Conference Report (English)

Baltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceGreen Growth for aBluer Baltic Sea20th Baltic Sea ParliamentaryConference (BSPC)Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Secretariatwww.bspc.netc/o Nordic CouncilVed Stranden 18DK-1061 Copenhagen K.Phone (+45) 33 96 04 00www.norden.org.US 2011:418Green Growth for aBluer Baltic Sea20th Baltic Sea ParliamentaryConference (BSPC)Helsinki, Finland, 28–30 August 2011Green Growth for a Bluer Baltic Sea The Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC)20th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) was established in 1991 as a forum for politicalUS 2011:418 dialogue between parliamentarians from the Bal-tic Sea Region. BSPC gathers parliamentarians© Nordic Council, Copenhagen 2012 from 11 national parliaments, 11 regional parlia-Print: Rosendahls – Schultz Grafisk ments and 5 parliamentary organisations aroundText: Päivikki Lindroosthe Baltic Sea. BSPC therefore constitutes a uniqueEditing: Jan Widbergparliamentary bridge between all the EU- andDesign: Kjell Olsson/Scanadnon-EU countries of the Baltic Sea Region. BSPCPhotos: Johannes Jansson, NMR,aims at raising awareness and forming opinion onPublication Unitissues of current political interest and relevanceCopies: 250for the Baltic Sea Region. It promotes and drivesPrinted on environmentally-friendly papervarious initiatives and efforts to support sustaina-Printed in Denmarkble environmental, social and economic develop-ment of the Baltic Sea Region. It strives toenhance the visibility of the Baltic Sea Region andits issues in a wider European context. The BalticSea Parliamentary Conference is the annual gen-Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference eral assembly in the Baltic Sea Region for broadwww.bspc.net political debate on Baltic Sea issues. The Confer-ence resolutions are political tools that enable theJan WidbergBSPC to launch and sustain political initiatives,Head of BSPC Secretariatand to approach the governments and regionaljw@norden.orgorganisations on issues of common interest. TheBSPC has a number of working bodies at its dis-posal, which serve as resources for driving andimplementing BSPC priorities and objectives. ABSPC SecretariatStanding Committee is responsible for the follow-c/o Nordic Councilup of BSPC resolutions, for identifying andVed Stranden 18addressing issues within the BSPC’s field ofDK-1061 Copenhagen K.responsibility, and for preparing the annual Con-Phone (+45) 33 96 04 00ference. The BSPC Working Groups are politicalwww.norden.org.vehicles with the overall objective of elaboratingjoint political positions and recommendations onissues of common interest in the Baltic SeaRegion. BSPC external interfaces include parlia-mentary, governmental, sub-regional and otherorganisations in the Baltic Sea Region and theNorthern Dimension area, such as the CBSS, HEL-COM, the Northern Dimension Partnership inPublic Health and Social Well-being (NDPHS), theBaltic Sea States Sub-regional Cooperation(BSSSC) and the Baltic Development Forum.ForewordMs Christina GestrinThe 20th Anniversary Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference assem-bled in Helsinki on 29–31 August. It was truly satisfying to meetaround 200 parliamentarians, government representatives andexperts in the same venue in which the 1st BSPC had been held in1991 – the Eduskunta, the Finnish Parliament. Warm thanks to allof you who attended the 20th BSPC and helped to make it a livelyand successful meeting.I would like to express my gratitude to the Finnish Parliament andits Speaker Mr Eero Heinäluoma for kindly hosting the 20th BSPC.I would also like to extend my profound thanks to the staff of theInternational Department of the Finnish Parliament – Mr PatrickZilliacus, Ms Liisa Wallin, Mr Teemu Vuosio, Mr Janne Rajala, Ms Kris-tina Tallqvist, Ms Niina Hed and Ms Sirpa Mairue – for their dedi-cated and skilful work in preparing for and managing the Confer-ence.My thanks also go to our Secretary General, Mr Jan Widberg, for hiscontinuous support and commitment to the work of the BSPC.Knowledge of history forms a stable platform on which to embarkon future endeavours. Paradoxically, globalisation means that theimportance of the Baltic Sea Region is growing. Cooperationwithin and for the Region helps to promote regional developmentand welfare, but also helps to strengthen the potential and compet-itiveness of the Baltic Sea Region in a wider European and evenglobal perspective.Like previous Conferences, this year’s event reaffirmed the neces-sity for us to focus on concrete issues of benefit to the citizens of4the Region. Through dialogue, debate and deliberations, we cangradually forge joint political positions and requests and conveythem to our governments for action. By working together, our com-bined impact gains strength and influence. The reports and politi-cal recommendations of our Working Groups are a convincing casein point.Our role as parliamentarians is to assume responsibility for, and doour best to promote, democracy, peace, freedom, environmentalsustainability and social welfare for our citizens today, withoutexhausting the resources and opportunities for coming genera-tions. The debates during the 20th BSPC on topics such as civilsecurity, the environment, and maritime safety were all character-ised by a strategic outlook combined with urgent calls for action todeal with current problems and to anticipate and prevent futureproblems.An important dimension of our work is to get to know each otherand to familiarise ourselves with each other’s cultures and politicaleveryday lives. It is both enriching and valuable to visit each oth-er’s countries and learn about conditions on the ground in differ-ent parts of the Region. I am grateful for every Standing Committeemeeting I have attended. Through them, I have learnt a lot aboutpeople, politics, environment and the local cultures of the BalticSea Region. It has been educational, fascinating and fun.I have had the privilege of chairing the BSPC for three years. Thesupport and cooperative spirit of my colleagues in the StandingCommittee has been indispensable, and I warmly thank them all. Iwould like to extend special thanks to Ms Valentina Pivnenko, myVice Chairperson in BSPC. Our cooperation has been excellent,and I have greatly appreciated her constructive approach to thepolitics of the Baltic Sea Region. I am therefore particularly pleasedto hand over the BSPC Chairperson’s baton to her and wish her allsuccess in steering the BSPC all the way up to the 21st BSPC in StPetersburg in 2012.Christina Gestrin, MP, FinlandChairman of the BSPC 2008–20115ContentsForeword ............................................................... 3Opening of the Conference. .......................................... 7First Session: Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region. .............. 11Second Session: Maritime Issues. ................................... 20Third Session: Civil Safety and Security ............................ 27Fourth Session: Green Growth, Energy, Climate, Financing ...... 38Concluding Session: The Future of Parliamentary Cooperationin the Baltic Sea Region.......................................... 48Closing of the Conference .......................................... 51Annexes:Conference Resolution .............................................. 55Programme .......................................................... 65Participants ........................................................... 706 Opening of the ConferenceOpening of the Conference 7Sunday 28th AugustThe 20th – Anniversary – Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conferencewas held in the Finnish Parliament in Helsinki on 28–30 August2011 – the site of the very first BSPC in 1991. On the first day ofthe conference, participants were treated to a boat trip from theMarket Square of Helsinki to the Hanasaari Swedish-Finnish Cul-tural Centre in Espoo, where the day was concluded with a dinnerhosted by Ms Christina Gestrin, MP, Chair of the BSPC 2008–2011.Before the excursion, the BSPC Standing Committee held a meet-ing in which Ms Valentina Pivnenko, Russia, was appointed Chair-man of the BSPC until the 21st BSPC, and Ms Laine Randjärv, Esto-nia, was appointed Vice Chairman for the same period.Monday 29th AugustOpening of the ConferenceMs Christina Gestrin, MP, Finland, Chairof the BSPC Standing Committee, wel-comed the participants to Finland and declaredthe 20th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conferenceopen.Mr Eero Heinäluoma, MP, Speaker of theFinnish Parliament referred to Mr KaleviSorsa, Speaker of the Finnish Parliament 20years previously. Although the atmosphere Ms Christinawas still uncertain at that time, Mr Sorsa saw Gestrina window of opportunity and invited delegatesto the first Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conferencein 1991, which was convened in the very samebuilding as this, the venue for the 20th Confer-ence.Mr Heinäluoma stated that Baltic Sea Regionparliamentarians have come a long way since1991. The overarching target remains: prosper-ity throughout the Region. Cooperation isdeepening and finding new forms. Several toolsare now available. However, development canonly be sustainable if it is socially just and envi-ronmentally sound. Time is running out for the Mr Eerorestoration of a sound ecological status in the Heinäluoma8 Opening of the Conference Opening of the ConferenceBaltic Sea, and urgent measures are necessary,Mr Heinäluoma concluded.Ms Susanna Huovinen, MP, Finland andChair of the Finnish delegation to theBSPC, noted that many of the challenges thatparliamentarians face are common for all theBaltic Sea countries. The condition of the BalticSea itself, for instance, remains alarming. Sheshared Mr Heinäluoma’s opinion that parlia-Ms Susannamentarians must do their utmost to find ways Huovinento remedy the situation and to make use oftheir capabilities in raising awareness, connect-ing stakeholders and prompting good decision-making.Historical review: BSPC 20thanniversary – achievements andchallengesMr Jürgen Schöning, Former Minister ofFederal and European Affairs and FormerHead of the State Chancellery of the FreeState of Thuringia, Former Director of theState Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein,gave an introduction to the history of the 20Mr Jürgenyears of the BSPC. He stated that, while every- Schöningthing started in Helsinki in 1991, the processactually began much earlier, in August 1975,when the Helsinki Agreement of the Confer-ence on Security and Cooperation in Europe(CSCE) was signed. The Agreement led, forexample, to the founding of Solidarnosc inPoland, and to the collapse of the Communistregimes in Europe. A spirit of optimism, anatmosphere of change, was noticeable at alllevels, including the parliaments.Mr Schöning described the establishment anddevelopment of both the BSPC and the CBSS,and the relations between these two, as anongoing process that has shown positive pro-gress during recent years. The report given byCBSS at the annual BSPC Conference hasproved to be valuable. However, he would liketo see the reports presented by the govern-ments to focus more on the parliamentary Res-Opening of the Conference Opening of the Conference 9olutions in order to provide information about their implementa-tion status. Mr Schöning supported a current Norwegian proposalthat CBSS should be responsible for a self-contained report on theimplementation status of the BSPC Resolutions and that it shouldexpand its reporting accordingly. According to Mr Schöning, such aprocedure would represent another step towards developing theBaltic Sea Parliamentary Conference into the parliamentary dimen-sion of the Council of Baltic Sea States.Mr Schöning described the institutional development of the BSPCin recent years, which has enabled all member parliaments and par-liamentary organisations to participate in the work between theannual Conferences. Adopting an annual Work Programme, launch-ing Working Groups and appointing Rapporteurs with clearlydefined missions, as well as synchronising the priorities of BSPCand CBSS, represent additional milestones towards greater effi-ciency and political impact. He also underlined the well-functioningmodel of parliamentary cooperation in which both national andregional parliaments participate.Mr Schöning praised the role of the Nordic Council for its commit-ment to parliamentary cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region. Coop-eration could benefit from the experience in international relationsprovided by representatives of the Nordic Council. Cooperationwas also advantageous in real terms in terms of staff and administra-tive costs, since the Nordic Council made secretariat resourcesavailable to the BSPC. Secretariat costs are now shared by all BSPCmember parliaments, further evidence of the positive developmentof the organisation.All in all, Mr Schöning judged the development of the parliamentarydimension in the Baltic Sea Region as remarkable. He felt optimisticabout the future and expressed a wish that parliamentarians shouldsend a clear signal that parliamentary cooperation in the Baltic SeaRegion has been a success story over the past twenty years.Mr Pertti Joenniemi, Senior Research Fellow, Danish Insti-tute for International Studies, described the Baltic Sea Regionas one of the most developed European regions today, and statedthat the EU sees it as an exemplary one. However, he argued thatmore conscious and planned visions are needed for the future ofthe Baltic Sea Region; it actually calls for a kind of master plan. Sucha plan is needed because the situation has changed both in terms ofthe opportunities available as well as the problems to be tackled.Mr Joenniemi said that region-building, particularly with the launch-ing of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, has become part of10 Opening of the Conference First SessionEurope-making. The Baltic Sea Region couldcontribute to and stand out as a forerunnerand model in a Europe where macro-regionshave a prominent place. For this purpose, moregoal-oriented and pro-active policies arerequired, Mr Joenniemi argued.He saw the growing eminence of the NorthSea and Arctic regions as competitive factors towhich the Baltic Sea Region could either con-Mr Perttitribute or lose. The northern areas are attract- Joenniemiing far more attention than previously. Thechallenge is to devise policies that link the Bal-tic Sea area to the northern areas, the Arctic,and the North Sea regions.According to Mr Joenniemi, the growing prom-inence of the High North forms a foundationfor interesting and important visions. As a for-mer periphery, Northern Europe may nowdevelop into a hub. The new sea lines, flightroutes, and railway connections make this ideaincreasingly realistic. In any case, it is in theutmost interest of the Baltic Sea Region toturn the vision into reality, and this aspirationis one of the key issues to be considered indeveloping a Baltic Sea Region master plan.Mr Joenniemi underlined the issue of securityas one of the key challenges in the Region.Civil aspects of security are indeed on theagenda of Baltic Sea Region cooperation, butsecurity issues at large have so far been toosensitive and delicate to be touched. He statedthat a challenge is to catch up and radicallyreduce