Abstract
Few macro regions related with closer economic, political or cultural contacts exist in Europe. One of these regions is Baltic Sea Region. After Iron Cordon collapsed states surrounding the Baltic Sea had received the possibility to rebuild relationships which existed for few centuries. Factors contributing to strengthening these relationships (deeper integration of region’s states) and impeding closeness of these states exist. The problem which factors contribute to multidimensional economic, political and social integration of Baltic Sea Region and which impede this process is being solved in this article. First part of the article emphasizes that most important factors for deepening integration of Baltic Sea Region in present development stage are those which can be generally called endeavor of European Union and region states’ governments and societies to seek closer collaboration. Outcome of this endeavor – more than 30 international institutions, treaties, initiatives and programs pointed at formation of Baltic Sea Region community. Due to limited extent the impact of only three integration means is discussed in the article: 1) Internal market of European Community, 2) European Union strategy for Baltic Sea Region, and 3) Council of the Baltic Sea States. It is indicated that in terms of integration theory the impact of the first mean is referable to classic, the second one – to differential and the third one – to alternative integration. The latter two terms displace unattractively sounding multi-speed or concentric circles integration concepts. The second part of the article is addressed to large differences of Baltic Sea Region states’ development. It is stated that development of West-North and East-South states of this region is based on different factors. Moreover large gap between development factors of these states exist and is to remain in the future. It is concluded that despite the developed and effective coordination mechanism of actions and politics differences of development trends at least in near future won’t let region’s states to achieve deeper integration level which exist, for example, between Benelux countries. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.eis.0.7.5021
Highlights
Leonas ZitkusFew macro regions related with closer economic, political or cultural contacts exist in Europe
Throughout the history of Europe, the Baltic Sea Region incorporation into the newer geographical and geopolitical (BSR) has been exhibiting strong political, economic and so-called “New North” and Baltic Sea Region conceptions”cultural ties between the nations of the region
Geopolitical changes in roles are attributed to that region: the counterweight for the Europe caused the need to search for new cooperation forms. domination of the so-called “European banana” (Brodzicki, Unlike other macroregions of Europe, the Baltic Sea 2011, p.30) or the platform of cooperation with Russia
Summary
Few macro regions related with closer economic, political or cultural contacts exist in Europe One of these regions is Baltic Sea Region. First part of the article emphasizes that most important factors for deepening integration of Baltic Sea Region in present development stage are those which can be generally called endeavor of European Union and region states’ governments and societies to seek closer collaboration. Outcome of this endeavor – more than 30 international institutions, treaties, initiatives and programs pointed at formation of Baltic Sea Region community.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
