attitudes, work styles, communication networks, zones of influence, consumer habits, etc). In a single market context, regions which have bicultural or multicultural skills have a clear advantage. This applies to many border areas where the populations on either side of the border are familiar with the language, behaviour and work style of their neighbours on the other side. These comparative advantages can be put to good use in transfrontier co- operation to develop cross-border tertiary activities, making it possible, for example for businesses to have easier access to the neighbouring country's markets and to strategic information (economic intelligence). Industrial estates are already developing along some borders where businesses are trying to benefit from this type of comparative advantage.

1.3 Forms of interregional transfrontier co-operation a. Bilateral co-operation

The simplest form of, and often the first stage in, co-operation is bilateral co-operation between two regions situated on either side of a border. It is usually centred on areas which constitute the common denominator of the powers of the regions concerned, because these are the areas in which they are able to take and implement decisions. Experience shows, however, that this common denominator is often more limited than was thought and that, in order to be effective, transfrontier co-operation must often refer to the authority (eg legal or financial) of other bodies, such as national or sub-regional bodies. Although the area of co-operation remains bi-regional, the authorities involved in the co-operation are located on two vertical structures between which bridges have been established. b. The Euro regions

These are generally much wider areas of co-operation, comprising several basic regional units from two or three different countries and often corresponding to historical cultural entities, or at least to areas united by common interests. There are to date more than one hundred spread across Europe. For example, on the borders between Switzerland and its neighbours there are five Euroregions: the Upper Rhine, Lake Constance, the Jura Arc, Lake Geneva and Regio Insubrica Euroregions. Over the last few years, many Euroregions have been established along the borders of central and east European countries: Sprewa-Nysa-Bobr, Pro Europa Viadrina, Pomerania, Elbe/Labe, Erzgebirge, Egrensis, Tatry, Carpathians, Silesia, Mesta-, "Great Lakes Region" (/Belarus), "Upper Prut" (Moldova/), etc. One example clearly illustrates the enthusiasm generated by the introduction of the concept of Euroregions: there are 10 Euroregions on 's borders. c. Regions' participation in interstate transfrontier co-operation structures

Along some borders there are interstate transfrontier co-operation structures in which regional authorities participate - in a more or less systematic fashion. The interstate regional planning committees that have been set up along some borders have brought a definite improvement in the harmonisation of planning. Where these committees exist, it is 6

important to strengthen within their ranks the presence and role of the regions which, in many member states, have acquired significant regional planning powers as a result of the decentralisation process. Where no such committees exist, careful consideration should be given to the need to set them up, or to whether it is preferable to co-ordinate planning authorities direct, outside bureaucratic structures.

Along some borders there are also interstate transfrontier co-operation bodies covering much wider areas. One very clear example is the Franco-German-Luxembourg Intergovernmental Commission, which was set up in 1971 in the Saar-Lor-Lux Region. Regional authorities' participation in such bodies is ambiguous. For example, the Lorraine Regional Council is not a member of the Intergovernmental Commission but is a member, under the supervision of the state representative (the Prefect), of the Saar-Lor-Lux- Trier/Western Palatinate Regional Commission. In addition to these two interstate bodies, there is a co-operation body comprising the executive organs of the regional authorities concerned (the "Greater Region Summit") and a co-operation body representing the relevant regional assemblies (the "Interregional Parliamentary Council"). The complexity demonstrated by this example stems mainly from the fact that the regions on the different sides of the border in question do not have the same status and the same degree of political autonomy. The fact that the whole of one member state (Luxembourg), which is the size of a region, is part of the co-operation area makes the situation even more complex as far as co-operation structures are concerned.

Generally speaking, increased decentralisation and régionalisation in Europe mean that regional authorities ought to play a more significant role in such structures, most of which were set up at a time when there were still not very many regions. This problem now exists in central and eastern Europe, where régionalisation is progressing rapidly (for example along the German-Polish border).

2. Interregional co-operation within major geographical areas

Interregional co-operation has also increased and developed substantially over the past few decades, and covers huge areas that share common features and where closer economic, social and cultural ties have been forged. This type of co-operation usually - but not only - concerns coastal and maritime areas or mountain regions: the Atlantic Arc Commission, the Inter-Mediterranean Commission, the Working Community of the Pyrenees, COTRAO (Western Alps), ARGEALP (Central Alps), ALPEN-ADRIA (Eastern Alps), etc. Reference should also be made to the Working Community of the Danube Countries (ARGE DONAU), which links central and eastern Europe to western Europe. These co- operation bodies have a wide range of activities, but most of their work concerns the planning and concerted development of the co-operation area. These working communities often comprise smaller units which may be Euroregions or other bilateral or trilateral decentralised co-operation structures.

The Community's transnational and interregional co-operation programmes (Interreg IIC, Interreg IIIB) provide crucial support for interregional co-operation within major geographical areas. 7

3. Trans-European interregional co-operation networks

3.1. Origin of trans-European interregional co-operation networks

In more recent years forms of interregional co-operation have been set up that are not based on geographical proximity but, on the contrary, on complementary features and a willingness to forge ties with regions elsewhere. The emergence of these types of co- operation can be considered as a new stage in the historical process of European integration.

Originally, the main players in the process of European integration in the political and economic sectors were national governments and major business enterprises respectively. As from the mid-eighties, when Europe recovered from the recession caused by the energy crisis, the integration process was given fresh impetus with the appearance of new protagonists: at institutional level these were the regions, and in the industrial sector small and medium-sized businesses wishing to speed up their internationalisation. It should not be forgotten that the progress made within the Community in terms of economic integration was achieved through increased liberalisation (the Single Act of 1986), which encouraged businesses to look for economies of scale in order to remain competitive within the Single Market, and innumerable mergers and takeovers resulted. In this context, many small and medium-sized businesses, keen to remain independent, sought to achieve economies of scale by setting up transnational co-operation networks, involving both transfers of technology and access to new markets.

This was, therefore, the beginning of the gradual setting up of many interregional co- operation schemes throughout Europe, with regional authorities opening up doors to local enterprises and all sorts of economic operators. Of course, it was the strongest regions which set the process in motion (for example, the Four Motors for Europe). The Community bodies very quickly realised the importance of interregional co-operation for economic development and economic and social cohesion, and set up interregional co- operation support programmes to make it easier for poorer regions to become involved in the process. Interregional co-operation has, therefore, become a tool for reducing regional disparities. Financial support has been given to several hundred co-operation networks, under programmes involving either Community states (eg the PACTE programme) or central and eastern European regions (eg Ecos-Opening). This policy was actively pursued during the nineties and is now continuing as part of the INTERREG programmes (Strand C).

3.2. Fields of activity and working methods of the trans-European interregional co-operation networks

Trans-European interregional co-operation networks focus on a wide range of matters:

- co-operation in the public and semi-public sectors in which the regions have specific powers and responsibilities - for example, exchange of know-how and staff, joint training in regional development, promotion and spatial planning. The activities also include management and development of transport systems, waste management and disposal, 8

promotion of tourism, conservation and enhancement of natural and cultural heritage, youth exchanges, etc.

- co-operation activities supported and promoted by regional authorities but concerning primarily the driving forces of the economy. These activities may entail bringing businesses closer together to generate co-operation in the private sector, for example commercial or technological co-operation, or making it easier for regional enterprises to participate in trade fairs and shows in another European region, facilitating collaboration between laboratories and research centres or between tourist operators, developing interregional electronic communication networks (eg telematic networks linking ports).

