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The 34th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference concluded its substantive programme with a wide-ranging debate on the future of the region. Chaired by Johannes Schraps, MP Germany and former BSPC President, and co-chaired by Antonina Nānasāwa, Deputy Speaker of the Latvian Parliament, the session brought together parliamentarians and experts to address the priorities that will shape the BSPC agenda: security, democratic resilience, environmental sustainability, and youth participation. Former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves opened the debate with a keynote on the Wise Persons’ Report regarding the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS). He contrasted the Council’s original mission in the 1990s—supporting fragile democracies and serving as a framework to “handle Russia”—with today’s reality, where all Baltic states except Russia are in the EU and NATO. With Russia’s suspension and withdrawal in 2022, Ilves argued the CBSS faces a stark choice between closure and transformation. He cited hybrid threats such as undersea sabotage, GPS jamming, harassment of officials, and ecological dangers from Russia’s “shadow oil fleet,” warning that neither NATO nor the EU has yet filled this gap. He noted that the member states opted for reform, assigning Poland’s presidency to lead the process. Katarzyna Barcikowska, Chair of the CBSS Committee of Senior Officials, confirmed Poland’s role in steering the reform. She outlined three priorities: safeguarding infrastructure and security, advancing green shipping and biodiversity, and strengthening regional identity through youth and cultural cooperation. Russia’s war against Ukraine, she stressed, had reshaped the framework for cooperation, making solidarity and Ukraine’s integration central tasks for the CBSS. Two expert contributions highlighted the democratic dimension of the challenges. Alice Stollmeyer, Executive Director of Defend Democracy, warned of a “triple challenge”: hybrid warfare, rising far-right extremism, and the dominance of global technology platforms. Without treating democratic security as seriously as military defence, she cautioned, Europe risks strategic dependence. Åsa Wikforss, Professor of Philosophy at Stockholm University and member of the Swedish Academy, examined how disinformation and algorithm-driven fragmentation erode trust in institutions. Citing Hannah Arendt, she argued that freedom of opinion is meaningless without reliable facts and called for regulation of disinformation as a defence of democracy. The political debate reflected diverse perspectives. Bryndís Haraldsdóttir (Iceland) emphasised solidarity with Baltic partners and fundamental rights, including women’s and LGBTQ+ rights. Tiit Maran (Estonia) linked war and ecological destruction, urging integrated security and environmental policies. Kaspars Brišken (Latvia) called for EU-wide action on infrastructure and cyber resilience alongside research and youth engagement. Lars-Christian Brask (Denmark) welcomed Nordic unity in NATO and underlined Greenland’s right to self-determination. Staffan Eklöf (Sweden) concluded that compromise is democracy’s strength and argued misinformation should be countered with transparency and open dialogue, not censorship. In their closing remarks, Schraps and Nānasāwa thanked participants and noted that the debate had crystallised the key priorities of the conference. These themes will be carried into the final resolution and guide the BSPC’s work in the year ahead.

The Baltic Sea has become a frontline. At the 34th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference in Åland, former heads of state, ministers and parliamentarians warned that safeguarding democracy and stability in the region is no longer an abstract concern, but a daily political task. Former Latvian President Egils Levits outlined three central challenges. First, he described Russia’s path as openly imperialist: military aggression paired with hybrid tools such as disinformation, cyberattacks and influence networks designed to undermine Western trust. Second, he pointed to a decline in U.S. reliability as Europe’s security guarantor, arguing that strategic uncertainty has grown as Washington shows less commitment and even authoritarian tendencies at home. Third, he identified a deeper crisis of liberal democracy itself – with rational, evidence-based debate eroded by “alternative facts” and algorithm-driven parallel realities. According to Levits, this epistemological shift threatens the very foundations of democratic deliberation. Levits insisted that Europe must invest massively in its own defence and demonstrate both the capability and political will to deter aggression. At the same time, democracies needed to harden themselves from within: through civic education, media literacy and stronger institutions. Liberal democracy, he underlined, may be imperfect, but remains superior to any alternative. Its defence, he concluded, is a responsibility that cannot be outsourced. From Finland, former Foreign Minister Pekka Haavisto added a