BSPC Annual Report 2011

9 March 2012Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC)The Parliamentary Baltic Sea Cooperation 2011In 2011, the Nordic Council continued its representation in the various bodies of the BSPC. Christina Gestrin was President of the BSPC 2010-2011. At the 20th BSPC in Helsinki, 28-30 August, the Presidency was transferred to Valentina Pivnenko from the State Duma of Russia. The Nordic Council members of the BSPC Standing Committee in 2011 were Christina Gestrin and Torfinn Opheim. In 2011, the Nordic Council continued to be responsible for remuneration of the BSPC secretary, and for providing office facilities for the BSPC secretariat. The running costs of the BSPC secretariat function are financed via the BSPC Joint Financing Mechanism. From the 20th conference, the joint financing arrangement will also include remuneration of the BSPC secretary.The 20th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (20th BSPC) was held in Helsinki on 28-30 August 2011. The conference was attended by nearly 200 politicians, officials, experts and other guests. The main title of the 20th BSPC was “Green Growth for a Bluer Baltic Sea”. The conference considered four main themes: Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region; Maritime Issues; Civil Security; and Green Growth and Energy Efficiency. In a concluding panel debate, discussions were held about the future orientation and strategic priorities of the BSPC.The chairs of the two Working Groups that were set up at the 18th BSPC in Nyborg – Trafficking in Human Beings and Integrated Maritime Policy respectively – presented their final reports and political recommendations.The Conference adopted amended Rules of Procedure. The amendment included merging the Standing Committee with the Enlarged Standing Committee after the 20th BSPC to form a unified Standing Committee. This will comprise one delegate each from all of the BSPC member parliaments and the parliamentary member organisations. The new Rules of Procedure also stipulate that financing of the remuneration of the BSPC secretary from 2012 will be included in the Joint Financing Mechanism and therefore be shared by all the member parliaments, as has been the case since 2007 for the financing of the running costs of the BSPC secretariat.The conference also decided to set up a new Working Group, on Green Growth and Energy Efficiency, and to grant observer status to the Northern Dimension Partnership for Health and Social Well-being (NDPHS).In the spring of 2011, the BSPC Enlarged Standing Committee had formulated a draft version of the conference resolution. After consideration in the Drafting Committee (comprising the Enlarged Standing Committee), the resolution was adopted by consensus. The resolution contained a number of political recommendations within the main themes of the conference. These recommendations are directed towards the governments in the Baltic Sea Region, the CBSS and the EU. The resolution emphasises the important role that parliamentarians play in forming opinion, influencing political decision-making, and serves as the eyes, ears and voice from grassroots level. The resolution expresses strong support to the CBSS and welcomes the close and concrete collaboration that has developed, as demonstrated e g in the mutual ambitions to synchronise priorities, and by participation in each other’s working groups. The resolution also reiterates BSPC’s support for HELCOM and the implementation of its Action Plan for the Baltic Sea (HELCOM BSAP). It continues to emphasise that the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region must be coordinated with the Northern Dimension so that all the region’s players enjoy full and equal opportunity to participate in the work, and welcomes the parliamentary tier of the Northern Dimension. As an example of good practice, the resolution highlights the initiative for joint and regular dialogue, taken by the CBSS, BSSSC and BSPC working groups on integrated maritime policy. It also calls for a clearer and more practical overview of financial resources available for various types of projects and activities in the Baltic Sea Region, and emphasises that the resources must be made accessible for all players in the region. It is also important that the governments guarantee resources to develop and implement National implementation Plans under HELCOM BSAP. The resolution moreover makes recommendations about integrated maritime policy, particularly on matters concerning maritime safety, reduced sulphur emissions and coordination of traffic monitoring at sea. The resolution also contains recommendations on health and social well-being, green growth and energy efficiency, and combating trafficking in human beings.The conference elected Valentina Pivnenko, member of the Russian State Duma, President of the BSPC 2011-2012. Laine Randjärv, member of the Estonian Parliament, was elected Vice President 2011-2012. Documentation from the 20th BSPC is available at: http://www.bspc.net/page/show/355).The BSPC Enlarged Standing Committee held its first meeting of the year in Brussels on 1 February. The meeting was attended by 18 parliamentarians, 23 officials, and a number of guests from the European Parliament, the EU Commission and the CBSS. The Chair of the CBSS Committee of Senior Officials, Dag Briseid, Norway, reported on the work of the CBSS, describing results and future orientations and priorities. He emphasised the importance and value of regular exchange and dialogue at all levels between CBSS and BSPC. He pointed out, for example, the close contact and collaboration between the CBSS Working Group on Trafficking in Human Beings and the BSPC Working Group active in the same area. He reiterated the importance of synchronising the political priorities of the CBSS and BSPC, and emphasised the importance of topical continuity between the CBSS presidencies.Representatives of the EU Commission also gave reports about the work with the Northern