One important area of inter-regional co-operation is cultural activities, which are an essential vehicle for European integration. Such activities are moreover of increasingly tangible economic worth. Use of cultural resources constitutes an effective means of economic diversification for many regions of Europe. Cultural tourism makes it possible to reduce the harmful effects of mass tourism, to prolong the tourist season, to achieve more balanced geographical distribution of the benefits of tourism and to foster economic take-off in disadvantaged regions. This is an area where inter-regional pooling of experience is of particular importance. Among other things, it helps to highlight cultural resources of which the local population is insufficiently aware, gastronomic assets for instance. Inter-regional co-operation in this field also allows joint tourism promotion.

Inter-regional co-operation activities take quite varied forms. Inter-regional conferences and seminars provide opportunities for contact between partners in various categories. The actual planning and running of co-operation projects often requires the holding of workshops, in particular for projects involving EU funding, since the administrative and accounting regulations applicable to such projects are fairly strict. Implementation of co- operation projects also frequently means calling on specialists in the relevant field. Some projects go far beyond the mere exchange of experience and bring tangible results (joint development of new techniques or technologies, creation of information systems, provision of vocational training, joint development of new tourism products, joint heritage promotion efforts, etc.). Lectures and colloquies are also of use in the final stages of co-operation projects, as a means of presenting the results to a wider audience than that reached through a network and ensuring that co-operation activities have a stimulating effect on civil society.

As the number of co-operation initiatives has grown, a genuine form of "co-operation project engineering" has emerged, aimed, firstly, at increasing the effectiveness of projects and, secondly, at satisfying the ever-greater, ever-stricter EU requirements, which make preparation and method matters of strategic importance to an inter-regional co-operation project's success.

One of the underlying principles of co-operation is the "mutual interest requirement", which means that each participating region or organisation must have something to offer its potential paitner(s) if it wishes to receive something from them in return. Each region (or partner organisation within a region) must therefore be capable of pinpointing its own strengths, its comparative advantages, so as to kindle the interest of partners in other regions. Good knowledge of the development potential of the regions concerned is an 9

essential prerequisite in order to be able to define the co-operation measures to be initiated and identify suitable partners.

However, a not insignificant number of inter-regional co-operation initiatives are also based on the principle of solidarity and on the concept of regional development aid, whereby one or more prosperous regions come to the assistance of one or more less developed ones. This is the case with many East-West and North-South co-operation arrangements.

When public authorities launch inter-regional co-operation projects, it is important that they mobilise the driving forces within their regions, in particular SMEs. In this context, the public authorities must focus on promoting and facilitating contacts and establishing good relations and a climate of mutual understanding. However, they must at the same time bear in mind that such co-operation is governed by very specific rules, in which confidentiality assumes far greater importance than is usually the case with co-operation initiatives in the public or semi-public sphere.

3.3. Forms and examples of trans-European inter-regional co-operation a. Bilateral co-operation

Trans-European regional co-operation first came into being in western Europe, as was only natural. Regions have often developed co-operation links with a number of partner regions:

- the Pays de Loire region in has bilateral co-operation arrangements with Galicia, Somerset, Schleswig Holstein, Emilia Romagna, North Portugal and Skane;

- is engaged in bilateral co-operation with Lorraine, Wallooon region, , , Provence-Alpes-Cöte d'Azur and a number of Swedish counties;

- Bavaria has bilateral co-operation arrangements with Languedoc-Roussillon, Midi- Pyrenees, Provence-Alpes-Cote d'Azur, Friuli Venezia Giulia and the Basque Country.

Over the past decade, especially during the second half of the nineties, many bilateral co- operation initiatives have come into being between west European and central and east European regions. The primary purpose of such co-operation is to furnish support and know-how to the regions of central and eastern Europe. Examples include the bilateral co- operation existing between:

- the Land of Bremen and the voivodship of Gdansk; - the Land of Niedersachsen and the voivodships of Wroclaw and Poznan; - the Conseil Général of Charente-Maritime and the region of Calarasi; - the Land of Sachsen and the Russian republic of Bashkortostan; - the Land of Tyrol and the region of Ivano-Frankovsk; - the region of Haute-Normandie and the voivodship of Pomerania; - the province of Groningen and the district of Hodonin. 10

In the same way as western regions often have several partner regions, some regions in central and eastern Europe have established bilateral co-operation with a number of other regions:

- the voivodship of Lower Silesia (Dolny Slask) is co-operating with Alsace, Niedersachsen, the county of Västmanland and the county of Ringkjöping;

- the voivodship of Mazovia is co-operating with He de France, Brandenburg, the Land of Sachsen Anhalt, Veneto, , Lazio and the region of Smolensk;

- the region of Calarasi is co-operating with Udine, the region of Silistra and the Department of Charente-Maritime. b. Multilateral co-operation

In this field a distinction can be drawn between:

- co-operation arrangements based on a permanent agreement, such as:

- the "Four Motors for Europe" working community (Baden Württemberg, Rhône-Alpes, Lombardy, Catalonia) established in 1988, which has adopted a new Memorandum of Co- operation for the 2000-2004 period;

- IMEDOC: the inter-regional organisation of the western Mediterranean islands;

- the Baltic Sea Seven Island Co-operation Network (the B7 network);

- ad hoc co-operation in the context of a specific project, more often than not co-financed by EU programmes:

- the Euroceram network (Wallooon region, Centro Portugal, Limousin, North Pas de Calais, Shannon, the Community of Valencia and the region of Tampere);

- the RESKO network (Lorraine, Asturia, Saarland, the region of Ostrava, the voivodship of Katowice, Wallooon region);

- the RDA NET CEDA regional development agencies network in the Interreg IIC CADSES area (Central, Adriatic, Danubian and South-Eastern European Space).

4. Participation of regions in major European inter-regional organisations

European regional authorities have long been forming large Europe-wide co-operation structures to represent their collective interests (in particular vis-à-vis the European institutions) and to serve as for debating common issues. These organisations are either specialist in nature (the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe, the Association of European Border Regions, the Association of European Regions of Industrial Technology (RETI)) or play a more general role (the Council of European Municipalities and Regions, the Assembly of European Regions). They are sufficiently 11

well known for it to be unnecessary to say more about their objectives and working methods here.

On the institutional level, the regions are represented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe at the Council of Europe and by the Committee of the Regions within the .

5. Regions' external activities involving inter-continental development aid and co-operation

A number of European regions are pursuing decentralised co-operation activities with developing countries. As a general rule, the regional authorities concerned provide financial and political backing for NGOs and other organisations specialising in development aid. The measures supported are aimed, inter alia, at improving living conditions for the local population, aiding the decentralisation process, generating conditions conducive to sustainable economic development, providing training and establishing productive activities. Examples are:

- support from the Ile de France region for decentralised co-operation activities in Africa (Mauritania, Mali, Madagascar), Latin America (Brazil, Argentina, Chile) and Asia (Vietnam);

- co-operation between the region of Franche-Comté and Mali and Morocco;

- co-operation between the region of Haute-Normandie and the region of Tamatave (Madagascar).

Certain forms of inter-continental co-operation go beyond development aid and are also aimed at developing lasting economic partnerships. For instance, a number of regions in Europe have established partnerships which have given rise to economic activities, in particular setting up overseas branches of European firms and developing commercial relations:

- Galicia is co-operating with the Andean Community in the framework of MERCOSUR and with the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina;

- Bavaria is co-operating with the region of Shandong (China), the Cape (South Africa) and a number of regions in North America (, California) and Latin America (the Sao Paolo region);

- Wallonia is engaged in co-operation with Quebec, Maryland, the Congo, Mauritania and Tunisia;

- Catalonia is co-operating with Quebec, Ontario, various Argentine provinces and Mexico.

Development aid projects require extensive support measures. For instance, the Conseil Regional of Franche-Comté is providing backing for an international, decentralised co- 12

operation resource centre, which fulfils networking and reporting functions and fosters the development of balanced relationships between the various regional operators involved (local government authorities, associations active in the field, private firms).

