24 BSPC in a Nutshell Publication

Baltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceLandtagThe 24th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference30th August - 1st September 2015 in Rostock, Germany– BSPC in a Nutshell –Baltic Sea Region –A Role Model for Innovation in Social- and HealthcareThe 24th Baltic Sea Parliamentary bour and city tour as well as a recep- „Accordion meets string quartet” per-Conference took place in Ros- tion at the town hall provided the par- formance in the Boat House.tock-Warnemünde. Around 180 de- ticipants with insight into the culturallegates met in the Yachting & Spa Re- wealth and architecture characteristics On Tuesday, 1st September, Ms Sylviasort, Hohe Düne, right on the edge of of this part of Germany. A reception Bretschneider, BSPC Chair and Presi-the Baltic Sea. The aim of the confer- hosted by Mr Erwin Sellering, Prime dent of the Landtag Mecklen-ence was to pass a resolution on the Minister of Mecklenburg-Vorpom- burg-Vorpommern, gave a commem-Baltic Sea Region as a role model for mern, closed the first day. orative address on the beginning ofinnovation in social and healthcare. the 2nd World War. Ms ManuelaOn Monday, three sessions took place Schwesig, Federal Minister for Fami-The participants arrived on Saturday that focused on cooperation in the lies, Senior Citizens, Women andand the BSPC Drafting Committee Baltic Sea Region, on cross-border co- Youth, held a keynote speech to openand the BSPC Standing Committee operation in healthcare and on health the fourth session and this was fol-held their first sessions on Sunday, and economy. In the evening, a prize- lowed by a roundtable discussion. The30th August. Parallel sessions were or- winner of the Mecklenburg-Vorpom- final version of the resolution wasganized by the NDPHS secretariat on mern Festival, Martynas and the Sin- adopted at the closing of the confer-health. In the afternoon, a guided har- Chronic Quartet, gave an impressive ence.2 The 24th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | Sunday, 30th August 2015Extracts from the Welcoming Speech givenby Mr Erwin Sellering, Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern„I bid you all a very warm welcome to in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and aRostock-Warnemünde, here in Meck- priority in the work of the state govern-lenburg-Vorpommern. I am very ment. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has,pleased to be able to welcome so many therefore, taken an active role in the co-prominent guests from all Baltic Sea operation of the Baltic Sea states fromcountries, along with representatives the very beginning. Mecklenburg-Vor-from Iceland and Norway and observ- pommern works with the Council ofers from other countries such as Hun- the Baltic Sea States, in cooperationgary and Turkey. with the sub-regions, in the Conferenceof Peripheral Maritime Regions and2015 is a very special year for us here in Mr Erwin Sellering, Prime Minister also in the Baltic Commission.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern: this year of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Mswe are celebrating 25 years of German Sylvia Bretschneider, President of the In the last 20 years, we have developedunity and 25 years of Mecklen- Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern many good contacts with our neigh-burg-Vorpommern. And we can and Ms Rimantė Šalaševičiūtė, Min- bours in the Baltic region, contacts be-proudly say that we have made really ister for Health from Lithuania tween schools, universities, businessesgood progress in these 25 years. and chambers, between cities andtowns, in the fields of sports and cul-We have achieved a lot since 1990: our social insurance contributions has in- ture. We have close partnerships withtowns and villages shine in new splen- creased. All this is the result of an un- regions in Sweden, Finland and Po-dour; we have a modern infrastructure; precedented construction process. A land, with good economic coopera-and we have developed very well – es- great achievement of the people in our tion, especially in the port industriespecially from an economic point of state, to whom I, as Prime Minister, am and logistics, in the tourism and health-view. In the meantime, we have be- very grateful and of whom the people care industries.come strong in many industries: in here with us in Mecklenburg-Vorpom-tourism in any event – this federal state mern can rightly be proud. However, the Baltic region offers itsis simply beautiful – as well as in the residents not only economic opportu-food industry, in the health sector and From the outset, good cooperation nities. Our co-operation is also an ex-in renewable energies. The unemploy- with our neighbours around the Baltic cellent example of living European in-ment figure is at its lowest level since Sea has always