historical perspective. Fifty years after the Helsinki Final Act, the cooperative mechanisms that once stabilised the region have largely collapsed – Russia excluded from the Council of Europe, the Arctic Council and the CBSS. The result, he argued, is a Baltic Sea more vulnerable to new insecurities, from shadow fleets transporting oil to damaged pipelines and cables. Yet Haavisto pointed to civil society as a source of hope, recalling that the “third basket” of Helsinki – freedom of movement and information – once fuelled change and helped bring down the Berlin Wall. His message: even small openings can trigger transformation. Polish MP Jaroslaw Wałęsa emphasised that Europe cannot rely on military deterrence alone. Hybrid threats target infrastructure, media and citizens as much as borders. He called for a Baltic strategy that links cyber and information defence with investment in civic institutions, independent media and education. Democracies, he warned, risk losing legitimacy if leaders remain insulated from citizens. Engagement and trust are as crucial to resilience as armies and budgets. Debate on democracy’s limits In the panel discussion moderated by Prof. Sia Spiliopoulou Åkermark , speakers explored how democracies can stay both inclusive and decisive under pressure. Levits cautioned against unrealistic expectations that risk fuelling frustration. Haavisto warned that democratic attention to climate change must not be sacrificed to security concerns, pointing to the dangers of inaction under uncertainty. Wałęsa stressed that rights and duties go hand in hand, with active citizenship forming the base of resilience. The panellists also reflected on human rights in times of crisis. Levits argued that democracy must protect itself from those who would exploit freedoms to destroy it. Haavisto recalled the dilemmas of border closures during the pandemic, while Wałęsa warned that in the name of security democracies can too easily undermine their own liberties. The common thread: deterrence must be backed by diplomacy, and diplomacy must be credible only when supported by Europe’s economic and military strength. Voices from the floor Floor interventions sharpened the debate. Johannes Schraps (Germany) reminded delegates of BSPC’s historic suspension of Russia in 2022 and stressed the symbolism of meeting in the “Islands of Peace.” Lukas Mandl (European Parliament) warned that democratic resilience depends on Europe’s economic competitiveness. Youth delegates Tom Madsen and Elias Arndt demanded stronger cross-border cooperation, daily defence of democracy and meaningful inclusion of young people, including a lower voting age. Closing the debate, host Jörgen Pettersson urged delegates not to lose sight of optimism. Quoting Leonard Cohen and Bob Dylan, he framed democracy as both fragile and renewable: “The Baltic Sea is a security frontier – but above all a community of shared responsibility.”

Laudatory Address by Jānis Vucāns Jānis Vucāns, former President of the BSPC, opened the tribute by recalling 1 October 2014, when Bahr was appointed Secretary General. From that day onward, he carried the responsibility of leading and shaping the Secretariat with lasting effect. Vucāns highlighted Bahr’s unparalleled parliamentary career, spanning more than 45 years in democratic service: 33 years in the German Bundestag and the Parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, followed by over ten years as Secretary General of the BSPC. According to Vucāns, Bahr’s contribution was so formative that the names “Bodo Bahr” and “BSPC” had become virtually synonymous. His expertise in climate and biodiversity policy had left a clear mark on the Conference’s work, and his role as a “walking encyclopedia” ensured continuity through his vast institutional memory. Concluding his remarks, Vucāns paid personal tribute to Bahr, stressing the close and trusting cooperation he had experienced and honouring the lasting imprint that Bahr had left on the BSPC. Farewell Address by Bodo Bahr In his response, Secretary General Bahr delivered a deeply personal farewell. He reflected on 46 years of service to parliaments, which he described as the foundation of democracy and guarantors of freedom. His lifelong motivation, he underlined, was to strengthen parliamentary power as the cornerstone of democratic societies. Bahr evoked memories of his early career in the Bundestag during the divided years of Germany, when sessions in Berlin were restricted by the presence of the Wall and armed guards across the Spree. For him, this experience became a permanent call to ensure that such divisions must “never, never more” be allowed again. Turning to the BSPC, he praised its unity and its rise in influence, recalling how the Conference had succeeded in bringing governments and even heads of state into its deliberations. He urged the Conference to continue using its strength and consensus for the future. Bahr closed his speech by quoting his father’s words that true achievement is always “delicious” when born of effort and commitment. Summing up his career, he declared: “It was a pleasure and it was an honor.”