the divisive impact of security as a con-stitutive theme. A possible first step could be toinitiate a report along the lines of the one sub-mitted by Mr Thorvald Stoltenberg a couple ofyears previously, concerning security coopera-tion among the Nordic countries.Mr Joenniemi stated that governments anddecision-makers have enabled change and facil-itated action rather than proactively pushed forregion-building. This somewhat passive policyhas proved insufficient for a variety of reasons,Opening of the Conference First Session 11and much more conscious and active efforts are needed. He hopedthat this would also be the spirit underlying cooperation among theparliaments and parliamentarians of the Region. Turning bold visionsinto reality was very much on the agenda of the first and initial meet-ing of the BSPC in Helsinki in January 1991, and the challenge as wellas chance of success appears to be here again, at the outset of thethird decade of parliamentary cooperation, Mr Joenniemi concluded.First SessionCooperation in the Baltic Sea RegionMs Christina Gestrin, MP, Finland, Chair of the BSPC, was alsoof the opinion that there have been quite remarkable developmentsin the Region since the first conference in Helsinki. The biggest andmost promising change is that the Region has evolved into an area ofpeace, democracy and cooperation.She called the terrorist attacks in Oslo 22 July 2011 an attempt todemolish the very foundations of democracy, to curtail freedom, andto strangle openness. The admirable and steadfast response to theattack of the Norwegian people confirms that such threats to societyare best prevented and managed by strengthening democracy, widen-ing openness and deepening participation in society’s development.In her report, Ms Gestrin stated that the countries in the Region havemoved closer together over the last two decades. Political coopera-tion has become closer and more focused in a whole range ofspheres. The economy has improved, trade has increased and therehas been a rise in the number of joint initiatives in research anddevelopment.Many serious environmental problems in the Baltic Sea Regionremain. The best tool for achieving good ecological status of the Bal-tic Sea by 2021 is the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan. Ms Gestrinurged the governments to speed up the development of tangible pro-jects and funding plans in order to keep to the timetable of theAction Plan.Ms Gestrin described the wastewater treatment in Russia and Polandand noted that progress has been particularly rapid in St Petersburg.Progress has also been made in Kaliningrad. She stated that it is vitalthat the positive activities in Russia in recent years continue to enjoystrong political support.Ms Gestrin was concerned about the significant variations in eco-nomic sustainability and social welfare between different parts of the12 First Session First Sessionregion. She also mentioned organised crime,especially the repugnant trafficking in humanbeings, as a major stain on the Region. But at thesame time there is also huge potential for creat-ing collective growth and prosperity throughjoint endeavours on security and safety, busi-ness cooperation, infrastructure, research anddevelopment, and by strengthening the jointlabour market. Greater mobility in the regionrequires jointly agreed and fair rules for theMr Werner Hoyerworkforce as well as for companies, Ms Gestrinstated.Ms Gestrin described the cooperation with theCouncil of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) as anongoing process through several channels andby various means. BSPC will continue to seekto co-ordinate its priorities with those of theCBSS and participate in each others’ meetings.Ms Gestrin stressed that the BSPC WorkingGroups have turned out to be important andproductive political instruments in the work ofthe BSPC. They have produced tangible politicalrecommendations and standpoints that can alsobe used in the domestic political debate.She concluded by expressing a wish that all par-liamentarians should continue to protect andpromote democracy, tolerance and security inthe Baltic Sea Region.Mr Werner Hoyer, MP, State Minister, rep-resenting the CBSS, started by stating thatthe German presidency of the CBSS will con-tinue along the lines drawn up during the Nor-wegian presidency. In this context he expressedhis condolences to the people of Norway forthe victims of the terrorist attacks on 22 July2011. The principles that guided Norway’sresponse to the attacks – openness and democ-racy – are the same as those to which CBSS iscommitted.CBSS has a sound basis and clear priorities. Dur-ing the German presidency there are three pri-ority areas: a partnership aimed at modernisingFirst Session First Session 13the southern part of Baltic Sea Region; a coherent framework forcooperation; and regional identity. Parliamentary cooperation makes agood contribution to the work of CBSS. Mr Hoyer stated that coopera-tion between CBSS and BSPC is better than ever.Mr Hoyer stated that the partnership in the southern part of theRegion aims to establish closer cooperation with Kaliningrad, Russiaand Poland. As far as the partnership is concerned, plenty of progresshas been made. The Northern Dimension provides dynamics andstructure to the relationship.A coherent framework for cooperation is a link between variousstakeholders. It also promotes a division of labour among the majorplayers. Good governance and best practices are strong guiding prin-ciples for the cooperation in the Region. Germany wishes to furtherdevelop the ability of the CBSS and its secretariat to implement con-crete projects. Greater use will be made of CBSS’s potential in imple-menting the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. There is an inten-tion to focus on a limited number of issues on the CBSS agenda inorder to maximise output from the organisation.Networks of transnational organisations and institutions have a keyrole in strengthening regional identity. A common history book aboutthe Baltic Sea Region would be culturally and historically important,and could also serve to enhance contacts and understanding betweenpeople from different parts of the Region. In this context, efforts tostrengthen contacts between young people are especially important.Mr Hoyer also highlighted the CBSS achievements on energy and theenvironment. On the issue of long-term priorities and environmentalissues, Mr Hoyer assumed that BASREC will constitute a commonenergy strategy for the region by 2020. By 2050 the use of renewableenergy should be fully implemented throughout the Region.EU Baltic Sea Strategy and the Northern DimensionMs Diana Wallis, Vice-President of the European Parliament,stated that EU has moved towards the Baltic Sea Region, as theenlargements in recent years have brought four countries from thisregion into the EU.Ms Wallis mentioned a group of outstanding former Members of theEuropean Parliament who were instrumental in creating the EU Strat-egy for the Baltic Sea Region, and who now hold prominent positionseither in their countries or in the EU. She said that the Baltic Sea Inter-group in the EU meets continuously at every session in Strasbourg,and actively discusses issues of interest for the region.14 First Session First SessionShe took up the Northern Dimension aspect ofthe EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. TheEuropean Parliament has expressed its supportfor the parliamentary dimension of the Strat-egy. This has resulted in a model in which theEU Commission is responsible for reporting tothe European Parliament about the develop-ment of the Strategy. The European Parliamenthas also insisted on new funding for the BalticSea Region in 2011.Ms Diana WallisMs Wallis mentioned a detail in the draft resolu-tion from this conference, namely tourism. Sheconsidered this to be an interesting item whichcould generate targeted projects that involveboth transport and employment issues. Sheclosed her remarks by saying that in financialdifficulties there always is a temptation to lookinwards; however, it is an outward-lookingapproach that makes the region flourish.Ms Kadri Uustal, Advisor to Director-Gen-eral Ahner, European Commission, gave apresentation on the EU Strategy for the BalticSea Region. The Commission is facilitator of thework in the Region. First lessons from the Strat-egy are being collected and processed. Themain issues so far have been transport, energymarkets in cross-border regions, research andentrepreneurship. Some achievements of theStrategy can be seen. Ms Uustal reported sev- Ms Kadri Uustaleral examples of new projects, but expressed awish for more projects. Lead targets and pro-gress indicators should also be developed. By2013, the lessons learned will have been morethoroughly analysed.Ms Uustal reiterated that the Strategy is not afunding instrument and there will be no dedi-cated funding for it. However, she saw thismore as an opportunity. Existing funds areexamined in order to see how they could bebetter focused on the projects under the Strat-egy. Needs and money flows will be mappedand presented on a web-based platform. StrongFirst Session First Session 15efforts are made to align the structural funds and other fundingsources to the objectives of the Strategy.The Polish presidency has taken a strong role in the developmentof the Strategy, Ms Uustal stated.The Strategy has established new elaborate structures. Nationalhigh-level priority coordinators play an important role. One funda-mental task is to maintain political momentum for the Strategy onthe agendas of all relevant meetings. Commitment is needed bothat administrative and political level.DebateMs Gestrin saw the EU Strategy for the BalticSea Region as a tool that supports flexibledevelopment in the Region and boosts itsinternational competitiveness. If the strategy isto continue to develop, all relevant stakehold-ers in the Region, whether they are part of theEU or not, must be able to participate in thework on an equal footing. Mr OlgierdGeblewiczMr Olgierd Geblewicz, Chairperson,BSSSC, stated that BSPC and BSSSC have a lotin common. The BSSSC gathers politicians fromthe sub-regional level to discuss topics largelycorresponding with the issues on the agendaof the BSPC. Networking is one of the coreaims of the BSSSC.Mr Geblewicz named climate change, maritimeissues, transport and infrastructure, publichealth, and the Northern Dimension as priorityareas for the BSSSC. He pointed out the fruitfulcooperation on maritime issues between theBSPC, BSSSC and CBSS that had taken placerecently in Gdansk.Mr Alexander Pereplesnin, Chairpersonof the Legislative Assembly, Karelia,described the Republic of Karelia as it is today.The Republic has a geopolitically favourablesituation. It also has huge potential andresources, since its bigger waterways are Mr Alexanderlinked to the Baltic Sea and several other trans- Pereplesnin16 First Session First Sessionport corridors. Mr Pereplesnin said that a largenatural national recreation park has beenestablished at the River Neva in Karelia. Theriver runs from Lake Ladoga to the Baltic Seaand so its environmental effects on the seastart already in Karelia. The Legislative Assem-bly of Karelia interacts with many Baltic Seaparliaments and plans to increase its coopera-tion within the Region.Ms ValentinaMs Valentina Pivnenko, MP, State Duma, PivnenkoRussia, pointed out that the cooperationstructures in the Baltic Sea Region can serveas a model in Europe. The parliamentary coop-eration and contact network is a crucial factorin Northern Europe. BSPC successfully com-bines the Nordic countries and other coun-tries in the Region with Russia. According toMs Pivnenko, BSPC is capable of addressing allkind of problems and challenges.She underlined that safeguarding economicgrowth for the benefit of the citizens in theRegion is the greatest challenge. The agenda ofthe BSPC focuses on concrete issues related tothe development of the Region, seeking newways to deepen cooperation. Sustainable useof environmentally-friendly resources, devel-opment and introduction of new techniquesand technologies, development of transportinfrastructure, monitoring of industrial risks,broader implementation of public-privatepartnerships to meet the emerging challenges,visa-free travelling, and cooperation betweenuniversities are some high-priority topics.Ms Pivnenko mentioned the Baltic EnergyRing and noted that energy efficiency andnuclear safety are of importance in the energydialogue. She also observed that nuclearenergy will continue to be used, and that itcan be made safe for human life and the envi-ronment under present conditions. Theimprovement of international legal and regula-tory frameworks for a peaceful and environ-mentally safe nuclear energy could be dis-cussed in the BSPC, she said.First Session First Session 17Mr Vatanyar Yagya, MP, St Petersburg,agreed with Ms Pivnenko on the role of theBSPC. According to him, there have never beenany doubts about the significant politicalresource provided by the parliamentary coop-eration in the Region. It is also highly valuedand appreciated by governments and foreignministries. Speaking about the NorthernDimension, he stated that it is important bothfor Russia and the other countries in theMr VatanyarRegion. There should be closer cooperation Yagyabetween EU- and non-EU countries of theRegion, he said, reiterating that funding forNorthern Dimension for non-EU countries isstill problematic.Mr Pertti Salolainen, MP, Finland, urgedthe conference to put pressure on the govern-ments and to raise awareness of the environ-mental challenges of the region. He remindedthe Conference that agricultural policy will bediscussed in the EU in the near future, butfeared that the environmental issues will notbe taken into account sufficiently. MrSalolainen was of the opinion that the Russianparticipation at the conference is important, Mr Perttisince it creates a valuable meeting platform for Salolainenparliamentarians from Russia and the othercountries in the Region. He also joined thosewho would like to see BSPC Conference Reso-lutions debated at the plenaries of the nationalparliaments, and sent to the governments forfollow-up and response.Mr Franz Thönnes, MP, Germany, sup-ported the idea of debating the BSPC Resolu-tions in the national and regional parliaments.Referring to Mr Hoyer’s report he appreciatedthe continuity in the CBSS presidencies andpriorities. He also valued Russian participationand mentioned cooperation between Russiaand Germany on matters such as monitoringcontrol mechanisms to prevent trafficking ofhuman beings. Mr Franz Thönnes18 First Session First SessionMr Thönnes also mentioned his recent reporton cross-border commuting. He felt optimis-tic that future labour policies would be capa-ble of removing border barriers on the labourmarket. Cooperation between employers’organisations and trade unions in the Region,which is a prerequisite for economic growthand social security, has been successfullydeveloped in the Baltic Sea Labour Networkproject, which is coming to a close in the Ms Christelautumn of 2011. However, new projects on Happach-Kasanlabour market issues have received fundingand will begin activities later in 2011.Ms Christel Happach-Kasan, MP, Ger-many, underlined the significance of func-tional cooperation on energy and electricityissues, as well as on reducing