6. Constitutional and legal provisions governing co-operation and regions' external activities

This is a field where there are considerable disparities between the member states of the Council of Europe. Here we will focus on two specific aspects: authority to sign co- operation agreements and authority to participate in public-law co-operation organisations.

a. Regions' authority to sign co-operation agreements

Most European regions sign co-operation agreements with their partners. In the majority of cases these are not public-law agreements, that is to say they are not binding on the state concerned. Regions rarely have authority to sign international agreements coming under public law.

- In the federated entities (the regions and the Communities) are competent in matters of international relations, in the same way as the federal state. This means that, in the fields under their jurisdiction, they can negotiate and conclude international treaties, just like the federal government. This power to conclude treaties may be used to conclude agreements not only with sovereign states but also with federated entities vested with the same authority, such as the German Lander. Where it is not possible to conclude a treaty proper, in particular because the partner region does not have authority to do so, the regions can nonetheless enter into more or less formal agreements with other regions.

- In the Länder are vested with authority to sign international agreements and treaties with public partners having the same power, subject to the federal authorities' approval.

- In Austria the Länder can conclude treaties with other states (or their constituent entities) having a common frontier with Austria and enter into international or inter- regional agreements outside the sphere of public law. Before beginning negotiations, the governor of the Land concerned must inform the federal government, which subsequently approves the treaty.

b. Regions' authority to participate in public-law co-operation bodies

This right is not solely reserved for regions with legislative powers, and, paradoxically, some of the latter regions are not entitled to participate in public-law co-operation bodies.

- The regions of Belgium may participate in public-law co-operation bodies under the terms of a public-law agreement or treaty.

- The same applies to the German Länder, which are empowered to transfer sovereign rights to trans-frontier bodies under the terms of an international treaty concluded with another party likewise authorised to conclude international agreements. This is subject to 13

the procedural requirement of obtaining the federal government's approval, intended as a preventive supervisory measure so as to ensure that interests at the federal level are protected.

- When it signed the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation, made a reservation stipulating that the convention would apply subject to the conclusion of a bilateral treaty with the neighbouring state. This has been done with France. Under the terms of the relevant treaty the legal solutions to be adopted in order to regulate cross- border co-operation between regional or local authorities are the "consorcio" under Spanish law and the "groupement d'intérêt public" under French law. The treaty says nothing about the right of multi-regional trans-frontier co-operation groupings (such as the Pyrenees Working Community) to have legal personality. This right will not be formally recognised until the protocol providing for inter-regional co-operation has been signed and ratified.

- Under certain bilateral treaties resulting from the application of the Outline Convention, French regional authorities, which do not have legislative powers, are nonetheless authorised to participate in public-law co-operation bodies. This is the case of the authorities located along the Franco-Spanish border (see above) and the Franco-German border (the Karlsruhe Agreement of 23 January 1996).

- Strange to say, the Austrian Lander are not entitled to participate in public-law co- operation bodies.

The gradual implementation of the Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation and the two protocols thereto, through bilateral inter-state agreements, should afford a greater number of regions the possibility of participating in public-law co-operation bodies.

7. Regions' relations with the European institutions a. Individual representation of regional authorities

At the Council of Europe, regions are represented by the Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of Europe (Chamber of Regions), and at the European Union by the Committee of the Regions.

Apart from this collective representation through the Committee of the Regions, many regions of Europe have set up their own permanent representation with the European Union. These "regional embassies" are mainly responsible for keeping track of EU policy developments, helping to prepare applications for EU funding and promoting knowledge of their region's characteristics and problems in EU circles. A number of these representative bodies bring together economic, industrial, cultural, research and other interests under a single roof and strive to ensure proper co-ordination of EU support (at the political and technical levels). 14

However, the constitutions of certain member states do not allow individual representation of regions vis-à-vis the European Union. Accordingly, some regions arrange to be represented indirectly by an association without the status of a public authority. This applies to the Spanish regions, for instance. b. Regions' role in decision-making within the European institutions

Only regions enjoying legislative powers under their country's constitution have a direct influence on the decision-making process within the European institutions. Their means of action vary from one country to another.

With regard to the European Union, the following situations can be noted:

- The Belgian regions participate in formation of a consensus on the position to be adopted by Belgium at meetings of the Council of the European Union. In matters under their jurisdiction they are empowered to represent their country at such meetings on a rota basis. They participate in the ratification of treaties affecting their powers and responsibilities. They also have their own delegations within the Belgian permanent representation, so as to keep Council proceedings under close scrutiny.

- The German Länder participate in procedures relating to the European Union through the Bundesrat. The Bundesrat has a right of veto in matters involving the transfer of sovereign rights to the European Union and its institutions. As regards the right of participation in matters coming within the legislative authority of the Länder, the greater the Länders' degree of competence for a subject being dealt with in a piece of legislation, the more weight attaches to the Bundesrats opinion. Where the Länders' legislative and administrative powers and responsibilities are substantially affected by an EU proposal, the Bundesrat's opinion is binding on the federal government in its negotiations in the Council of the European Union. Where the Länder enjoy sole legislative authority for a given area, the Federal Republic's rights and interests are defended by the Bundesrat representative on the Council.

- The Spanish Autonomous Communities participate in determining Spain's position regarding EU decisions through the intermediary of a State-Autonomous Communities Conference for European Union Affairs, established by law.

- The Austrian federal government is required to keep the Länder informed of EU matters affecting their legislative powers. In such cases, when participating in meetings of the Council of the European Union, the federation is under an obligation to adhere to a joint position determined by the Länder. A Länder representative may take part in Council meetings.

- Italian regions participate in European Union affairs through a conference of state and regional authorities convened at least twice a year. This conference appoints regional representatives to the Italian permanent delegation in Brussels. 15

With regard to the Council of Europe, it should be noted that the German, Austrian and Swiss delegations participating in the steering committees established by the Committee of Ministers are mixed (made up of both federation and Lander or canton representatives). Moreover, one-third of the Swiss representatives in the Parliamentary Assembly originate from the cantons. c. European co-operation between regional parliaments

Regions with legislative powers have a regional parliament independent of the regional executive. The heads of these regional parliaments have established a co-operation structure at European level (the CALRE - Conference of Presidents of European Regional Legislative Assemblies), which has become active in promoting regionalism and federalism in Europe. This organisation primarily campaigns for increased recognition of regional legislative powers, according to the subsidiarity principle, in European decision- making procedures, particularly at European Union level. Its objective is to achieve greater co-operation with the .

8. Intensifying international co-operation between European regions - prospects and limiting factors

Inter-regional co-operation and regions' external activities have become absolutely vital factors in European integration. They must be regarded as essential to the formation of closer ties between nations and to economic development. Most regions in Europe are engaged in several types of inter-regional co-operation and external activities, whether bilateral or multilateral, local (in the case of frontier regions) or trans-European. A smaller number of regions are actively involved in development aid and intercontinental partnerships. A growing number of regional authorities also have their own representation with the European institutions.

It is encouraging to note the large number of co-operation arrangements established between west European and central and east European regions over the past ten years. As régionalisation advances in central and eastern Europe, this trend should be further enhanced.

European institutions, in particular the EU, have done much to foster inter-regional co- operation. Over the past ten years the European Union has implemented financial support schemes not only for co-operation initiatives involving regions in EU member states, but also for those encompassing regions of central and eastern Europe.

