Second Working meeting/EUSBSR:
Challenges and shortcomings in the implementation phase
Ole Norrback, Honorary Minister of Finland and former Ambassador
16 - 17 February 2011 | Gdansk, Poland
Ole Norrback
Living in a changing world means
• Challenges are international
• Pollution passes the national borders
• Global trade and economy need global rules
• Human rights are individual and should be protected by the international society in all countries
Ole Norrback
When living in a changing world we need
• Stronger common international rules and less national protectionist rules in most sectors
• Stronger international organizations
• More politicians, focused on the international cooperation
•To forget short term national interests and focus on longterm common and nationalistic goals
Ole Norrback
Regions in a key positionCross border cooperation is most beneficial in border regions
Borders are not only dividing lines, borders are important and challenging meeting points
Regions should challenge national authorities to make cross border cooperation easier
Ordinary people in border regions are most supportive in tearing down border barriers
Regions can be a forerunner in the international cooperation
Ole Norrback
Clear and tangible goalsBe well preparedSearch carefully the possibilities in the upcoming changesChoose your threats and challenges carefully
Prepare yourself well for the real threats, not for the small ones
Concentrate your recourses and your energy on a few and the most important goalsGood will is good, but never enough; hard work, clear goals and sustainable, durable arguments can change the world=> Remember that only results count.
Ole Norrback
Choose your counterparts carefully
Additional competence good for all partners
Make sure that the partners have god plans and realistic goals
Criticize constructively and challenge each other
Benefit from solutions in cooperating regions by modifying them for your own use
Show respect for cultural, religious and historical differences
Ole Norrback
To be good or to be poor
The support from EU is bigger to poor regions
A region trying to always maximize EU support has to remain poor and can never be good
An important goal must be to be good (competitive) and thereby minimize the EU support
Are you brave enough to lift the ambitions to survive more on your own in the future?
Ole Norrback
Only the results count
A good application is only a good startA good staff is basic for the workA good seminar or conference offer at least one new idea to implement at homeMaximize the use of experts – but never trust them totallyGood reports are never enoughA project has failed totally if the final report is the only result of your project.
Only the results count
Ole Norrback
Your work is important.
All success to all of you!
Thank you very much for your attention.
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