SEC 2026 Berlin - Attachment 3.1 - Draft Decision Notes – Standing Committee, Kiel, 24 November 2025

1Version 2025- 12 - 31BALTIC SEA PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCEStanding CommitteeDraft Decision NotesKiel, 24. November 20252Agenda Item 1 – Opening of the Meeting and Amendment of the AgendaContext: The President of the BSPC opened the meeting and welcomed the members ofthe Standing Committee. Owing to a temporary loss of voice, she delegated the proce -dural conduct of the meeting to the Secretary General.Prior to the adoption of the agenda, the Secretary General proposed to add an addi -tional item: a draft political statement of the Standing Committee in response to recentinternational developments related to a United States initiative concerning Ukraine.Delegations raised procedural concerns due to the short notice and recalled the generalrestraint practiced with regard to ad hoc statements. A clear majority, however, empha -sised the exceptional nature of the current situation and the responsibility of the BSPC toreact when fundamental principles of international law and European security are atstake.Decision: The Standing Committee approved the amendment of the agenda by addingthe Draft Statement on Ukraine as a new agenda item.Agenda Item 2 – Draft Notes from the Standing Committee in MariehamnContext: The draft decision notes of the Mariehamn meeting were circulated in advanceand discussed at Secretariat level. The Secretariat recommended their approval withoutamendment.The Standing Committee was also invited to decide on the future form of documenta -tion. The Secretariat proposed to limit documentation to decision notes in place of fullverbatim minutes.Delegations expressed unanimous support for this approach, considering decision notessufficient for both institutional documentation and political follow-up.Decision: The Standing Committee approved the decision notes of the Mariehamnmeeting and agreed that decision notes shall be used as the standard form of documen -tation for future Standing Committee meetings.3Agenda Item 3 – Follow-up on the Mariehamn ConferenceContext: The host reported on the organisational demands and the overall success ofthe conference, including high-level political participation and the involvement of youthrepresentatives.Delegations commended the quality of the programme, the hospitality and the depth ofthe political debates. Particular attention was given to the Youth Forum and the use ofsmaller discussion formats, which were seen as innovative but in need of clearer advancecoordination.Concerns were raised regarding the representativeness of youth participation and theneed for broader involvement of national youth organisations. It was also stressed thatMembers of Parliament carry direct responsibility for active participation in youth dia -logue formats.Decision: The Standing Committee took note of the follow-up discussion on theMariehamn Conference, welcomed the overall positive evaluation of the conference, andagreed that the formats of the Youth Forum and the political discussion groups shall befurther reviewed and developed for future conferences, with particular regard to repre -sentativeness, balanced participation of youth organisations and adequate preparationof delegates.Agenda Item 4 – Follow-up on the Conference ResolutionContext: The Standing Committee discussed the follow-up and future structure of BSPCresolutions and recalled the obligation of delegations to submit written governmentalfollow-up statements by 15 April.Broad concern was expressed about the increasing length and complexity of recent reso -lutions and the resulting loss of political impact and ownership. Strong support emergedfor shorter, more focused resolutions with a limited number of clearly prioritised recom -mendations.Several interventions underlined that political relevance depends not only on content butalso on systematic follow-up. Stronger accountability vis-à-vis governments and regionalorganisations, particularly the CBSS, was explicitly requested.The President proposed to anchor future resolutions more clearly in the Working Groups,ensure visibility of youth priorities of the Schleswig-Holstein Presidency, and examine the4separation of new political demands from ongoing long-term recommendations, for ex -ample through annexes.Decision: The Standing Committee took note of the discussion and agreed in principleto work towards shorter, more focused BSPC resolutions. The Secretariat was invited todevelop proposals for a revised drafting and follow-up process, taking into accountWorking Group outputs, Presidency priorities including youth, long-term thematic conti -nuity and strengthened political follow-up mechanisms.Follow-up: Delegations shall submit governmental follow-up statements by 15 April. TheSecretariat shall prepare a revised concept for the structure and follow-up of resolutions.Agenda Item 5 – BSPC Working Groups and RapporteursContext: The Standing Committee discussed the strategic orientation of the newly es -tablished Working Group. The Chair reported a shift from conceptual discussion to anoperational phase with clearly defined objectives, focusing on competitiveness, techno -logical developments (including artificial intelligence and quantum technologies), labourmarket transformation, and protection of the cognitive domain of democratic societies.The Presidency highlighted the relevance of disinformation and artificial intelligence, par -ticularly in relation to youth and children, and proposed to integrate this dimension intothe Working Group’s agenda and link it with cooperation with the BSSSC and the CBSS.This approach was fully supported.The Standing Committee then addressed the rapporteur system. In line with establishedpractice, it was proposed to invite Andris Kulbergs to assume a rapporteur role followinghis chairmanship of the previous Working Group. The German delegation informed theCommittee that Luise Amtsberg would take over the rapporteurship on dumped ammu -nition due to parliamentary changes. The possible re-establishment of a rapporteurshipon eutrophication was also discussed, and the Åland delegation indicated that it wouldconsult internally on assuming this role.Decisions: The Standing Committee took note of the strategic orientation of the newWorking Group, agreed that disinformation and artificial intelligence with a youth focusshall be integrated into its future agenda and be pursued in cooperation with BSSSC andCBSS, agreed in principle to invite Andris Kulbergs as rapporteur subject to his consent,approved Luise Amtsberg as new rapporteur on dumped ammunition, and took note ofthe possible re-establishment of a rapporteurship on eutrophication.5Follow-up: The President will formally invite Andris Kulbergs. The Åland delegation willreport back on the eutrophication rapporteurship.Agenda Item 6 – The 35th BSPC, Lübeck, 30 August – 1 September 2026Context: The Standing Committee was informed about the preparatory status of the35th BSPC Annual Conference in Lübeck. The Radisson Blu on the River Trave will serveas the main venue and accommodation, providing a compact conference setting. Youthparticipation will be fully integrated into the programme in close cooperation with CBSSYouth.In addition, two award concepts are under development: a BSPC sports award, poten -tially linked to existing sporting events during the Presidency, and a general BSPC awardinspired by comparable formats in other parliamentary organisations.Decision: The Standing Committee took note of the preparatory status, endorsed the in -tegration of youth participation and took note of the conceptual development of asports award and a general BSPC award.Agenda Item 7 – Strategy and Work Programme for 2025–2026Context: The strategic priorities of the Schleswig-Holstein BSPC Presidency were pre -sented and discussed. Two overarching focus areas were identified: youth participationand democratic resilience, and the internal organisational development of the BSPC.Decision: The Standing Committee endorsed the strategic priorities of the Schleswig-Holstein Presidency, supported inclusive and representative youth participation mecha -nisms.Follow-up: Delegations will submit proposals on youth selection procedures. The Secre -tariat will coordinate with CBSS Youth. The Presidency will present a consolidated modelat a forthcoming Standing Committee meeting.New Agenda Item 8 – Draft Statement “Nothing about Ukraine withoutUkraine”Context: The Standing Committee discussed a draft political statement responding tocurrent international initiatives concerning Ukraine. While substantive support for the6core political message was broad, several delegations raised formal objections to the latecirculation of the draft and reiterated that, as a rule, such statements should be circu -lated with sufficient advance notice.A substantive debate developed on the diplomatic formulation of references to recentinternational initiatives. Following detailed discussion and a short suspension of themeeting, a compromise wording was agreed.Decision: The Standing Committee adopted the statement “Nothing about Ukraine with -out Ukraine” in amended wording.Procedural Note: The Standing Committee formally took note of the procedural objec -tions and reaffirmed the principle of advance circulation of political statements. Thepresent case was explicitly treated as an exception due to extraordinary international cir -cumstances.Agenda Item 9 – Wise Persons’ Report on the Future of the Council of theBaltic Sea States (CBSS)Context: The Wise Persons’ Report and its implications for the future of the CBSS werediscussed. Broad support was expressed for maintaining and reforming the CBSS ratherthan dissolving it. Members emphasised the importance of governmental cooperation inthe Baltic Sea