MACRO-REGIONAL STRATEGIES : COUNCIL AWAITS STRATEGY FOR ADRIATIC AND IONIAN SEAS.

• Position: Brief article

The EU's Council of Ministers and the European Commission both recognise the added value of the macro-regional strategies established so far (for the Baltic and Danube regions). The Council is now awaiting "with interest" the publication of a new strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. This is due before the end of next year, according to conclusions adopted during the General Affairs Council in Luxembourg, on 22 October(1). It is noteworthy, however, that these conclusions are silent on a possible future strategy for the Alps, despite a request from the European Parliament - and interested regions - to address this question.

In the conclusions, the Council also confirms that there will be no new financial means for macro-regional strategies - meaning no specific envelope. However, the Council is encouraging member states (ie member states encourage member states) and the other authorities concerned (regions) to integrate...