Scientific Journals Zeszyty Naukowe Maritime University of Szczecin Akademia Morska w Szczecinie

2010, 23(95) pp. 50–56 2010, 23(95) s. 50–56

EU measures protecting the marine environment implemented in Baltic

Działania Unii Europejskiej na rzecz ekologicznej ochrony środowiska morskiego realizowane w Euroregionie Bałtyk

Marianna Greta, Teresa Kostrzewa-Zielińska, Jacek Otto Technical University of Łódź, Faculty of Organisation and Management Department of European Integration and International Marketing Politechnika Łódzka, Wydział Organizacji i Zarządzania, Katedra Integracji Europejskiej i Marketingu Międzynarodowego 90-924 Łódź, ul. Wólczańska 215, e-mail: [email protected]

Key words: European Union, regional policy, Euroregion, structural funds, ecology Abstract The objective of the paper is to present ecological measures for marine environment protection financed by the EU within Euroregional structures. For this purpose the paper is divided into two parts. The first part concerns the ’ position and mission based on the origin of Euroregion Baltic and its special features. The second part concerns selected measures aimed to protect marine environment financed from the EU assistance funds. The primary conclusion is as follows: Euroregional structures were crucial as regards the acquisition of development funds while the EU’s involvement in ecological development and the specific features of Euroregions have led to the implementation of ecological measures. They have directly or indirectly contributed to marine environment protection. Słowa kluczowe: Unia Europejska, polityka regionalna, euroregion, fundusze strukturalne, ekologia Abstrakt Celem opracowania było przedstawienie działań ekologicznych na rzecz ochrony środowiska morskiego fi- nansowanych z UE w strukturach euroregionalnych. Dla jego realizacji przyjęto konstrukcję opracowania składającego się z dwóch części. Pierwsza z nich dotyczyła istoty i misji euroregionów z uwzględnieniem ge- nezy Euroregionu Bałtyk i specyfiki jego funkcjonowania u wybrzeży wód Bałtyku. Druga część dotyczyła opisu wybranych przedsięwzięć mających na celu ochronę środowiska morskiego, a realizowanych ze środ- ków pomocowych UE. Zasadniczy wniosek, który nasuwa się przy realizacji powyższego tematu, jest nastę- pujący: struktura euroregionalna odegrała istotną rolę w pozyskiwaniu funduszy rozwojowych. Natomiast za- angażowanie UE w rozwój ekologiczny i specyfika obszarów euroregionalnych powodowały, iż były reali- zowane przedsięwzięcia ekologiczne. Służyły one bądź bezpośrednio, bądź pośrednio ochronie środowiska morskiego.

Introduction derably broader, which is reflected in the first pillar, i.e. the economic and monetary union Since its foundation, the European Union (pre- harmonising the economies and monetary systems viously the European Community) has been extend- of the member states. Sectoral policies include ing the scope of its activities, which is reflected in environmental policy, which just like other policies community policies. In the 1960s its primary tasks of this type have its rules, priorities, programmes included common trade and agricultural policies and financial instruments. In this way the EU and short-term assistance measures in the regions, becomes involved in environmental protection and while nowadays the scope of EU activity is consi- participates in international cooperation in this

