Vasab

VASAB is creating a forum for discussing spatial framework of the Region. Spatial planning is increasingly acknowledged as an interactive, interdisciplinary and democratic instrument to promote sustainable and balanced spatial development and cohesion in the Baltic Sea Region. It is an effective tool for national governments and Pan-Baltic organisations to promote the spatial integration and competitiveness of the Baltic Sea Region. EU enlargement is having considerable spatial impacts on the whole region. Therefore, co-operation in the framework of VASAB can help define the main spatial development needs for integration of the BSR territory and to initiate necessary action. Special attention must be paid to impacts caused by regional disparities between the "old" and "new" EU member states and their neighbouring countries and regions, such as North-Western Russia and regions of Belarus and co-operation should be intensified. VASAB focuses its work on the following issues: Preparation of a long term perspective for the spatial development of the Baltic Sea Region; Active influence on the preparation and the implementation of Baltic programmes for trans-national and cross-border territorial co-operation; Active participation in the European process of territorial cohesion; Stimulate and support projects that create model solutions in addressing common social, economical and ecological trends that have significant spatial effects; Initiate and organize an exchange of knowledge and expertise on innovative spatial planning and development approaches, and to present and discuss these in international fora.