The program of cross-border co-operation of the Republic of Karelia for 2001-2006

http://euregio.karelia.ru/site/Programmes/?lang=eng
 

The Program "Our common border 2001-2006" is based on two programs "The program of cross-border co-operation of the Republic of Karelia for 2001-2006"and "Interreg-IIIA- Karelia 2000-2006". This program is the basis for co-operation within the framework of Euregio Karelia. According to the European experts' opinion this is a unique document in its way, because there is no similar examples either in European Union or in Russia. One of the objectives of this program is to present to European Union common approach of the Finland's and Russian Federation's border regions to problems facing in cross-border co-operation and to transfer decision-making powers on Tacis/CBC projects to the regional level.

The Interreg III A Karelia programme area comprises the regions of Kainuu, North Karelia and Northern Ostrobothia as well as the Karelian Republic. The area is situated in the north-eastern border region of the European Union, bordering on the Gulf of Bothnia in the west and on the White Sea in the east.
The Interreg regions have approximately 700 km of common border with the Karelian Republic, which is more than one half of the Union's whole land border with Russia. The size of the programme area is 263 667 km2, of which 180 500 km2 belongs to the Karelian Republic.

The Regional cross-border cooperation programme of the Karelian Republic includes a big amount of projects (nearly 50). The Karelian Republic has bound itself to the realisation of these projects to a certain limit. The projects of the Karelia Interreg programme are not ready yet, but they will be formulated in accordance with the applications of different organisations during the programme period. Therefore it is not possible and not even necessary -at this stage to name the projects supporting each other across the border. During the programme period the projects will attain a concrete form and become realisable. After this the Administrative Committee of Euregio Karelia will decide separately for each project how the realisation of each project will be promoted. In this connection, the projects will be presented per priorities and only on the level of measure entities.

Priority 1. Economic cooperation
Measure 1.1. Development of business life in border regions
This measure entity includes utilisation of the region's own natural resources. Analysis of the ore resources in the proximity of the Finnish border and their eventual utilisation forms an important part. Exploitation of the ores could at its best mean wide cooperation with the Finnish party following the example of Kostamuksha. Wood resources are a natural resource in the Karelian Republic, and use of wood for energy purposes could be increased significantly. The districts of the Karelian Republic have plans with regard to drawing up of the regions' development plans and to their implementation. Development of tourism by utilising various nature activities plays an important role in the development
work.

Priority 2. Culture of transparent border
Measure 2.1. Cultural cooperation in border regions
This measure entity includes projects related to the development of culture. The cultural villages located in the border regions are unique entities, and their conservation, restoration and strengthening occupies a significant role in the cultural programmes of both countries. Also different forms of folklore and popular tradition, both in the form of performing arts and of handicrafts, are closely connected to these villages. Common efforts are needed in order to preserve these skills and traditions. On the other hand, also new arts can be created on the basis of the cultural tradition by utilising modem technology. This requites unprejudiced interaction and the common language plays an important role in this work.

Priority 3. Cooperation in border regions
Measure 3.1. Prevention of health risks
The increase in international traffic on the border between Finland and Russia has signified increase in international trade and at the same time also in wealth, but it has also implied increase in various infectious and contagious diseases. Preventive actions are the most effective means to fight these risks. " This measure entity includes projects destined to different risk groups (tuberculosis, diabetes, venereal diseases, use of drugs etc.). Citizens' own voluntary work is important for the creation of many projects. This work will be developed under the theme "civil society".

Measure 3.2. Securing of social services
This entity comprises projects in the organisation of which cross-border cooperation is particularly fruitful and productive, such as projects within fIre and rescue services, in which good results have already been reached. Projects related to the securing of the availability of pure water and to waste water treatment are important, because they contribute to the decrease in health risks. In addition, this entity includes projects related to nature protection, prevention of pollution and treatment of toxic substances.

Measure 3.3. Promotion of cross-border traffic
Promotion of cross-border traffic and increasing of contacts between people living in the border region by facilitating border formalities are central objectives in the border region cooperation. Securing and promotion of flexible operation at the existing international border-crossing points is an important objective in the border region. In addition, both parties agree about the need for a new international border-crossing point (Kortesalmi-Suopera) at the height of Kuusamo. There are also some border-crossing points of a lower status, through which the needs of the local people shall be satisfied by various means. Development of local administration helps the citizens in the border region to solve their own local problems. Projects supporting this cooperation belong to this measure entity.

Regional Council of Kainuu
Kauppakatu 1
87100 KAJAANI, FINLAND
Tel.: + 358 8 71 11
Fax: + 358 8 71 71 260
E-mail: kainuunliitto@kainuu.fi

Regional Council of Northern Karelia
Torikatu 9 А
80100 JOENSUU, FINLAND
Tel.: + 358 13 259 110
Fax: + 358 13 259 1130
E-mail: info@pohjois-karjala.fi

Regional Council of Northern Ostrobothnia
Kauppurienkatu 8
90100 OULU, FINLAND
Tel.: + 358 8 321 4000
Fax: + 358 8 321 4013
E-mail: info@pohjois-pohjanmaa.fi

Republic of Karelia
185630 RUSSIA, PETROZAVODSK
Ministry of Foreign Relations
Gertsen street 13
Tel.: + 7 8142 77 12 67
Fax: + 7 8142 76 22 00
E-mail: mvs@karelia.ru