been one of the major tegration, of an intensive exchange inGerman reunification; the number of political and economic prospects for us peace and freedom.”Opening of the Conference:Ms Sylvia Bretschneider, Chairof the BSPC, Mr Bodo Bahr,Head of BSPC Secretariat,Mr Armin Tebben, Directorof the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern andVice-Chair of the BSPCProf. Dr. Jānis VucānsSunday, 30th August 2015 | The 24th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 3Harbour Tour and Guided Tour of Rostock Old TownHanseatic city and a seaside resortOn Sunday afternoon, there was a President of the Bürgerschaft, wel- delegates to have a look at some of theboat trip from the conference ven- comed the BSPC delegates to the large churches, towers, city gates, ga-ue, Hohe Düne. The delegates were historic town hall of Rostock famous bled houses, warehouses and manytaken around the harbour to see the for its seven towers. In a welcome ad- examples of northern German Brickmoles, lighthouses and enormous dress, Mr Jochen Schulte, Member Gothic architecture.ships and cruise liners. The sail of the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vor-along the Warnow provided a splen- pommern, stressed the importancedid view of the German Baltic of cooperation in the Baltic Sea Re- „Health is wealth andcoastline and the Hanseatic town of gion as all the partners shared similar wealth is health”Rostock. societal challenges. A guided citytour provided insight into the histori-During a reception and on behalf of the cal background of the HanseaticLord Mayor, Dr Wolfgang Nitzsche, town and was an opportunity forDuring the conference parallelsessions of the NorthernDimension Partnership inPublic Health and SocialWell-being (NDPHS) wereorganized by the NDPHS secre-Mr Jochen Schulte, Member of the Landtag tariat. A number of parliamen-Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, addressed the dele- tarians took part in the meet-gates in the Town Hall of Rostock and under- ings and received an overviewlined the town’s role as Mecklenburg-Vorpom- of the very strong association be-mern’s gateway to the Baltic Sea and the neigh- tween health and the economyboring regions. and other policy areas.4 Opening of the 24th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | Monday, 31st August 2015Opening Wordsby Ms Sylvia Bretschneider, Chair of the BSPCsea that connects our countries. In featuring very similar problems atthis sense I hope for a constructive the same time, will help us to thisconference that is held in the spirit of end. [...]friendship and harmony. We are allgathered here to work together on I am looking forward to our discus-challenges we more or less all share. sions and which demands we willAnd we are here to think about joint formulate for our governments. Istrategies to tackle these challenges. am pleased that the draft resolutionalso contains many concrete ideasThe conference is titled „Baltic Sea for future joint initiatives in the„It is my distinct honor to welcome Region – A Role Model for Innova- area of Innovation in Social- andyou to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, tion in Social- and Healthcare”. In Healthcare. Our work on this im-host of the 24th Baltic Sea Parliamen- the social- and healthcare sector, portant field shouldn’t end withtary Conference. Again I would like there are many challenges: an ageing this conference. It should be theto thank our Prime Minister for the population, inequalities in health- starting point of a much deeper andexcellent reception yesterday. care, an increase in lifestyle-related more concrete cooperation in thisdiseases, financial pressure on the field, which is so important for allI am very happy to see so many fa- service systems and others. the people in our countries. Itmiliar faces today and I look forward should be supported by joint initia-to our discussions both in the plena- In a number of sessions we will dis- tives and be followed up on a regu-ry and in the Drafting Committee, cuss these challenges from different lar basis.today and tomorrow. [...] perspectives. We will also highlighthow innovation can help to cope I wish us all a very successful confer-We have come together in the most with these challenges. The Baltic ence and that we will continue to in-northern tip of the city of Rostock. I Sea Region possesses profound crease public awareness and prepaream very pleased that we managed to knowledge in this area. It should be joint opinions on current issues inhold our conference here. It is the our ambition to establish the Baltic the Baltic Sea Region. I am confi-perfect location for a conference that Sea Region as a role model for in- dent that we will – and I am nowbrings together parliamentarians novation in this field. I think that honored to yield the floor to thefrom all around the Baltic Sea. Sure- the