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EU Organisations

Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe (CPMR)

Introduction

Since its creation in 1973, the CPMR campaigns for strong territorial cohesion throughout the European continent. In particular, the CPMR is striving to ensure a strong EU regional policy targeted at all of Europe’s regions and is also working towards the delivery of an integrated maritime policy designed to contribute towards Europe’s economic growth.

Structure, key stakeholders and partners

Around 160 regions from 28 countries have come together to form the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe.

The CPMR organised itself into geographical commissions in order to make it easier to articulate the particular circumstances of each of the major sea basins: Atlantic Arc, Balkan and Black Sea, Islands, Intermediterranean, Baltic Sea, North Sea. Each geographical commission has its own organisational structure, so that it can promote its specific identity and cooperate on subjects of common interest, while contributing to the cohesion and unity of the Conference.

Priorities and activities

Its action is focused on all policies with a high territorial impact such as transport, agriculture and rural development, research and innovation as well as employment and social inclusion.

At the same time the CPMR is working to enhance Europe’s maritime dimension, underlining the importance of an integrated maritime policy, greater regionalisation of the common fisheries policy and a maritime safety system designed to cope with increased shipping traffic.

For the CPMR, sustainable development and the conservation of the environment and biodiversity are also priority issues. Its focuses in particular on energy policies and climate change mitigation and adaptation measures.

CPMR has several working groups coordinated by groups of regions. The Agriculture working group is develops proposals on the CAP post-2013.

The main policy areas addressed are:

  • regionalisation of the first and second pillar;
  • territorial balance of direct first pillar support;
  • food quality;
  • food security including commercial aspects;
  • sustainable agriculture;
  • regulating agricultural markets;
  • the impact of the global food outlook on European agriculture.

Further information