region, particularly with regard to security, critical infrastructure and politi -cal coordination.Several delegations underlined the need for strengthened political linkage between theBSPC and the CBSS, including representation of the parliamentary dimension at high-level CBSS meetings.Decision: The Standing Committee mandated the Secretariat to revise the draft BSPCposition paper in line with the discussion.Agenda Item 10 – The Istanbul Convention – State of AffairsContext: The Nordic Council raised concerns regarding the internal debate in Latvia on apossible withdrawal from the Istanbul Convention. The Latvian delegation provided de -tailed background on the domestic political process, public protests and the President’s7decision to return the law to Parliament and postpone further consideration until afterelections.Several delegations emphasised the international signalling effect of a withdrawal from aratified convention and warned against selective disengagement. At the same time, thesensitivity of internal constitutional processes was acknowledged.Decision: The Standing Committee took note of the information and the discussion.Agenda Item 11 – Planning of the BSPC Standing Committee in Brussels(2026)Context: The preliminary structure for the Brussels meeting was presented, including aSunday evening dinner, a working breakfast with Members of the European Parliament, aplanned briefing by the German Ambassador and a thematic focus on the MultiannualFinancial Framework.Decision: The Standing Committee took note of the proposed structure and thematicfocus.Agenda Item 12 – Organisational and Legal Framework of the BSPCContext: The necessity of establishing a sustainable legal basis for the BSPC was reaf -firmed. Two basic models were outlined: the establishment of the BSPC as an interna -tional organisation or the conclusion of a host country agreement. It was underlined that,while the current arrangements are functional, they do not constitute a sustainable long-term solution. At the same time, the issue requires dedicated discussion time at StandingCommittee level.Decision: The Standing Committee decided to continue the discussion of the organisa -tional and legal framework at a later meeting with sufficient time allocated.Follow-up: Delegations are invited to submit proposals for suitable legal experts or in -stitutions to support the process.8Agenda Item 15 – FinancesContext: The Secretary General presented the provisional accounts for 2025 andthe draft BSPC budget framework for 2026. A preliminary financial overview forthe period up to 1 November 2025 was provided; all figures remain provisional.The Secretary General reported that the financial year 2025 has developed largelyas planned. Moderate increases in expenditure were mainly related to conferenceactivities and youth participation. The overall financial situation remains stable.In line with established practice, it was proposed that the approved budgetframework may, if necessary, be exceeded by up to ten per cent through the useof unspent funds or remaining funds from previous budgets in order to cover un -foreseen expenses.The Standing Committee was informed that no extraordinary allocation from re -serves is required for the 2026 annual conference, as anticipated expenditure canbe met within the proposed budget framework. Budget titles remain mutually ad -justable.As part of the modernisation of financial administration, the Secretariat reportedthat bookkeeping is now fully transparent and that all financial records can bemade available for review upon request.The Committee further took note that, with the support of the Schleswig-HolsteinParliament, a 50 % assistant position has been established for the BSPC Secretar -iat, replacing previously outsourced administrative services and contributing toimproved financial management.As of 1 November 2025, the budget line “Unused Means” amounts to € 213,442.In line with the Secretariat’s recommendation, it was proposed to rename thisbudget line “Reserve Fund” to reflect its stabilisation and continuity purpose.Decision: The Standing Committee decided on the nominal contributions to theJoint Financing Mechanism for 2026, approved the BSPC budget plan for 2026 aspresented by the Secretary General, confirmed the continued flexibility rule onthe limited use of unspent/remaining funds for unforeseen expenses, and ap -proved the renaming of “Unused Means” to “Reserve Fund”.9Agenda Item 14 – Website / Corporate DesignContext: The legal situation of the BSPC website was explained. As the BSPC is not a le -gal entity, it cannot formally own digital assets.Agenda Item 15 – Events, Reports and InvitationsThe Baltic Assembly announced an additional conference in Riga on 12 December.Agenda Item 16 – BSPC CalendarFinland presented the planning framework for the BSPC meeting in Turku scheduled for3–5 May.Agenda Item 17 – Any Other BusinessNo additional items were raised.