The 27^th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Mariehamn 26-28 August 2018

The 27 th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference in Mariehamn was an outstanding success. With the unanimous adoption of the resolution on cooperation, a heathy Baltic Sea, sustainable energy and smart energy distribution , migration and integration as well as economic development and growth in the BalticSea Region the conference was successfully concluded. The conference appointed Jorodd Asphjellfrom Norway as the new BSPC President. Jörgen Petttersson from the Åland Islands was appointed the Vice President of the BSPC. The third session evolved around “Sustainable energy, smart energy distribution platforms”. Contributions were made about pilot projects in the Baltic Sea Region on the next generation electrical grids. Mr Berndt Schalin , Senior Advisor of the Government of Åland, explained a project which aims to realize a smart and flexible energy system, where novel energy markets and regulation can be implemented. Mr Reinis Āboltiņš, Senior Adviser on Energy from Latvia, described challenges to sustainable energy in the Baltic Sea Region. At the end of this 27 th BSPC conference a new format was introduced – a general debate without restricting the content to give everyone the opportunity to contribute what was particularly close to his or her heart. Therefore, a controversial but healthy debate on current issues evolved. Different views were indicated, and diverse positions were lively discussed. At the end of this open forum, both the resolution of the 27 th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference as well as the Strategy and Work Programme 2018 – 2019 were unanimously adopted. The President of the 27 th BSPC, Mr Jörgen Pettersson , pointed out in his closing remarks his hope, that it was a very fruitful conference for all participants and that they could deepen cooperation and friendships, that the decisions of the conference will contribute to making the world a bit better. Mr Jorodd Asphjell , the incoming President of the BSPC on the occasion of the transfer of the Chairmanship of the BSPC underlinedthat peace and cooperation in the Baltic Sea Area is very important for Norway. He was looking forward to the coming year were the BSPC has several important issues to work with. The Working Group on Migration will continue its important work and deliver a final report with recommendations in time for the conference in Oslo. This is also an issue he expected to be discussed at further conferences. The Norwegian Presidency had proposed to have a look into The Future of Working Life – Digitalization, Integration and Labour Mobility in the Baltic Sea Region. This was a very interesting topic and important for all our citizens. How will technology influence the working life in the Baltic Sea Region in the future? New opportunities, but also challenges for others. Can the Baltic Sea Region become a world champion in employing new technology? Another area where our countries are performing well is the UNs Sustainable Developments Goals. However, there is still work to be done according to a recent report commissioned by the governments in the CBSS. I believe the BSPC should see how we also can contribute to this important work. Mr Asphjell was looking forward to a busy, but interesting year, and was inviting all participants to the 28 th BSPC on 25 till 27 th August 2019 in Oslo. For more information, see the following documents: BSPC in a Nutshell Strategy and Workprogramme 2018-2019 Resolution

Cooperation, Sustainability and Smart Energy The 27 th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference took place in Mariehamn, Åland Islands. Around 170 delegates met in the Plenary Hall of the Åland Lagtinget, the Parliament of Åland. The aim of this year’s conference was to pass a resolution on cooperation, sustainability and smart energy in the Baltic Sea Region – our lifeline. The conference was opened by H.E. Mr Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic of Finland, and Ms Gun-Mari Lindholm, President of Ålands Lagting, welcomed the participants. The BSPC Drafting Committee and the BSPC Standing Committee held their first sessions on Sunday, 26 th August, in the Plenary Hall of the Ålands Lagting. In the afternoon, there were two excursions: one to the municipality of Föglö and the other to Bormasund Fortress. On Monday the first two sessions took place in the Ålands Lagting. The first session focused on cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region and it continued into the afternoon. The second session was a call for more action on the vision of a healthy Baltic Sea. A cultural event at the Åland Maritime Museum closed the day. On Tuesday the third session on sustainable energy and smart energy distribution platforms was followed by a general debate and the closing of the 27 th BSPC conference. For more information, see the following report: BSPC in a Nutshell Strategy and Workprogramme 2018-2019 Resolution