However, there are still a number of impediments to the development of these kinds of activities. For instance, a number of Council of Europe member states have not yet ratified the European Outline Convention on Transfrontier Co-operation and its two protocols. In some countries which have ratified the convention only slow progress is being made with the inter-state agreements often required for the convention to take effect in practice. Such bilateral agreements are frequently a prerequisite for the establishment of trans-frontier co- operation bodies. 16

In a number of member states, régionalisation has to progress before advances can be made with inter-regional co-operation activities. In this context, it can be seen that there is a need to adopt the Charter of Regional Self-Government as quickly as possible. This is of primary importance for many countries in central and eastern Europe, where régionalisation is a recent phenomenon or is still proceeding.

It must also be noted that not all regions are on an equal footing as regards their powers to engage in inter-regional co-operation or external activities. Regions with legislative powers are normally at an obvious advantage in this respect: they can more easily sign external co-operation agreements, particularly those coming under international public law. There are also significant differences between regions as regards their legal authority to participate in public-law co-operation bodies.

The quality of administrative systems is also of crucial importance to the success of inter- regional co-operation. Administrative weaknesses in certain central and east European regions, for example, have proved an obstacle to the success of a number of East-West co- operation initiatives.

Lastly, inter-regional co-operation requires financial resources, especially when it is a matter of participating in inter-regional co-operation projects receiving EU backing, since these projects must also be co-financed by the regions concerned. In this connection, it is important that member states should give financial support to their most disadvantaged regions, so as to enable them to play a real part in the co-operation networks. The survey showed that in certain member states lack of financial resources and insufficient interest in inter-regional co-operation constituted one of the main impediments to the development of international co-operation at the regional level. 17

APPENDIX

CONDENSED LIST OF INTERREGIONAL CO-OPERATION ACTIVITIES

(SYNTHESIS OF THE RESULTS OF THE INQUIRY) 18

INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION OF EUROPEAN REGIONS

ALBANIA 21 Albanian Association of the Chairmen of the District Councils 21 GERMANY 21 Hamburg 21 Schleswig-Holstein 21 Baden-Württemberg 22 Saxony 23 North-Rhine-Westphalia 23 Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 23 Sachsen-Anhalt 23 Baden-Württemberg 23 Bayern 23 Berlin 23 Hessen 23 Rheinland-Pfalz 23 ' Thüringen 23 Saarland 23 Bremen 23 Niedersachsen 23 Brandenburg 23 AUSTRIA 24 Kärnten 24 Union of towns of Austria 24 BELGIUM 25 Wallonia 25 Brussels-Capital 25 26 Sofia, Association of the Danube river Municipalities, Cooperation of Rhodope Municipalities, Kustendil, , Shabla, Mesta-Nestos, Euroregion Rousse- Giurgu, Euroregion Dobrich/Silistra-Karalasli/Constanca 26 27 Kobenhavns Amt, Frederiksborg Amt, Roskilde Amt, Vestsjaellands Amt, Storstroms Amt, Amt, Fyns Amt, Sonderjyllands Amt, Ribe Amt, Vejle Amt, Ringkjobing Amt, Arhus Amt, Viborg Amt, Nordjyllands Amt 27 SPAIN ! 28 Catalonia 28 Baleares 28 Valencia 28 Asturias 28 Galicia 28 Navarre 28 ESTONIA 29 Saaremaa 29 Hiiumaa 30 Tallinn Town 30 FINLAND 32 South-East Finland 32 Aland Island 32 FRANCE 32 19

Haute-Normandy 32 Pays de la Loire 32 Franche-Comté 33 Lorraine 33 33 Region of East Macedonia de and 33 HOLLAND 33 Groningen 33 Friesland 33 Drenthe 33 Overijessel 33 Flevoland 34 Utrecht 34 North Holland. 34 South Holland 35 DCMR Environmental Protection Agency 35 Gelderland 35 North Brabant 35 Limburg 35 Zeeland 35 36 Central region 36 Békéscsaba 36 ITALY 36 Piemont 36 Vallé d'Aoste 37 LITHUANIA 38 Alytus, Marijampolé, Vilnius, Utena, Klaipeda, Siauliai, Tauragé 38 MOLDOVA 39 Belts region 39 39 Voivode Lower-Silesia 39 Voivode Malopolskie 39 Voivode Pomerania 40 Voivode Mazowieckie 40 Voivode of Western Pomerania 40 ROMANIA 40 Judetean Calarasi 40 40 Norfolk 40 Cornwall 40 Scotland 40 RUSSIAN FEDERATION 40 Komi Republic 40 Bachkortostan 40 SLOVAKIA 41 Bratislava 41 Liptov 41 Medzilaborce 41 Rudohorie 41 Hnilec 41 Vah 41 Groupe des communes dans la région ď Orava 41 20

SLOVENIA 41 Nova Gorica 41 41 Skania 41 SWITZERLAND 42 Republic and Canton of Neuchatel 42 CZECH REPUBLIC 42 City of Opava 42 City of Prague 42 43 Ivano-Franivsk region 43 Lugansk 43 SWEDEN/NORWAY/FINLAND : MITTNORDEN 44 21

ALBANIA

REGIONS "o-operation Contacts Albanian Co-operation contacts with counterpart in Italy (AICCRE) Hatlxhe Kellezi Association of the « Memorandum of Understanding » between Tirana and Naples Fax: 355 4 23 08 31 Chairmen of the î-mail : District Councils :eutad @ albmail .com

GERMANY

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts Hamburg Land Schleswig-Holstein Brigitte Eisenberg, Tel: Sweden - County of Storstrom 340- 42831-2475, Fax : Denmark - Province of Western Zeeland 040-42831-1588, ;-mail: Brigitte.Eisenberg @ sk.h ambur2.de Schleswig-Holstein Estonia, Lithuania, Gouvernement Transfrontier Co-operation with Denmark. Dr. Gunter Hesse Sweden - Sydsam region Tel. 49 0 431 988 2113 Norway - East Norway Parlement Finland - Ostrobothnia ; Etelä-Pohjanmaa, Central Ostrobothnia Jutta Schmidt Hollander - Kaliningrad, Regional Douma of Kaliningrad Tel. 49 0 431 988 11 59 Poland - Pomerania France - Pays de la Loire 22

Baden- - Co-operation Structure « 4 Motors of Europe - Vier Motoren für Dr. Anita Herre Württemberg Europa » with Catalonia (Spain), Lombardy (Italy) and Rhone-Alpes Fax: 07 11 21 53 510 (France).

ARGE ALP ARGE DONAU Bodensee konferenz (IBK) Germany - France -Switzerland Oberrheinkonferenz (ORK) Bilateral Relations with regions in Hungary Co-operation with regions of the European Union realised in partnership for the use of structural funds (INTERREG) for different projects 23

Saxony Lower-Silesia, Martin Flasche Common projects with the region Brittany, Academy of Grenoble [email protected] 'France) and the Czech Authorities sachsen.de North-Rhine BENELUX Countries Westfalia- EUREGIO, Euregio Rhein-Waal Euregio Rhein-Maas-Nord Euregio Maas-Rhin Valencia (Spain) Czech Republic Bilateral Co-operation with the Hungarian authorities, Czech Republic and the Silesia Voi'vodie (Slask) in Poland Mecklenburg- Estonia, Lithuania, Sydsam (Sweden), EUREGIO Pomerania Michael Mattner Vorpommern (Poland, Sweden), Stk-mv.eu @t-online.de Sachsen-Anhalt Plovdiv (Bulgaria), North Pas de Calais (France), Limburg (Belgium), Silesia (Poland), Brno (Slovakia), Min. of Agriculture of Hungary, Lithuania Baden- Rhone-Alpes ; Alsace, Lombardy Württemberg Bayern Bulgaria, Romania, Languedoc-Roussillon, Midi-Pyrenees, Provence-Alpes- Cote d'Azur, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, Trentino, Sud- Tirol, Pays Basque. In Austria Tyrol, Salzburg, Vorarlberg, Oberosterreich Poland, Czech Republic. Slovenia, Slovakia Berlin Paris, Brussels, Madrid, Warsaw, Prague, Budapest Hessen Aquitaine, Emilia Romagnia Rheinland-Pfalz Bourgogne, Lorraine, « SaarLorLux-Raum » Co-operation Protocol with the German speaking minority in Belgium Thüringen Picardie (France), Essex (R.U.), Malopolskie and the city of Krakow (Poland) and with Hungary Saarland Lorraine Bremen « Neue Hanse Interregio » with the region of Holland, Oberosterreich Gdansk and Pomerania (Poland) Niedersachsen « Neue Hanse Interregio » with the regions of Holland. In Poland - Breslau, Posen. Welkopolskie Brandenburg Lubulskie and Western Pomerania. Lower-Silesia. Podlackie, Mazovieckie, Welkopolskie (Poland). Jasz-Nagykun-Szolnok (Hungary) 24