pollution bothin water and air. She said that the successfuldevelopment of the Baltic Sea Region isimportant for Germany, and that it shouldhave the same political emphasis as thedevelopment of its southern parts.First Session First Session 1920 Second Session Second SessionSecond Session:Maritime IssuesHE Gabriella Lindholm, Chair of HEL-COM, described the HELCOM Baltic SeaAction Plan (BSAP) and its implementationfrom 2007 until now. The target of the Plan isfor the Baltic Sea to reach good environmentalstatus by 2021 through an ecosystem-based HE Gabriellaapproach to the management of human activi- Lindholmties. Measures and actions are focused oneutrophication, hazardous substances, mari-time activities, and biodiversity and nature con-servation. HELCOM has a key role as a coordi-nation platform for the regional implementa-tion of the EU Marine Strategy FrameworkDirective (MSFD). The BSAP National Imple-mentation Programmes is expected to havemade substantial progress by the HELCOMMinisterial meeting in 2013.Ms Lindholm listed the main achievements ofthe Plan, including the introduction of morestringent regulations for sewage dischargesfrom passenger ships (2007), the Baltic SeaChallenge – call by cities for voluntary deliveryof sewage by cruise ships (2008), the commit-ments on working together with private com-panies on port reception facilities (PRFs), andthe EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region thatdesignated the improvement of PRFs a flagshipactivity (2009). In 2010 HELCOM countriesagreed on PRF improvements in prioritisedports by 2013, and by 2015 at the latest. Thisyear the IMO agreed on a global designation ofthe Baltic Sea as a Special Area for sewage dis-charge.Another major positive development men-tioned by Ms Lindholm was the designation ofthe Baltic Sea as a Nitrogen Dioxide (NOx)Emission Control Area (NECA) in order toreduce 80% of NOx discharges. The overall riskassessment of shipping accidents, the identifi-cation of hot spots for oil spills, and the devel-opment of new measures for safety of naviga-Second Session Second Session 21tion are some of the main challenges in theyears to come.Mr Jochen Schulte, MP, Mecklenburg-Vor-pommern, Chair of the BSPC WorkingGroup on Integrated Maritime Policy, pre-sented the final report of the BSPC WorkingGroup on Integrated Maritime Policy. MrSchulte described the role of maritime policyas partly being economic. He said that one of Mr Jochen Schultethe central themes of the Working Group hasbeen securing the long-term competitivenessof the maritime economy and strengtheningthe Region as a business and technology loca-tion. At the same time, efficient and sustainableenvironmental protection in maritime trafficwas considered a similarly important objective.Combining both fundamental targets is essen-tial for long-term positive and sustainabledevelopment of the Baltic Sea Region and itsmaritime sector.Shipping and the maritime economy areamong the most important economic sectorsin every Baltic Sea country. They contribute sig-nificantly to growth and employment in theRegion. Furthermore, a competitive maritimesector can also stimulate growth in many othersectors in the Region that influence maritimepolicy issues in one way or another. Safeguard-ing and strengthening the competitiveness andthe future viability of the Region is considera-bly related to the maritime industries. At thesame time, this must be balanced with the aimsof marine environmental protection andimproving the environmental status of the Bal-tic Sea throughout this transitional period.Mr Schulte mentioned that the concerns of theWorking Group members regarding possiblecompetitive disadvantages for Baltic Sea ship-ping as a consequence of the designation ofthe Baltic Sea as a Sulphur Emission ControlArea (SECA) have also increased during thesecond year of work. While supporting theIMO environmental regulations in general,many members of the Working Group believe22 Second Session Second Sessionthat the decision to lower the limit for sulphuremissions to 0.1% by 2015 was made with toolittle consideration for the possible conse-quences for the maritime-related sectors in theregion.For effective and uniform environmental stand-ards, and to avoid competitive distortion detri-mental to the Baltic Sea Region, the WorkingGroup has reiterated and extended the Ms AnitaMäkinendemand of the 18th BSPC to work activelywithin the IMO for a Europe-wide solution forSECAs and a speedy designation of further seaareas, such as the Mediterranean Sea, as SECAs.Furthermore, the Working Group recommendsthat adequate, accompanying measures shouldbe taken in order to prevent unwanted modalshifts from sea to road, thereby weakening thecompetitive position of Baltic Sea shipping.Regarding maritime transport and ports policy,the Working Group has focused on inter-modaltransport solutions and measures to improveco-modality, as well as on environmental portservices and products.Mr Schulte concluded by calling for a regularand more structured dialogue between BSPCand other organisations, such as the CBSS andthe BSSSC, on maritime issues. That wouldstrengthen the joint potential to deal with thechallenges of the Region in an efficient andeffective manner.Ms Anita Mäkinen, Director, Finnish Mari-time Agency, gave an outline of internationalregulations aimed at improving maritime safetyin order to avoid oil accidents, especially oilspill catastrophes. She mentioned that, at anygiven moment, more than 2,000 vessels arepassing through the Baltic Sea, and that inter-national shipping is increasing. With the newRussian oil terminals on the Gulf of Finland,more than 150 million tons of oil per year istransported through the Baltic Sea, and the fig-ure is steadily rising.Second Session Second Session 23Ms Mäkinen presented the most importantIMO conventions and EU directives and regu-lations to prevent oil spill and to maintain oilpollution preparedness, response and com-pensation. In spite of the numerous regula-tions enforced, shipping accidents occur inthe Baltic Sea. According to HELCOM statis-tics, there were 105 shipping accidents in2009, 10 of them involving oil spills.Mr Are PielBoth the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Regionand the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan aregood platforms for collaboration on Baltic Seaissues in order to enhance maritime and envi-ronmental security and safety. In order to min-imise the risk of shipping accidents, greatercontrol at ports is needed.Ms Mäkinen stated that the implementationof regulations and directives requires com-mon policies, instruments and funding, aswell as international cooperation and action.The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region iscurrently under revision, so there is now anopportunity to influence it. She urged the par-liaments to retain the Baltic Sea issues on theagenda in the future.Mr Are Piel, Director, Estonian MaritimeAdministration, gave a presentation onGOFREP (Gulf of Finland Reporting System)and the operational environment of the sys-tem. GOFREP is a cooperative projectbetween Estonia, Finland and Russia. The prin-cipal reason for establishing GOFREP was theconstruction of new oil terminals and theresulting increase in sea transportation of oilproducts and other chemical products. Itsmain mission is to prevent accidents at sea,while also enhancing marine environmentalprotection. The Gulf of Finland is a shallowsea with underwater rocks, and it is also cov-ered by ice 100 days a year. Mr Piel demon-strated what could happen in the event of anoil spill and how quickly the oil could spreadin the sea.24 Second Session Second SessionThe GOFREP organisation works at severallevels. The system is expected to gather infor-mation on maritime traffic movements and itscompliance with regulations, to improve sys-tematisation of data, to distribute informationto ships masters to avoid collisions, and torespond appropriately to emergency situa-tions.A number of measures might help to limit the Mr Roger Janssonrisk of errors in sea traffic: training and exer-cises, improved working conditions, improvedorganisation and working environment,streamlined procedures, check-lists and regu-lations, incident analyses and simulations, andbetter knowledge of the physical propertiesof the water area.DebateMr Roger Jansson, MP, Åland Island,Vice-Chair of the Working Group on Inte-grated Maritime Policy, was concernedabout the continuity in BSPC’s work on mari-time matters when there is no longer a Work-ing Group to deal with the issues. Continuedcooperation with CBSS and BSSSC is impor-tant. Sulphur emission must be minimised notleast for public health in the Baltic Sea Region.Equal conditions regarding sulphur emissionsshould apply for both land-based and sea-based transportation. Land-based transporta-tion causes heavy environmental strains.Mr Nikolay Churkin, MP, Russian Federa-tion, said that Russia has the same goals asthe other Baltic Sea countries in protectingthe environment. Maritime safety is an impor-tant task. Research on marine transport andnavigation at sea should be intensified. Costsfor ameliorative measures will be recovered inthe shape of a healthier and therefore moreproductive sea. Cooperation between variousorganisations and cross-border actions is a keyfor solving the many difficult tasks ahead. Mr NikolayChurkinSecond Session Second Session 25Mr Folke Sjölund, MP, Åland Island, tookup the threat to the sea caused by phosphatedischarge. Citizens should join the fightagainst phosphates with the aim of abolish-ing them from the Baltic Sea. Coordinatedmeasures are needed, and cooperationbetween HELCOM, CBSS and BSPC on issuesrelated to the EU Baltic Sea Strategy shouldbe considerably strengthened.Mr Folke SjölundMr Kurt Bodewig, Pro Baltica, expresseda wish for a complete and rapid implementa-tion of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan.He also saw a possibility to finance cleanshipping projects through a taxation system.An upgraded and greener ro-ro conceptcould very probably be a functioning modelfor future shipping connections.Ms Ingebjørg Godskesen, MP, Norway,said that the opportunity to exchange ideasMs Ingebjørghas a value in itself, and that there is a need toGodskesendiscuss matters such as the IMO regulations.She saw a slight risk that EU regulations onemissions at sea could lead to a situationwhere sea transports are shifted back to roadtransports.Ms Anita Brodén, MP, Sweden, repre-senting the Nordic Council, pointed outthat a green growth for a bluer sea requires alot of work and devoted people. She agreedthat ports must have the capacity to receivewastewater from ships and that there mustMs Anita Brodénbe a system for treating wastewater. A chainof wastewater treatment stations should bebuilt around the entire Baltic Sea. Moreover,discussions on fishing and agriculture poli-cies must also include maritime environmen-tal aspects.Mr Ole Vagn Christensen, MP, Denmark,emphasised that maritime issues should bediscussed in the IMO, and that parliamentari-ans must be careful not to dilute or weakenregulations that have been agreed there. Mr Ole VagnChristensen26 Second Session Third sessionSecond Session Third session 27Third session:Civil Safety and SecurityMr André Oktay Dahl, MP, Norway, Vice-Chair of the BSPC Working Group onCivil Security and Trafficking, presented thefinal report of the Working Group on behalf ofMs Line Barfod, MP, Denmark, Chair of the BSPCWorking Group.Mr Oktay Dahl started with an urgent requestto the BSPC members to establish networks ofparliamentarians to help the fight against traf- Mr André OktayDahlficking in human beings. The Working Grouphad agreed on that point, realising that all therecommendations to the governments coulddissipate into thin air if the parliamentarians donot commit to continuously monitoring theprogress of various activities to tackle the prob-lem and to develop the relations between theexecutive and the legislative powers. The mem-bers of the Working Group have alreadydecided to establish an informal network as aFacebook group in order to ensure continuityof the fruitful work of the group.Mr Oktay Dahl mentioned that the Final Reportof the Working Group contained 15 politicalrecommendations from the group – plus therequest to the parliaments. Recommendations1–6 were submitted to the 19th BSPC in 2010and presented in the Mid-term Report of theWorking Group and are not repeated in thedraft Conference Resolution for this 20th BSPC.Recommendations 7–15 have been discussedand adopted by the Working Group since the19th BSPC in 2010.The Working Group has tried to be very precisewhen formulating the recommendations, butthey may nevertheless seem long and detailed.All of the recommendations complement eachother, and all need following up.Mr Oktay Dahl emphasised the role of publicauthorities, NGOs and inter-governmental28 Third session Third sessionorganisations, and projects in maintaining thepursuit of persistent and sustained effortsagainst trafficking in human beings. He calledfor secure long-term funding, since insecureand short-term funding threaten the very exist-ence of especially the NGOs.A victim-based approach should be adopted inall measures and actions against trafficking inhuman beings. This means that the human Ms Eva Biaudetrights of trafficked persons should be at thecentre of all initiatives against trafficking, andthat victims and relatives of victims shouldreceive unconditional assistance, regardless oftheir status and their willingness to participatein criminal proceedings against traffickers. It isa problem for efficient action against modernslavery if the victims are treated as illegalimmigrants rather than as victims.Mr Oktay Dahl stated that a vital tool is to fol-low the money, i.e. trace the money flowsstemming from trafficking in human beings, aswell as strengthening the measures to confis-cate proceeds from those engaged in traffick-ing. Trafficking is big business with enormousprofits. Business analyses can be useful in find-ing the money, and the perpetrators, in thistrade.The work of the group has come to an end butthat does not mean that the fight against traf-ficking in human beings is over. The world hasonce shown that it was capable of eradicatingslavery. Mr Oktay Dahl urged everyone toshow that we can also abolish this modernform of slavery.Ms Eva Biaudet, Ombudsman for Minori-ties and National Rapporteur on HumanTrafficking, Finland, welcomed the reportas an important document and said that thework of the Working Group is fully in line withher findings on the matter.Her first report as the Finnish Ombudsmanexamined how the rights of trafficked personsThird session Third session 29are being implemented and what type of obstacles might beembedded in the Finnish system. The most important observationof the report was that human trafficking and related serious exploi-tation are probably more common than is usually realised becausevictims are not identified adequately. Either they are not identifiedat all, or they are not identified as victims of trafficking or of seri-ous exploitation. As a consequence, victims risk being denied theirstatutory rights, such as the victim assistance system, or they losetheir credibility in a possible trial.Ms Biaudet agreed with the key findings of the Working Group. Sheunderlined that child protection measures must also be includedand