European Strategy 2017 - 2021

Eastern Norway County Network is a political alliance between the eight counties in Eastern Norway – Akershus, Buskerud, Hedmark, Oppland, Oslo, Telemark, Vestfold and Østfold Photos: © Scanstock Photo

Production: Grafisk senter Akershus fylkeskommune November 2018 TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 Introduction 5

2.0 Basis for the European policy work 6

3.0 Vision and objectives of the European policy work 8

3.1 Strategies and target sectors 8

3.2 Important political focus areas for joint efforts 12

3.3 Key topics of the European policy work 13

3 4 1. 1. INTRODUCTION

Eastern Norway County Network’s European policy for ENCN’s work. The chairmanship will be implemented strategy is intended as a tool for joint European policy as a separate project within the framework of ENCN. work via Eastern Norway County Network and as a support platform for the regional authorities’ European Promoting the region’s interests in the European policy involvement1. The regional authorities in Eastern Norway context is demanding in terms of resources, and it is have long been engaged in cross-border cooperation, often a challenge for the individual regional authority to both individually and jointly within the framework of allocate sufficient resources and expertise to this work. Eastern Norway County Network. As a result of the Through Eastern Norway County Network, the regional counties’ location in Northern Europe, at the intersection authorities’ European policy efforts can be strengthened between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, the involve- by exchanging information and knowledge, coordinating ment targets nearby countries and regions in particular the available expertise and resources, sharing tasks – the Nordic countries, the North Sea region and the and taking advantage of the networks that exist among Baltic Sea region. regional and municipal authorities.

Eastern Norway County Network’s Strategy 2016–2019 The responsibility for following up and implementing states that Eastern Norway County Network shall ENCN’s European policy strategy is placed with the contribute to strengthening Eastern Norway’s position Political Committee on International Relations, as a sustainable and competitive European region with supported by the Working Group International Affairs. a strong international focus and involvement. In order to Eastern Norway County Network’s secretariat holds achieve this, Eastern Norway County Network will make coordinating and executive responsibilities. The work is long-term, targeted and rational efforts to ensure that dependent on an open and positive dialogue with the Eastern Norway: Oslo Region European Office (ORE).

is seen as a region that is highly committed to Statements and consultation submissions on behalf of human rights, freedom and peace Eastern Norway County Network are primarily issued via the Regional Cooperation Board. Eastern Norway County is perceived as a green, sustainable and smart Network’s secretariat acts as the national contact point region that is a forerunner in developing and for the Baltic Sea Region Programme (Interreg B). implementing state-of-the-art technology

succeeds in developing a world-class infrastructure

has businesses and industry that are highly competitive at the international level

has a modern and innovative public sector

In the period 2017–2018, Eastern Norway County Network (ENCN) will hold the chairmanship and secretariat of the Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC).

This presidency will open new opportunities and channels for Eastern Norway County Network’s European policy work, as well as helping to form synergies in relation to strategies and priority areas

1. The regions in Norway are called counties and the county councils are the direct elected bodies below the national level

5 2. BASIS FOR THE EUROPEAN POLICY WORK

The basis for Eastern Norway County Network’s European policy involvement is a natural part of the European policy work is the belief that balanced, regional authorities’ role in the development of society, sustainable, democratic and safe development in and most policy areas today have an international our neighbouring areas forms an important basis for dimension, where responsibility in Norway entails economic growth and value creation, while dialogue a responsibly to take part in policy development and close cooperation with countries and regions in elsewhere. The regional authorities’ European policy Northern Europe provide input and inspiration for the involvement is a consequence of social changes caused development of society. by Norway’s participation in the European integration, and the international engagement therefore constitute Europe has felt the impact of crises and great challenges an important added value for service delivery and policy over the past few years, which has put cooperation development for the regional authorities. between the countries to the test. In such situations, regions and municipalities may play a decisive role. Active participation in European organisations and It is important that regional views and interests are networks provides a direct political channel for promoted and that interregional cooperation Norwegian regional authorities in relation to European is strengthened. In order to solve our common decision makers. Taking part in meetings, conferences challenges, more involvement, participation, dialogue and seminars provides an opportunity for dialogue with and cooperation across national borders will be more key players, including experts in the European important than ever in the years to come. Commission. In this way, Norwegian regions are able to influence the EU agenda, the focus of strategic policy Norwegian regions and municipalities are very much documents such as white papers and blue books, the influenced by factors beyond the national framework, development of individual directives, and promote the such as globalisation, technological development, regions’ and cities’ position in the EU’s governance migration and flows of refugees, supranational system. regulations, EU regulations and political challenges. It is therefore essential to be present in European arenas in order to see our own challenges in an international perspective.