At the 34th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) in Mariehamn, young people from across the region took the floor with their own recommendations. As part of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Youth Forum (BSPYF), organised alongside ReGeneration Week 2025, 50 youth delegates adopted proposals on national and energy security, youth inclusion, the just green transition, and mental wellbeing. In a dedicated session of the BSPC plenary, the young participants engaged directly with more than 100 parliamentarians and experts. The format focused on intergenerational dialogue, with trained youth facilitators leading small-group discussions around the recommendations. The aim was to strengthen mutual understanding and to provide concrete youth input. The final recommendations underline that climate change must be recognised as a security threat, both nationally and regionally. They call for the development of diverse renewable energy infrastructure, financed by phasing out fossil fuel subsidies. On connectivity, the youth urge lowering the voting age to 16 and introducing mandatory involvement of 12- to 30-year-olds in decision-making processes. On resilience, they highlight mental health as a political priority, demanding faster access to quality care and stronger investment in education and wellbeing economies. The BSPYF 2025 was jointly organised by ReGeneration 2030, the BSPC, the Parliament of Åland and the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS). It took place from 22 to 26 August in Mariehamn and brought together 125 youth delegates from across the Baltic Sea region. [Read the Youth Recommendations (PDF)]

Chaired by Prof. Jānis Vucāns, President of the Baltic Assembly and former BSPC President, together with Estonian MP Meelis Kiili, the session brought the spotlight on one of the core outcomes of the Conference: the final report of the BSPC Working Group on Energy Security, Self-Sustainability, Resilience and Connectivity (2023–2025). Keynote speaker Andris Kulbergs, Chairman of the Working Group, presented the main recommendations after two years of intensive parliamentary work. The report calls for an accelerated transition from fossil fuels, investments in offshore wind and hydrogen, reinforced cross-border energy interconnections, and the creation of a regional renewable energy market. It also urges the establishment of a Baltic Sea Maritime Security Coordination Centre, enhanced digital infrastructure and cybersecurity, joint stockpiling and rapid-repair capacities, as well as stronger sanctions and inspection regimes against Russia’s “shadow fleet.” “Russia’s war has exposed vulnerabilities across our region. The best answer is stronger cooperation in energy, digital and transport connectivity,” Kulbergs underlined in his keynote. He concluded: “Our recommendations call for urgent and coordinated action by governments, regional institutions, and EU bodies. Let’s turn words into action—together.” Following the presentation, a panel of experts expanded on the challenges and opportunities ahead. Marlen Rein from NATO’s Energy Security Centre of Excellence highlighted the strategic importance of resilience and preparedness. Anders Wiklund of OX2 and Thomas Koopmann of Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners stressed the scale of private-sector investment needed for offshore wind and green infrastructure. Jukka Savolainen from the Hybrid CoE analysed hybrid threats undermining critical infrastructure, while Professor Henrik Ringbom of Åbo Akademi University and the University of Oslo pointed to legal and institutional gaps in the protection of subsea cables and pipelines. The panel discussion, moderated by Keira Dignan, Secretary-General of ReGeneration 2030, underlined the importance of combining political leadership, legal frameworks and private investment to build lasting resilience in the Baltic Sea Region. The final report of the BSPC Working Group and the accompanying fact sheet can be accessed on the BSPC website: 👉 Final Report 2023–2025 👉 Fact Sheet The presentations of the panel speakers will also be made available on the BSPC website, as far as provided.

The Resolution reaffirms steadfast support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and underlines the need for stronger collective action against hybrid threats, including attacks on undersea infrastructure and disinformation campaigns. It also calls for closer NATO-EU cooperation and a long-term maritime security presence in the Baltic Sea. Commitments to protect critical energy and communication networks, accelerate the green transition, and safeguard the fragile Baltic Sea ecosystem are equally central. The Resolution highlights urgent measures for restoring fish stocks, advancing green shipping corridors, and clearing sea-dumped munitions. Beyond security and ecology, the parliamentarians stress the importance of a sustainable bioeconomy, cultural and educational ties, and youth participation. A two-year Working Group on cyber and information resilience has been established, and the Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein will host the 35th BSPC in Lübeck from 30 August to 1 September 2026. 👉 Read the full Resolution (PDF)

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.

