Nr.2(10) / 2013.gada jūnijs - Par es.gov.lv

The Baltic Sea Strategy as a Momentum for Regional Development and the Baltic EU Council... 9Thus, Europe is on the path of further integration. We need to continuedeepening our integration efforts in the region as well. Regional integrationis essential for the wellbeing and prosperity of the population around theBaltic Sea. The Open Method of Coordination that the “Baltic Sea Strategy”represents does not require EU treaty changes or new institutions. On thecontrary, it requires a more efficient and more integrated use of the existingmechanisms and existing domestic administrative institutions and businesses.The European Union is seeking a new integration model, with anemerging core of more deeply integrated and coordinated countries. To mymind, it is just natural that the Baltic Sea region should be represented asprofoundly as possible.So I turn to the second point of my speech — the immediate necessitiesin the Baltic Sea region that provide business opportunities. The Baltic Searegion, as mentioned, is among the most diverse and culturally rich regionsin the world. It combines well established, politically mature societies withnewcomers to world politics who have had dramatic political and economictransformation experiences. Economically, the region includes some of therichest countries in the world with the Welfare State capitalist model, as wellas countries that have a relatively recently introduced liberal, open marketsystem. What they all have in common is a willingness to provide theirpopulations and their entrepreneurs with the opportunities and possib il -ities to become world leading businesses.Therefore, it is essential for all of our countries, alongside our politi -cians and public officials, to build on these opportunities. We must buildopportunities for quick, easy and efficient ways of communicating, co m -muting and collaborating. It is our duty to facilitate the emergence of acommon digital market in the region, improve transport and transit routes,provide energy resources by integrating our electricity markets and diver -sifying our gas markets, and prepare an environment for scientific ex cellence.It is a necessity that we use the geographical location of the Baltic States,including both emerging connections like the Northern Distribution Networkand the Baltic Sea itself, to bring both halves of the Baltic Sea into asingle system.Our Nordic partners have demonstrated their interest in doing businessin the Baltic States not only by providing local economies with financialcapital for companies, but also through direct investment in local companies.