Dimension, the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region and the EU Integrated Maritime Policy. The subsequent discussions in the Committee considered subjects such as the BSPC working programme for 2011, the structure and programme for the 20th BSPC in Helsinki, and BSPC budget and financing issues. The financial report for 2010 was approved, as was the budget proposal for 2011. The meeting also discussed a draft of financing principles for remuneration of the BSPC secretary, and a draft amendment of the BSPC Rules of Procedure. The meeting furthermore considered the issue of possible observer status for Belarus in BSPC. In view of the events relating to the presidential elections in Belarus in December 2010, the meeting decided not to pursue the issue.The second meeting of the Enlarged Standing Committee was held in Olsztyn on 10 June. The meeting was attended by 14 parliamentarians, 12 officials, and guests from Poland and the Northern Dimension Partnership for Health and Social Well-being (NDPHS). The meeting was opened by the County Governor of Ermland-Masurien, Jacek Protas, who described the many projects that have been implemented to strengthen the infrastructure of the region. As the closest neighbour to Kaliningrad, he advocated measures to simplify travel between EU and non-EU countries in the region. Participants were also given a report on the work of the NDPHS by Marek Maciejowski, NDPHS secretariat, and Zaza Tsereteli, NDPHS working group on alcohol and drug abuse. The meeting decided to develop appropriate forms for continued contact and collaboration with NDPHS.The status of preparations for the 20th BSPC was considered, and a first draft of the conference resolution was discussed. The meeting adopted a new model for financing of the remuneration of the BSPC secretary. Starting in 2012 this fee will be included in the BSPC Joint Financing Mechanism and therefore shared by all BSPC member parliaments. The meeting also discussed an earlier proposal to change the name of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference to the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Council, but since consensus could not be reached, the matter was dropped. The meeting was informed that the Speaker of the Russian State Duma, Boris Gryzlov, had confirmed that the Russian State Duma is willing to host the 21st BSPC in 2012, which the meeting gratefully accepted. Participants of the meeting also made a study visit to Olsztyn University.The Enlarged Standing Committee served as Drafting Committee on two occasions during the 20th BSPC.The BSPC Standing Committee held its first and only meeting on 28 August, the day before the opening of the 20th BSPC. The meeting was attended by representatives of both the Standing Committee and the member parliaments that were not members of the Standing Committee (up to the 20th BSPC). Part of the meeting was devoted to making final adjustments to the practical arrangements and programme for the 20th BSPC. Participants conducted a final review of the administrative documents that were to be presented to the conference for approval, including the amended Rules of Procedure and a draft of the working programme for BSPC 2011-2012. The meeting expressed its support for the ”Baltic Sea Labour Forum” project, which is an extension and development of the Baltic Sea Labour Network, in which BSPC has been involved as Associate Partner. The meeting unanimously elected Valentina Pivnenko to the post of President of BSPC 2011-2012, and Laine Randjärv to Vice President for the same period.BSPC’s new Standing Committee, which was set up at the 20th BSPC and comprises a merger of the earlier Standing Committee and Enlarged Standing Committee, held its first meeting on 7 November in the Parliament of Hamburg. The meeting was welcomed by Carola Veit, Speaker of the Hamburg Parliament. She included a description of the efforts made in Hamburg to promote initiatives in green technologies and green growth. An introductory presentation then described Hamburg as an international centre for renewable energy. The meeting discussed measures, initiatives and ideas for monitoring the implementation of the political recommendations in the resolution from the 20th BSPC. Rapporteurs were appointed to monitor the work and recommendations of the BSPC Working Groups on Trafficking in Human Beings and Integrated Maritime Policy (André Oktay Dahl and Johan Linander, and Jochen Schulte respectively). In addition, Cecilie Tenfjord-Toftby was appointed chair of the new Working Group on Green Growth and Energy Efficiency. Sylvia Bretschneider and Christina Gestrin had their mandates renewed as BSPC observers in HELCOM. The meeting was given an interim financial report for the third quarter, and initial discussions were held about possible themes for the 21st BSPC in St Petersburg 26-28 August 2012. The meeting was informed that the Belarus Parliament had sent a letter to Valentina Pivnenko with a new request for observer status in BSPC. The issue was deferred to the next meeting of the Standing Committee.The BSPC Secretary Level meeting was held three times in 2011. Office facilities for the joint secretariat function – the BSPC secretariat – were still provided in 2011 by the Nordic Council Secretariat in Copenhagen. The BSPC secretariat’s responsibility includes preparing and formulating documents for, and following up, meetings of the Standing Committee and the Enlarged Standing Committee and administration, financial management, coordination and development of BSPC’s activities. The secretariat supports and participates in BSPC’s Working Groups, and also collaborates with and supports the host parliament of the annual Conference.In 2011 the Secretary Level meeting, in addition to the usual follow-up of and preparations for meetings and activities, included discussions about amended Rules of Procedure, a new work programme, organisation and structure of the BSPC secretariat function, as well as