50 Scientific Journals 23(95) EU measures protecting the marine environment implemented in Euroregion Baltic respect. This engagement involves direct, indirect, , , , and . organisational, legal and institutional measures as Euroregion Baltic is one of the largest in Europe in well as support from assistance funds. terms of area, population and the number of partici- The authors address ecological measures im- pating parties, as it has the total area of 87 000 km2, plemented in Euroregion Baltic with support from a population of 5.6 million, and, before structural funds whose “inflow” allowed for estab- withdrew in 2006, it had been called a “Small lishment of this Euroregion. Thus, attention should European Union of the Baltic Sea”, due to the large be first paid to Euroregions and the basis of their number of its member countries. Euroregion Baltic establishment and then to Euroregion Baltic. Final- comprises the following borderlands: ly, the authors discuss selected measures in Euro- • in Denmark – the County of ; region Baltic supported by the structural funds and • in Lithuania – Klaipeda and the Klaipeda designed for marine environment protection. In this District; manner, from a different perspective, the authors • in Russia – the Kaliningrad Region; want to present marine environment protection in • in Sweden – the Regions of Kronoberg, Kalmar the EU, enhanced by Euroregions established with and Blekinge; the EU’s involvement and support, being a German • in Poland – in the Pomerania Province: the idea for “effective” integration. subregions of Gdańsk, Słupsk and the cities of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot, in the Warmian- The nature of Euroregions, the origin and -Masurian Province: the subregions of Elbląg, characteristic features of Euroregion Baltic Ełk and [2, pp. 135–137]. Pursuant to the Euroregion’s Statutes, its mem- Nowadays, Euroregions are very popular in the bership and area are open. European Union and with its support they pursue Euroregions are generally established to accom- various goals and tasks in different fields. Euro- plish the following objectives: regions are considered a German idea for seeking instruments for tightening integration bonds and for  improve the living conditions of the cross- the development of an effective integration-oriented border population; group of countries in a Europe destroyed by World  facilitate and develop mutual contacts and inter- War II. They were intended to change the nature of personal ties; state boundaries and develop various forms of co-  enhance friendly relationships between local operation through ties within transborder societies. communities and eliminate historical barriers They have turned out to be successful, as for over and prejudices; fifty years after the first German-Dutch Euroregion  enhance cooperation between local and regional was established, their number has been constantly authorities growing, which demonstrates their popularity and  protect the environment; significance. The measures implemented within  develop the trans-border infrastructure; Euroregions include primarily environmental pro-  prepare joint spatial and development plans; tection, as pollution and ecological degradation  cooperate in preventing and combating natural do not recognise borders. Moreover, Euroregions, disasters; being supported by Germany, enjoy a special status  develop SMEs; and may benefit from assistance funds.  cooperate in terms of tourism, culture and na- Euroregions are the result of a higher form of tional heritage [2, pp. 46–56]. cross-border cooperation. Cross-border cooperation is found world-wide (not only in Europe and not The above objectives and at the same time the only in integration groupings) and consists in tasks set for Euroregions are implemented with developing good neighbourhood relationships be- various intensity depending on their character, i.e. tween the communities and local authorities of whether a given Euroregion is more tourism, agri- at least two countries. This is the first step in estab- culture, entrepreneurship or innovation oriented. lishing a Euroregion, which is further institutio- However, notwithstanding these general rules, each nalised by setting up institutions consolidating and Euroregion adopts tasks related to protection of the directing the cooperation of local units and com- environment and the prevention of its degradation, munities [1, pp. 47–51]. This also concerns Euro- as borderlands are often places where poisonous region Baltic, established in 1998, consisting of industries are located to keep them as far as pos- the borderlands of the Baltic countries including sible from national development centres. A number