should, as a minimum, equal the domestic child protectionmeasures. Measures addressing domestic trafficking are importantand particular attention should be given to the risks facing younggirls and boys.She emphasised the necessity of establishing an independent,transparent National Rapporteur who not only gathers data butalso analyses existing data and information, and evaluates anti-traf-ficking policies and actions taken. The report to the Finnish Parlia-ment has resulted in a thorough scrutiny by the Parliament andsubsequent clear recommendations to all relevant public authori-ties. This will obviously stimulate all players to implement moreconsolidated, efficient and evidence-based anti-trafficking actions.30 Third session Third sessionMs Biaudet stated that trafficking is a seriouscrime against human dignity and equality. Traf-ficking erodes these basic values. Every failureto protect a victim, be it a man, woman or achild, is a failure of society. Victims cannot beblamed. Parliamentarians have a key role intheir capacity as opinion-formers and legisla-tors. This is why it is so important that theykeep up the political pressure on governmentsto take action against trafficking in human Mr Vladimirbeings. NikitinMr Vladimir Nikitin, MP, State Duma, Rus-sia, was concerned about the globalised char-acter of trafficking. The law regarding traffick-ing in Russia has been sharpened, but the prob-lem persists. Organised criminals are adjustingthemselves to changing conditions, so it isimportant to gather more and better dataabout the phenomenon. Trafficking in humanbeings is very often also closely related to drugsmuggling and smuggling of nuclear materials.It has been said that 2.4 million people in Rus-sia live in a kind of slavery. The use of forcedlabour in agriculture and domestic work isquite common. Trafficking in human organs, aswell as organised begging, is a growing trend.The situation in Russia is difficult as the intro-duction of the free market system is relativelyrecent and many of its consequences are com-plex to manage. There is a need to betterunderstand how traffickers operate in order tobe able to fight the problem adequately.Successful action against such huge andresourceful powers as traffickers requires sup-port from all levels of society. Both the CBSSand BSPC must continue their work againsttrafficking. Russia cooperates effectively withEuropean police and foreign experts.Ms Silva Bendr aˉte, MP, Latvia, describedthe issue of migration in the three Baltic States.Both emigration and immigration are debatedat national and regional level in the three Ms Silvastates. She emphasised that, when talking Bendra ˉteThird session Third session 31immigration and emigration, it is a question of a two-way movement.Security, especially social security, and social stability are key issues.Large-scale emigration from the Baltic countries started after the EUaccession in 2004. Freedom of mobility gave people the opportunityto leave their countries. Many moved to the Nordic countries, Ger-many and the UK. In these countries they have obtained higherwages, better social security, and an improved standard of living but,at the same time, many felt they were excluded from the community.Immigration to the small Baltic countries has not been without diffi-culties. Sometimes immigrants are perceived as a risk to security,mostly in material terms but also cultural. There is a certain fear thatimmigration will undermine the national culture and, in smallercountries, this might be an even bigger problem than the economicfears.There are demographic challenges everywhere in the region, MsBendra ˉte stated. No country can avoid immigration. Therefore, inte-gration programmes for immigrants must be developed so that theybecome familiar with local cultures and languages. Local peoplemust also learn how to better meet and incorporate immigrants. Inorder to achieve a win-win situation in the region, preparedness andmechanisms for immigration must be improved, and there must alsobe a clearer regulatory framework both for legal immigration andemigration.32 Third session Third sessionAlso needed are more efficient control andsanctions relating to illegal immigration, effi-cient return programmes, and good coopera-tion between countries of transit and origin.We need to exchange information in order toeliminate the risks of immigration and bringout its positive sides, Ms Bendra ˉte concluded.Public Health and Social Mr MarekWell-being MaciejowskiMr Marek Maciejowski, Head of Secretar-iat, NDPHS, gave an introduction to theNorthern Dimension Partnership in PublicHealth and Social Well-being (NDPHS). Hestated that joint undertakings will certainlyhelp strengthen regional efforts aimed at mak-ing the region a better place to live in.NDPHS is one of the structures operatingunder the Northern Dimension policyumbrella. The mission of the Partnership is tocontribute to sustainable development in theNorthern Dimension area by improving peo-ple’s health and social well-being. The Partner-ship focuses on two main areas: reduction ofthe spread of major communicable diseasesand prevention of life-style related non-com-municable diseases, and improvement of peo-ple’s standard of living and promotion ofhealthy and socially rewarding lifestyles.According to Mr Maciejowski, new health-related threats and developments are emerg-ing, which will have a profound effect on theeconomies in the next decades. Regional coop-eration in tackling these challenges will makethe response more effective and cost-efficient.Health is an indivisible human right, but it isalso an economic issue. European countriesdevote on average 8.3% of their GDP to healthspending, and this figure is increasing. MrMaciejowski argued that these costs can becontained and reduced with timely and low-cost investments. The non-communicable dis-Third session Third session 33eases are largely preventable because they aremostly caused by lifestyle. Tobacco use, harm-ful use of alcohol, physical inactivity andunhealthy diet are the main risk factors of non-communicable diseases. Consequently, bystrengthening health promotion, it is possibleto avoid, or at least shift to an older age, mostof the non-communicable diseases and therebymake large savings in national budgets.Mr Bernt BullInvestment in health is an investment in eco-nomic growth. Sufficient labour supply andhigh labour productivity are the key elementsof economic growth, and health is of direct rel-evance to both of them. Persons in good healthare able and willing to enter the labour marketand work longer, or at least not retire prema-turely due to declining or poor health condi-tion.The NDPHS has decided to support initiativesaimed at strengthening policies and activitiesin the area of prevention of non-communicablediseases. Mr Maciejowski closed his report bysaying that, although we come from differentcountries with different health systems, themain health-related challenges that we are cur-rently facing are the same: the ageing society,the increasing burden of non-communicablediseases and new health threats. Consequently,it is only logical to coordinate the responses tocommon challenges, and to pool the resourcesand exchange experiences on effective andless effective solutions. This will support well-informed policy- and decision-making, as wellas reduce duplication of efforts and resources.Mr Bernt Bull, Chair of the FNPHSExpert Group on Alcohol and SubstanceAbuse, spoke about alcohol and health anddescribed the risk factors relating to diseasesand injuries. It is fundamentally important tounderstand that there is a change in the abilityof society to control the situation.Mr Bull presented different causal models ofalcohol consumption, intermediate mecha-34 Third session Third sessionnisms, and long-term consequences as well as alcohol-related dis-eases and injuries. Speaking about alcohol consumption, there aretwo main dimensions affecting health: average volume and pat-terns of drinking, especially binge drinking. Mr Bull said that some618,000 deaths a year in Europe (2004) are estimated to be attrib-utable to alcohol abuse. An estimated 17 million years are lostannually in Europe due to disability and death (DALY). In Europe,6.5% of deaths and 11.4% of DALY’s are attributable to alcohol use.Based on the results of 21 European studies, the total cost of alco-hol for the European Union in 2003 was estimated to be €125 bil-lion (range of estimates: €79–220 billion). This is equivalent to 1.3%of the gross domestic product (0.9–2.4%). Of this sum, actualspending on alcohol-related problems accounts for €66 billion,while potential production not realised due to alcohol-relatedabsenteeism, and unemployment and premature mortalityaccounts for a further €59 billion.Mr Bull presented the five main objectives of the present EuropeanAction Plan, which are aligned with those of the Global Strategyand build upon previous European Alcohol Action Plans. First onthe list is to raise awareness of the magnitude and nature of thehealth, social and economic burdens caused by harmful use ofalcohol, and to foster increased commitment from governments toaddress such burdens; secondly, to strengthen and disseminate theknowledge base on the size and determinants of alcohol-relatedharm and on effective interventions to reduce and prevent suchharm; thirdly, to increase technical support to, and enhance thecapacity of, Member States to reduce the harm done by alcohol,and managing and treating alcohol-use disorders and associatedhealth conditions; fourthly, to strengthen partnerships and improvecoordination between stakeholders and increase mobilisation ofresources required for concerted action to reduce the harmful useof alcohol; and fifthly, to improve systems for monitoring and sur-veillance at sub-national, national and European levels, and toensure more effective dissemination and application of informa-tion for advocacy, policy development and evaluation.Mr Bull underlined that, given the magnitude and the complexityof the problem, concerted efforts must be in place to supportcountries in the challenges they face at national level. Internationalcoordination and collaboration create the synergies that areneeded and provide increased leverage for countries to implementevidence-based measures.Third session Third session 35Sustainable action requires strong leadershipand a solid base of awareness and political willand commitment in order to build political andcommunity consensus about future directionsin policy that targets alcohol abuse and dealswith its impact.DebateMs Sonja MandtMs Sonja Mandt, MP, Norway, underlinedthe economic aspects of the trafficking, whichis big business with huge returns. With an esti-mated 20 billion dollars in profits, trafficking isthe second most profitable criminal activity ona global scale after drug trafficking. Moreover,the ‘goods’ in trafficking in human beings –people – can be sold over and over again,which makes it even more lucrative. Effortsmust be joined in the fight against trafficking.The middle men should be pursued. Moneyflows should be monitored in order to trackdown the perpetrators.Ms Gun-Mari Lindholm, MP, Åland Island,said that it is necessary to learn more about theproblem, to disseminate information, and toMs Gun-Maritalk openly about it. Passion and courage areLindholmneeded. The report of the Working Group andits recommendations should be taken homeand presented to the national parliaments. Gov-ernments should be urged to step up theiractions against trafficking. Closing borders doesnot solve the problems. Networking and coop-eration between bodies such as trade unions,employer organisations and NGOs are impor-tant components in the fight against trafficking.Mr Johan Linander, MP, Sweden, Vice-Chair of the Working Group, hoped thatcooperation between the Baltic Sea Regioncountries should be so effective that the activi-ties of traffickers were made impossible. It isequally important to focus on the victims andmake sure that measures and structures are putin place to provide various kinds of assistance Mr Johanto them. Linander36 Third session Third sessionMs Anke Spoorendonk, MP, Schleswig-Holstein recalled that the Working Group hasbeen dealing with an extremely difficult prob-lem. She wanted to put the spotlight on the sta-tus of minority rights in Europe, since she feltthat minority issues were losing attention andfeared that they were disappearing from thepolitical agenda. The issue of minorities mustbe discussed and their rights in society sup-ported. Ms AnkeSpoorendonkSusanna Huovinen, MP, Finland asked whythere was still a market for trafficked humanbeings and gave the obvious answer that therestill is a demand for it. International coopera-tion and more forceful tools are needed inorder to study, control and ultimately eradicatetrafficking.Mr Hans Wallmark, MP, Sweden, under-lined the usefulness of networking betweenvarious players active in the fight against traf-ficking in human beings. He also pointed outthe important role that media can play in draw-ing attention to the problem and raise public Mr Hansawareness of it. WallmarkThird session Third session 3738 Fourth Session Fourth SessionTuesday 30th AugustFourth Session:Green Growth and EnergyEfficiencyMr Berndt Voss, MP, Schleswig-Holsteinintroduced green growth and energy effi-ciency in Schleswig-Holstein. The green GDP(Gross Domestic Product) as an index of eco-nomic growth, with the environmental conse-quences of that growth factored in, gives anaccurate picture of the economic conse-quences of different costs. Green GDPincludes the loss of biodiversity, and accountsfor costs caused by climate change. As an Mr Berndt Vossexample he took any oil spill accident thatmight occur in the Baltic Sea. The commonGDP as index of wealth gives an inaccuratepicture, since severe ecological and other dam-ages, such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spillor road accidents, result in an increase in GDPThe value of natural assets, voluntary servicesand unpaid domestic work, income inequali-ties, etc. are not reflected in GDP, althoughtheir impact on well-being is significant. Invest-ment that leads to short-term increase in GDPmay result in medium- and long-term loss, MrVoss stated. Climate change can result in lossesof 5–20% of world GDP. The costs of climatechange are 20 times higher than costs of miti-gation policies.Education and training regarding green growthis needed. There is also a need for a strategy ofselective growth through further promotion oftechnological strength in environmental engi-neering and technologies such as wind power.Energy saving, rational energy consumptionand use of renewable energy are the corner-stones of the green energy.Fourth Session Fourth Session 39He advocated a strategy of prevention and suf-ficiency through promotion of local econo-mies, local infrastructure and local resilienceagainst a worldwide economic crisis. Recyclingis one of the key activities and so is the use ofdomestic building materials. The next cycle intechnological development needs to be green.This is not a question of deglobalisation,although there is a wish to support local econ-omies and production. Limits for growth Mr Hans Braskshould be discussed. A planned degrowth strat-egy is needed. Sooner or later we have to takesteps towards an environmental and socialrevision of the economy, Mr Voss