6 In order to gain the EU’s support for Norwegian The eight regional authorities in Eastern Norway interests in cases prioritised by Norway, the Government have a cooperation agreement with the federal state depends on a coordinated European policy that builds Schleswig-Holstein, signed by the state and each of the on transparency, knowledge and political involvement. eight regional authorities. The agreement is coordinated European policy work will be strengthened through through Eastern Norway Country Network more and better cooperation between the administrative and constitutes an important platform for levels. The various social players have different channels the European policy work. to and networks in Brussels. These players have different roles/assignments and sources, and access to different The eight regional authorities in Eastern Norway County Network (ENCN) have had a cooperation agreement with information. It is important that the players are aware the German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein since 1998. of each other’s possibilities, that they share information The agreement is signed by all the regional authorities and know each other’s networks. This constitutes the and is both a bilateral agreement between the state and core of ‘Team Norway’. each of the eight regional authorities, and, in certain areas, a joint agreement coordinated through ENCN. A Cooperation in the Baltic Sea and North Sea Regions joint commission with political representatives manages has been and is an important pillar of Eastern Norway the cooperation agreement, and the commission meets County Network’s European policy work. The EU once a year. Meetings at the administrative levels are held Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, the North Sea between the commission meetings. The topics and Region 2020 strategy, the Northern Dimension and the projects for collaboration are set out in a joint work Norwegian Government’s strategy for Germany consti- programme adopted at the commission meeting. tute important documents underlying Eastern Norway Eastern Norway County Network’s European policy work County Network’s European policy work. emphasises the involvement of young people. Youth The North Sea region has the potential to act as a driver participation is important in all areas of society because for growth and be a pioneering region for the EU and young people are affected by decisions made by the rest of Europe. The region has a common cultural authorities at the European, national, regional and local heritage and history with long-standing trade, tourism levels. Eastern Norway County Network’s youth network and human cooperation traditions across the North Sea. was established in 2005. The youth network is an The North Sea Region 2020 Strategy shall contribute to arena for learning, exchanging experience, networking strengthening the North Sea region as an area of Europe and European participation. The work is coordinated that is competitive, attractive and sustainable, and that by a separate administrative group that also includes more efficiently handles common transnational challenges representatives of Nordland and Vest-Agder regional and opportunities linked to sustainable economic growth, authorities. climate change, energy and management of the maritime space. ENCN’s youth network is a forum for young people from the counties in Eastern Norway County Network. Young The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region was the first people are recruited from suitable youth bodies in each of macro-regional strategy in Europe, approved in 2009. the counties (regional youth councils and regional student The strategy constitutes an important framework for councils). The youth network is an arena for learning, organisations and programmes in the Baltic Sea region. exchanging experience, networking and international The strategy focuses on a clean ocean (Save the Sea), participation. Among other things, the youth network is good internal and external communication (Connect the a forum for coordination and discussion, and preparatory Region) and a sustainable economic development in the and follow-up work in relation to BSSSC and AER’s region (Increase Prosperity). The EU Strategy for the Baltic youth networks. ENCN’s youth network holds two annual Sea Region is coordinated by a national group comprising meetings, one during autumn and one in spring. The representatives from the eight member countries (National spring meeting includes a joint meeting with the Regional Coordination Group). The various focus areas also have Cooperation Board at which a chosen topic is presented dedicated coordinators known as PAC (Policy Area and discussed. Coordinators) and HAC (Horizontal Actions Coordinators). Norway is linked to the strategy through the EEA Agreement and participation in different organisations, networks and platforms in the Baltic Sea region. 7 3. VISION AND OBJECTIVES OF THE EUROPEAN POLICY WORK European policy work is a key area of cooperation within In this period, Eastern Norway County the framework of Eastern Norway County Network, and together, the eight regional authorities wish to actively Network will: contribute to: Further develop the good contact and close cooperation with national authorities in the European policy area – and strengthen A united, sustainable, democratic and lobbying efforts in the European policy work. secure Europe Work to achieve a more coordinated and In order to achieve this, the following objectives, comprehensive effort in which national, strategies and priority areas will form the basis for the regional and local authorities cooperate in the regional authorities’ European policy work through European policy area (‘Team Norway’). Draw Eastern Norway County Network. on and contribute input to the ministries’ European policy work, influence financial opportunities/policy instruments and act as a Objectives consultative body in the EU/EEA work.