collaboration with NDPHS. One of the permanent items on the agenda of the secretariat meeting is management and follow-up of the joint budget for the BSPC. The forms for planning, management and reporting of the joint resources have been further developed in 2011. All BSPC national member parliaments and regional parliaments paid their contributions to the Joint Financing Mechanism for 2011. A representative of the CBSS secretariat regularly participates in the BSPC Secretary Level meetings.The BSPC Working Group on Civil Security and Trafficking in Human Beings, under the leadership of Line Barfod, Denmark, was set up after a decision at the 18th BSPC 2009. The group held its introductory meeting on 2 February 2010 and then held a further six meetings in 2010-2011. The primary task of the Working Group has been to develop political standpoints and recommendations within its area of responsibility, which can be used for advocacy and to exert political pressure on governments and agencies. The final report of the Working Group was presented at the 20th BSPC 2011.The BSPC Working Group on Integrated Maritime Policy, under the leadership of Jochen Schulte, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, held its inaugural meeting in January 2010 and then another five meetings in 2010-2011. The primary task of the Working Group has been to develop political standpoints and recommendations within its area of responsibility, which can be used for advocacy and to exert political pressure on governments and agencies. The final report of the Working Group was presented at the 20th BSPC 2011.The BSPC Working Group on Green Growth and Energy Efficiency was set up in 2011 by the 20th BSPC. The Chair of the working group is Cecilie Tenfjord-Toftby, Sweden. The primary task of the Working Group is to develop political standpoints and recommendations within its area of responsibility, which can be used for advocacy and to exert political pressure on governments and agencies. The Group held its inaugural meeting in Stockholm on 12 December. An interim report is planned for presentation at the 21st BSPC 2012.The contacts between BSPC and CBSS continue to develop in a pragmatic and mutually rewarding direction. The Chairman of the CBSS Committee of Senior Officials (CSO) during the Norwegian presidency of CBSS 2010-2011, Dag Briseid, participated in the meeting of the BSPC Enlarged Standing Committee in Brussels on 1 February, and presented a status report on the work of the CBSS and its strategic prospects. He pointed out the strong and concrete collaboration between CBSS and BSPC and the value of close and regular contacts between the secretariats and between Working Groups. The Chair of the BSPC 2010-2011, Christina Gestrin, was invited to the CBSS 16th Ministerial Meeting in Oslo on 7 June, and mentioned in her speech that the collaboration with CBSS is practical, constructive and of mutual benefit. BSPC strives to coordinate its political priorities with the overall strategies of CBSS. She also emphasised that CBSS and BSPC share the fundamental conviction that all stakeholders in the Baltic Sea Region – both EU and non-EU countries – must be able to cooperate on an equal footing.Deputy Foreign Minister Werner Hoyer, representing the German Presidency of CBSS 2011-2012, participated with an introductory speech at the 20th BSPC in Helsinki. He emphasised that the cooperation between CBSS and BSPC is better than ever, and that the parliamentary cooperation that BSPC represents provides support and important input to the work of the CBSS. CBSS is mentioned in very positive terms in many of the paragraphs in the resolution from the 20th BSPC. The secretariats of the respective organisations have continual contact and exchange information.BSPC has been represented in a number of external activities and meetings in 2011. The BSPC observers in HELCOM participated in three different types of HELCOM meetings in 2011, including the HELCOM High-Level Segment in Helsinki 9 March.BSPC also participated in the Nordic Council Presidium meeting in Espoo on 26 January, the second Parliamentary Forum on the Northern Dimension in Tromsö on 23 February, the working meeting on the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region in Helsinki on 8 March, a parliamentary round table discussion in Murmansk on 28-30 April together with the Nordic Council and the Russian State Duma, the conference on Green Growth in Riga on 6 May, the security seminar with the Baltic Assembly in Talinn on 10 May, the European Maritime Day in Gdansk on 19-20 May, the Baltic Development Forum and the second forum on the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region in Gdansk on 25-26 October, the Nordic Council’s 63rd Session in Copenhagen on 2-3 November, and the Baltic Assembly’s 30th Session in Tallinn on 25-26 November.In 2011, the BSPC participated as Associate Partner in the Baltic Sea Labour Network project, which is a Flagship Project in the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, aimed at strengthening cooperation between social partners in the Baltic Sea Region. Franz Thönnes participated as BSPC representative in the BSLN Steering Committee, while the BSPC secretary participated in the BSLN Facilitator Team. In 2011 the BSPC participated in two BSLN Steering Committee meetings and four Facilitator Team meetings. BSPC was also represented at the BSLN Final Conference in Hamburg on 15-16 November, where Franz Thönnes was one of the main speakers. The experiences and networks from BSLN will be carried forward to a new project that will start in 2012, aimed at setting up a permanent Baltic Sea Labour Forum with a secretariat at CBSS. BSPC will also be supporting this new project.Contacts between NDPHS and BSPC continue to develop. BSPC participated in the meeting with the NDPHS Committee of Senior Representatives in Oslo on 15 April, and has continual contacts at secretariat level.The BSPC website was reviewed at the end of 2011 (www.bspc.net).