Northern Dimension
Finland introduced the idea for the Northern
Dimension (ND) in 1997,
and in 1999
it became European Union policy that was further
emphasized by the
EU enlargement in 2004.
Furthermore, the
EU-Russia relations, growth
potential of the region and
environmental challenges are
the key factors behind the development
of the EU
Northern Dimension Policy.
The Northern Dimension is intended to promote security
and stability
in the
region, as well as helping build a safe, clean and accessible environment
for all people in the North. It also has the objectives of addressing the
challenges arising from uneven regional development,
and helping avoid
the emergence of new dividing lines in Europe
following EU
enlargement.
Geographically the Northern Dimension encompasses the
Baltic
Sea region and the Arctic Sea region. Consequent to the EU
enlargement in 2004, the Northern Dimension’s focal point, more
clearly
than ever, is cooperation with North-West Russia.
The
Northern Dimension is implemented within the framework of the Partnership
and Cooperation Agreement with Russia. A particular emphasis is placed on
ensuring the active participation of all stakeholders in the North,
including regional organizations, local and regional authorities, the
academic and business communities, and civil
society.
The first action plan covered the years
2000–2003; the ongoing second action plan spans the years
2004-2006. The Northern Dimension operates at two levels: At the
higher level it is a political
umbrella drawing attention to
North-East of Europe. At the practical
level, special partnerships
make up the core of the Northern Dimension: Partnership in environmental
issues is now in the implementation phase, at the moment the base is a 200
million euro fund. Partnership in social and health issues is now being
launched.
Several key priority themes
for dialogue and cooperation under the Northern
Dimension have been identified, including:
-
economy, business and infrastructure
-
human resources, education, culture, scientific research and
health
-
the environment, nuclear safety, and natural resources
-
cross-border cooperation and regional development
- justice and home affairs
Future guidelines
for the Northern Dimension were adopted by the EU, Russia,
Norway and Iceland in the ND Ministerial Meeting that was
held in Brussels on 21 November 2005. That was an important
event, marking the commitment of all parties to the development of the
Northern Dimension into a Common ND policy.
The
discussions on the substantial content of the new Northern Dimension
political document will begin in 2006 on the basis of the
guidelines. The finalization and adoption of the new political document is
scheduled to take place in autumn 2006, during Finland's EU Presidency.
During 2005-2006, Finland will launch discussions on the matter with the
European Commission, other EU Member States and the partner countries
including Russia.
According to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of
Finland, the key changes
in the new Northern Dimension programme from 2007 onwards will
be:
1) The status of Russia, Norway and Iceland will change from partners to
full parties of the ND policy.
2) In
the northern region, the Northern Dimension will be made part of the
implementation of the four "common spaces" that the EU and Russia have
agreed upon.
3) Transition
from three-year Action Plans to a declaration and a framework document,
which will remain valid until further notice.
More
information
Northern Dimension
Environmental Partnership
Barents Region
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