Role of the local authorities should be strengthened

Turku has been for centuries a key business, administrative and knowledge centre in the Northern shores of the Baltic Sea. During the Swedish time, which ended 200 years ago in 1809 when Finland became a Grand Duchy under Russia.it was the undisputed centre and later also the first capital of Finland. Today, it is Finland's gateway to the West, a strong growth centre. Also in the future,Turku wants to be a key gateway and major player in the Region. Therefore, it is quite natural that it follows with keen interest all initiatives which promote vitality, attractiveness and sustainable development in our neighbourhood. The EU Strategy for the BSR is undoubtedly of crucial interest for Turku. We have been involved in the stakeholder process and participated in relevant fora and meetings. Turku has actively contributed to the preparation of multilateral, joint positions on the Strategy, notably in the UBC.

The need for a comprehensive strategy for the BSR has been firmly expressed. While there are plenty of various fora and bodies, both governmental and non-governmental, there is a great need to formulate broader policies, especially cross-sectorally. Therefore, a Strategy is very warmly greeted by all. The Draft Action Plan contains many of proposals or preferences which UBC and its member cities, including Turku, have put forward. However, it is important that while the Plan includes a multitude of hotspots, actions and flagship proposals-all of them relevant in one way or another-the
key priorities would be clearly spelled out.

The UBC has strongly emphasized the importance of governance issues and an inclusive, bottom-up approach. The present draft is a disappointment in that respect. In order to make this Strategy a living reality, it requires active participation of all stakeholders in the process - not only in implementation, but also in formulating the content and its priorities. If the role of BSR stakeholders is enhanced and clarified, this would undoubtedly contribute significantly to the relevance and vitality of the Strategy and its implementation. Here the cities - engines of growth and innovation also in the BSR - as well as regions could play a very substantial role. It is to be hoped that during the consultation process, a more bottom-up approach can be agreed upon.

The Strategy for the BSR is an internal EU document. However, its effectiveness and relevance will be defined, to a great extent, by how Russia - our key neighbour - is sharing our goals and actions. Therefore, it is of great importance that active channels of communication and consultation are developed with St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad and Russia to ensure that all of us, sharing the waters and shores of the Baltic Sea, will be united by joint action.Turku will,for its part, continue to be an active partner is these efforts.