Mariehamn, Åland Islands, 24–26 August 2025 The Baltic Sea – Our Lifeline: Cooperation, Security and Sustain ability The 34 th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) will take place from 24 to 26 August 2025 in Mariehamn, Åland Islands, bringing together parliamentarians, experts, youth representatives, and international guests from across the Baltic Sea Region to address some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation. Under the overarching theme “The Baltic Sea – Our Lifeline”, this year’s conference will focus on energy resilience, maritime sustainability, youth engagement, and democratic security. The conference will open on Monday, 25 August, with a welcome speech by Alfons Röblom, President of the BSPC and Member of the Åland Parliament, and a keynote address by H.E. Alexander Stubb, President of the Republic of Finland. Key conference sessions will include: - Intergenerational Dialogue on Baltic Sea Cooperation, featuring contributions from ReGeneration 2030 and the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Youth Forum (BSPYF); - Shared Stewardship for a Sustainable Baltic Sea, with reports from BSPC rapporteurs and international experts on climate, fisheries and maritime policy; - Securing the Future, a session on energy resilience and infrastructure protection with insights from NATO, Hybrid CoE, OX2, and the Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners; - Safeguarding Democracy and Stability in the Baltic Sea Region, with keynote interventions by Egils Levits, former President of Latvia, and Pekka Haavisto, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Finland. The conference will culminate in the adoption of the 34 th BSPC Resolution, incorporating key findings and recommendations – including those developed by the BSPC Working Group on Energy Security, Self-Sustainability, Resilience and Connectivity (ESSRC) – and paving the way for coordinated action in the region. 👉 For more information, please click here..

Final Report of the BSPC Working Group on ESSRC published The BSPC is pleased to announce the publication of the Final Report of the Working Group on Energy Security, Self-Sustainability, Resilience and Connectivity (ESSRC) . Following a two-year mandate launched at the 32 nd BSPC in Berlin, the Working Group presents its conclusive set of political recommendations to enhance energy security, regional resilience, and cross-border connectivity in the democratic Baltic Sea region. The report is the result of a thorough and forward-looking process, shaped by six meetings held across the region — in Riga, Helsinki, Greifswald, Bergen, Stockholm, and Tallinn — and informed by the contributions of more than 45 invited experts. In a time of rising geopolitical tensions, the Working Group addressed challenges such as fossil fuel dependency, hybrid threats, critical infrastructure protection, digital connectivity, and sustainable transport. Among the key recommendations are: Accelerating the transition to renewable and climate-neutral energy sources; Advancing hydrogen strategies and regional energy interconnections; Enhancing civil preparedness and digital resilience; Supporting large-scale cross-border infrastructure projects; Promoting regional stockpiling and rapid repair capabilities for critical systems. The Working Group's findings and recommendations will be presented at the 34 th BSPC Annual Conference in Mariehamn and will be reflected in the forthcoming Conference Resolution. The full Final Report , along with the Factsheet featuring an infographic and summary of the Working Group’s activities and conclusions can be downloaded here and on the Working Group’s webpage . We invite all interested parties to review the report and contribute to the ongoing dialogue on energy security and resilience in the Baltic Sea region.

The Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) is pleased to present the seventh Report on Sustainable Tourism in the Baltic Sea Region, authored by the BSPC Rapporteur on Sustainable Tourism, Birgit Hesse , President of the State Parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Highlights and Focuses The 2024–2025 edition provides a comprehensive update on the latest political, strategic and practical developments in sustainable tourism across the Baltic Sea region. It highlights progress made in cross-border cooperation, innovation and climate-friendly travel – while underlining the challenges posed by climate change, overtourism and social inequality. A strong focus is placed on the Interreg Baltic Sea Region and South Baltic Programmes , which have seen more than 20 innovative projects launched or continued in this period – from the development of green hydrogen infrastructure in aviation (BSR HyAirport) and regenerative food tourism (BASCIL), to initiatives in cycling tourism such as Bike Across the Baltic and Baltic Biking Upgrade . The report also reflects current EU developments, including the European Declaration on Cycling , the strengthening of the Policy Area Tourism under the revised EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, and the new EU Commissioner’s mandate for Sustainable Transport and Tourism . It examines current scientific research and offers a broad literature review on key issues such as heritage tourism, resource management, climate impacts, and critical reflections on growth models in tourism. Particular attention is given to social inclusion, the perspectives of young people and children , and the need for better indicators to measure progress. Through this work, the BSPC continues to promote a just transition towards a climate-neutral tourism sector , in line with the climate goals enshrined in the Paris Agreement and reaffirmed by the Glasgow Climate Pact. The BSPC expresses its sincere gratitude to Ms Birgit Hesse for her dedicated work and commitment to sustainable development in the region . 📘 You can access the full report here: We encourage all stakeholders to engage with the findings and join the ongoing dialogue on sustainable tourism in the Baltic Sea Region. For more background information on the BSPC’s work on sustainable tourism, visit the Rapporteur on Sustainable Tourism page.