Increased regional participation in and Take steps to draw regional players into the influence on European policy European Commission’s many preparatory work groups in areas of importance to the Better solutions through European regional authorities. cooperation and dialogue Contribute to greater focus on the many opportunities and challenges that lie in our 3.1 Strategies and priority areas neighbouring areas – use the chairmanship of BSSSC (2017/18) and the Norwegian Through policy monitoring, lobbying, active participati- presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers on and networking in areas of importance for regional (2017) and of the Council of the Baltic Sea development, Eastern Norway County Network shall: States (2021/22) in our efforts (pilot case within the framework of Team Norway).

1. Be an arena for dialogue, political Use Europapolitisk forum actively for dialogue influence and participation in relation to/ and lobbying, and invite the political with national authorities in the EU/EEA leadership of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European policy work (MFA) and the Ministry of Local Government and Modernisation (KMD) to regular Important factors include improved cooperation and dialogue meetings with Eastern Norway exchange of information between the administrative County Network. levels with the purpose of lobbying and achieving better results, and strengthening Norway’s interests in relation Europapolitisk forum (EPF) (dialogue forum on European to the EU. Developing good models for cooperation and policy involving national, regional and local authorities) participation at an early stage is high on the agenda, shall be an arena for mutual information and dialogue and and ENCN must focus on presenting a united front in for knowledge about and an understanding of the EU and cases of common interest and coordinating our positions EEA’s influence at the local, regional and national levels. and messages in relation to national authorities in the The content of the dialogue shall be flexible and decided European policy area. on for each individual session in line with the current developments in Europe and the EU. EPF holds meetings twice a year. The Regional Cooperation Board elects two representatives from ENCN to the forum.

8 Work to create informal arenas at the political In this period, Eastern Norway level for input and discussion of important County Network will: issues, particularly in relation to current initiatives in the development phase in the Actively contribute to promoting regional EU system, as well as future regional policy interests in relation to EU institutions and the and programmes in which Norway can different countries’ national authorities – participate. strengthening the regional ‘voice’ and the Participate in the interministerial group for the principle of subsidiarity – utilising the Norwegian Government’s strategy chairmanship of BSSSC and political positions for Germany. in other organisations in the efforts.

Germany is an important partner country for Norway Highlight Norway’s interests in the work of and an important market for Norwegian businesses. The the European organisations by coordinating Norwegian Government therefore deems it important that and strengthening the work of Eastern Norway Norway has an overall strategic and coordinated approach County Network. Participate in and actively to the bilateral cooperation with Germany. The Norwegian contribute to processes and working groups Government’s strategy for Germany shall contribute to and facilitate the division of tasks and promoting a comprehensive Norwegian policy in relation synergies. to Germany based on a common European policy, expand Contribute to raising our profile and achieving the bilateral contacts with Germany at all levels, increase greater impact through joint efforts and awareness about Norway in Germany and Germany in coordination between the different Norway, as well as underpin Norway’s uniform, clear and organisations, and better facilitate active strong reputation in Germany. Since it was first presented in autumn 1999, the strategy has been a common topic political participation. in the Schleswig-Holstein cooperation and has provided Endeavour to achieve better coordination legitimacy from the national level to the cooperation of the work in the organisations’ different (top-down), at the same time as we have endeavoured to political committees and involve the political contribute concrete input to the strategy’s action committees and working groups in Eastern programmes (bottom-up). ENCN participates in the Norway County Network. strategy’s coordination group. Hold regular discussions on European policy 2. Serve as a political platform for lob- issues in Eastern Norway County Network – bying, dialogue, consultation rounds and take part in relevant consultation processes/ active use of arenas in Europe. rounds, and take steps to ensure good reporting to the regional authorities. Better utilisation of political arenas and increased cooperation and coordination between the work of Keep national authorities and the Norwegian different organisations will be important tools for EU delegation in Brussels updated about strengthening the European policy work. In the period efforts undertaken by the European 2017–2018, Eastern Norway County Network holds the organisations. chairmanship of BSSSC and thereby has a key opportunity to exert influence on the EU’s institutions Coordinate close contact with the authorities and raise ENCN’s profile in Europe. of Schleswig-Holstein and exchange views and input on matters of importance in the It will also be important to use the regional authorities’ European policy. positions in the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions (CPMR), the North Sea Commission, Euromontana etc. in the joint lobbying efforts.