Zeszyty Naukowe 23(95) 51 Marianna Greta, Teresa Kostrzewa-Zielińska, Jacek Otto of Euroregions consider environmental protection Euroregion Baltic in the programmes as their priority task, as they encompass areas of designed for marine environment great environmental and tourist value. Euroregion protection Baltic is a typical example in this respect, as being Since the beginning (1998) Euroregion Baltic “in the possession of” the Baltic Sea, it is responsi- has “attracted” EU assistance funds. Initially, those ble for marine environment protection. The envi- were pre-accession interventions (1998–2003), ronmental protection with a particular stress on the which provided the basis for the Small Euro- Baltic Sea was one of the primary ideas providing regional Projects Fund covering primarily cultural the basis for international cooperation between the and social projects. In 2002 and 2003, the Fund countries, cities and regions in this area. Further- provided financing for so-called Baltic Sea Region more, the member countries of this Euroregion are projects. Under this Baltic programme, the project the signatories of the Helsinki Baltic Sea Conven- included spatial planning, planning and develop- tion, which obliges them to “undertake individual ment studies as well as marine environment protec- or joint adequate legal, administrative or other tion. Then, an interesting project entitled “Parasite measures preventing or eliminating pollution to threat to the eel in the Vistula Lagoon cross-border support ecological recovery of the Baltic Sea and area” was carried out to protect natural resources. its ecological balance” [3]. However, comprehensive measures in respect of Euroregions enjoy special support of the EU, as marine environment protection were undertaken at it has been assigned the mission of being “the the moment of Poland’s accession to the EU and builder of integration”. Consequently, it has be- increased availability of accession-related structural come a consolidated region applying effectively for interventions. The Neighbourhood Programme structural funds. This is how the European Union Poland-Lithuania-Russian Federation (Kaliningrad eliminates regional development disparities and Region) INTERREG III A/TACIS CBC including protects the environment (priorities of the Treaty of ecological projects was launched at that time. How- Amsterdam) through Euroregions. The latter issue ever, as the Programme INTERREG III B BSR – is particularly noticeable in Euroregion Baltic. the Baltic Sea Region includes the largest number Assistance to Euroregion Baltic is provided of such projects and it is them that the authors under practically all accession-related funds. primarily discuss. However, as regards environmental protection, the The priority axes of the Neighbourhood INTERREG Community Initiative, the European Programme Poland-Lithuania-Russian Federation Cohesion Fund and the European Regional Deve- (Kaliningrad Region) focus on the following issues: lopment Plan, as well as the European Fisheries Fund (an instrument of the sectoral maritime  support for local initiatives; policy) are particularly active. The INTERREG  regional cultural identity and heritage; Community Initiative, operating in peripheral,  economic, scientific and technological co- boundary areas is of particular importance. One of operation; its strands (INTERREG A) supports Euroregions in  environmental protection, increase in energy use entrepreneurship, exploitation of natural resources efficiency, promotion of renewable resources1 and environmental protection. Another strand [4]. (INTERREG B) is designed for international The funds to support the above measures came cooperation and encompasses joint initiatives of from the European Regional Development Fund local, regional and national authorities. Interna- financing the INTERREG Initiative and the tional cooperation allows for establishing large pre-accession TACIS Initiatives designed for European groups united around the same problems non-EU member countries (Russian Federation – (marine regions focused on ecological measures are the Kaliningrad Region). perfect examples). The third strand (INTERREG C) A large number of projects including those relat- is designed for interregional cooperation and ing to marine environment protection were carried consists of the exchange of good practices covered out within the Programme INTERREG III B BSR – by strands A and B, R&D cooperation, and the Baltic Sea Region. The programme’s primary entrepreneurship. priority axes are given in the table 1. In the further part of the paper, the authors dis- cuss programmes implemented in Euroregion Baltic 1 Projects carried out within this axis include the one with EU support for ecological measures concern- concerning improvement of the quality of water in the ing the marine environment. border area of Gołdap–Gusiew.

52 Scientific Journals 23(95) EU measures protecting the marine environment implemented in Euroregion Baltic

The priorities given above demonstrate that they The projects implemented within the Pro- all include ecological measures targeting coastal gramme Baltic Sea Region, presented in table 2, areas and islands, sustainable development in involve a wide range of social, economic, cultural marine environment and appropriate management and educational issues. The table presents those that of natural resources. The measures provided for concern the protection of natural resources and in the priorities have translated into real projects ecological activities at sea. Presumably, they would presented in the table 2. not have been launched, had the Euroregion not been established.

Table 1. Priorities and measures implemented within the Programme Baltic Sea Region (own work based on [5, 6]) Tabela 1. Priorytety i działania realizowane w ramach Programu Region Morza Bałtyckiego (oprac. własne na podstawie [5, 6]) Priorities Number and Subject matter of priorities and measures implemented within their framework of priorities measures Priority 1 Promoting spatial development approaches and measures for individual territories and sectors 7 Priority 1.1 Supporting joint strategies and implementation actions for macro-regions 3 Priority 1.2 Promoting sustainable spatial development of specific sectors 3 Priority 1.3 Strengthening integrated development of coastal zones, islands and other areas of specific character 1 Priority 2 Promoting territorial structures fostering sustainable development of the Baltic Sea Region 7 Priority 2.1 Promoting balanced polycentric settlement structures 0 Priority 2.2 Creating sustainable communication links for improved spatial integration 5 Priority 2.3 Enhancing good management of cultural and natural heritage, valuable landscapes and natural resources 2 Establishing international and bilateral institutions and consolidating their potential in the Baltic Priority 3 12 Sea Region Priority 3.1 Promoting the establishment of international institutions and consolidating their potential 12 Priority 3.2 Bilateral maritime cooperation around the Baltic Sea 0 Priority 4 Special support for the bordering regions of candidate countries 2

