EUROPEAN UNION STRATEGY FOR THE BALTIC SEA REGION: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF COOPERATION

Abstract

In recent years, cooperation in the Baltic Sea region has developed not only in the usual format of bilateral relations and within the framework of regional organizations and programs, but also within the framework of the first macroeconomic strategy of the European Union. The article examines international cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region within the framework of the European Union macro-regional strategy for the region. The analysis of the main directions, structures and mechanisms for implementing the strategy is carried out, which allows us to conclude on the experimental and innovative nature of the Strategy. In general, the new concept of macro-regional cooperation in the Baltic Sea region consists of integrated approach to the development of the region as a holistic association, rather than as an administrative unit within which different schemes of cooperation are implemented. Despite the undeniable successes in the implementation of the the EU strategy for the Baltic Sea region, certain problems and contradictions are becoming more and more obvious, the key issues of which, in essence, are the management of the implementation of the Strategy and relations with Russian Federation. Key words: EU strategy for the Baltic Sea region; Northern Dimension; region; macro-regional cooperation.