stated.Europe and the Baltic Sea Region need to bestrengthened and a common energy policydeveloped in terms of renewable energy,energy efficiency green technologies. Greengrowth is the key to economic growth in thefuture, Mr Voss concluded.Mr Hans Brask, Director, Baltic Develop-ment Forum, presented the activities of theBaltic Development Forum. He stated thatBSPC and Baltic Development Forum are goodpartners in promoting networking and greengrowth, two of the fields the organisationshave in common. The Baltic DevelopmentForum is closely linked to the EU Strategy forthe Baltic Sea Region. Mr Brask underlined thatthe importance of the EU Strategy serving aspilot for progress in the Region.According to Mr Brask, the EU strategy for theBaltic Sea Region is the best framework andopportunity that we have in the region formaking new progress in regional cooperationand integration. Cooperation with Russia willbe strengthened in parallel with the unfoldingof the EU strategy for the Region. At the sametime the financial instruments for regionalcooperation need to be improved and mademore flexible. Closer contacts and work withthe private sector are needed – not least withinthe Green Growth agenda – Mr Brask observed.40 Fourth Session Fourth SessionRegarding energy Mr Brask said that the regionneeds bigger energy and infrastructure flagshipprojects that can really make a difference, espe-cially in the field of energy networks and inter-connections. It must be recognised that thereis not, as yet, a common approach to GreenGrowth in the Baltic Sea Region. Mr Braskunderlined that a common Green Growthagenda can be a common economic advantage.The Baltic Sea Region has the potential to pio- Mr MagnusRystedtneer green growth through small as well as bigtech solutions, and thereby be a EuropeanUnion frontrunner in realising the EU 2020 tar-gets.Mr Magnus Rystedt, CEO, NEFCO, gave apresentation of NEFCO’s activities. NEFCO isan international financial institution estab-lished by the Nordic countries, facilitatingloans and equity investments for environmen-tal projects in Eastern Europe. NEFCO hasmore than 400 projects approved, of whichover 50 are wastewater-related projects in theBaltic Sea area. NEFCO works cost-effectively.NEFCO manages several different funds. Oneof them, operated together with the NordicInvestment Bank (NIB), is the specific Techni-cal Assistance Fund for facilitating projectdevelopment related to the HELCOM BSAP.NEFCO is also involved with other interna-tional financial institutes (EIB, EBRD and NIB)in the Northern Dimension EnvironmentalPartnership (NDEP), targeting environmentalinvestments in North-Western Russia and Bela-rus. The NDEP support fund for environmentalprojects amounts to €127 million and is man-aged by EBRD. Mr Rystedt described the StPetersburg South-West Wastewater TreatmentPlant which treats wastewater from 700,000people in the city. The project was imple-mented as a Public Private Partnership (PPP),and the total investment was €150 million,including associated investment of €190 mil-lion.Fourth Session Fourth Session 41Mr Rystedt told that NEFCO promotes renewa-ble energy in the Baltic States by allocatingloans and equity investments for wind farms inEstonia, Latvia and Lithuania.Ms Lene Grønning, Business Ambassador,Bornholm, presented the Bright Green Islandproject, which started a couple of years agowith the aims of positioning itself in an increas-ingly competitive environment, attracting its Ms LeneGrønningyoung people back to Bornholm, and makingthe island green. No later than 2014, Bornholmshould have become an established name inthe world as a Bright Green Island and bestrongly positioned in the debate on climatechange and renewable energy sources.Ms Grønning explained how the island hadstarted to turn green. The social composition ofthe island is like a small region with businesses,industries, hospital, schools and daycare andtherefore very suitable as a kind of laboratoryfor this kind of project. Wind power develop-ment was one of the first steps taken and nowthere is a high proportion of production fromrenewable resources.There is widespread enthusiasm on the islandfor the project. The three target areas arekitchen and local food production on theisland; adventure zone; and tourism. Ten fami-lies are testing an electric car which was spe-cially made for Bornholm. In the future, touristswould use only electrical vehicles when travel-ling around Bornholm. In the summer of 2010some 300 tourists already tested the electricvehicles. Energy excursions are also arranged.The building industry has started marketinggreen houses in Denmark. Research entrepre-neurs in green technologies are finding part-ners and increasing their activities. The projectis also interacting closely with schools in orderto involve children in the idea of Green Island.The project has shown that a clear vision isnecessary in order to market the project and toinvolve citizens. Now, the green practices are42 Fourth Session Fourth Sessionevolving each day, and people are increasinglyinterested in learning to live on a Green Island.Mr Alexey Ivannikov, Chief of Manage-ment and Development Department, Geo-graphical Unit “Europe”, INTER RAOUES, gave an orientation on the activities ofthe state-owned Russian company INTER RAOUES. The company is one of the biggest energycompanies in Europe and runs several projects Mr Alexeytogether with neighbouring countries. The Ivannikovcompany’s main goals are to backup newrenewable capacities, to create greater possibil-ities for diversification of the sources of powersupplies, balancing and reserves, to expandtrading activities in the region, and to createnew opportunities for market integration.Inter RAO UE is the main player in the develop-ment of EU-Russia cooperation on electricityissues. New interconnections will secureenergy sustainability in the region. Mr Ivan-nikov reported that 40% of the electricity fromthe company goes to Lithuania. INTER RAO UEhas subsidiaries in many countries in the BalticSea Region and many projects are in the plan-ning phase. The company takes an active rolein EU-Russia dialogue and also participates inroadmapping bilateral energy in the region.INTER RAO UES realises the crucial need ofthe European countries to deploy new windpower capacity, and considers wind farm pro-jects as one of its business developments onthe European market. Mr Ivannikov presentedseveral regional examples of successful pro-jects on interconnections, e.g. in Karelia, Lithu-ania, Poland, Estonia, Germany and Norway.The benefits of Baltic interconnection projectswould be as follows: firstly, new interconnec-tions would secure energy sustainability in theregion; secondly, they would also lead to envi-ronmentally-friendly decisions while also form-ing a backup of new renewable capacities fornormal operation mode; thirdly, the Baltic inter-connections should also allow greater diversifi-Fourth Session Fourth Session 43cation of the sources of power supplies andexpand trading activities in the region; fourthly,there would be new opportunities for marketintegration and greater market mobility; andfifthly, there would also be more choices,which has a beneficial effect on prices andcosts. The market between EU and Russiawould be better integrated, which would bepositive, Mr Ivannikov concluded.Mr Sverre MyrliDebateMr Ole Vagn Christensen, MP, Denmark,saw green growth as a realistic possibility, andexpressed a wish for more information andknowledge about it. The core purpose ofgreen growth is to promote economic devel-opment that is environmentally and sociallysustainable. Economic growth, social welfareand ecological health must go hand in hand.Mr Sverre Myrli, MP, Norway first thankedthe chairmanships of CBSS and BSPC for theirsupport after the terrorist attacks in Norwayon 22 July. He then recalled that, during theCold War, Norway was the only NATO countrybordering Russia. Today, Norway and Russiacooperate closely on issues such as energy. TheBaltic States and Poland are members of bothEU and NATO, and contacts with Russia aregrowing. It is however unsatisfactory that thecapacity to facilitate and process cross-bordertransports is still weak and cumbersome. Thereare many issues, such as sea transports, energy,and security, in which there is a strong com-mon interest among countries of the Region,and on which cooperation should be furtherenhanced. The idea of elaborating a kind of a“Stoltenberg-style” report for the whole BalticSea Region should be considered.Mr Torsten Staffeldt, MP, Germanyexpressed optimism regarding developmentsin the transport and logistics sector. Researchand development has yielded constructive Mr Torstenresults, such as innovative technological solu- Staffeldt44 Fourth Session Fourth Sessiontions for shipping. Continued efforts should bemade to facilitate sea transports, since they areenvironmentally friendly and therefore animportant component in a green economy.Mr Hans Wallmark, MP, Sweden, com-mented that nuclear power will most likely bean element in the combined energy mix of theRegion in the foreseeable future, which makesit all the more necessary to pay greater atten- Ms MirjamVehkaperätion to the security aspects of operation, main-tenance and storage of spent fuel.Mr Franz Thönnes, MP, Germany was con-vinced that the younger generation will beeven more concerned about the environmentand will also be better at saving energy andchoosing energy-friendly solutions. He wasoptimistic about the chances of closing downthe German nuclear power plants by 2050 andproducing at least 80% of the energy supply byrenewable energy sources. Modern windpower facilities, for example, are potentiallymore efficient, although their expansion andlocation presents a challenge.Ms Mirjam Vehkaperä, MP, Finland, repre-senting the Conference of Parliamentari-ans of the Arctic Region, noted that the Arc-tic Region and the Baltic Sea Region share theproblems of energy policy and climate changeissues. She underlined the Arctic parliamentari-ans’ support for a second Arctic Human Devel-opment Report and the new opportunities forshipping using the Northern Sea Route. Shewas pleased to inform delegates that the Euro-pean Parliament, in its report on A SustainableEU Policy for the High North, supports the ideaof establishing an Arctic Information Centre atthe University of Lapland.Ms Anita Brodén, MP, Nordic Council,reminded the audience that recycling andwaste management also contributes to energyefficiency and a more considerate use ofresources. New and more efficient waste man-agement plants should be constructed andFourth Session Fourth Session 45waste collection should be made more effec-tive. The disposal of medical waste must begiven extra attention, since there is a consider-able risk that it causes contamination ofground water.Ms Gabi Dobusch, MP, Hamburg, noticedthat the BSPC so far has not dealt very muchwith issues such as education and culture.However, the development of a green econ- Ms GabiDobuschomy also entails cultural aspects: the renova-tion of old buildings for the purpose of energyefficiency must take issues of cultural identityand architectural heritage into account.46 Fourth Session Fourth SessionFourth Session Fourth Session 4748 Concluding Session Concluding SessionConcluding Session.Panel Debate:The Future of Parliamentary Cooperationin the Baltic Sea AreaMr Sven Hirdman, Ambassador, Modera-tor of the Debate, opened the panel discus-sion by raising three areas in which he thoughtthat cooperation must be strengthened in thefuture and where Parliaments and NGOs haveimportant roles to play to secure lastingresults. The first concerns the concept of secu-rity. The past has left scars on nations and indi-viduals. Fears and prejudices still exist. Obsta-cles to contacts, particularly between Russia Mr Svenand the other Baltic Sea states, should be Hirdmanremoved. The best way to improve security andwell-being in the Baltic Sea Region would be toabolish visa restrictions between Russia andthe Schengen countries and establish a freetrade zone between the EU and Russia. Thiswould strengthen personal contacts andreduce unfounded fears.The second area Mr Hirdman took up con-cerned cross-border infrastructure projects.Several projects have been envisioned andcommenced, but much remains to be done torealise new projects across and along the Bal-tic Sea. More dedicated efforts are needed tofacilitate and speed up cross-border transportsand develop a cohesive transport infrastruc-ture throughout the entire Region.Mr Hirdman’s third point was maritime safetyin the Baltic Sea. Over 100 million tons of Rus-sian oil is shipped across the Sea and throughthe Baltic straits each year. This entails risk ofcollisions and spills. Referring to the GOFREPsystem, he asked why this could not beextended to cover the entire Baltic Seathrough a permanent multinational centreworking on a 24/7 basis.Concluding Session Concluding Session 49Mr Paulus Saudargas, MP, Lithuania, Bal-tic Assembly pointed to long-term and stablesocial development as one of the key prioritiesof the Baltic States. Environmental, economic,and educational issues are other importantissues, together with the development of effi-cient and resilient information systems. Healthand social well-being are important compo-nents of a positive social development, andcivil security and the fight against organised Mr PaulusSaudargascrime are fundamental for the security of thecitizens. The Baltic Assembly wishes to utiliseexisting mechanisms and resources and workshoulder-to-shoulder with the other states inthe Baltic Sea Region.Mr Ryszard Górecki, MP, Poland, agreedwith the chair’s selection of key areas. Securityis fundamentally important. Poland has alwaysbeen in favour of free movement, and a visa-free regime would certainly encourage that.Infrastructure in Poland is developing,although the country is lagging behind, espe-cially in roads and railways. More fundingwould be welcome, although the current eco-nomic downturn puts restrictions on alloca- Mr Ryszardtions. Sea transport and maritime safety are pri- Góreckioritised areas. The idea of extending the GOF-REP system to the entire Baltic Sea is attractive.Parliamentary cooperation and action must bemore efficient and result-oriented. BSPC shouldconsider how to use its instruments for betterimpact.Ms Christina Gestrin, MP, Chair of theBSPC, took a slightly different view on thisissue, saying that the Conferences do have animportant role in providing a platform formeetings, talks and networking. Interacting andcommunicating across territorial and politicalborders is an important prerequisite for jointpolitical action. It is essential that parliamentar-ians across the Region join forces to exert pres-sure on the Governments to act and follow-upwhat they do in order to meet the challengesof the Region. Concrete activities are necessaryto improve the well-being of citizens, and a50 Concluding Session Concluding Sessionmore coherent Region would hold a stronger position in globalcompetition.Mr Franz Thönnes, MP, Germany underlined the need to workfor a stable democracy as a backbone for prosperous social andeconomic development. An abolition of visa regimes in the Regionwould probably result in greater cross-border interaction of peopleand enterprises. Visas are costly and not very effective in the fightagainst cross-border crime. Trade unions, employer