Table 2. Projects carried out within the Programme Baltic Sea Region (own work based on [6, 7, 8]) Tabela 2. Projekty realizowane w ramach Programu Region Morza Bałtyckiego (RMB) (oprac. własne na podstawie [6, 7, 8]) Name of project under Baltic Measures implemented within the project, including ecological activities Sea Region Programme Protection of unique landscapes, renewal of wildlife heritage, sustainable development of tourism Baltic Development Strategy with respect to the marine environment. Seagull II Water management, energy cooperation. The project included four work packages concerning waterborne transport:  WP 1 involved the South Baltic Sea and focused on waterborne transport and its flows in the European and global perspective; Baltic Gateway implemented  WP 2 focused on cohesion in the area through improved accessibility of water corridors, in the years 2004–2006 ferries and other links;  WP 3 included cooperation between private and public stakeholders;  WP 4 included communication strategies, workshops and conferences; The environmental protection was part of all of these activities. Baltic Gateway PLUS imple- The project is the continuation of the previous one and is focused on intermodal transport and mented in the years 2006–2007 services in the South Baltic Sea area (SBSa). The project aims to improve response capacity to oil spills at sea, prevent pollution from maritime Baltic Manster II transport, develop practical solutions to environmental protection problems and safety in the (maritime project) Baltic Sea and to trace ship-generated waste. for the years 2009–2012 It includes four work packages, the third and the fourth of them being directly related to ecological actions for the marine environment. The Project aims to support spatial development and territorial integration in the Baltic Sea region Greek Euroregional Network – through Euroregions. The overall objective includes sub-goals covering interregional cooperation BEN in marine environment protection. The Project is designed for schools in South Baltic countries and is primarily focused Greek Circle School on ecological education. The Project is focused on water management, implementation of the EU’s new water directive Moment and HELCOM BSAP to reduce pollution and inflow of hazardous substances as well as to provide efficient management of water resources.

Zeszyty Naukowe 23(95) 53 Marianna Greta, Teresa Kostrzewa-Zielińska, Jacek Otto

What is noteworthy, the Baltic project Seagull II tion of good practices of social initiatives aimed involves all the Euroregion’s member countries and at the development of ecological tourism; is financed from INTERREG and the European  eco-tourism – a chance or a threat – influence of Regional Development Fund designated for EU communication systems on the development of member countries and from the Programme TACIS eco-tourism based on the European experiences; designed for Kaliningrad Region. Even though, the  transfer of knowledge and best practices in the programme focuses on fostering Euroregional co- management of sea harbours to introduce the operation and establishing Euroregional structures, optimum model for Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot the development of Euroregions is closely related to (the Tri-City); environmental protection priorities. Furthermore,  educational eco-tourism as an opportunity for Seagull II involves a great number of study visits, socio-economic development; conferences and symposia stressing environmental  lagoon eco-tourism as a joint affair; protection. Within the project, eight reference net-  application of the Geographic Information works engaged in the basic directions of the Joint System in self-government administration for Development Programme were established: innova- spatial planning and environmental protection; tions, rural development, tourism, transport, social  eco-education, transfer of knowledge and ex- dimension, water, energy and ecological hot spots. perience in ecological education and the use of Thus, ecological questions are the permanent com- the instruments of support for environmentally ponent of each Euroregional programme or project, friendly technologies; either being directly stipulated or indirectly pursued  BIOBLITZ in the Tuga River – studies and pro- under overall objectives. tection of the river’s bio-diversity. The measures for the years 2009–2010 come under four priorities, environmental protection The projects listed above include marine envi- tasks being pursued under the first priority. A de- ronmental protection as either priority or one of tailed presentation of these priorities is given in the crucial issues, but a large number of the EU’s ge- table 3. neral activities focused on ecology are noteworthy. This fact, along with substantial assistance funds Table 3. Plan of Euroregional activities supported by the EU allocated to environmental protection (and effec- for the years 2009–2010 (own work based on [9]) Tabela 3. Plan działania euroregionalnego finansowego przy tively used by Euroregions), proves that the Euro- unijnym wsparciu na lata 2009–2010 (oprac. własne na pod- pean Union considers ecology-related problems to stawie [9]) be critical. Furthermore, the areas where the EU’s structural intervention is directed also demonstrate Priority Subject matter of priorities no. that environmental issues are among the EU’s top priorities. Enhancing socio-economic and ecological cohesion Priority in the Euroregion through the implementation of the 1 Programme Baltic Euroregion Development. Conclusion Priority Cultural and social integration, cooperation between EU activities for marine environment protection 2 local societies and the youth. are implemented in different manners and in va- Making Euroregion Baltic a trademark recognised rious areas. Support for ecological initiatives from at national, regional and European level through the Priority assistance funds is the most visible and quantifiable implementation of Baltic Euroregion Information 3 and Communication Strategy, promotion of the activity. The paper discusses this kind of activity as Euroregion to make it more involved in EU debates. well as crucial measures aimed at marine environ- Consolidating the Euroregion’s institutionalisation, ment protection and implemented within different increasing the involvement of political and admini- projects financed from structural funds. Euroregion Priority stration officials in cooperation, facilitating Euro- 4 Baltic has been chosen as the place where such regional organisational structures and cooperation measures are implemented due to a number of rea- with other Euroregions. sons. Firstly, the Euroregion encompasses inshore and sea waters where ecological activities are Environmental protection projects under the first focused on the marine environment. Secondly, the priority include the following: authors intended to analyse Euroregional structures  natural assets and tourist attractions of the to demonstrate their importance in actively apply- Kętrzyn region; ing for assistance funds and their use. Euroregions  aktywnie w Ekokraju (Active in Eco-Country) – are founded on the idea of local activity and this is programme of experience exchange and promo- certainly the case with Euroregion Baltic.