combination of our different Prime Minister of Mecklenburg-Vor-ly, we couldn’t be any closer to the traditions and experiences, while pommern, Mr Erwin Sellering.”Monday, 31st August 2015 | Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region – FIRST SESSION 5FIRST SESSIONCooperation in the Baltic Sea RegionChair – Mr Ryszard Górecki, MP, PolandVice-Chair – Ms Giedrė Purvaneckienė,MP, LithuaniaMr Raul Mälk Mr Michał Czyż Mr Jørn DohrmannThe first session of the conference in- sador of Poland and Current CBSS formed the participants about thetroduced the „Cooperation in the Bal- Chair, presented an update on the strategy of socio-economic develop-tic Sea Region”. The session was priorities of the Polish CBSS Presi- ment of the North-West Federalchaired by Mr Ryszard Górecki, dency stressing sustainability, crea- District.Member of Parliament from Poland, tivity and safety.and Ms Giedrė Purvaneckienė, Mr Harry Liiv, Chair of the BalticMember of Parliament from Lithua- Mr Jørn Dohrmann, Member of Marine Environment Protectionnia as vice-chair. the European Parliament, presented Commission - Helsinki Commis-information on the EU strategy for sion (HELCOM) gave a report onStarting off in this first session Ms the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), the HELCOM Baltic Sea ActionSylvia Bretschneider reported its external aspects, health coopera- Plan regarding the protection of thefrom the BSPC Chair. Following tion and on the Northern Dimen- marine environment of the Balticthis Mr Raul Mälk, Ambassador of sion policy. Sea Area.Estonia and outgoing chair of theCouncil of the Baltic Sea States Ms Valentina Pivnenko, Member Ms Daria Akhutina, General Di-(CBSS), informed the delegates on of the Duma of the Federal Assem- rector, reported from the Baltic Seaactivities. Mr Michał Czyż, Ambas- bly of the Russian Federation in- NGO Forum and Network.Ms Valentina Pivnenko Mr Harry Liiv Ms Daria Akhutina6 SECOND SESSION – Cross-border Cooperation in Healthcare | Monday, 31st August 2015SECOND SESSIONCross-border Cooperation in HealthcareChair – Ms Valentina Pivnenko, MP, Russian FederationVice-Chair – Mr Franz Thönnes, MP, GermanyMs Rimantė Šalaševičiūtė Mr Dmitry Kostennikov Ms Annette Widmann-MauzThe second session was chaired by Ms Mr Dmitry Kostennikov, Dr. Nedret Emiroglu, Deputy Di-Valentina Pivnenko, Member of the Vice-Minister for Health and rector of the WHO Regional OfficeState Duma of the Federal Assembly State-Secretary, Russia informed the for Europe, gave an overview of theof the Russian Federation, and Mr participants about Russian coopera- MDGs in working towards the newFranz Thönnes, Member of Parlia- tions. European policy for health in sup-ment from Germany, as vice-chair. port of national health policies andThe speakers presented their views and Ms Annette Widmann-Mauz, Par- strategies.statements on „Cross-border Coopera- liamentary State Secretary at thetion in Healthcare”. Federal Ministry for Health, Ger- Mr Bo Könberg, former Ministermany, reported on initiatives taking for Health from Sweden and authorMs Rimantė Šalaševičiūtė, Minis- place in the Northern Region. of the report „The Future Nor-ter for Health from Lithuania, high- dic-Co-operation on Health” re-lighted possibilities for cross-border ported on how the Nordic coopera-cooperations. tion in the health field can be devel-oped in the next 5-10 years.Dr. Nedret Emiroglu Mr Bo KönbergMonday, 31st August 2015 | Health & Economy – Paving the Way for Innovation in Social- and Healthcare – THIRD SESSION 7THIRD SESSIONHealth & Economy – Paving theWay for Innovation in Social- andHealthcareChair – Mr Pyry Niemi, MP, Sweden, Nordic CouncilVice-Chair – Mr Jörgen Petterson, Member of Parliamentfrom Åland IslandsMr Günther Oettinger Prof. Dr. Dr. Horst Klinkmann Dr. Jaanus PikaniThe chair of the third session was Mr Prof. Dr. Dr. Horst Klinkmann, Dr. Dennis A. Ostwald fromPyry Niemi, Member of Parliament President of BioCon Valley, ex- WifOR, an independent economicfrom Sweden, and the vice-chair was plained the role of Mecklen- research institute, presented anMr Jörgen Petterson, Member of burg-Vorpommern as a leading overview of the economic foot-Parliament from Åland Islands. The health region in the context of life prints of the healthcare sector indiscussion evolved around “Health & sciences and health economy. the Baltic Sea Region and of healthEconomy – Paving the Way for Inno- economics.vation in Social and Healthcare”. Dr. Jaanus Pikani, Vice-Presidentof ScanBalt, described the Baltic Sea Prof. Dr. Martin Mielke, Head ofMr Günther Oettinger, European Region as a test site for the develop- the Department of Infectious Dis-Commissioner for Digital Econo- ment of health care products and eases at the Robert Koch Institute,my and Society, presented the latest services with the goal of turning reported on battling the spread