organisations,NGOs, and people-to-people contacts can be instrumental inremoving border obstacles, and may benefit greatly from theirremoval. BSPC could consider raising issues concerning the situa-tion of ethnic minorities and their cultural heritage. The greaterparticipation of young people should also be encouraged, perhapsby arranging a dedicated event for them and their key issues.Mr Vatanyar Yagya, MP, St Petersburg expressed his strongbelief in parliamentary cooperation. BSPC is a project connectingnations around the entire rim of the Baltic Sea. It is an importanttask for parliamentarians to ensure that the general public isinvolved and informed about the challenges of the Region. A recentpositive example is the dialogue between young people in Russiaand Karelia, which has resulted in the establishment of a youthforum. A particular problem of the Baltic Sea is chemical weaponsdumped after World War II. There is a suspicion that the poor qual-ity of salmon can be related to leakage from these weapons.Mr Górecki agreed on the importance of involving and encourag-ing the young generation to participate in discussion and decision-making. He argued that universities are significant carriers of cul-ture and national history. However, a living culture is nourished byexternal exchange, and therefore the mobility system between uni-versities in the Region should be improved.Mr Thönnes emphasised that parliamentarians should unite inthe fight against terrorism and xenophobia, using openness anddemocracy as their prime weapons. The commendable way inwhich the Prime Minister of Norway had led and united the Nor-wegian people after the terrorist attacks in July proved that democ-racy is the main defence against terrorism.Ms Gestrin agreed that it is a fundamental responsibility of parlia-mentarians to stand for democracy, openness, transparency andhumanity. These values should be constantly on the agenda of theBSPC, and they should permeate the issues with which BSPC isworking.Concluding Session Concluding Session 51Mr Saudargas referred to the 20th anniversary of the three BalticStates regaining independence, and stated that energy security isnot only an issue of energy supply; energy security is equivalent tonational security.Mr Górecki expressed a wish for greater efforts in turning parlia-mentary recommendations into government action. He alsoencouraged governments in the region to engage in fruitful coop-eration with HELCOM and the CBSS in order to pursue commoninitiatives for positive development. Some kind of youth activity inBSPC was an idea worth considering further.Mr Thönnes argued that the Stoltenberg Report on Nordic coop-eration on security has not been sufficiently discussed by parlia-mentarians. This should be remedied in coming deliberations. Hesuggested that the parliamentarians of the BSPC, upon returningfrom the Conference, should disseminate the work and results ofthe BSPC to their constituencies, not forgetting information toschools.Ms Renate Holznagel, MP, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern,joined the discussion about what parliamentarians can do to prop-agate their recommendations. In her own parliament, there is along tradition of debating the BSPC Resolution just after the annualconference. She praised the Conference for always being able toadopt a unanimous Resolution although opinions sometimessharply diverge. It is also laudable that such a slim organisation isable to cover so many topics and get such good results in thecourse of one year.Adoption of Documents and Closing of the Con-ferenceThe 20th BSPC Resolution, new BSPC Rules of Procedure,and the BSPC Work Programme 2011–2012 were adoptedunanimously.The Conference granted BSPC Observer status to the NorthernDimension Partnership in Public Health and Social Well-being(NDPHS).Ms Valentina Pivnenko, MP, Russia expressed her gratitude tothe Conference for her appointment as Chairperson of the BSPC in2011–2012. She asserted that BSPC, during its first twenty years,has proven to be one of the most effective political fora in the Bal-tic Region. The Conference should also aim in the future to secure52 Concluding Session Concluding Sessionits role as the leading parliamentary player in the Region. In theimmediate future, the BSPC agenda should consist of concreteissues related to the perspectives of the Region, seeking new waysto deepen cooperation. Sustainable use of resources that pose nothreat to the environment, development and introduction of newtechniques and technologies, development of transport infrastruc-ture, monitoring of industrial risks, broader implementation of pub-lic-private partnerships to meet the emerging challenges – theseare some of the topics that seem to be of highest priority, she said.The energy dialogue, with a particular emphasis on the need forenergy efficient and safe nuclear technologies, is important. Ourchallenge is to make it safe for human life and the environment.Continued attention should be given to such topics as combat oforganised crime, support for broader people-to-people contactsthrough relaxed visa requirements, and sustainable growth thatpromotes well-being and safety for the people of the Baltic SeaRegion. The priorities of the Russian Chairmanship of BSPC willreflect the commitment to cooperation in the field of innovationand modernisation. Cooperation along this track could providecontinuity for the current and next BSPC chairmanships. We arecommitted to further strengthen cooperation on key issues for thebenefit of our nations and our peoples, Ms Pivnenko concluded,and invited everybody to the 21st BSPC, to be held in the Mariin-sky Palace in St Petersburg on 26–28 August 2012.Ms Christina Gestrin began her closing remarks by thanking thehost of the 20th BSPC, the Parliament of Finland, as well as theInternational Secretariat of the Parliament of Finland and the BSPCSecretariat, for hosting the Conference and preparing for it so skil-fully. She recognised the value of having the 20th Conference inthe same venue as the 1st BSPC in 1991, and the pleasure of seeingseveral persons at the 20th BSPC who were active in starting upthe BSPC in the beginning of the 1990s. Knowledge of history is asound platform for embarking on future endeavours, she stated.Many of the speakers at the 20th BSPC have thanked BSPC forkeeping the political spotlight on issues of vital importance for theBaltic Sea Region, she noted, and vowed that BSPC will continue toexert pressure on the Governments of the Region to carry outeffective measures to manage its challenges. This confirms that theBSPC is perceived as an important and influential political player inthe Region. She closed the 20th BSPC by wishing every success toValentina Pivnenko, who will assume the Chair of the BSPC in2011–2012.Concluding Session Concluding Session 5354 Concluding Session Annex 1AnnexesConcluding Session Annex 1 55Annex 1Conference ResolutionAdopted by the 20th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC)The participants, elected representatives from the Baltic SeaStates*, assembling in Helsinki, Finland, 28 – 30 August 2011,discussing Co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region, Integrated Mari-time Policy, Civil Safety and Security, and Green Growth and EnergyEfficiency,A. reconfirming their commitment to act persistently for a posi-tive and pluralistic political, social and economic developmentof the Baltic Sea Region, rooted in environmental concerns andsustainability, by listening to and giving voice to the grassrootsof their constituencies, by driving political issues in their parlia-ments and relevant committees, and by exerting political pres-sure on governments to fulfill the commitments and obliga-tions they have undertaken for the benefit of the Region;B. restating the mutual usefulness of close collaboration betweenBSPC and CBSS, for instance by a growing and continuousexchange between the various working bodies of the organiza-tions, and by pursuing a closer synchronization of political pri-orities and target issues, thereby strengthening their individualas well as combined capacity to deal successfully with the chal-lenges of the Baltic Sea Region;C. commending the comprehensive Declaration of the 16th CBSSMinisterial Session in Oslo 7 June, which, i.a., welcomes theefforts under way in establishing cooperation between Iceland,Norway, Russia and the EU in areas where common objectivescould be identified under the EU Strategy for the Baltic SeaRegion, and which also expresses appreciation of the work ofBSPC within the CBSS priority areas maritime policy and coun-ter-trafficking in human beings;D. reiterating their strong support to the HELCOM Baltic SeaAction Plan, and expressing their collective expectation that allHELCOM Governments will implement and successfully fulfilltheir National Implementation Plans in order to achieve goodenvironmental status of the Baltic Sea by 2021;56 Annex 1 Annex 1E. maintaining that the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region mustbe aligned with the Northern Dimension, which brings togetherEU- and non-EU- countries of the Region on an equal footing,because credible long-term solutions to the challenges of theRegion require participation and commitment by all of its cen-tral stakeholders;F. recognizing that the review of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea,which will take place under Polish Presidency of the EU Council,will give an opportunity to obtain better synergy effectsbetween the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea and the key existingcooperation structures within the Baltic Sea Region;G. welcoming the establishment of a parliamentary tier of theNorthern Dimension, as embodied in a recurrent NorthernDimension Parliamentary Forum, the latest of which was held inNorway in 2011 and the next to be convened in Russia in 2013;H. welcoming also the continuation and resource allocation to con-crete projects under the Northern Dimension EnvironmentalPartnership, the operation of the two new partnerships underthe Northern Dimension, on Transport and Logistics and on Cul-ture, and appreciating the mutually beneficial exchange betweenBSPC and the Northern Dimension Partnership in Health andSocial Well-being;I. acknowledging the work of organizations and activities at sub-regional level – such as the Committee of the Regions (CoR), Bal-tic Sea States Sub-Regional Cooperation (BSSSC), the Union ofBaltic Cities (UBC), and the Parliamentary Forum of the SouthernBaltic Sea (PFSBS) – and recognizing their experiences andcapacities to identify problems in the Region and implementingconcrete measures against them;J. welcoming the joint event of the Working Group on IntegratedMaritime Policy of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference withthe Expert Group on Maritime Policy of the Council of the BalticSea States (CBSS) and the Working Group on Maritime Policy ofthe Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC) duringthe European Maritime Day in Gdańsk on May 20th 2011, andsupporting the further coordination and joint activities betweenthese and other institutions and organizations;K. emphasizing that citizens should be kept informed and involvedin the planning and implementation of strategies and projectsthat influence the development of the Baltic Sea Region; NGOsplay an invaluable role both as opinion-makers and independentAnnex 1 Annex 1 57experts, and their views, warnings and advice should be takenseriously;call on the governments in the Baltic Sea Region, the CBSS and theEU,Regarding Co-operation in the Region, to1. support the further development and activities of the CBSS byproviding long-term resources for its project-based and target-oriented approach in dealing with specific issues of centralimportance for the Baltic Sea Region, and encourage an ongo-ing collaboration and convergence of priorities with the BSPC;2. allocate sufficient resources and speed up the work todevelop, monitor and implement the National Implementa-tions Plans under HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan, aimed atachieving good ecological status of the Baltic Sea by 2021;3. work for a continued coordination of the priorities and con-crete activities of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region andthe Northern Dimension, thereby promoting that all stake-holders of the Baltic Sea Region can cooperate on an equalfooting;4. fulfill existing and encourage new commitments to the BalticSea Action Summit;5. solicit an overview to bring sharper clarity over the availabilityof various funding channels and other resources for projectsand investments in the Baltic Sea Region, to ensure that theyare used efficiently and that access to funds is widened andfacilitated for all stakeholders of the Region;6. provide financial contributions to the BSAP Technical Assis-tance Fund, jointly managed by NiB and NEFCO with the pur-pose of granting assistance to projects that support the imple-mentation of the HELCOM BSAP;7. encourage and support initiatives, events and mechanisms tobring stakeholders of the Baltic Sea Region together toexchange information and coordinate priorities and activitiesfor the purpose of avoiding duplication and boosting their col-lective impact; the Northern Dimension Parliamentary Forumand the Forum on the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region arecommendable examples;58 Annex 1 Annex 18. promote the development of civil society and support NGOsby financial and administrative resources;9. promote cooperation on countering proliferation of threatsof Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) in the Baltic SeaRegion;Regarding Integrated Maritime Policy in the BalticSea Region, to10. revisit the political recommendations concerning IntegratedMaritime Policy contained in the 19th BSPC Resolution from2010;11. to intensify research and to promote the use of alternativemarine fuels such as – for example – Liquefied Natural Gas(LNG) in the Baltic Sea Region and others by supportinginnovative emission reduction technologies and by creatingincentives for investments in the development of the neces-sary port infrastructure with a well developed distributionnetwork and uniform industry- and usage standards;12. against the background of new studies on the implications ofthe intended reduction of the sulphur content of ship fuelsto 0.1 % from the year 2015 in the framework of the interna-tional MARPOL convention, take precautions and to start ini-tiatives to prevent a modal backshift in traffic from sea toland;13. to support incentives for the modification of existing ships,and to work actively within the International MaritimeOrganization (IMO) for a speedy designation of further seaareas, such as the Mediterranean Sea, as Sulphur EmissionControl Areas (SECA), thereby abolishing competitive disad-vantages for the Baltic Sea Area;14. to work for a reduction of administrative obstacles for cross-border maritime traffic;15. to develop maritime spatial planning as an important instru-ment for an optimized interaction between the actors in thevarious maritime sectors in the interest of a more efficientand sustainable usage of sea waters and coastal regions, andto create national, compatible spatial planning concepts,thereby promoting a stronger cross-border cooperationbetween the Baltic Sea countries;Annex 1 Annex 1 5916. to