9 3. Actively include young people in the 4. Contribute to better network coopera- European policy work tion, better utilisation of European arenas, division of tasks and competence-raising Young people in Europe are facing great challenges, and measures cooperation and exchange of experience across national and regional borders are more important than ever. Young people’s views, experience and involvement, and to a certain extent their approaches, can make a positive contribution to political processes and decisions. Eastern Norway County Network will continue to emphasise the inclusion of young people in its European policy work.

In this period, Eastern Norway County Network will: Invite young people in the counties to participate in relevant forums and decision-making arenas for the European policy work – continue and develop ENCN’s The regional authorities in Eastern Norway County youth network. Network play active roles in several European organisations for regions and towns/cities. Since its inception, Coordinate participation in BSSSC and AER’s Eastern Norway County Network has served as a (Assembly of European Regions) youth platform for the work of AER and BSSSC, where networks, and provide an arena for discussing Norwegian board members are elected by the Regional European policy topics and for preparation Cooperation Board and report back via Eastern Norway and follow-up activities in relation to BSSSC County Network. Furthermore, the work of CPMR and and AER’s youth activities. the North Sea Commission has been incorporated as part of the European policy work through Eastern Develop BSSSC’s youth network during Norway County Network. The regional authorities, Eastern Norway County Network’s individually or jointly, cooperate with regions in the chairmanship period and encourage increased Nordic countries, the Baltic Sea region and the North participation and involvement of young people Sea region. The regional authorities in Eastern Norway within the framework of the Cooperation in County Network have a joint cooperation agreement the Baltic Sea Region. with the German state of Schleswig-Holstein. Contribute to further developing the work on youth participation in the regional In this period, Eastern Norway County authorities through exchanging experience Network will: and dialogue – facilitate meetings between ENCN’s youth network and the political Facilitate improved results and more efficient committees in Eastern Norway solutions for the regional authorities’ European County Network. policy involvement through exchange of information, coordination, division of tasks and Facilitate and support participation in joint analyses and project and development European projects for young people, work. including within the framework of the Schleswig-Holstein cooperation and the Achieve a more efficient use of resources and Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region/BSSSC. greater impact through coordinated activities and input.