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Euroregion Baltic enhances the development of 3. Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment through the EU funds acquired and of the Baltic Sea Area. Helsinki, 09.04.1992, Journal of Laws, 2000, 28, 347. allocated to a wide range of priorities and activities. 4. Special Report No 11/2001 concerning the TACIS cross- Although the authors discuss only a number of border cooperation programme together with the Commis- them (pertinent to the objective of the paper), they sion’s replies. Official Journal C, 2001, 329, 23/11, P001- demonstrate the activity of such organisational 0028. structures. A great number of projects would have 5. http://www.bsrinterreg.net/projects.html. 6. http://www.interreg.gov.pl/INTERREG+IIIA/Program+Pol never been implemented, had it not been for ska+Litwa+Federacja+Rosyjska+Obwod+Kaliningradzki/ Euroregion, as they are financed from the funds 7. Raport z postępu wdrażania Programu Sąsiedztwa Polska– allocated exclusively to Euroregions. In conclusion, Białoruś–Ukraina INTERREG III A/TACIS CBC 2004– Euroregion Baltic considerably contributes to the 2006 za rok 2007. Ministerstwo Rozwoju Regionalnego, Warszawa 2008. acquisition of EU funds, while its geographical 8. Raport końcowy – Realizacja Programu Narodowego location and development directions have resulted PHARE – Polska Granica Wschodnia – Fundusz Małych in their allocation to marine environment protec- Projektów PL 2002/000-580, Elbląg 2005. tion. 9. http://www.interreg3a.org/interregen/images/stories/dokum entai//158%20PROJECTS.pdf. 10. http://www.stat.gov.pl/cps/rde/xbcr/wroc/ASSETS_mapa1 References 9.pdf. 1. GRETA M.: Euroregion a integracja europejska. Wnioski dla Polski. Wyd. Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego, Łódź 2003, 47–51. 2. GRETA M: Transborder Cooperation, Euroregion and EU Regional Policy in the Context of Lisbon Strategy (Se- Recenzent: lected Examples of Polish Euroregions). Technical Univer- dr hab. inż. Zofia Jóźwiak, prof. AM sity of Łódź, Łódź 2008, 46–56; 135–137. Akademia Morska w Szczecinie

Annexes Annex 1. Map of Euroregion Baltic [10]

Zeszyty Naukowe 23(95) 55 Marianna Greta, Teresa Kostrzewa-Zielińska, Jacek Otto

Annex 2. Area of Poland-Lithuania-Russian Federation (Kaliningrad District) Neighbourhood Programme [6]

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