The North Sea Commission (NSC)

The North Sea Commission is one of six Commissions established under the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe (CPMR). The NSC aims to develop partnerships between the regions around the North Sea basin. Through co-operation, research, funding, policy statements and lobbying at a European level, the NSC aims to promote the region as an economic entity in Europe. This is made easier by sharing a common history and facing similar issues.

Eight nations are members of the NSC (Denmark, England, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Scotland and Sweden). The NSC is one of the most active Commissions of the CPMR.

Whilst the Strategic and Executive Committees set the political tone, more technical work is undertaken by sharing international expertise in the thematic groups.

The NSC has set up five thematic groups so that action can be focused on the key areas of concern common to the Region as a whole. The groups are:

• Culture and Tourism
• Innovation and Education
• Sustainable Development
• Marine Resources
• Transport

ABERDEENSHIRE AND NSC

Aberdeenshire Council maintains a strong role in the NSC. Leader of Aberdeenshire Council, Cllr. Anne Robertson, is one of two Vice-Chairs of the Transport Group and is the Alternate Scottish Representative on the NSC Executive Committee. As well as this, a Council Officer acts as the Adviser to the Marine Resources Group and the Council is represented on all the thematic groups at Officer level.

For further information about the NSC please see the The NSC website