10 Facilitate and ensure flow of information and Actively work to ensure that Norway fulfils its continuous updates concerning key European obligations under the Interreg programmes policy topics and processes – and during the period 2014–2020 – lobby to make efforts to ensure that the European prevent further cuts in the Interreg-funding in policy work supports the regional authorities’ the annual state budget. problem-solving tasks. Inform about programmes and communicate Further develop the organisation as an arena project initiatives/ideas, and contribute to for discussion and cooperation in the exchange of experience and dissemination the European policy area – improve the quality of results (best practice) of the European policy work. Emphasise the Monitor and participate in the work on the importance of sharing good practice and next generation of Interreg programmes in success stories. the period after 2020. Take steps to ensure Contribute to the development of best that Norwegian participants have the same practice and knowledge through cooperation conditions in Interreg as participants in the EU with other regions within the framework of the countries. Participate in programme European organisations. development work for the period 2021–2027, in both the Baltic Sea and North Sea regions. 5. Facilitate increased participation in projects and better utilisation of EU/ Follow up joint projects under the framework EEA programmes through information, of the Interreg Baltic Sea programme guidance, coordination and utilisation of (Scandria2Act and Let’s Communicate!) networks Eastern Norway County Network is a partner in the Interreg Baltic Sea project Scandria2Act. The project’s Participation in EU/EEA programmes contributes to main focus is to examine the possibility of moving freight strengthening the position of regions and cities in transport between Norway and Europe from lorries to Europe. Taking part in programmes also results in flow ships and/or trains. In the project period 2016–2019, of information, experience, models and tools, as well Eastern Norway County Network will also work to achieve as access to funding for relevant projects in prioritised more focus on the transboundary corridors towards the areas. south and east, with particular focus on railway transport. In this period, Eastern Norway County The project is led by Berlin-Brandenburg in Germany. Network will: Eastern Norway County Network is a partner in the Interreg Baltic Sea project Let’s Communicate! The aim Continue its participation and influence in of the project is to improve communication and the Interreg B and C programmes during dissemination related to the EU Strategy for the Baltic the period 2014–2020. Take part in the Sea Region. Let’s Communicate shall communicate programmes’ governance structures and in good examples and success stories in order to raise relevant ad hoc groups. awareness and increase interest in and the legitimacy of Serve as the national contact point for the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. ENCN’s goal the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme and as a Norwegian partner in the project is to contribute to participate in the national coordination group increased Norwegian participation in different projects for Interreg B and C. Participate in the Interreg in the Baltic Sea region, including the Interreg Baltic North Sea Region Programme’s Steering Sea Region Programme. The project is led by Centrum Committee. Balticum in Finland.

11 Contribute to the implementation of concrete 3.2 Important political focus areas cooperation projects with the state of Schleswig-Holstein for joint efforts during the period

Use BSSSC and the other European organisations, as well as the Interreg The regional policy in the EU organisation, for lobbying and for building (Cohesion Policy) after 2020 – networks and finding partners. in particular territorial cooperation/ Cooperate with the Oslo Region European Interreg Office and other organisations (the Research Climate and the environment – Council of Norway, the Norwegian Centre for following up the Paris Agreement International Cooperation in Education (SIU), the Arts Council Norway etc.) in relation to (COP 21) and the UN Sustainable the EEA Financial Instruments and the EU Development Goals programmes Norway participates in within the The role of regions – subsidiarity, framework of the EEA Agreement. democracy

European cooperation – development of the European Union and the future of Europe, knowledge and attitudes, more equal distribution, integration, peace

Norway’s participation in EU/EEA programmes after 2020 and focus of the programme work

12 3.3 Key topics in the European STRING is a transboundary political collaboration in the southwestern part of the Baltic Sea and includes five policy work regions: Region Scania (Sweden), the Capital Region of The following topics are central in the context of Denmark and Region Zealand (Denmark), and the federal European policy and are well suited for joint efforts and states of Schleswig-Holstein and Hamburg (Germany). The initiatives through Eastern Norway County Network. STRING collaboration’s main focus is the new transport The topics correspond to the areas in which the regional link between Denmark and Germany – the Fehmarn Belt authorities already cooperate within the framework of Fixed Link. On Schleswig-Holstein’s invitation, ENCN has ENCN. Political committees and thematic expert groups participated as an observer in the policy forum since will be kept up-to-date and invited to participate in the spring 2013. The Political Committee on International work where this is deemed relevant and natural. Relations is the platform for participation.

Transport and infrastructure – The environment and climate – corridors/trans-European transport, the green transition, bioeconomy, TEN-T green transport

