Rapporteurs

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.

As maritime trade, climate pressures, and geopolitical challenges converge, the Baltic Sea region faces a critical turning point. In his new report “Shipping in the Baltic Sea: Where We Stand and What Comes Next” , BSPC Rapporteur on Integrated Maritime Policy and President of Ålands Lagting, Jörgen Pettersson , outlines the strategic choices ahead for the region’s policymakers. Presented in preparation of the 34 th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference in Mariehamn on 24-26 August, the 2025 report provides a compelling, data-driven overview of the major transformations under way — from emerging energy demands and shadow fleet operations to digital port innovation, green shipping corridors, and the integration of carbon capture solutions. Structured into six thematic chapters and grounded in both local realities and global forecasts, the report highlights how the Baltic Sea can remain a model of resilience, sustainability, and innovation — but only if current momentum is sustained. Five clear and practical recommendations urge BSPC members to: Put security first, Make sustainability the standard, Think in systems, not silos, Accelerate the modal shift, and Champion digital innovation. With climate goals tightening and maritime infrastructure under growing pressure, the report calls on all actors to align national and regional strategies — to future-proof shipping, ensure energy resilience, and reinforce the Baltic Sea as a zone of cooperation, not confrontation. Access the Full Report: We invite policymakers, maritime industry stakeholders, environmental organisations, and the public to download and explore the complete “Maritime Rapporteur’s Report” to consider the strategic measures and collaborative efforts essential for the ongoing transformation of the Baltic Sea maritime sector. The Report can be downloaded here and on the Rapporteur’s webpage . Stay tuned to our website and follow our exclusive content related to various BSR-relevant policy fields.

The Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) presents the latest report on Climate Change and Biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region. Prepared by BSPC Rapporteur Mr Philipp da Cunha, this report offers an in-depth analysis of the ongoing efforts to address the interconnected crises of climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss within our region. In his introduction, he points out that he was tasked with following up ‘on the respective political developments following the conclusion of the mandate of the BSPC Working Group on Climate Change and Biodiversity. This is the first report of this kind. For this reason, it is concentrated on the government statements to the BSPC working group recommendations.’ Since establishing the BSPC Working Group on Climate Change and Biodiversity in 2020, governments have made substantial progress in implementing the group’s recommendations. This report details the concrete steps taken across the democratic Baltic Sea Region, showcasing the commitment of our member states and regions to safeguarding the environment. Key Areas of Progress Include: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Several countries have expanded their network of MPAs, enhancing the protection of critical habitats and species. This expansion is a vital step towards achieving the region’s biodiversity targets and ensuring the long-term health of our marine ecosystems. Coastal Management Plans: The report highlights the implementation of integrated coastal management plans that balance the need for economic development with environmental conservation. These plans have been instrumental in reducing pollution and mitigating the impacts of climate change on coastal communities. Sustainable Energy Initiatives: Governments have made significant strides in transitioning to sustainable energy systems, with a focus on renewable energy sources and energy efficiency. These initiatives not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also contribute to the resilience of our energy infrastructure. Cross-Border Collaboration: The report underscores the importance of cross-border cooperation in tackling environmental challenges. Through joint initiatives and knowledge-sharing platforms, countries and regions in the Baltic Sea Region have strengthened their collective response to climate change and biodiversity loss. The report also provides a detailed follow-up on the implementation status of each recommendation, offering insights into the successes achieved and the challenges that remain. It serves as both a testament to the progress made and a call to action for continued efforts in the face of evolving environmental threats. The full Report can be downloaded here and on the Rapporteurs Group’s web page . We encourage all stakeholders to read it and continue supporting the vital work being done to protect our shared Baltic Sea Region. Together, we can build a sustainable and resilient future for generations to come.

BSPC Observer on HELCOM, Ms Beate Schlupp, First Vice-President of the State Parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, has released her 2023-2024 Report on HELCOM-related developments and activities. The comprehensive report details the BSPC’s observer activities at the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM) during 2023-2024. This report highlights the continued dedication of the BSPC to environmental protection and sustainability in the Baltic Sea region, emphasising the strong collaboration between the BSPC and HELCOM. Over the past year, significant progress has been made in implementing key recommendations from HELCOM, with governments demonstrating a renewed commitment to addressing the pressing environmental challenges. The report notes that HELCOM’s third holistic assessment (HOLAS 3) has provided invaluable insights into the state of the Baltic Sea, revealing both areas of concern and encouraging signs of improvement where protective measures have been effectively applied. The BSPC has been an active supporter of HELCOM’s initiatives, particularly in the areas of combating marine pollution, enhancing biodiversity, and addressing the issue of sea-dumped munitions. This cooperation has been vital in ensuring that legislative actions are aligned with the environmental goals set out in the updated Baltic Sea Action Plan. As we were celebrating this year the 50 th anniversary of HELCOM, the BSPC reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a healthy and resilient Baltic Sea ecosystem. The full Report can be downloaded here and on the Rapporteur’s webpage . We invite you to read the full report and join us in supporting these critical efforts.

The BSPC’s Rapporteur on Integrated Maritime Policy MP Jörgen Pettersson, President of the Åland Lagting, has issued his comprehensive Report 2023 – 2024 on Developments in Integrated Maritime Policy. The report again underlines the importance of maritime issues and challenges in the BSPC’s work. It provides an in-depth analysis of the maritime sector’s current state and future directions in the Baltic Sea. This comprehensive report, spearheaded by our long-standing and experienced maritime rapporteur, Jörgen Pettersson, president of the Aland Lagting, delves into critical aspects of the marine industry and offers strategic insights for sustainable and competitive development, highlighting recent developments and future directions. It emphasises the region’s status as a vital maritime area facing economic, environmental, and security challenges. Key areas addressed in the IMP include emission reduction, competitiveness, maritime transport, port infrastructure, maritime safety, maritime spatial planning, the impact of the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) on shipping, and risks related to the Russian “shadow fleet.” The report underscores the importance of collaboration among BSPC member states, industry stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to achieve sustainable and competitive goals for the marine sector in the Baltic Sea region. Access the Full Report: We invite policymakers, maritime industry stakeholders, environmental organisations, and the public to download and explore the complete “Maritime Rapporteur’s Report” to consider the strategic measures and collaborative efforts essential for the ongoing transformation of the Baltic Sea maritime sector. The Report can be downloaded here and on the Rapporteur’s webpage . Stay tuned to our website and follow our exclusive content related to various BSR-relevant policy fields.

In preparation for the 32 nd Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference on 27-29 August 2023, the BSPC’s Rapporteur on Sea Dumped Munitions, MP Anna Kassautzki, has issued her report, which deals with dumped munitions and unexploded ordnance in the Baltic Sea. This report builds on the intensive activities of the BSPC and progress in international cooperation in this field from last year. The report provides a general overview of the current situation, parliamentary and governmental activities, and existing challenges in dealing with the legacy, presentsnew developments and findings in technological and scientific terms, and provides insight into the current state of the situation. Following the 28 th , 29 th , 30 th and 31 st BSPC resolutionsand referring to the planned calls for action in the 32 nd BSPC resolution, conclusions are drawn on the state of implementation. Finally, the Rapporteur elaborates on proposals on how the Baltic Sea countries can efficiently use the existing knowledge and technology to solve the problem of sea-dumped munitions and unexploded ordnance in the Baltic Sea with various links to additional materials. The report can be downloaded h ere and on the R apporteurs’s webpage.