AUSTRIA

REGIONS Zo-operation Contacts Kärnten 1. Co-operation in the framework of ARGE Alpen-Adria Dr. Johannes Maier [email protected]

( ' J JiHM'-Jrh % ; Bur \ - SSEBS'S OBLROSTEfiROCH, ' V , ' Salzburg SibiLKVARK,/ / s C #«r " ••fr-l'iJ*Sioit>txttl#!tr I # Dr. Andreas Kiefer, / ^«äMS^Ä? JJxiSweii»"*» i TICINO -I?*-, a-HHfipi JlS > v pß/xM, Salzburg Fax : 0662 8042 2930 I OMKAKUIA • SZ^^f^.^MüGV e-mail: : andreas.kiefer@land- TRCTJTiND-A^TOACIIGr - , \ ' sbg.gv.at IHi-MTlNÜ-SlÄiliHOS ' . \ Xjgk -- VCNEIO \ » x hhvatska rRIULi-.VCNL'ZlAGlLlLiA \ ^^ X < \ ^X ' Ì? f X X ~ I \ \

2. Bilateral Co-operation with neighbouring regions : Slovenia and the Friuli- Venezia -Giulia region (Italy) 3. Sence confini - promotion of 3 regions : Kärnten ; Friuli Venezia Giulia and Slovenia for the Olympic Games in 2006 i. Co-operation in the framework of INTERREG and Phare CBC with Friuli Venezia Giulia and Slovenia 5. Transnational Co-operation in the framework of TACIS Jumelage of towns - Ukraine (Czernowitz) and Moldova. Union of In the framework of the programme « Centurion » , co-operation with Erich Pramböck towns of central and eastern European regions [email protected] Austria Fax 43 140007135 l'Austria 25

BELGIUM

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts Wallonia Transfrontier Co-operation Philippe SUINEN 1) EUROREGION - Kent (England), North Pas de Calais Pascale VAN BOL (France) Tel. 32 2 421 86 18 2) Champagne Ardennes (France) Fax : 32 2 421 87 87 3) Rhénanie du Nord Westphalie (Germany), X) Kreis d'Aachen (Germany), Holland's Limburg 5) PED - European Development Pole 5) with the towns of Lille, Valenciennes, Cambrai, Avesne sur Halpe (France)

The strengthening of régionalisation of the external :ommerce has contributed to the development of the network af commercial representations of the Walloon region : 68 posts in the world in 90 countries and 5 international organizations. Brussels Capital Bilateral agreements with : Pierre GERARD Land of Berlin (Germany), Urban Community of Lille [email protected] (France), Town-region Sofia (Bulgaria), Moscow (Russia) Guy Vanhengel and Kiev (Ukraine) Many contacts and co-operation in the framework of international organisations as : Assembly of European Regions and Euroregion (Kent, North Pas de Calais) 26

BULGARIA

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts Sofia, Bulgaria Bilateral cooperation with Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Mrs Boriana Savova (Germany) Vienna (Austria), Moscow Fax:+ 359 2 981 07 03 (Russia), Prague (Czech Republic), Copenhagen ittp://Sofia.org (Denmark), Paris (France) and Tel Aviv (Israel) Association of the Danube Danube river Bulgarian municipalities and Danube Mr Petar Dulev river Municipalities river Romanian municipalities Fax :+359 658 22960 admr @ mbox.infotel.bg ittp :www.idealist.org Cooperation of Rhodope Association of Rhodope Municipalities, Bulgaria Mrs Petia Gegova Municipalities And the Association of Border Region "DELTA- Fax: +359 301230 41 RODOPI", Greece e-mail:arm@ sm.unacs.bg (objective - applying for the EU Interreg IIIA and ittp: www.arm-bg.com Phare CBC Programs submitting common cross-border cooperation projects) Kustendil, Bulgaria Kustendil, Bulgaria and Kriva Palanka VIr Kiril Alexov Subject: Tourism and Environment Iel: +359 78 226 40 Fax: + 359 78 274 91 Shabla, Bulgaria Municipality of Shabla, Bulgaria and Municipality of Mr Kosta Kostov Konstantsa, Romania Iel:+359 88601500 Project: "Conferences along the Black Sea" Fax:+359 52 611 811

Euroregion Bulgarian municipalities (Bansko, Belica, Gotze, Mr. Krasimir Munev Mesta-Nestos Delchev, Gurmen, Razlog, Satovcha, Hdgidimovo, Fax:+359 2 751 232 46 Yakoruda) and greek municipalities (, Kapo, E-mail: [email protected] Nevrokopi, Boksato, Prosochani, Paranesion) and [email protected] NGOs Euroregion Rousse- Rousse, Bulgaria and Giurgiu, Romania Mr. Dimitar Kaltchev Giurgiu rel:+359 82 222739 Fax:+359 82 222508 Evroregion Dobrich and Silistra, Bulgaria - Karalash and Mrs. Pravda Dimova Dobrich/Silistra - Constança, Rumania [email protected] Karalash/Constanca 27

DENMARK

Hofdfyllanas Amt

Viborg Amt Rmgkjafeing Aiti us Amt Amt•• '' Frsderiksborg Amt Amt - h ' ~ Kabenhavns Amt Rifee Amt tönt Roskiide Amt Fy« » «ITH Born heims Amt 4 \ ' , Storstrems Amt

REGIONS Co-operation Contactes K0benhavns Amt Projects with partner countries - Michael Koch-Larsen Frederiksbora Amt «Distribution of Projects by Counties and Partner [email protected] Roskilde Amt Countries » tel. 45 35 29 81 71 Vestsjaellands Amt nttp ://www. arf.dk Storstroms Amt Bornholms Amt Fvns Amt Sönderivllands Amt Ribe Amt Veile Amt Ringkjöbing Amt Axhus Amt Vi bora Amt Nordivllands Amt 28

SPAIN

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts Catalonia Agreements with Lorraine, Walloon region, Flanders, Wales, Llibert Cuatrecasas Swedish regions mcanals @ go vernacio- rransfrontier co-operation with Languedoc-Roussillon and Midi- ri.gencat.es Pyrenees (EUROREGION, Working Community of the Pyrenees) Transregional co-operation « Four motors » with Baden Württemberg, Lombardy and Rhône-Alpes Baleares Eastern Mediterranean Islands (Corse, Sardaigne, Sicile).Co- loan Manuel Lopez Nadal operation is centralized on agricultural questions and the Fax 34 971 17 64 56 utilization of the INTERREG funds Co-operation is also exercised through Euro partnerships in ;nterprises of different regions and towns (Holland, Vienna, Kokkola -Finland, Istanbul, Brandenburg, Palerme, Hanover, Utrecht, Edinburgh, Luxembourg, Venice etc)