support a sustainable port development by the develop-ment of environmental port services, for instance by buildingsewage recipient facilities in all important ports in the BalticSea by 2015 at the latest, in order to reduce environmentalpollution for port residents and simultaneously strengthen thecompetitiveness of the ports;17. to further implement an integrated maritime policy withregard to its economic and ecological significance for theentire Baltic Sea Area, particularly by– developing and promoting integrated maritime leadprojects for the entire Baltic Sea Area (e.g. Clean BalticShipping, Galileo Research Port Rostock, SUCBAS – SeaSurveillance Co-operation Baltic Sea) also in the areas of“green, safe transport and a clean environment” for thestrengthening of environmentally friendly goods trafficand the port cooperation in the whole Baltic Sea Areain order to further promote the maritime policy in theconsciousness on the European level,– promoting and facilitating the cooperation on all levelsof maritime governance and by– the development of national integrated maritime poli-cies of the member states;18. to support integrated activities of the Baltic Sea Region in theareas of maritime research, technology and innovation, inorder to use the growth potential of new maritime sectorssuch as energy generation in offshore installations and off-shore technologies, the security and surveillance technique aswell as maritime environmental technology and to enhanceaccess to future markets; for this purpose, create necessarypolitical and judicial framework and disseminate best prac-tices;19. to further develop environmentally sustainable cruise tourismas a maritime growth industry against the background of itsimportance for the whole Baltic Sea Region, for example byattractive inland tourist offers and concepts of common mar-keting in this field of tourism;20. to proceed with the development and implementation ofmeasures for safe operation of ships in severe and icy winterconditions;21. to support projects and activities focusing on safety of naviga-tion, such as a Baltic Sea- wide Ship Reporting System (SRS)60 Annex 1 Annex 1and Vessel Traffic Service (VTS), and promoting the develop-ment of the Baltic Sea Region as a pilot region for e-navigation;Regarding Civil Safety and Security in the Baltic SeaRegion, to22. jointly develop trans-boundary scenarios and identify gaps forall natural and man-made hazards and threats of the Baltic SeaRegion, in order to identify potential disasters and disruption,to build a comprehensive regional risk register, and tostrengthen the combined regional capacity to prevent andmanage hazards, by capacity-building, training and exercises;23. to support the HELCOM ad hoc Expert Group “Munitions” inorder to compile all kinds of additional information on dump-ing activities after World War II and check whether the generalconclusions of the “CHEMU-report” are still valid;24. against lessons learned from the nuclear disaster in Fukushimastarted in March 2011, to step up regional cooperation for thepurpose of elaborating and adopting stringent conditions andregulations for construction, operation and decommissioningof nuclear power plants, as well as for the storage and process-ing of spent fuel, but also for grasping the opportunity to inten-sify efforts to promote the development of renewable energysources, energy efficiency and green technologies;Regarding Trafficking in Human Beings, to25. revisit the political recommendations concerning Traffickingcontained in the 19th BSPC Resolution from 2010;26. initiate and support extended analyses of the economic aspectsof trafficking in human beings, promote coordination betweenrelevant authorities and institutions to detect money flowsstemming from trafficking in human beings (THB), enhance thecapabilities and cooperation of police, tax authorities and otherrelevant institutions to track money emanating from THB andstrengthen the legal and administrative means to confiscateproceeds from, as well as imposing stern fines on, thoseengaged in THB;27. promote efforts to gain more extensive knowledge of thenature and scope of trafficking in human beings for forcedlabour, taking into account the gender dimension; initiate andAnnex 1 Annex 1 61support the development of joint strategies in cooperationwith trade unions and employer’s organizations and relevantauthorities; strengthen legislative and operational means ofidentifying and combating trafficking in human beings forforced labour; and conduct public information campaignsabout trafficking in human beings for forced labour;28. address the special problems of trafficked children in legisla-tion and in administrative guidelines, employing a multi-disci-plinary approach and multi-sectoral coordination with thechild’s best interest as an overarching priority; this includes e.g.that a child should not be detained as a matter of principle, aformal policy of non-punishment, and a guaranteed provisionof shelters with suitable facilities tailored to the needs of thechildren, including professional personnel trained in buildingtrust with children in order to prevent their disappearancesfrom the shelters;29. investigate, e.g. by requests to responsible authorities, the effi-ciency and relevance of existing legislation and legal measuresagainst trafficking in human beings, and develop and adapt,where appropriate, legislation to adequately respond to currentand developing forms of trafficking in human beings andstrengthen coordination between various sectors of the politi-cal and judicial system;30. make efforts to raise awareness of trafficking in human beings,e.g. by supporting and conducting public information cam-paigns and outreach activities, such as the “Safe Trip” campaignby CBSS (www.safetrip.se) as well as similar initiatives by e gprivate companies and NGOs, and also support measures tofacilitate the reporting to authorities of suspect cases of traf-ficking in human beings, e g by means of hotlines;31. initiate and support measures to enhance the joint perceptionand understanding of THB among all actors in the region,thereby advocating a closer cooperation and coordinationamong them, and furthermore expand exchange and coopera-tion with international organizations active in the fight againsttrafficking in human beings, such as UN, IPU, OSCE, Council ofEurope, ILO, IOM and others;32. present continuous evaluation and reporting of the progressand results in the fight against trafficking in human beings,based on jointly developed and agreed success criteria on fac-tors such as e.g. the number of convictions, safe returns of vic-tims, and the like; they should also monitor that programmes62 Annex 1 Annex 1and strategies are continuously updated and adapted to new andchanging forms of trafficking in human beings;33. promote the development of favourable working conditions forthose active in the fight against trafficking in human beings, forthe purpose of reducing the drainage of experienced personneland enabling continuity of work and accumulation of competen-cies;34. promote actions to strengthen the capacity to identify andincriminate the middlemen in trafficking in human beings, mean-ing persons indirectly profiting from trafficking in human beingsby e g facilitating contacts between potential buyers and traffick-ers and/or trafficked persons, e g in the taxi, hotel or ferry indus-tries;Regarding Health and Social Well-being in the BalticSea Region, to35. allocate sufficient and long-term resources for joint regionalactivities and endeavours to improve health and social well-being, recognizing the crucial role of The Northern DimensionPartnership in Public Health and Social Well-being (NDPHS) inregional work in this area and the necessity to maintain supportto its project facilitation and promotion activities, aimed at help-ing the Baltic Sea Region make progress towards the achieve-ment of objectives of relevant global and European strategiesand policies;36. take concerted action to complement national responses to pub-lic health problems, taking into account the gender dimension,caused by avoidable unhealthy lifestyles in general and the harm-ful use of alcohol and substance abuse in particular, leading intonon-communicable diseases, and threatening social cohesionand socio-economic development;37. encourage consideration of health and social well-being issues inother relevant policy areas, consistent with the health in all poli-cies approach;Annex 1 Annex 1 63Regarding Green Growth and Energy Efficiency in theBaltic Sea Region, to38. adopt policies and undertake measures to turn the Baltic SeaRegion into an Eco-Region, in which economic growth goeshand in hand with environmental integrity and social justice,by promoting eco-innovations, sustainable consumption andproduction and waste treatment, and sustainable urban andrural development strategies;39. facilitate research, innovation and business development ingreen technologies and energy efficiency, including research ofthe potential to develop renewable energy sources in theRegion, for instance by providing legal and other incentives toSMEs in order to encourage capacity-building for sustainableproduction and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR);40. promote an integrated approach to improving energy effi-ciency in households, public authorities, industry and transport,for instance by putting in place legal conditions and physicalplanning requirements that encourage investments in and con-version to energy-saving devices and methods, as well as build-ing public-private partnerships to encourage more green-techinvestments in the future of the Region;41. provide incentives and conditions for green public procure-ment and practices among public authorities at all levels, forinstance by introducing sustainability as a criterion in tender-ing and purchasing procedures;42. take note of the work of the Baltic Sea Region Energy Co-opera-tion (BASREC) and the conclusions of its upcoming meeting ofMinisters of Energy in Berlin in spring 2012;43. launch information campaigns and activities to raise awarenessof green growth and energy efficiency and its individual as wellas collective economic and ecological benefits with a focus ondemonstrating available practical solutions for increasingenergy efficiency;44. provide continued support to the activities of Baltic 21, and toestablish a four-year project on “Green Growth for a Bluer Bal-tic Sea” in order to define common priority areas within e.g.energy, water, transport and tourism, to develop strategies forenhancing the development and use of renewable energies andincreasing energy efficiency, and to provide for an exchange ofbest practices among actors and stakeholders;64 Annex 1 Annex 2Furthermore the Conference Decides to45. urge the BSPC members to establish networks of parliamentari-ans on the fight against trafficking in human beings, in order tosecure continuity of commitment and visibility of the issue, tocontinuously monitor progress of various activities in the fightagainst trafficking in human beings, and to develop the rela-tions between the executive and legislative powers concerningthe fight against trafficking in human beings; in this endeavour,the networks should make use of handbooks and guidelinesproduced by e.g. UN, IPU, PACE, ILO, and others;46. grant Observer status to the Northern Dimension Partnershipin Public Health and Social Well-being;47. support the transformation and follow-up of the Baltic SeaLabour Network (BSLN), by establishing a permanent Forumfor Social Dialogue in the Baltic Sea Region in order to securepublic support in the field of labour rights;48. establish a Working Group on Green Growth and Energy Effi-ciency, to submit a report at the 21st BSPC;49. adopt the BSPC Work Programme for 2011-2012;50. adopt the revised BSPC Rules of Procedure, to take effect afterthe closure of the 20th BSPC;51. welcome with gratitude the kind offer of the Federal Assemblyof Russia to host the 21st Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conferencein the Mariinsky Palace, the Legislative Assembly of St Peters-burg, on 26 – 28 August 2012.* Parliaments of Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Denmark, Finland, Federal Republic of Ger-many, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Republic of Karelia, Latvia, Leningrad, Lithuania,Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Norway, Poland, Council of Federation of the Federal Assemblyof the Russian Federation, State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation,City of St. Petersburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Sweden, Åland Islands, Baltic Assembly, EuropeanParliament, Nordic Council, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe.Annex 1 Annex 2 65Annex 2The 20th Baltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceHelsinki, Finland, 28-30 August 2011“ GREEN GROWTH FORA BLUER BALTIC SEA”Venue: the Annex of the Parliament Building inHelsinki, AuditoriumSunday, 28th August11.00 The registration office opens at the annex of the Parlia-ment Building13.00 BSPC Standing Committee meetingMeeting room of the Grand Committee of the Finnish Par-liament, Floor P15.00 Other optional meetings16.30 Departure by bus from the annex of the Parliament build-ing to Helsinki South Harbour, Market Square16.50 Sea excursion with m/s Natalia19.00 Buffet DinnerRestaurant Johannes, The Hanasaari Swedish-FinnishCultural Centre, Espoo21.30 Bus transport back to the city centreMonday, 29th August07.45 The registration office opens at the annex of the Parlia-ment Building. Floor 108.00 Enlarged Standing Committee, as Drafting Committee.The meeting room of the Grand Committee of theFinnish Parliament, Floor P09.00 OPENING OF THE CONFERENCEAuditorium, Floor PMusical prelude performed by Mr Janne Ovaskainen,Mr Miika Jämsä and Mr Tommi HyytinenChair: Ms Christina Gestrin, MP, Finland, Chair ofthe BSPC66 Annex 2 Annex 2Vice Chair: Ms Valentina Pivnenko, MP, Russian StateDuma, Vice Chair of the BSPC• Ms Christina Gestrin, MP, Finland, Chair of the BSPC• Welcome by Mr Eero Heinäluoma, MP, Speaker of theFinnish Parliament• Welcome by Ms Susanna Huovinen, MP, Chair of theBSPC delegation of the Finnish ParliamentHistorical review: BSPC 20th anniversary –achievements and challenges• Dr Jürgen Schöning, former Minister of State andEuropean Issues, Land Thüringen and former Directorof the State Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein• Dr Pertti Joenniemi, Senior Research Fellow, DanishInstitute for International Studies09.50 FIRST SESSIONChair: Ms Christina Gestrin, MP, Finland, Chair ofthe BSPCVice Chair: Ms Valentina Pivnenko, MP, Russian StateDuma, Vice Chair of the BSPCCooperation in the Baltic Sea Region• Report from the BSPC: Ms Christina Gestrin, MP,Chair of the BSPC• Report from CBSS: Dr Werner Hoyer, MP, State Minis-ter, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, GermanyEU Baltic Sea Strategy and the NorthernDimension• Ms Diana Wallis, MEP, Vice President, European Parlia-ment• Ms Kadri Uustal, Adviser to Director-General Ahner,European CommissionDebate11.30 Coffee break11.50 SECOND SESSIONChair: Mr Ryszard Górecki, MP, PolandVice Chair: Mr Bernd Voss, MP, Schleswig-HolsteinMaritime issuesHELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan, Present State ofImplementation:• HE Gabriella Lindholm, Chair of