New focus on Policy: Task force analysis of the EU strategy

The BCCA general assembly today decided to re-focus on the EU strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. A Task force was set up which will re-examine the strategy to find ways towards effective implementation of change.

-Right now it is not a strategy, but a Christmas tree, said Dr Kari Jalas of the Finnish Central Chamber of Commerce.

Dr Jalas also noted that the new Commission does not seem to have these issues on its agenda.

The BCCA president Stephan Müchler noted that the BCCA was active in supporting the idea of a consequent and coherent EU strategy ever since the foundation of the organisation in 1992.

-Now that it is in place we need to look at it through the lens of the business community. The strategy needs focus or there is risk that nothing comes out. The BCCA members have a strong presence in Brussels and we know how to act to get our messages across, said Müchler

The task force will be led by the BCCA secretary general Dr Per Tryding and will report to the presidium in June 2010.

New Presidium 2010

The Presidium including the president Mr Stephan Müchler was re-elected. Anticipating his retirement later next year Dr Kari Jalas declined re-election. Mr Lars-Kåre Legernes of the Oslo Chamber of Commerce was elected as new vice president.