On 17 June 2025, the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) Standing Committee convened in Mariehamn to prepare the 34 th BSPC. A presentation from the Åland Peace Institute provided deep information about how the islands achieved and maintained their autonomous status, with lessons on how to achieve such stability even in periods of transformation. The same was reflected in the Standing Committee continuing its preparations for the Annual Conference, the end of one working group and the start of another as well as further ties to regions in Poland. About 30 participants, representatives and delegations of the BSPC members from the Åland Islands, the Baltic Assembly, Denmark, Finland, the German Bundestag, Hamburg, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Schleswig-Holstein and Sweden participated in the meeting. Introduction BSPC President Alfons Röblom welcomed the Standing Committee to the Åland parliament. Only a week after celebrating the self-governing region’s Autonomy Day, he underlined that this autonomy had always been about creating and safeguarding a framework for peace, identity, dialogue, and cooperation. This spirit reflected the very foundation of the BSPC’s values. Presentation by Ms Susann Simolin, Director of the Åland Peace Institute Director Simolin acknowledged that she had only assumed her position the previous year but had been working at the Institute for a long time before. During the current period of uncertainty, she considered it fruitful to consider long-standing institutions born in their own phase of transition. Speaking about Åland and its history thus would allow broader reflections to challenges prevalent worldwide in the present day. She noted that the early 1990s had been a time of transformation after the end of the Cold War, with the Baltic Sea region re-imagining itself as a space of cooperation. One element of that was the birth of the BSPC, as was the Åland Peace Institute a year later, in 1992. Rooted in the Nordic peace movement of the 1980s, the Institute had focused on research into democratisation, minorities issues, and territorial autonomy as well as practical conflict management, all of that based on the Åland situation. Small in geography and population, places like Åland could still be influential. Today, it was demilitarised, neutral, autonomous, and had special protections for the Swedish language and culture. This development had begun 169 years earlier, accommodating the needs of many different actors. Throughout much geopolitical change, Åland’s condition had remained stable, making it an example of how complex situations could be stabilised through legal innovation. Ms Simolin presented a timeline of the region’s history, first as part of Sweden, then held by Russia along with Sweden and Finland. After the Crimean war ended in 1856, Åland became demilitarised. The revolution in Russia and Finland’s independence in 1917 brought about a popular movement to shift Åland over to Sweden. The tense issue had been brought to the League of Nations which decided in 1921 on a new demilitarisation treaty, guarantees for the Swedish culture and language as well as neutrality. Further treaties were signed, cementing the region’s conditions, among them with the EU and NATO. Ms Simolin depicted the three core components of the Åland solution, noting that each dispute had its own list of problems. One was the self-determination movement of the islands, resolved through power-sharing within Finland and democratic participation. Security had been addressed through demilitarisation and neutralisation. Minority protection provisions tackled the issues of identity and local culture, such as Swedish being the school language. Broadening the view to the international arena, the status of minorities was relevant across the globe. While hardly inevitable, there were often tensions alongside calls for self-determination or autonomy. Out of 50 ongoing conflicts around the world, nearly half of them were at least partially caused by such territorial issues. Power sharing was often part of the resolution, whether through political resolution or geographical decisions. Ms Simolin cited a study finding 236 territorial autonomy cases in 66 different peace processes from 1990 – 2019. The case of Åland had at least been considered in conflicts such as Aceh in Indonesia, the Falkland Islands, Okinawa in Japan, Tamil Eelam in Sri Lanka, averaging out to 10 contacts per year. She understood territorial autonomy to deal with a specific geographic area within a state, transferring political powers to local populations, and to be characterised by asymmetry. As for Finland, Åland’s autonomy was stipulated in the constitution through the Autonomy Act which regulated the powers of the islands as well as those of the Finnish state in the territory. Ms Simolin noted that this act could only be changed jointly by the Åland and Finnish parliament. To her understanding, the combination of demilitarisation, autonomy, and minority protection devices was unique to Åland while further characteristics could also be found in other arrangements, such as international guarantees, regional “citizenship”, and a long evolving process. She described demilitarisation as a process of reducing weapons. In the case of Åland, there was a legal obligation not to station military troops or facilities there. There were ten similar arrangements in Europe. Neutralisation was an even more complicated issue, which generally meant that parties in conflict were legally prevented from undertaking military