ofdevelopment on eHealth in a Euro- Northern Europe into a globally multi-resistant bacteria.pean dimension. competitive BioRegion.Dr. Dennis A. Ostwald Prof. Dr. Martin Mielke8 Impressions | Monday, 31st August 2015Monday, 31st August 2015 | Impressions 9Martynas and the SinChronic Quartet –„Accordion meets string quartet”Martynas Levickis, the Lithuanian accor-dion virtuoso and prizewinner of theMecklenburg-Vorpommern Festival andSinChronic, the string quartet, gave astunning performance on Mondayevening in the Boat House. The ensem-ble transported the audience on a colour-ful musical journey, their diverse reper-toire evolving from splendid baroquepieces to the hits of today’s pop music.The group is comprised of GiedrėZarėnaitė (Violin), Simas Tankevičius(Violin), Mintautas Kriščiūnas (Viola)and Ignė Pikalavičiūtė (Violoncello).10 FOURTH SESSION – Tuesday, 1st September 2015FOURTH SESSIONSustainable and Accessible Social andHealthcare - At the Crossroads ofHealthcare Provision, the DemographicShift and Shrinking Budgets.Chair – Mr Per Rune Henriksen, MP, NorwayVice-Chair – Ms Carola Veit, President of the HamburgParliamentThe fourth session was chaired by Mr Ms Sylvia Bretschneider, Chair of followed by a keynote speech by MsPer Rune Henriksen, Member of the the BSPC and President of the Parlia- Manuela Schwesig, Federal Minis-Norwegian Parliament and Ms Car- ment of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern ter for Families, Senior Citizens,ola Veit, President of the Hamburg started the day with a commemorat- Women and Youth, on “DemographicParliament. ing speech on 1 September 1939 Challenges and Care”.In a moving speech the Chairman of the BSPC, Sylvia Bretschneider, commemorated the 60 million victims of World WarII at the beginning of the BSPC plenary on 1 September. Following the speech, Ms Bretschneider led the other delegatesin song, beginning “We shall overcome” and finished with the third verse “We shall live in peace”, followed by a minuteof silence by all participants.Extracts from the Speech Commemorating the Start of WorldWar II on 1 September 1939“1 September is the day which tough in the discussions, we shouldmakes us pause and remember the always be fair, focusing on what wehorrors of war, which still deeply have in common. Honoured partic-shocks us to this day. [...] 76 years ipants of the Baltic Sea Parliamenta-after World War II was provoked ry Conference, let us jointly seekby the German National Socialists answers to the questions we are con-and 70 years after its end, which cerned about. Let us continue todid not immediately bring justice, work together in learning from his-freedom and self-determination tory, which is not merely a chapterfor all, it is clearer than ever before historical responsibilities and in of the past. We bear special respon-that all of us are still facing a chal- our political, economic and social sibility – in particular as memberslenge in society: to keep up aware- interests. Our declared goal is to of parliament, as democraticallyness of the crimes, committed by ensure that the Baltic Sea remains a elected representatives of the peopleGermany’s National Socialists, to sea of peace. We can and will in our countries – to ensure that welearn from our history, and most achieve this goal by promoting our live in real peace in our own coun-importantly to let it guide our po- common identity, while respecting tries and with our neighbours. Welitical and social actions. [...] For national self-determination, inde- bear responsibility for the dignity ofall of us here today, the Baltic Sea pendence and human rights. How- all human beings and for preserving– where the first shots were fired ever, we will only be able to achieve the memory of those who sufferedwhich led to World War II – is this if we engage with each other in then. Please rise and observe a mo-what connects us. We have come discussions and if we work together ment of silence for all the victims oftogether despite differences in our to find solutions. While we may be World War II.”Tuesday, 1st September 2015 – FOURTH SESSION 11Extracts from the Keynote Speech on„Demographic Challenges and Care”given by Ms Manuela Schwesig, Federal Minister for Families,Senior Citizens, Women and Youth„[...] The conference subject this introduced legislation that entitles allyear is the effects of demographic employees to take 10 days leave with-change in the Baltic Sea Region. out a reduction in their wages. It isDealing with population growth is clear that these 10 days are not ade-one of the biggest domestic political quate for the care of the care recipi-challenges in Germany, even if we ent – the father or mother. But itare happy about the last measured gives the person time to become in-increase in the birth rate. formed about other possibilities for[...] This conference here in Rostock care and to