Interregional Project with Bourgogne (France), Kortrijk (Belgium) ; Viborg (Denmark), Ligurie (Italy), Highlands (Scotland), Thessalonique (Greece) Valencia Several common projects in the agricultural, tourism, culture and lose Luis Olivas Martinez employment fields, etc. With partners of different regions and enterprises of the United Kingdom, Italy, Austria, Sweden, Portugal, France etc Asturias Projects with the partners of ARC ATLANTIQUE Adela Barrero Florez EURODYSEE - (Youth exchange) with the Walloon region, [email protected] Franche-Comté, Limousin, Champagne-Ardennes, Poitou- Charente etc. ATLANTIS - (tourism, flight connexions, technological parks, etc)

Co-operation Protocol with Brittany (France), : Projects in the framework of INTERREG with Brittany, Pays de Loire, Aquitaine (France). Norte (Portugal) etc

Projects in the framework of the Conference of regions of Southern Atlantic Europe (SEA) with Centro and Norte (Portugal), Aquitaine, Pays (France), etc

In the framework of the Programme ECOS OUVERTURE - with Burgas (Bulgaria), Fingal (Ireland). Ustid Nad Labem (Czech Republic). Pest (Hungary) etc

Several projects in the programme RAPHAEL and Youth for Europe Galice Co-operation protocols with the Pays de Loire (France), with lesus Gamallo Aller Norte (Portugal), Opole region (Poland) and with Latino American countries

Navarre Transfrontier Co-operation (Working Community of the Juan José Grau las Helas, Pyrenees) directeur du service des Affaires Extérieures 29

ESTONIA

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«»li w" Ir REGIONS Co-operation Contacts Saaremaa Co-operation with the regions of the neighbouring countries : Tarmo PIKNER The Island of Gotland (Sweden) - 1989 [email protected] The Island of Ôland (Sweden) - 1989 Uusimaa County (Finland) - 1991 rhe Island of (Denmark) - 1992 The Island of Fr0ya (Norway) - 1993 Ialsi District (Latvia) - 1998

Co-operation of the Baltic islands: Aland (Finland), Bornholm (Denmark), Gotland and Ôland (Sweden), Riigen (Germany), Saaremaa and Hiiumaa (Estonia). Activities are carried out by three working groups: Environment, Business and Tourism, People to People. Two projects involving all 7 islands have been endorsed for funding under the EU Programmes:

Cooperation with international organisations: Saaremaa County is a member of the following organisations: International Island Games Association since 1991

UNESCO International Scientific Council for Island Development (INSULA) since 1992

Eurohouse, established on Saaremaa since 1995

Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) since 1996 30

Hiiumaa International co-operation in the framework of B7, Eurohouse and Energy Reet KOKOVKIN ESTONIA [email protected] H B7 Co-operation structure between 7 Baltic Sea Islands

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P -f Gotland .. ..T^ j! Î/ A yjjf . .SââÇÂilSâô A< \ r ) mmmh y ƒ -

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-jkrUutm W MitLmmmÉM Bornholm (Denmark) Gotland (Sweden) Hiiumaa (Estonia) Rügen (Germany) 5aaremaa (Estonia) 41and (Aland/Finland) Oland (Sweden)

^ Enerav ESTONIA Energy E.S.T.O.N.I A. is a project involving the seven European island regions of Bornholm (Denmark), Gotland (Sweden), Hiiumaa (Estonia), Orkney (Great Britain), Saaremaa (Estonia), Shetland (Great Britain) and Aland (Finland). The aim of the project is to promote the efficient and rational use of energy in the two Estonian islands Hiiumaa and Saaremaa.

^ EUROHOUSE Cross border Cooperation between : Saare County Government (Estonia), Association of local municipalities of Hiiumaa and Läänemaa (Estonia), City of Hanko (Finland), Regional Council of South-West Finland and Municipality of Nontälje (Finland) City of Kaido Sirel, [email protected] tel. 372 640 42 16 ; fax : 372 640 31 62 Tallinn International Co-operation with regions http://www2.tallinn.ee/I1576 francais/11689 relations/13350 index.xml 31

Current Projects

@ " The Baltic Palette "

Co-operation project of spatial planning with the central part of the Baltic Sea, where participated : Stockholm - Mälar Region | Helsinki Region | Southwest Finland j Häme Region Âland Islands | City of St.Petersburg | Leningrad Region | Citv of Tallinn | Riga Region

IS] Via Baltica Spatial Development Zone" Partners Regional Council of Riga (Latvia) Regional Council of Häme (Finland) Region of Rapla (Estonia) Administration of the Kaunas region (Lithuania) Association des communes polonaises dans l"'Euroregion - NIEMEN" (Suwalki) Gemeinsame Landesplanung Berlin Brandenburg (Planning commun régional de Brandenburg I - Berlin)

BUEUREGIO Helsinki-Tallinn. Transfrontier Co-operation between the Uudenmaan region (represented by Uudenmaan Liitto (Finland), the city of Helsinki, the local government of the Harju Department (Estonia), City of Tallinn (Estonia) and the Union des gouvernements municipaux dans la région de Harju (Estonia). 32

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'^FINLANp is DMod'wrt h permission oÏBaltïC Palette Project Contacts Co-operation REGIONS Hannu Elo South-Western Co-operation projects with the Finistère (France), tittp://www.varsinais- With the regions of the Baltic Sea in the framework of projects : Finland suomi.fi/ Baltic Palette, the Baltic capitals and Kings Road, Kings Road Russia Aland Islands Transnational Co-operation B7 (7 Baltic Islands)

FRANCE Contacts Co-opetation REGIONS ean BEAUFILS South of England- East-Sussex, West-Sussex, Kent Dorset, Haute-Normandie ^ax : 02 35 52 57 65 Hampshire, Isle of Wright in the framework oftransfronuerco- Dperation and the application for the structural funds (INTERRED) Germany - Lower-Saxony Poland - partnership under way : region - Dolnoslaslae (Breslau), region Wielkopolskie (Poznan) ; Pomerama (Gdansk) Romania- Galati Department lyiciHnonsrar Citv of Tamatave Bernard Suaud, Pays de la Loire Spain -Galice Conseiller régional. Grande-Bretagne - Somerset Tel: 02 51 37 33 66 Germany- Schleswig-Holstein Fax :02 51 36 27 95 Italy - Emilia-Romagna Hungary - B alaton 33

Franche-comté Maroc- Ouarzazate Jean-Pierre Rebourgeon, Mali - Mopti Conseil régional de Franche-comté, rel: 03 81 61 61 61 pax : 03 81 83 12 92 Lorraine Sweden - Västerbotten, Norrbotten Anne Buffet, Conseil Finland - Häme "égional Czech Republic inne. buffet ©cr- Poland oirai ne.fr Hungary rel : 03 87 33 63 29 pax : 03 87 33 62 79

GREECE

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts Region of East- rransfrontier co-operation with the neighbouring regions of Turkey Constantinos Tatsh Macedonia and and Bulgaria.(EUREGION Mesta-Nestos) Thrace Occasional Contacts with different countries (Italy, Denmark, Sweden, Hungary and Romania) Local authorities of DRAMA, ,

HOLLAND

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts Groningen Czech Republic - Prague, Hodonin county, Antoine Janssen Russia - Kaliningrad Coordinateur des Affaires Européennes. Tel. 050- 3164832, e-mail: [email protected] Friesland Russia - Tverskaya Oblast Y. Van der Wal réi: 058-2925577, e-mail: :ebz@ frvslan.nl Drenthe Romania - district of Suceava fan Koops, productgroep Milieubeheer, Tel: 0592- 365839, e-mail: I. Koops @ drenthe.nl Hungary - City of Szekesfehervar (Fejer region) Albert Smit. chef du bureau de Queens Commissioner, rel: 0592 365395. e-mail : [email protected] Overijssel Latvia - Sabile, Riga. Ogre. Daugavpils L. Folkertsma, Tel : 038- Russia -St. Petersburg region 4252311. e-mail : Germany - Nordrhein-Westfalen [email protected] 34