activities within the territory. Various similar terms were used here. Ms Simolin noted that, due to customary law, even parties not bound by any of the various treaties were obligated to respect both the neutralisation and demilitarisation. She noted that the reason for demilitarisation was to prevent a given physical area from becoming either the source or the site of armed conflict. In summary, she underlined that innovations and frameworks born out of turbulent times could be long-lasting, adjusted and reshaped over time, not least in further transitional periods. Complex challenges required multi-dimensional solutions. Mr Enn Eesmaa wondered if the example of Åland could also be applied to other regions, such as Georgia, Moldova or even Ukraine. Director Simolin found any questions about the future difficult but noted connections to Moldova, in particular with regard to the Gagauz population in that state and implementing institutional relief. Here, it was important to remember that the intention behind institutions mattered rather than the institutions themselves. Autonomy required a delicate balance, giving satisfying independence while maintaining the state’s overall cohesion. Catalonia was an example of an autonomous region with a strong independence claim. There had also been the hope of the EU interposing a new layer, raising the profile of regions at the expense of states. Mr Himanshu Gulati commented on the fast-changing geopolitics of the present day. He asked if any of these had impacted the sentiments of the Åland people. Ms Simolin replied that the islands had been very much affected, pointing to daily demonstrations in front of the Russian consulate. Åland these days was embedded in the ongoing events of Europe, such as the pandemic or the migration discussion. In particular, the issues of demilitarisation and neutralisation had become more prevalent in political discussions. Mr Henrik Møller referred to the Danish ongoing discussion regarding the Faroe Islands and Greenland as autonomous regions and their desire for independence. These were very different situations to what suited the people of Åland. Ms Simolin commented that the autonomy arrangement in Åland had only been fully accepted in the 1950s, after some 30 years. Mr Staffan Eklöf pointed out that Sweden was re-establishing garrisons on Gotland. As a result, Russia was claiming that Sweden was no longer respecting a demilitarisation zone on Gotland, comparing it to Åland. He wondered if the speaker could clarify the matter. Ms Simolin conceded that she was no expert on Gotland and could not determine what status applied there. She further commented that even international law could be used to make one or the other argument. Often, disinformation contained a small kernel of truth that was used for the misleading argument. Prof Jānis Vucāns wondered if discussions about how to deal with certain territories after a war could begin while the conflict was still ongoing. Regarding Finland, he asked about the thinking of autonomous regions for the Sami people. Director Simolin acknowledged that discussions did often crop up about the aftermath of a war and how to manage that, both among politicians and researchers in their distinct approaches. All wars came to an end eventually, and some kind of plan or a prepared position was needed. Moving on to the Sami people, she noted that their historical treatment had not been as consistent as that of Åland but had been improving. Furthermore, there were different perspectives on the issue among the Finnish population. Mr Girts Kristovski saw more of a militarisation process in the present day at work. Ms Simolin replied that the Peace Institute was not an association for peace but rather a research institution. Åland was a demilitarised region within a militarising environment. This raised research questions of e.g., how Finland’s NATO membership would affect that demilitarisation. Understanding the island’s status was her task rather than promoting it. Mr Bodo Bahr asked how interparliamentary bodies like the BSPC could aid autonomous regions. Referring to the various treaties governing and securing Åland’s status, he wondered how much these mattered when aggressor countries ignored laws. Director Simolin assigned an important role to parliamentary diplomacy as parliamentarians were free to go beyond the state’s agenda and develop other contacts. The BSPC was part of this multi-level governance structure, in her view. Moving to the second question, she believed that small states benefitted from rules and regulations, making the world a bit more predictable and allowing these some say. Even though international law might be flawed, she considered it vital to keep that web as intact as possible. She went on to note that the perception of security mattered as well; for the people of Åland, demilitarisation was a part of their customary, perceived safety. Moreover, she said the world did not become safer the more weapons there were. However, specific situations demanded difficult decisions how to move in the continuum between demilitarisation and militarisation. It was necessary to work at all levels to find solutions. Follow-up to the 33 rd BSPC President Röblom noted that statements on implementing the adopted resolution had arrived from the governments of Åland, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hamburg, Latvia, Lithuania, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Norway, Poland, Schleswig-Holstein, and Sweden. This provided a detailed and far-reaching compendium of governmental actions