This project contributed to the economic development of this Russian region given its unique geopolitical situation in the context of the Russian Federation and neighbouring pre-accession countries (Poland, Lithuania). The project had three main aspects of support for economic activity in the region being undertaken in respect of intra- and inter-regional initiatives with neighbouring countries:
- Strengthen the institutional capabilities of the Kaliningrad Regional Development Agency (RDA).
- Implement the recommendations of earlier TACIS economic policy projects providing a regional economic development strategy and framework for cross border initiatives within the Baltic Sea region.
- Develop RDA capability to support the implementation of key economic instruments, programmes and initiatives.
The RDA envisages as one of its key functions as providing the lead capability on future cross border collaboration between Kaliningrad Oblast and neighbouring regions in Poland and Lithuania. The RDA has been a founding partner in the creation of BARDI (Baltic Sea Association of RDAs) to encourage a collaborative programme development between RDAs. The Agency has been provided through TACIS assistance with a Development Project specialist who is envisaged as becoming a full time member of staff with responsibility for the future role of the Kaliningrad RDA in EU cross border programmes. The RDA is already preparing joint applications with the Pomeranian Agency in Gdansk and Lithuanian agencies for an investment one-stop shop and the training of regional and local municipal officials in economic development programming.
In the context of the preparation of a Kaliningrad regional economic strategy the RDA is examining the implications of the Accession of Poland and Lithuania for the future development of Kaliningrad region. Current and future research is evaluating the impact of new visa restrictions on the cross-border trade. The Kaliningrad RDA has also been instrumental in engaging Russian national and regional policy makers and neighbouring countries in the potential for Kaliningrad region to serve as a “pilot” region in relations between the EU and Russia. This concept would involve an enhanced framework for determining cross-border programmes and future EU support.
The development of the Kaliningrad RDA’s cross-border capability is envisaged as enhancing the technical development of Kaliningrad’s economic programmes, principally the Federal Task Programme, to serve as an effective operational programme for future project programming and financing and in determining the scope for tax/customs incentives to stimulate investment from neighbouring regions.
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