HELCOMAnnex 2 Annex 2 67Final Report from the BSPC Working Group on Inte-grated Maritime Policy:• Dr Jochen Schulte, MP, Chair of the Working Group• International regulations to improve maritime safety toavoid oil spill catastrophes: Dr Anita Mäkinen, Finn-ish Maritime Agency;• Maritime Surveillance, GOFREP (Gulf of FinlandReporting System): Mr Are Piel, Head of Vessel TrafficManagement Department, Estonian Maritime Adminis-trationDebate13.30 Lunch14.30 THIRD SESSIONChair: Ms Valentina Pivnenko, MP, Russian StateDuma, Vice Chair of the BSPCVice Chair: Ms Gabi Dobusch, MP, HamburgCivil Safety and SecurityFinal Report from BSPC Working Group on CivilSecurity/TraffickingTrailer of the Movie Not My Life – A Documentary aboutHuman Trafficking• Mr André Oktay Dahl, MP, Vice Chair of the WorkingGroup• Comment to the report: Ms Eva Biaudet, MinorityOmbudsman, Finland• Organized Crime: Mr Vladimir Nikitin, the StateDuma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federa-tion• Civil Safety and Security: Mrs Silva Bendrˉate, ViceChair of the Social Affairs Committee of the BalticAssembly, Deputy Chair of the Social and EmploymentMatters Committee of the Parliament of LatviaPublic Health and Social Well-Being• Mr Marek Maciejowski, Head of NDPHS Secretariat,on behalf of Dr Oleg Chestnov, Chair of the NDPHSCommittee of Senior Representatives• Dr Bernt Bull, Chair of the NDPHS Expert Group onAlcohol and Substance AbuseDebate68 Annex 2 Annex 217.00 Enlarged Standing Committee, as Drafting CommitteeMeeting room of the Grand Committee of the FinnishParliament, Floor P19.30 Buffet DinnerState Hall, Finnish Parliament BuildingMusical performance by Finnish a cappella group ViisiTuesday, 30th August09.00 FOURTH SESSIONChair: Mr Franz Thönnes, MP, GermanyVice Chair: Mr Torfinn Opheim, MP, NorwayGreen Growth, Energy, Climate, Financing• Green Growth and Energy Efficiency: Mr Bernd Voss,Chair of the Committee on European Affairs,Schleswig-Holstein Parliament• Regional Cooperation Opportunities: Mr Hans Brask,Director, Baltic Development Forum• Financial aspects on Green Growth, Mr MagnusRystedt, CEO, Nordic Environment Finance Corpora-tionBornholm Bright Green Island – Laboratory for a Sustain-able Society: Ms Lene Grønning, Business Ambassa-dor, Business Center BornholmDevelopment of EU-Russia Cooperation in the ElectricitySector: Mr Alexey Ivannikov, Chief of Management& Development Department, Geographical Unit“Europe”, INTER RAO UESDebate11.00 CONCLUDING SESSIONThe Future of Parliamentary Cooperation in the Bal-tic Sea Area• Introduction: HE Sven Hirdman, Former SwedishAmbassador to Russia• Panel debate moderated by HE Sven Hirdman:– Mr Paulius Saudargas, MP, Lithuania, Vice Presi-dent of the Baltic Assembly, Chair of the Lithua-nian Delegation to the Baltic Assembly;Annex 2 Annex 2 69– Mr Ryszard Górecki, Senator, Senate of theRepublic of Poland, Chair of the Polish Delegationto BSPC– Mr Franz Thönnes, MP, Germany, former Parlia-mentary State Secretary;– Ms Christina Cestrin, MP, Chair of the BSPC– Mr Vatanyar Yagya, MP, Parliament of the City ofSt Petersburg12.30 CLOSING OF THE CONFERENCEChair: Ms Christina Gestrin, MP, Finland, Chair ofthe BSPCVice Chair: Ms Valentina Pivnenko, MP, Russian StateDuma, Vice Chair of the BSPC• Administrative matters• Adoption of Resolution• Presentation of Next Year’s Host Country – Russia13.00 LunchRestaurant of the Annex building, Floor P14.30 SIDE EVENT“ Nordic and Baltic Countries – The Next Twenty Years”Panel discussion and seminar. Representatives of BSPCand of the NB8 (Nordic and Baltic countries) foreignministers and of the business and trade in the region.Open for all parliamentarians participating in the BSPC-conference. Auditorium, Floor P.Participation by invitation only.Programme distributed separately.70 Annex 3 Annex 3Annex 3The 20th Baltic Sea Conference – List of Partici-pantsSpeakers and chairpersons (see Conference Program)Barfod, Line MP, Chairperson, Working Group on CivilSecurity/TraffickingBendrˉate, Silva MP, Vice-chairperson, Social AffairsCommittee of the Baltic Assembly,Deputy Chairperson, Social andEmployment Matters Committee,Parliament of LatviaBiaudet, Eva Minority Ombudsman, FinlandBrask, Hans Director, Baltic Development ForumBull, Bernt Chairperson, NDPHS Expert Group onAlcohol and Substance AbuseChestnov, Oleg Chairperson, NDPHS Committee ofSenior RepresentativesGeerdts, Torsten MP, Schleswig-HolsteinGestrin, Christina MP, Chairperson of the BSPC, NordicCouncil, FinlandGórecki, Ryszard MP, PolandGrønning, Lene Business Ambassador, Business CenterBornholmHeinäluoma, Eero MP, Speaker of the Parliament of FinlandHirdman, Sven Former Swedish Ambassador to RussiaHoyer, Werner MP, State Minister, Ministry of ForeignAffairs, GermanyHuovinen, Susanna MP, Chairperson of the BSPC delegation,Parliament of FinlandIvannikov, Alexey Chief of Department on Managementand Development, Europe GeograficDivision, International Russian UnitedEnergy Network Limited (INTER RAOUES)Joenniemi, Pertti Senior Research Fellow, Danish Institutefor International StudiesKristensen, Henrik Dam MP, Denmark, President of the NordicCouncilLindholm, Gabriella Chairperson of HELCOMMäkinen, Anita Head of Marine Environment ProtectionUnit, Finnish Transport Safety AgencyNikitin, Vladimir MP, Russian State DumaOpheim, Torfinn MP, NorwayPedersen, Marion MP, DenmarkAnnex 3 Annex 3 71Piel, Are Head of VTS Department, EstonianMaritime AdministrationPivnenko, Valentina MP, Vice-chairperson of the BSPC, RussianState DumaRystedt, Magnus CEO, Nordic Environment FinanceCorporationSaudargas, Paulius MP, Lithuania, Vice President of the BalticAssemblySchulte, Jochen MP, Chairman of the Working Group onIntegrated Maritime PolicySchöning, Jürgen former Minister of State and EuropeanIssues, Land Thüringen and formerDirector of the State Parliament ofSchleswig-HolsteinSkrynikov, Ivan Expert, Legislative Assembly of theRepublic of KareliaThönnes, Franz MP, German BundestagUustal, Kadri Adviser to Director-General Ahner,European CommissionVoss, Bernd MP, Chairperson, Committee onEuropean Affairs, Schleswig-HolsteinParliamentWallis, Diana MEP, Vice President, European ParliamentParliamentary Delegations and OrganizationsBaltic AssemblyBendrˉate, Silva MP, LatviaKuˇcinskis, Mˉaris MP, LatviaReirs, Jˉanis MP, LatviaRotbergs, Ug‘is MP, LatviaSaudargas, Paulius MP, LithuaniaŠiauliene, Irena MP, LatviaEuropean ParliamentWallis, Diana MP, Vice PresidentFederal Assembly of the Russian FederationCouncil of FederationChurkin, Nikolay MPState DumaNikitin, Vladimir MPPivnenko, Valentina MP72 Annex 3 Annex 3Nordic CouncilBrodén, Anita MP, SwedenFoss, Per-Kristian MP, NorwayHeikkilä, Lauri MP, FinlandHjörvar, Helgi MP, IcelandKristensen, Henrik Dam MP, DenmarkTorstensson, Åsa MP, SwedenParliament of ÅlandGunell, Camilla MPJansson, Roger MPLindholm, Gun-Mari MPNordlund, Roger MP, SpeakerSjölund, Folke MPParliament of DenmarkChristensen, Ole Vagn MPPedersen, Marion MPParliament of FinlandGestrin, Christina MPHuovinen, Susanna MPSalolainen, Pertti MPSatonen, Arto MPSinnemäki, Anni MPTiilikainen, Kimmo MPVäätäinen, Juha MPParliament of Federal Republic of GermanyHappach-Kasan, Christel MPLietz, Matthias MPStaffeldt, Torsten MPThönnes, Franz MPWadephul, Johann David MPParliament of the Free and Hanse City of BremenSchildt, Frank MPSchön, Silvia MP, Vice PresidentParliament of the Free and Hanse City of HamburgDobusch, Gabriele MPDuwe, Kurt MPHackbusch, Norbert MPMöller, Antje MPVahldieck, Heino MPVeit, Carola MPAnnex 3 Annex 3 73Parliament of the Karelian RepublicBelyaev, Dmitry MPErshov, Nikolay MPPereplesnin, Alexander MP, Chairperson of the LegislativeAssemblyRomanov, Ivan MP, First Vice-ChairpersonParliament of the Leningrad RegionKiseleva, Tamara MPKotova, Liubov MPKulikova, Galina MPNovikova, Nadezhda MPParliament of Mecklenburg-VorpommernHolznagel, Renate MP, Vice PresidentJäger, Armin MPKreher, Hans MPMantei, Matthias MPSchildt, Ute MPSchulte, Jochen MPSchwebs, Birgit MPParliament of NorwayDahl, André Oktay MPGodskesen, Ingebjørg MPKofod, Jeppe MPMandt, Sonja MPMyrli, Sverre MPOpheim, Torfinn MPParliament of PolandGórecki, Ryszard MPPałys, Andrzej MPParliament of the City of St PetersburgYagya, Vatanyar MPParliament of Schleswig-HolsteinAmtsberg, Luise MPFunke, Kirstin MPGeerdts, Torsten MP, PresidentHerbst, Niclas MPLangner, Anette MPSpoorendonk, Anke MPStrehlau, Ines MPVoss, Bernd MP74 Annex 3 Annex 3Parliament of SwedenHultberg, Johan MPLarsson, Jan-Olof MPLinander, Johan MPOskarsson, Irene MPStenberg, Maria MPWallmark, Hans MPParliamentary Assembly of the Council of EuropeZingeris, Emanuelis MP, Vice PresidentObserversStanding Committee of Parliamentarians of the ArcticRegion (SCPAR)Vehkaperä, Mirja MP, FinlandBaltic Development Forum (BDF)Brask, Hans Director, Baltic Development ForumBaltic Sea Forum – Pro BalticaBodewig, Kurt ChairpersonRantala, Eero Vice ChairpersonBaltic Sea States Sub-Regional Co-operation (BSSSC)Barczyk, KrzysztofGeblewicz, Olgierd ChairpersonLudwiczek, Małgorzata Managing DirectorInter-Parliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth ofIndependent States (CIS-IPA)Kharitidis, Grigorii AdvisorStriletskyi, Ivan Deputy Secretary GeneralCouncil of Baltic Sea States (CBSS), SecretariatFridriksdottir, Bjarney Senior Adviser Task Force-THBHellberg, Helge Project ManagerMagnadottir, Nanna Senior AdvisorCBSS German PresidencyAlmer, Gerhard Ambassador, Task Force, German CBSSPresidencyBecker, Mirko Assistant to Dr Hoyer, CBSS German Pres-idencyHoyer, Werner MP, State Minister, Ministry of ForeignAffairsvon Lepel, Klaus Task Force, German CBSS PresidencyAnnex 3 Annex 3 75Helsinki Commission (HELCOM)Lindholm, Gabriella Chairperson of HELCOMParliamentary Association of North-West Russia (PANWR)Shashurin, Alexander MP, Chairperson of CommitteeUnion of Baltic Cities (UBC)Lohikoski, Mikko Strategy CoordinatorNordic Investment Bank (NIB)Alm, Anders Senior ManagerNordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO)Homanen, Kari Vice PresidentLehtinen, Karl-Johan Senior Manager – EnvironmentRystedt, Magnus Managing DirectorSjövall, Mikael Communications ManagerInvited GuestsAxelin, Henni Coordinator of International Affairs,Finnish Youth Co-operation AllianssiBussian, Jochen Head of the Press Unit, Embassy ofGermany in HelsinkiDomisch, Mika Executive Secretary, Council of NordicTrade Unions, NFSEhlers, Alexandra Youth representative, Regional YouthCouncil of Schleswig-HolsteinEkroos, Marja Counsel to the Environment Committee,The Parliament of FinlandFörster, Tom Project co-manager, Baltic Sea LabourNetworkGeipel, Mareike Secretary of Legation, Embassy ofGermany in HelsinkiHagemann, Henrik Former Secretary General, Danishsecretariat to the Nordic CouncilHenttonen, Jaakko NDEP Fund Director, European Bank forReconstruction and DevelopmentHissa, Jaakko Former Secretary of the Finnishdelegation to BSPCJanuszewski, Andrzej former Secretary of Polish Delegation toBSPCJansone, Signe Counsellor, Embassy of Latvia in HelsinkiKankaanpää, Kalle Counsellor, Ministry for Foreign Affairs,FinlandKorotkova, Anna Deputy Director, Federal Institute forHealth Care Organization & ITLindberg, Minna President, Nordic Youth Council76 Annex 3 Annex 3Lindroos, Päivikki GuestLintilä, Kaisa-Leena Counsellor, Permanent Representation ofFinland to the EULitvin, Alexey Assistant, Embassy of Russia in HelsinkiLorenz, Silke Research Coordinator, BSLNMaciejowski, Marek Head of Secretariat, NDPHSNamtvedt, Leidulv Ambassador, Embassy of Norway inHelsinkiOjala, Outi Former MP and former Chair of BSPC,FinlandOleksii, Selin Counselor, Embassy of Ukraine inHelsinkiOlena, Parysh Diplomat, Embassy of Ukraine in HelsinkiPekkola, Tapio Communications manager, Nord StreamAGRajakangas, Timo Ambassador for Baltic Sea Issues,Ministry for Foreign Affairs, FinlandRumpff, Johannes Embassy of Germany in HelsinkiRöbbelen-Voigt, Katariina Project Manager, BSLNScholz, Peter Ambassador, Embassy of Germany inHelsinkiSchwartz, Philipp Head of Joint Technical Secretariat,Central Baltic INTERREG IV AProgramme 2007-2013Seidenberger, Ulrich Minister-Counsellor, Embassy of Germanyin HelsinkiSiukosaari, Jukka Director, Ministry for Foreign Affairs,FinlandSmekal, Eva Former Secretary of the Swedishdelegation to BSPCSmekal, Heinz Accompanying personTarmak, Mart Ambassador, Embassy of Estonia inHelsinkiTideström, Ulrik Minister-Counsellor, Embassy of Swedenin HelsinkiTsereteli, Zaza International Technical Advisor, NDPHSZilliacus, Patrick Counsellor of International Affairs,Parliament of FinlandSecretariatsBaltic AssemblyLaizˉane-Jurkˉane, Marika Secretary GeneralPutnin‚ a, Ingrˉıda Senior AdvisorRõngelep, Ene Senior AdvisorAnnex 3 Annex 3 77BSPCWidberg, Jan Head of SecretariatEuropean ParliamentArnold, Stewart Assistant to Diana WallisKrings, Thomas Deputy Secretary General, ALDE GroupMalovec, Michal Desk OfficerFederal Assembly of the Russian FederationCouncil of FederationDakhova, Nadezda AdvisorSokolov, Alexander Head of StaffState DumaAntyufyev, PhilippBrumberg, Andrey CameramanDashko, Vladimir InterpreterEsina, Elena CounsellorGuskova, Nadezhda Accompaning personGuskova, Yulia AdvisorVorobiev, Oleg CorrespondentVoronina, Natalia InterpreteurYakhmenev, Petr Head of StaffNordic CouncilBostrup, Tina Senior AdvisorEnestam, Jan-Erik Secretary GeneralJansson, Johannes PhotographerPentler, Jenny Senior AdvisorSørensen, Torkil International AdvisorWang, Beate Christine Senior AdvisorParliament of ÅlandSlotte, Niclas Committee SecretaryParliament of DenmarkMunck, Anna Head of SectionStegemüller, Ulla Higher Executive OfficerVestergaard, Mette CounsellorParliament of FinlandHed, Niina Assistant for International AffairsKuusinen, Katriina Head of the International DepartmentMairue, Sirpa Assistant for International AffairsRajala, Janne TraineeSandberg, Johanna Assistant to Ms GestrinTallqvist, Kristiina Assistant for International Affairs78 Annex 3 Annex 3Vuosio, Teemu Secretary for International AffairsWallin, Liisa Assistant for International AffairsParliament of Federal Republic of GermanyBou-Said, AndreaWeiland, Anna WaltraudParliament of the Free and Hanse City of HamburgWagner, ReinhardParliament of the Karelian RepublicBelyaev, Mikhail ExpertSkrynikov, Ivan ExpertParliament of Mecklenburg-VorpommernBahr, Bodo Deputy DirectorHerrmann, Kathrin Head of Division, Committee on InternalAffairsSträtker, Georg Head of Division, Committee onEuropean and Legal AffairsParliament of NorwayAndreassen, ThomasFraser, ThomasMyhre-Jensen, Kjell Head of the SecretariatSeip, Marianne Political AdvisorParliament of PolandKoperski, PiotrParliament of the City of St PetersburgTerekhovsky, Sergey Chief of the External RelationsDepartmentYagya, Said Assistant of the Deputy-ChairpersonParliament of Schleswig-HolsteinSchmidt-Holländer, JuttaParliament of SwedenHjelm, Eva International SecretaryOhlsson, Bengt Senior International AdvisorInterpretersDomisch, NinaEskin, IgorAnnex 3 Annex 3 79Golabek-Asikainen, AnnaHupli, AnneKieninger, GeorgKral-Leszczynski, TomaszLammi, KirsiNyblom-Kuorikoski, HeidiRepin, AlekseiSkogster, Christina80 Annex 3 Annex 3Baltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceGreen Growth for aBluer Baltic Sea20th Baltic Sea ParliamentaryConference (BSPC)Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Secretariatwww.bspc.netc/o Nordic CouncilVed Stranden 18DK-1061 Copenhagen K.Phone (+45) 33 96 04 00www.norden.org.US 2011:418