and developments in the Baltic Sea Region, in other words a unique resource for parliamentary deliberation, scientific research, and cross-border coordination among our governments. The statements of the governments had been made available to the public. Furthermore, he pointed out that three parliaments had held plenary debates on the resolution. He hoped that more parliaments would pick up on this. Working Group on Energy Security, Self-sustainability, Resilience, and Connectivity (ESSRC) The President noted that comprehensive reports on the most recent meetings of the Working Group had been published on the BSPC website. The survey conducted by the Group had received responses from Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Poland, Schleswig-Holstein, and Sweden. The Åland Islands and Hamburg did not participate, as the issues raised fell primarily outside their constitutional remit. A summary of key findings and policy considerations will be included in the final report. Moreover, a Fact Sheet summarising the group’s achievements would also be published. The recommendations had already been integrated into the 2025 BSPC Resolution. The complete final report would be published on the BSPC website over the summer. Prof Jānis Vucāns praised the working group’s efforts to investigate issues of sustainability and cooperation in energy networks in many BSPC member countries. What was most important, he stressed, was to take lessons from the gathered information. Accordingly, he urged his colleagues to study these materials and provide feedback to the working group chair. New BSPC Working Group after the 34 th Annual Conference President Röblom explained that a proposal from the Presidium of the Baltic Assembly to establish a new BSPC Working Group on Strengthening Cyber and Information Resilience had been unanimously decided to be forwarded to the Annual Conference for formal consideration. Mr Henrik Møller reiterated his approval of the proposal. Yet he found the threat of democracy, not least through cyber approaches, to be a topic that he hoped could be integrated into the new working group. Prof Jānis Vucāns believed that strengthening cyber and information resilience, as per the title, already included the defence of democracy. It might be suitable, though, to adjust the title. President Röblom agreed that such a change would be a good idea, given how democracy was under threat in all of their regions. Mr Bodo Bahr said that this change could be implemented via the draft resolution. That found the agreement of the Standing Committee. Rapporteurs Mr Röblom stated that the BSPC Rapporteur on Integrated Maritime Policy, Mr Jörgen Pettersson , had filed his annual report for the conference, entitled “Shipping in the Baltic Sea: Where We Stand and What Comes Next.” It would be published on the BSPC website shortly. The meeting was informed that further reports were considered in the preparation of the conference. Finances The president confirmed that all contributions to the Joint Financial Mechanism for 2025 had been received. BSPC Presidencies after 2026/Rotation Principle After the proposal for a rotation principle for the BSPC presidencies had been endorsed by all delegations, the presidencies and executive committees of both the Parliament of Iceland and the Parliament of the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen had officially confirmed their readiness to assume the BSPC presidency as per the envisaged rotation. The 34 th BSPC and the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Youth Forum (BSPYF) in Mariehamn, 24–26 August 2025 The Standing Committee reviewed the latest developments in the preparation of the upcoming 34 th BSPC Annual Conference and the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Youth Forum (BSPYF) , to be held in Mariehamn from 24 to 26 August 2025 . President Röblom reported that the invitations had already been sent out and the draft programme reflected the outcome of the Secretariat meeting held in April. The first conference session would highlight Intergenerational Dialogue , designed as the culmination of the BSPYF. Fifty young participants from across the Baltic Sea Region will attend the entire conference and present their own recommendations in a dedicated session. The Committee exchanged views on various aspects of the conference preparation. Suggestions were made to ensure flexibility in the agenda and to accommodate high-level contributions. The Standing Committee was also briefed on the status of the draft Resolution , which continues to evolve based on ongoing BSPC debates. Topics under consideration include geopolitical challenges, energy security, maritime demilitarisation and the protection of critical infrastructure. Observer Status of the West Pomeranian, Warmia-Masurian, and Pomeranian Regional Parliaments The president noted that three regional parliaments in Poland had applied for observer status within the BSPC: West Pomerania, Warmia and Mazury as well as Pomerania. All three met the formal criteria for observer status. The Standing Committee expressively welcome and unanimously accepted the applications. Mr Röblom noted that the three parliaments would already be invited to attend the upcoming conference. Events, Reports, and Invitations The meeting also considered the outcome of conferences with participation of BSPC members particularly the conference o n “Borders of Diplomacy and Diplomacy Beyond Borders” in Riga. Prof Jānis Vucāns pointed out that Ithe conference had successfully explored how far diplomatic solutions could