Mariehamn, 26 August 2025 –
The 34th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) concluded today in Mariehamn, Åland Islands, bringing together more than 100 parliamentarians and representatives from across the region under the theme “The Baltic Sea – Our Lifeline: Cooperation, Security and Sustainability.” A highlight of the meeting was the keynote address by Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who placed Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine at the centre of his remarks.
In his address, President Stubb described the invasion of Ukraine as “a turning point in world history – a 1918, 1945 or 1989 moment of our generation,” stressing that there can be no return to the old order. “Russia has violated the basic principles of international law, and that must not go without consequence,” he underlined. Stubb welcomed the unprecedented unity among the Baltic Sea states, reinforced by Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO, and urged joint efforts to defend critical undersea infrastructure against hybrid threats, including Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.
Alongside President Stubb, the conference also heard keynote statements from Yulia Navalnaya, widow of the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny; Egils Levits, former President of Latvia; and Toomas Hendrik Ilves, former President of Estonia. Their participation underscored the broad engagement of leading voices in Europe with the central questions of security, democracy and cooperation in the Baltic Sea region.
Delegates focused on four thematic priorities: youth and intergenerational dialogue, sustainability in fisheries, shipping and climate action, energy resilience and security, and the defence of democracy and stability. The debates highlighted the interdependence of these issues and the importance of joint parliamentary action.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Assembly unanimously adopted the 34th BSPC Resolution, which sets out a shared political agenda for the coming year and reaffirms the commitment of parliaments to strengthen cooperation, sustainability and democratic resilience in the Baltic Sea region.
The presidency of the BSPC was formally handed over from the Parliament of Åland to the Schleswig-Holstein Parliament. In her inaugural address, President Kristina Herbst presented the guiding motto of the new Presidency: “Youth.Set.Sail – For a Thriving Baltic Sea Region.” The conference also marked the transition of the Secretary-General’s office: Bodo Bahr concluded his long tenure and was succeeded by Jan Diedrichsen.
The BSPC expressed its gratitude to the Parliament of Åland for its warm hospitality. With Schleswig-Holstein now assuming the Presidency, the Conference enters a new phase of reform and renewal, aiming to strengthen cooperation and political dialogue in the Baltic Sea region.
