Malmo's approach to the Baltic Sea Strategy

The EU strategy for the Baltic Sea Region is a pioneer example of how the EU addresses challenges related to specific EU macro regions in terms of both transnational and cross-sectorial perspective. Its priorities in terms of environment, economic development, accessibility and attractiveness as well as security and safety, will effect and influence the work of cities in the whole of the Baltic Sea Region. Malmo has worked on responding to the consultation process.and when doing so, realised that we could and should take this even further.

City of Malmo from the sea with the sustainable housing area of the Western harbour and the Turning Torso.

First of all, Malmo supports the urban dimension that the strategy will need to have.The cities in the Baltic Sea Region need to be part of the strategy also to be able to work within the strategy after it has been put into practice. To achieve a prosperous region, cities need to work with all local actors, SMEs, universities, NGOs, etc. to bring innovation and research closer to the market, assist in developing new ideas, and support business development. Furthermore, to make the region an environmentally sustainable the cities need to address a whole number of problems, such as water issues, air and noise pollution, energy efficiency and renewable energy resources. Cities also need to be in the forefront when it comes to promotion and development of the region as attractive for its citizens. Based on these facts, the city of Malmo has written and implemented its own Baltic Sea Strategy for 2008-2010. Malmo has decided to focus on 3 priority areas based on the EU Strategy: Business and enterprise development: This implies working closely with local businesses to help in development of their activities, as well informing them of opportunities that can occur. Environment: The city's work towards an ecologically sustainable one needs the involvement of local businesses, partnerships with other actors in the BSR in particular exchanges of good and best practices in numerous areas. Malmo is also working with its climate program.

Higher education and R&D: Malmo strongly supports the cooperation between universities in the Baltic Sea Region, and specific emphasis has been put on the cooperation between the city, Malmo University, R&D as well as other forms of cooperation.