be taken and when other means had to be employed. Indeed, the borders of diplomacy were much wider than e.g., 30 years earlier, and the tools now available had to be exploited much better. President Röblom concurred, adding that parliamentarians were freer in representing the opinions of the people than government officials. Address by the Speaker of the Lagting In his address to the Standing Committee, the Speaker of the Åland Lagting, Mr Jörgen Pettersson, emphasised that it was with great joy and appreciation that Åland welcomed so many parliamentary friends back to the islands. He underlined that true cooperation was always built over time, through trust and repeated dialogue, and that the BSPC itself embodied this spirit. He stated that only among genuine friends could difficult discussions take place in a constructive atmosphere, even when views diverged – and that this ability to “agree to disagree” was, in fact, the true definition of friendship and diplomacy. Mr Pettersson reflected that while in calm waters no one noticed the lifeboats, in turbulent times their presence became vital. He described the BSPC as such a lifeboat: reliable, prepared, and called upon not in triumph but in turmoil. He stressed that, especially in today’s unsettled geopolitical climate, the role of the BSPC was more essential than ever. He further reminded the Standing Committee that the BSPC had been founded in the aftermath of the Cold War, a moment filled both with hope and uncertainty. Referring to Finland’s then-Speaker Kalevi Sorsa, who had played a key role in its establishment, he argued that the duty now lay with current generations to continue in the same spirit of openness and dialogue. Turning to Åland, Mr Pettersson underlined that the islands knew what neutrality meant and what it required to maintain peace. For over a century, Åland had been a symbol of demilitarisation and peaceful conflict resolution. This, he said, made Åland a particularly fitting place to reaffirm the Baltic Sea region’s commitment to dialogue, even when discussions were challenging. Finally, the Speaker expressed his heartfelt thanks and profound appreciation towards outgoing BSPC Secretary General Bodo Bahr for his many years of dedicated service. He highlighted that Mr Bahr had consistently reminded the Conference that dialogue must never fall silent, and that real progress often began with the courage to open closed doors. According to Mr Pettersson, Mr Bahr had been the one to open many of these doors over the years, demonstrating that inter-parliamentary cooperation depended not only on structures but also on individuals willing to take initiative. He stressed that Mr Bahr’s insistence on in-person meetings, regardless of the topic, had been instrumental in creating mutual trust, and he thanked him warmly on behalf of the entire Åland Parliament for these achievements. At the same time, the Speaker noted with confidence that the appointment of Mr Jan Diedrichsen as the new Secretary General would ensure continuity and renewal in equal measure. He said that the strong foundation laid by Mr Bahr would provide a firm basis for Mr Diedrichsen to build upon, and he assured him of the Lagting’s full support. In conclusion, Mr Pettersson encouraged all members of the Standing Committee to continue on this path of friendship, dialogue and commitment, adding that although the road ahead might not always be smooth, the shared values of peace and cooperation would guide the way forward. Visit to the Lagting and Museums In addition to the formal meeting, the Standing Committee members also visited a plenary session of the Åland Lagting, gaining first-hand impressions of parliamentary life on the islands. During a subsequent visit to the Åland Cultural History Museum and the Åland Art Museum, the participants received a profound insight into the history, heritage, and identity of the Åland Islands.

Compilation of Statements Available Here: The Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) – gathered in Helsingør – unanimously passed on 27 August 2024 the following 33 rd BSPC resolution: In keeping with a long-standing tradition, national and regional governments across the Baltic Sea Region have submitted their official responses to the 33 rd BSPC Resolution , adopted unanimously at the 33 rd Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference in Helsingør on 27 August 2024 . Once again, the Standing Committee expresses its sincere appreciation for the governments’ commitment to reviewing and supporting the BSPC’s calls for action. Their contributions reflect a broad spectrum of initiatives, policies, and measures that align with the shared goals of the 33 rd Resolution – which focused on advancing democratic resilience, maritime security, critical infrastructure protection, climate neutrality, and sustainable development in the region. The compilation of statements offers valuable insight into ongoing governmental efforts, providing a unique overview of regional and national activities in response to the parliamentary recommendations. These statements serve not only as a reference for monitoring progress but also as a catalyst for further parliamentary engagement and intergovernmental cooperation. The publication, now available for download, encompasses contributions from: Åland, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hamburg, Latvia, Lithuania, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Norway, Poland, Schleswig-Holstein, and Sweden. 📌 For reference: Materials and Outcomes of the 33 rd BSPC Conference – Helsingør 2024