European Cooperation & NW Priorities Dr Pernille Kousgaard Director of Policy
Purpose • Regional European Priorities – 2003-2008 – 2009-2013
• European Cooperation and today
NW Regional European Priorities 20032008 • Review of activities 2003-2008 – Focused on Structural Funds – Some activity around enlargement – Since 2006, focus on new and emerging themes such as R&D, climate change and demographic change
• Consultation on Priorities during 2008 • Agreed by NWDA and 4NW January 2009
NW Regional European Partnership • Joint NWDA/4NW Stakeholder Forum established 2006 • Advisory to Boards of NWDA and 4NW • Will oversee implementation of regional EU priorities • NWREP acts as ambassadors for EU agenda in region • Two Task & Finish Groups – European Cooperation Group – Demographic Change Group
4 Thematic and General Priorities • Thematic – Economy (R&D, Innovation, SMEs and Internationalisation) – Environment (Climate Change, Energy and Eco Innovation) – People (Skills, Demographic Change, Economic Inclusion and Health)
• General – Future of the European Union • Territorial Cohesion • Europe 2020 – Territorial Cooperation – Relationships and Promotion
European Cooperation Group • Chair Cllr Brian Millard • Focus on Capacity Building in the region • Encourage NW projects across range of EU funding streams which require trans-national partnerships • Provide Training and contact points in region • Not mainstream ERDF, ESF or RDPE
Summary • Today’s focus is on opportunity • Experts are available • Plea: fill in proforma
Over to you………….