Flevoland Russia- district Dimitrov, Moscow region Sans Blom, Business Contacts department of Economic Affairs. Tel. 320 265325, e-mail: [email protected] Poland - Ministry of national Environment Yvonne Jakobs, Tel : 320 265265, e-mail : [email protected] Utrecht Czech Republic - Hradec Kra lové Regina Horbach et Pieter Scherks, coordinateurs des Affaires Européennes, e-mail : regina.horbach(pieter.scherks) @pro vincie-utrecht.nl Ludolf den Hartog Poland - Lubelskie, Dolnopolskie, Malopolskie, Slaskie Departement Water and Environement. Tel: 30- 2583648, e-mail: rudo.den.hartog@ provincie- utrecht. ni 3hilip Claringbould. Hungary -Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen region Département Nature and Green. Tel: 030-2583841, e-mail: Philip.claringbould@ provincie-utrecht.nl North Holland Georgia - pays de Kvemo Kartki/Rustavi Angela Rolvers, département des Affaires Economiques, Agricoles et Environnement, Tel: 023-5143932, e-mail: Poland [email protected] Hungary Hans Keulen, coordinateur Estonia des Affaires Européennes, Czech Republic Tel : 023-5143657 Slovenia 35

South Holland Hungary -Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen region Suzanne Briegoos - Czech Republic -North Bohemia (Usti nad Labem) coordinateur général ; Tel : Latvia - Aluksne region 070-4416778, e-mail : Russia - Petchora region of the Oblast of Pskov [email protected]

South Holland Russia - St. Petersburg Oblast, Sosnovy Bor Esko Blokker, Tel: 010- DCMR Environmental Latvia - Ventspils 2468272, e-mail: Protection Agency Romania - Bacau and Constanza [email protected] Bulgaria - Bourgas Poland Czech Republic - North Bohemia Hungary - Borsod-Abauj-Zemplen Gelderland Poland - Province of Voivodship of Lubelskie ieanet Pronk - coordinateur général, Tel : 026 3599062, e-mail : .pronk @ prv. gelderland.nl North Brabant Poland - province of Wielkopolska 3aul Diemel, coordinateur des Romania -Valcea, Arad and Kluj regions Affaires Européennes, Tel : Hungary 073-6812758, e-mail: [email protected] Limburg J.H.M.A.Kneepkens - Hungary - Hajdu-Bihar and conseiller des Affaires internationales de l'exécutif -égional F.J. Swartjes. département des (Meuse-Rhin programme Interreg, with the participation Affaires Economiques, Tel : af Hungary, Poland, Ukraine, Slovakia, Belgium, 343-3897459, e-mail : Germany) [email protected] Georgia -Kvemo Kartli region L.Lemmens, département des Poland - voi vodie of Wielkopolska Affaires Sociales, Tel : 043- 3897559. e-mail : ?mc.lemmens @ prvlimbura.nl K.Slijkhuis, département de Czech Republic - région de Karvina l'Environnement et de Gestion de l'Eau. Tel : 043-3897569 Zeeland CEE - Multilateral Co-operation with Flanders, east and W. Blondeel. Tel : 0118- west (Belgium) 631480. e-mail : [email protected] 36

HUNGARY

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts Central Region Austria - Vienna, Carinthie, Styrie Pal Pataki, chef du bureau de Greece - Thessaloniki, l'Intégration européenne et Poland - Krakow des Affaires Etrangères, Tel : RDA-Net CEDA 361 327-10-75, Fax: 361 327- Italy - Friulia, Bologne 1807 Czech Republic - Ostrava, Moravia, region South Slovakia - Trencin Slovenia - Maribor, Kranj, Lendva Békéscsaba UK - Worcestershire Szilagyi Nikoletta, assemblée France - Deux-Sèvres régionale de Békés, Tel : Romania - Arad, Covasna 366611603, Fax: 3666441609 Yougoslavia - Voivodine Hungary

ITALY

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts Piémont Belgium - Brussels, Walloon region, Flanders, Regione Piemonte- Piazza Croatia Castello, 165 Egypt I - 10122 Torino Finland - Tempère region rel: +39 011 432 2500 France - Midi Pyrénées, Lyon, Languedoc - Roussillon Fax: +39 011 432 4893 Germany E-mail: Ireland - Cork [email protected] Lithuania Dnte.it Norway - Oslo Web : Holland - North Brabant ittp://www.regione. piemonte. Poland it Portugal Czech Republic Romania -Brasov region, Constanta, Iasi, Timis, Dolj, Prahova, Hunedoara, Bucharest Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain - Paesi Baschi region, Bilbao, Galice, Sweden - Västmanland Turkey Hungary - Budapest Austria - Innsbruck, Salzburg, United Kingdom - London 37

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts Autonomous region Iransfrontier co-operation with the neighbouring regions: Mme CAZABAN of Aosta Valais (Valais Council - Aosta ); Swiss cantons of Geneva, [email protected] Valais and Vaud and French regions of Provence-Alpes - Tel: +39 0165 273 216/920 Côte d'Azur and Rhône-Alpes (COTRAO) Fax: +39 0165 273 303

Co-operation in the field of INTERREG: Interreg III/A Italy/Switzerland, Interreg IIIA Italy/France and Interreg [IIB " Eastern Mediterranean regions" (Corsica, Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, Rhône-Alpes, Andalusia, Aragon, Catalunia, Baleares, Mucie, Valencia, Ceuta, Melilla, Algarve, Gibraltar and Greece)

Bilateral agreements with: French community of Belgium, Voïvodie of Warmia and Mazurie (Poland), Zhejiang region (China) 38

LITHUANIA

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts Alytus county Euroregion "Neman": Members of the Euroregion: Byelorrussia: Gardin region; Poland:Wojewodztvwa Podlaskie and Warminsko- Mazurskie; Russia: Sovjetsk town has declared its interest in Darticipation Vlarijampole county Euroregion "Neman: Gintaras Skamarocius Members of the Euroregion: Byelorussia: rel.: +370 43 91538 Gardin region; Fax: +370 43 52465 3oland: Wojewodztvwa Podlaskie and Warminsko- î-mail: Vlazurskie; [email protected] *ussia:Sovjetsk town has declared its interest in participation Vilnius county Euroregion "Neman: Vlembers of the Euroregion: Byelorussia: Gardin region; 5oland: Wojewodztvwa Podkaskie and Warminsko- Vtazurskie; Russia: Sovjetsk town has declared its interest in participation Utena county Euroregion "Country of the lakes" Jthuanian municipalities: Ignalina, Zarasai, Utena and Visaginas; Byelorussia :Verchnedvinskij, Braslavo, Miory and 'ostavo regions; -atvia: Kraslava, Daugpils, Rezekne and Latgala regions Klaipeda county Euroregion "Baltic: Roma Stubriené, ^atvia (Liepaja region); fel/Fax: + 370 6 312483 3oland(wojewodztvwa Pomorskie, Warminsko- Vlazurskie, the district Slawno of the wojewodztvwo Zachodniopomorskie) ; Denmark (county of Bornholm); Russia (Kalingrad district); Sweden (Kalmar, Kronoberg and Blekinge) Siauliai county Euroregion "Sun": Russia (Kalingrad region) (Sovjetsk town, Neman and Slavsk districts); -atvia (Jelgava region); Sweden (Skaane region); Iaurage county Euroregion "Sun": Russia (Kalingrad region) (Sovjetsk town. Neman and Slavsk districts); ^atvia (Jelgava region); Sweden (Skaane region) 39

