| Summary: | Proposed by Finland, the so-called "Northern Dimension of the EU" was a response to the absence of a Union strategy for dealing with Russia. For Finland itself the initiative was an instrument by means of which it could effectively promote and secure its national interests. The Northern Dimension was adopted as a EU initiative forming the overarching element of policy towards northern Europe by which is meant Iceland. Norway, the Baltic Sea region and the north-European expanses of Russia. Its main aims arc to develop regional cooperation among all the countries of the region and provide a platform for interaction between the Union and Russia, such cooperation intended to be not only of regional significance but also to advance one of the E U s strategic aims in the 21st century, which is rapprochement with Russia. The principal actors in implementations of the Northern Dimension are the European Council, the Barents Sea Council, the Arctic Council and the Council of Baltic Sea States. Expansion of cooperation on the ground involves such areas as environmental protection, nuclear safety, energy, infrastructure, human resources development, health, education, and the rule of law. To an ever growing extent the Northern Dimension is becoming an instrument stimulating the integration of Baltic Europe. The Kaliningrad Region has, potentially, a chance of becoming a template for cooperation between the EU and Russia. But this will require clear-cut decisions on the part of Moscow, of which at present there are no signs. It is in Poland's interest to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the Northern Dimension initiative for expansion of contacts with Russia and Baltic cooperation. Poland has a stake in the creation in this region of conditions for enduring stability and mutual confidence. The Northern Dimension marks a shift in the focus of EU interest from the Mediterranean to the Baltic and the Barents Sea. W „Wymiarze Północnym" mieści się całokształt polityki Unii Europejskiej wobec Europy ...
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