Euregio’s previous action programme was approved in 2003 for the years 2003-2005. The decisive factor for all work of Euregio was the accession process of Estonia to the European Union. Euregio was registered as a non-profit association in December 2003, and much time was devoted to organisational matters and structural adjustments within the organisation.

Since the working environment of Euregio has changed as a consequence of being a nonprofit association, as well as Estonia becoming an EU member country, there is a need to update the priorities of the organisation. Due to limited resources of Euregio it is also needed to have more clear focus for the organisation.

Mission and types of activities

The mission of the Euregio is to enhance balanced cross-border integration, and finally the creation of Uusimaa-Harjumaa twin-region. Euregio aims to become an active stakeholder to support and to promote inter-regional development and competitiveness based on complementary strengths and common creative cultural environment.

Euregio is predominantly an information exchange and networking organisation for the partners, and also for other actors of the twin-region. Euregio In the framework of its mission, and based on Euregio partners’ initiatives, the association will also work as mediator and facilitator of co-operation projects.

Objectives

The gradual development of an integrated cross-border region means that both parts gain from intensified connections and cooperation, and regional economies grow towards balanced interdependence, and we can say that together the two Capital Regions are stronger than alone. This positive development requires work towards three broad objectives:

- raise the similarity of systems of governance and economic operational environments;
- level out the productivity gap between the regions; and
- exploit and develop complementarities of the two regions.

Having these objectives in mind the Euregio sets the priorities, actions and projects. They are defined also to support the interests of the partner organisations, local and regional administrations.

Priorities and objectives

1.1 The development of the concept, brand name and project activities in the Twin-Region of Art and Science.

1.2 Information dissemination across the border on activities and opportunities in education and training.

2. Planning and development of functional cross-border co-operation

2.1 Organising dialogue, exchange and collaboration between urban and regional planning organisations.

2.2 Facilitating exchange activities between public sector actors, aiming for functional co-operation.

3. Cross-border political dialogue on common interests

3.1 Facilitation of communication on common interests and political dialogue between decision makers of Harju and Uusimaa counties.

3.2 Lobbying common interests, especially concerning the EU.

Activities and projects for 2005-06

Art and Science Twin-city from a concept towards a programme developed. – Concretised set of projects and activities, role of Euregio defined.

Activities 1.2

Initiate Finnish-Estonian information service on education and training. Euregio’s possible role to provide information to the partners and to the public via mailing lists and electronic newsletters.

Activities 2.1

Challenges of twin-regional development – Facilitate spatial planning cooperation and coordination of regional planning; Euregio’s role to organise round table debates and seminars.

Activities 2.2

Coordination of Pilet project – common public transport ticketing system. Coordination of Huuta project – prevention of drugs and decreasing of diseases in the common region

Activities 3.1

Euregio Forum in May 2006 in Tallinn.

Organisation of round table debates, study visits, gatherings for politicians, brokerage events for leaders of the municipalities

Activities 3.2.

Composing of proposals concerning the new EU programming period and funding programmes for cross-border cooperation activities.

Strengthening of the organisational capacity of Euregio

- Euregio Intranet for effective information exchange and policy work
- Participation in the Baltic Euroregional Network coordinated by the Nordic Council of Ministers