The role of the EU’s macro-regional policy in fostering the competitiveness of the Baltic Sea Region. Assessing the policy frameworks
The role of the EU’s macro-regional policy in fostering the competitiveness of the Baltic Sea Region. Assessing the policy frameworks

Summary/Abstract: This article presents the analysis of the EU’s macro-regional policy as a framework to enhance competitiveness and sustainable development. The Baltic Sea Region (BSR) – a home for the first EU’s macro-regional strategy launched in 2009 – is used as a case study. Focusing on the strategy’s objective “increase prosperity”, the author examines policy changes leading to the EUSBSR 'Action Plan' of 2021. Based on a qualitative analysis of EU documents and BSR’s institutional potential, two hypotheses are verified: (1) the BSR’s approach to competitiveness has evolved to be more proactive, holistic, and sustainability-oriented; (2) this shift aligns with EU political context, EUSBSR maturity and regional socio-economic development. The research demonstrates that the macroregional framework effectively integrates diverse competitiveness approaches, being a promising tool in fostering competitiveness in the EU.

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