MOLDOVA

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts BELTS region Transfrontier co-operation in the EUREGIO « UPPER Mihai BOTEZATU PRUT » Fax 231 25034 Bilateral Relations with Kärnten (Austria)

POLAND

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts Voïvode Lower- Interregional co-operation agreements with Alsace (France), Lidia KWIECIEN Silesia Saxony and Lower-Saxony (Germany) Fax: 48 71 374 9185 The other partners are : Västmanland (Sweden), Ringkjobing Leon KIERES (Denmark), Kirovohrad (Ukraine), Emilia Romagna (Italy)

Transfrontier Co-operation with the Czech Republic with Euregio Glacensis and Neisse. Planned or occasional co-operation with Tyrol (Austria), North Kazakhstan (Kazakhstan)

Voïvode Interregional Co-operation contracts with Funen (Denmark), Elzbieta Kantor Malopolskie Tuscany (Italy). Commune of Copenhague (Denmark). Rhöne- Fax : 48 0126237270 Alpes (France). Presov (Slovakia). Zilina (Slovakia). Common Declaration with Thurigen (Germany)

1 40

Voïvode Pomerania Multilateral Co-operation within the organisations (BSSSC - Baltic Grzegorz Grzelak Sea States Subregional Cooperation, RERES (Skania and Kalmar Fax: 0583056116 regions - Sweden), BYA (Sydsam region - Sweden), Baltic Euregio, Bit-House Co-operation with the regions of the South of Sweden - (Kalmar, Kronoberg, Blekinge) Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg- Vorpommern (Germany), Commune of Storstroms (Denmark), Vilnius region (Lithuania); Kaliningrad (Russia) and with Latvia, Pomerania co-operation with the regions of Limousin (France), Mittel Franken (Germany), Asturias (Spain) and Strathclyde, Newcastle (Grande Bretagne) Voïvode Conventions with lie de France, Brandenbourg, Saxen-Anhalt Leszek Kwiatek Mazowieckie (Germany), Veneto, Lombardy and Latium (Italy), Stockholm (Sweden), Pest (Hungary), Smolensk (Russia) Voïvode Westerns Land of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Germany), Pawel Marski Pomerania Fax : 4891 4 303 614 [email protected]

ROMANIA

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts ledetean Calarasi Charentes-Maritimes (France), Udine (Italy), Mihai ARBAGIC Silistra (Bulgaria) [email protected] Fax : 042 331609

UNITED KINGDOM

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts Norfolk European Co-operation Karen Gibson [email protected] Fax : 44 0 16 03 22 25 98 rei.: 44 0 16 03 22 33 45 Cornwall European Co-operation Doris Ansati OBE, member exécutif, conseil régional, Tel : 01872 322570, Fax : 01872 322580, e-mail : executive @ Ice0.c0rnvall.20v.uk Scotland Scottish-Nordic co-operation with Northern parts Siobahn Ennis of Norway, Sweden, Finland, supported through Scottish Executive the "Northern Periphery Programme" Ministry for Education, Europe, and Co-operation in regional policy, social affairs and External Affairs lealth with relevant Finnish ministries rei.: 44 131 556 8400 Co-operation prospects with: îcottish.mi nisters® scotland.gsi.gov.uk Catalunia, Bavaria, Flanders NordRhein- Westfalen

RUSSIAN FEDERATION

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts Komi Republic Arctic region Anatoli Kapaktchiev. adjoint du chef de Finland - Laponia la République Komi, 167010. Sweden - Västerbotten Siktivkar, 9, me Komunistitcheskaia Canada - Alberta

Bachkortostan Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt (Germany) Rafil Kh. Garifullin -Ministre [email protected] 41

SLOVAKIA

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts Bratislava Co-operation with other European organisations ZMOS : Association of towns and :ommunities of Slovakia Boris Tonhauser E-mail:[email protected] Tel: +421 (7)* 5296 4914 Fax:+421 (7)* 5296 4256 (2) on Is' of July 2001 Liptov Transfrontier co-operation with the Polish neighbouring regions (EUREGIO TATRAS) Partners in the Czech Republic - Opava Region Medzilaborce Carpathian EUREGIO with Polish regions Rudohorie No international co-operation Hnilec Co-operation with towns of the regions and Swedish and Irish towns Vah EUREGIO Bile-Biele Karpaty with the regions of the Czech Republic Communes of the With the local authorities of Poland they had created región Orova an Association of Communes Babia Hora

SLOVENIA

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts City of Nova EUROREGION with Italy (with the province of Gorica Gorizia in Friuli-Venezia-Giulia)

SWEDEN

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts SKANIA - EUREGIO Oresund Carl Soneson - 14 projects with European partners within swebaltcop and the Fax : 4640102688 structural funds of the EU (INTERREG),. For example with the regions of Denmark, Germany, Latvia. Norway. Poland. Russia, Finland 42

SWITZERLAND

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts Republic and Transfrontier co-operation with Franche-Comté (France) and lean Guinand Canton of within the Arc Jurassien Fax 032 889 60 79 Neuchâtel • Région Jura » Région Val-de-Travers

• Région Jura-Bienne • Région Nord Vaudois

• Région Centre-Jura • Région Vallée-de-Joux

• Région Val-de-Ruz • Région Thaï (Soleure)

CZECH REPUBLIC

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts City of Opava Co-operation with foreign regions at municipal level lana Galuszkova The Opava city co-operates in EUREGIO Silesia with the (an Mrazek Polish neighbouring towns. Municipal co-operation is also exercised with the cities of Russia, Slovakia, Italy, Holland and Nicaragua City of Prague Germany- Berlin, Hambourg, Frankfurt sur Main, Nuremberg Zdenek rojan, chef de la Russia - Moscow, St Petersburg commission d'Education du Spain -Madrid, Barcelona Conseil municipal Israel - Jerusalem, Ramat Gan France - Paris Austria- Vienna Hungary - Budapest Sarajevo Latvia -Riga Lithuania - Vilnius

Transfrontier regions Transfrontier co-operation with the neighbouring countries 43

UKRAINE

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts Region of Ivano- Co-operation agreements with: Zinovii Mytnyk Franivsk - City of Tomaszowie Mazowieckim (Poland) Fax :0342556024 -Kosice region (Slovakia) e-mail : [email protected] -Tyrol (Austria) - Hayange (France) Transfrontier co-operation within the « Carpathian EUREGIO»

] RMOM / 1«, ) i / * f , V^ < ' /-r ^

Projects with the Maramuresh department (Romania) and ryrol (Austria) Lugansk Russia- Belgorod, Voronej, Rostov, Orenbourg, Moscow V.N. Tihonov, membre du Poland - Lublin comité du Développement Byelorussia - transfrontier regions durable du CPLRE Bulgaria - city of Pernik A.C. Yefemov, chef de Hungary - Sekeshfehervar l'administration d'Etat France - Saint-Etienne locale Grande Bretagne - City of Cardiff / Wales Denmark - region of Ringkjobing 44

SWEDEN/NORVEGE/FINLAND

REGIONS Co-operation Contacts Vlittnorden Transfrontier co-operation structures between 9 regions and Gun Enquist Ohman - Comitée departments of Sweden (Jämtland, Västernorrland), Norway (Sor Executive Manager and North-Trondelag) and Finland (Österbotten, South- Fax : 4666019628 Österbotten, Österbotten-Centre, Centre-Finland and South- [email protected] Savolax) Together they made more than 50 projects in the fields of culture, Ii ttp : //w w w. m ittnorden. n tourism, energy and local affairs, etc. iJl Their partners are also in Russia (Leningrad oblast within the project « Mid Nordic - St. Petersburg Development Corridor »

f\ f\ C f! MITTNORDEN "ESOOH.'OLA