Directorate General for Regional Policy
The European Commission’s Directorate General for Regional Policy works to strengthen economic, social and territorial cohesion within the EU by reducing disparities in the level of development among regions and member states. It helps to promote the competitiveness of regional economies and the permanent catch-up of those lagging behind the prosperous areas. The main instruments of this policy are the European Development Fund and the Cohesion Fund. Commissioner Johannes Hahn has the political responsibility for regional policy.
Baltic Development Forum
Baltic Development Forum (BDF) is an independent and high-level network for decision-makers from business, politics, academia and media in the Baltic Sea Region. Our mission is to create a prosperous Baltic Sea Region through regional integration, sustainable growth, innovation and competitiveness.
One of our main activities is an annual Summit where more than 500 decision-makers from business, politics, academia and media meet to exchange ideas and formulate strategies for the future development of the Region. Baltic Development Forum was founded in 1998 by the former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Denmark Uffe Ellemann-Jensen. Hans Skov Christensen, former CEO of Danish Industry, is BDF Chairman since 1 November 2011. Director of the Secretariat, situated in Copenhagen, is Hans Brask.
Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union
Denmark holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union during the first half of 2012. The four fundamental priorities for the Danish Presidency are: A responsible Europe, a dynamic Europe, a green Europe, and a safe Europe. The Minister for European Affairs Nicolai Wammen is in charge of Baltic Sea Regional matters.
Visit the Danish Presidency of the Council of the European Union’s Website
The Capital Region of Denmark
The Capital Region of Denmark is one of five administrative units in Denmark. The region provides healthcare, mental healthcare and regional development for 1.7 million people or approx. 30% of the population of Denmark, in addition to doing research. Stretching from the island of Bornholm in the east of Denmark to Hundested in the west, the Capital Region comprises 29 municipalities. The administrative headquarters of the Capital Region of Denmark are situated in Hillerød, 40 kilometres north of Copenhagen. The region employs 36,000 people – mainly health care professionals – making it one Denmark’s largest employers.
Region Zealand
Region Zealand is one of five administrative units in Denmark. The region provides healthcare, mental healthcare and regional development for 800.000 people. The wide range of services is spread out across 17 municipalities and 22 cities. Region Zealand’s vision is to become a bridge builder which creates a healthcare system of the highest standard, great development potential for the users, as well as a good business environment. The administrative headquarters of Region Zealand are situated in Sorød, 80 kilometres west of Copenhagen.
Region Skåne
Region Skåne, or Skåne Regional Council, is the self-governing authority of Skåne, the southernmost county of Sweden.
Region Skåne’s competences include health and medical services, regional growth and development, public transport, culture and cross-border and interregional cooperation.
Region Skåne is governed by a Regional Assembly of 149 members. The Regional Assembly is directly elected by all inhabitants of Skåne every four years. The Regional Assembly appoints members to the committees, makes decisions on strategic issues regarding the areas of responsibility and decides on the level of regional income tax, which is currently 10.39%.
Region Skåne employs 34,000 people and its turnover amounts to 33 billion Swedish kronor (2010).
