European Parliament
A7-0219/2012
Elena Băsescu  (PPE ).
(RO)
Mr President, macro-regional strategies are beneficial since they create new opportunities for territorial cooperation projects. At the same time, they can ensure a better cooperation between regional programmes and the objectives of the 2020 Europe strategy. In this context, I wish to emphasise the extremely important role of the Baltic Sea strategy. This strategy has provided a reference framework for the cohesion policy.
I would also like to draw your attention to the opportunities in southern Europe. They should be put to use by means of enhanced cooperation in this region. The development of a macro-regional strategy in the Mediterranean Sea would be a step forward in this respect. This region has a similar culture and history and a significant potential. It offers ideal development conditions in terms of both maritime traffic and renewable energy sources.

