The European Union and the region of Kaliningrad

The European Parliament adopted a resolution drafted by Magdalene HOFF (PES, Germany) on the Commission communication on Kaliningrad. (Please refer to the document dated 23/04/02.) Three essential conditions must be fulfilled if cooperation with regard to Kaliningrad is to succeed: firstly, good governance in terms of efficient administration, properly functioning institutions and the actual enforcement of laws; secondly, structural reforms in the areas of legal certainty, a stable tax legislation, environment and acquisition of land; and thirdly, serious steps towards an economic and social renaissance of the region. Effective measures against corruption are crucial. The Russian side is encouraged to make administrative procedures applying to investors more consistent and less time-consuming by reducing the number of local contacts. Development of civil society and the alarming environmental situation are both emphasised in the resolution. Parliament feels that the Commission should play a more active financial role in Kaliningrad, coordinating TACIS, PHARE and Interreg more effectively and involving international financial institutions to a greater extent in the development of projects. Financial contribution should not be a one-sided programme of assistance, but a joint development project with Russia. The Commission should consider setting up a task force for Kaliningrad within the framework of the PCA to explore opportunities for an upturn in the area. TEMPUS activities might include institutional development projects. Finally, the Commission is asked to empower the local TACIS office to make funds available for small projects in the field, to support the multiplicity of private initiatives by EU citizens.