All over Europe, there is great interest in the Transitioning to a low-carbon society and the green shift development of more sustainable modes of transport, in the economy will be prioritised topics towards 2030. such as rail and maritime communication and green Initiatives to reduce emissions of harmful greenhouse corridors, and these policy areas are well suited for gases, prevent the negative effects of climate change cross-border cooperation. Transport and accessibility and protect the environment are areas where efforts will be central topics in European policy towards 2030, must be made in close cooperation across the national and Eastern Norway County Network is interested in borders. contributing to the development of the Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), the development of The Paris Agreement is the first legally binding transport hubs, climate and transport and various climate agreement with real global participation from corridor projects across European borders. The Political all countries, and obligations and rights are imposed Committee on Transport and Infrastructure and the on all countries under the agreement. Among other transport and infrastructure group will be involved in things, all countries must have emission targets and this work. report their results in relation to these. Comprehensive solutions must be developed based on local and regional Eastern Norway County Network is a partner in the conditions, and many disciplines must work together Interreg Baltic Sea project ‘Scandria2Act’ on behalf of to find good solutions. What the best solutions are in the eight regional authorities in Eastern Norway. In this terms of climate change adaption and emission cuts is connection, ENCN is focusing on green freight transport. determined by local factors as much as external factors, The Political Committee on Transport and Infrastructure such as the global and national economy and political and the transport and infrastructure group are developments. responsible for following up this work. In addition to ENCN, Akershus regional authority is also a partner in Europe is focusing on a better economic and the Scandria2Act project. As part of the environmental development in society by rationalising Schleswig-Holstein Agreement, the eight regional how resources are used throughout the value chain authorities in Eastern Norway County Network are (production, consumption and waste management), observers on the policy steering committee for the and facilitating the development of new markets and STRING collaboration. The transport corridors between business models through innovation (the circular Eastern Norway and Europe are on the agenda in the economy). cooperation with the state of Schleswig-Holstein (both the corridor via Sweden and the Jutland corridor). The corridor between Eastern Norway and Stockholm is an important link to the Baltic Sea Region. 13 The transition towards products and services that have a much less negative impact on the climate and Smart specialisation – innovation, the environment, and a more rational use of resources expertise and education, R&D than found today, will continue in the time ahead. The Smart specialisation strategies are a new generation of bioeconomy will be part of the solution, both globally research and innovation strategies for economic growth and nationally, based on rational production, utilisation and sustainable business and social development, where and processing of renewable biological resources. regions are seen in a larger national and international context. Smart specialisation (RIS3) builds on a strong Eastern Norway County Network is currently focusing partnership between business community, the public in particular on the climate in relation to transport, sector and knowledge-based institutions. and is examining the possibility of strengthening knowledge-based value chains relating to environmental Digitalisation and the green shift mean that a transition technology and the bioeconomy linked to forests and is necessary, and the ENCN Regional Cooperation Board trees and to smart specialisation. therefore deems it important that the regional authorities, through ENCN, agree on joint strategies that can help to strengthen competitiveness and innovativeness in Eastern Norway.

Expertise, R&D (research and development) and efforts targeting growth and employment help to ensure balanced social, economic, environmental and political development in Europe. Entrepreneurship in education, linking of clusters and networks, good educational provision and increased mobility are examples of topics that are relevant to Eastern Norway County Network’s European policy work.

Education, business development and value creation are cooperation areas within Eastern Norway County Network. Work on smart specialisation is under way based on the regional authorities’ experience, expertise and strategies, and it is desirable in this context to stimulate active participation and to facilitate and utilise development work, projects and networks in Europe.

14 Digital agenda – new technology, smart Culture and creativity regions, renewal of the public sector Culture is an important basic factor in European policy Digital technology is ubiquitous in today’s society and cooperation and in the building of people-to-people economy. The EU’s strategy for a digital single market relationships. Culture has been and remains a main area indicates the various potential consequences this may in the Schleswig-Holstein cooperation, and is also an have, including in the context of electronic services important topic in the Cooperation in the Baltic Sea across national borders, e-trade, eGovernment, cloud Region and in the EEA Financial Instruments. Eastern strategies and data protection. Increased robotisation/ Norway County Network will continue to use culture in rationalisation and the emergence of the sharing its European policy work, and link culture with other economy will affect us and trigger the need for a relevant areas, such as business development, youth transition, both in the business sector and the public participation and education. Eastern Norway County sector. Network’s working group on culture constitutes an important part of this work. The digital agenda will have a great impact on the regional authorities’ role in the development of society, including in relation to developing new digital services, educational responsibility for providing new generations with sufficient digital knowledge, and new e-democracy solutions. The regional authorities are also responsible for installing fast broadband services throughout Norway that can contribute to the establishment of innovative businesses and new workplaces.

It is important to facilitate coordination with electronic solutions in other European countries. This affects, for example, the revision of regulations for electronic communication, security and trust, consumer protection and data protection.