Danuta Hübner signs memorandum on European Commission–Russian Federation regional policy cooperation

In Moscow today, Commissioner Danuta Hübner signed a Memorandum of Understanding on co-operation between the European Commission and Russian Federation over regional policy. The idea is to enhance bilateral co-operation and to exchange information on policies contributing to regional growth and competitiveness, fostering balanced national development. Commissioner Hübner had a meeting with Vladimir Yakovlev, Minister for Regional Policy.

«Europe, like Russia, is facing major challenges – the unprecedented pace of economic change, the effect of the new technological revolution and the development of the knowledge economy, an ageing population and the urban-rural divide,» said Commissioner Hübner after the signing. She added: «Both the EU and Russia have benefited from globalisation but we must put in place policies that ensure the benefits of globalisation are widely shared. Otherwise, the impact of globalisation will translate into increasing social and regional differences, constraining the potential for long term growth. »

The EU and Russia have much to learn from one other, she said. The dialogue would help both parties to tackle regional disparities, and foster regional development based on modern growth drivers such as innovation and R&D, she added. It would also help to exploit the potential for socio-economic development of border regions.

The structured dialogue on regional policy provides for communication channels and the possible setting up of ad-hoc technical working groups. There should be at least one meeting per year, while specific events can be jointly organised.

Today’s Moscow meetings helped to identify specific issues for further discussion in the dialogue, including EU experience in devising instruments to support innovation-driven regional development; preparation of regional development strategies and implementation programmes; information on funding and projects for EU regions bordering on Russia for the 2007-2013 funding period; classification and definition of regions and multi-level governance.

Minister Yakovlev was pleased to accept Commissioner Hubner’s invitation to present Russian regional policy and potential for cooperation with the EU in the autumn. He will speak at a seminar on «The International Dimension of Regional Development Policy» in Brussels on 9 October 2007 during the European Week of Regions and Cities (Open Days).

The Commissioner will also deliver a speech entitled: «The EU and Russia in the Age of Globalisation» at the European Studies Institute, established jointly by the EU and Russian Federation in 2006, at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) University. The speech will be followed by a debate.

Background

The Ministry of Regional Development of the Russian Federation is a federal body of executive power. Functions of the Ministry include the acceleration of regional socio-economic growth and raising of living standards, namely implementation of regional target programmes, human capital development, resettlement programme for ethnic Russians living abroad and lawmaking on issues of spatial development as well as the reform of federal relations, including implementation of municipal government reform; harmonious development of inter-ethnic relations and housing and public utilities.

The Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO-University) is one of the oldest universities in Russia that prepares specialists in various aspects of international relations. The European Studies Institute provides postgraduate training on EU-related matters and is operational since September 2006. The European Commission finances up to 50% of the set-up and running costs of the Institute and has allocated €3 million for the initial three year period.

For the first time, this year’s European Week of Regions and Cities between 8 and 11 October will feature the international dimension of regional policy. In a special section, experts from third countries – such as Russia, China and Brazil - and international organisations will discuss the EU and other world regions’ approaches to enhanced regional convergence and competitiveness.

The European Commission’s Regional Policy DG has had structured dialogue on regional policy in place with China since May 2006. It aims to promote mutual understanding and information on issues such as policy development, implementation and governance. Similar agreements are currently being prepared with other non-EU countries.

Further information on regional policy at: http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/index_en.htm

IP/07/698

Brussels, 23 May 2007

Source : Europa