organise support.is an excellent opportunity for col- A person that is fostering, must notlecting the various experiences of this In this connection the head of the lose his or her job. Therefore we en-common challenge in the countries social department of an administra- courage employees to reduce theand regions and to discuss new ideas. tive district in Mecklenburg-Vor- number of hours worked per weekI thank you for the invitation! The pommern has said: „We are ready to for two years to have more time for asecond big political challenge that take in more young refugees. These family member in need of care. Tocannot be seen in isolation from de- young people provide us with an op- compensate the loss of income inmographic change is human interac- portunity.” [...] In my opinion, this that time we offer a loan with no in-tion with the big number of refu- is not only a human but also a far- terest. Beyond the two years anothergees. [...] My question is: Can the sighted and strategical point of view. family member may resume nurture.North help? Can the Baltic Sea Re- The refugees are not only a burden. [...] A large part of the effects of thegion, for example, be a new home- They can also be a benefit if the prob- demographic change is borne by theland for a number of the refugees? lem or situation is properly handled. families. This is a wonderful achieve-The answer must be a clear YES. We [...] In Germany two thirds of all ment on the part of families. And mymust distribute the responsibility for the people who depend on care are aim is to strengthen the families,refugees more fairly. [...] taken care of in their own house- while we help them to keep a balanceRecently I presented a law to im- holds – one third exclusively by between care, family and their occu-prove the conditions for young un- members of the family. We want to pation.”accompanied refugees in Germany. support them. First of all, we have (Check against delivery)Ms Olaug Bollestad, Member of the BSPC Working Group on Inno- presented a detailed report aboutParliament from Norway, Chair of vation in Social and Healthcare the result of two years work.Ms Madara Muizniece and MrMaximilian Priebe, Representa-tives from the 24th BSPC back-to-back event “Kiel Week Youth Fo-rum on Innovation in Social- andHealthcare” reported on the discus-sions of the young participants andthe recommendations of the youngpeople.Ms Olaug Bollestad Ms Madara Muizniece andMaximilian Priebe,12 FOURTH SESSION – Tuesday, 1st September 2015These presentations were followed by a Mr Jörg Heydorn, Member of Parlia- Health Economics Division of Socialroundtable discussion moderated by Ms ment, Chairman of the Study Commis- Medicine and Global Health (SMGH),Susanne Kluge, Television Presenter and sion on Ageing in Mecklenburg-Vorpom- Department of Clinical Sciences, LundMedical Journalist with Ms Olaug Bolles- mern; Ms Riitta Työläjärvi, Senior Advi- University and Prof. Dr Marek Zygmunt,tad, Member of Parliament from Norway, sor Health and Social Policy, Finnish Con- Supervisory Board of BioCon Valley asChairman of the BSPC Working Group federation of Salaried Employees STTK; participants and a vivid discussion of par-on Innovation in Social and Healthcare; Mr Björn Ekman, PhD, Researcher, liamentarians.Ms Annette Holm- Ms Jette, Waldinger- Mr Veiko Spolītis, Member Ms Silke Gajek, Landtagberg-Jansson, Åland Thiering, Landtag of Parliament of Latvia Mecklenburg-VorpommernParliament Schleswig-HolsteinCLOSING OF THE 24th BSPCClosing Words by Ms Sylvia Bretschneider, Chair of the BSPCThank you everyone for your great work pass the baton over to the incoming Chair- everything possible together with all ourduring this conference, as well as during this man, our colleague Jānis Vucāns. But before colleagues. Thank you very much.past year. The resolution of the 24th Baltic I do this, I would like to express that I am And now let’s do the last step. Jānis,Sea Parliamentary Conference is adopted. I very, very proud of my staff. (Applause). would you please come forward to receivehope that the contents of this resolution will They worked very hard, they did a very, the baton of the BSPC chairman?be acted on by our governments, ministries very good job. Dear Jānis, I hand it over to you. I wish youand other institutions around the Baltic Sea. Not only our Secretary Bodo Bahr, who is all the best and I am sure, the next confer-working with the conference for a very long ence will be a successful one as well.Ladies and gentlemen, dear colleagues, time, but also the staff off my parliament, And now, ladies and gentlemen, it is timeIt has been a true honor to be your BSPC with the director Mr. Armin Tebben, the for our new Chairman to take over and toChairman. And now I’m very much looking chief of the parliament staff,who organized address us.forward to follow a good BSPC tradition to everything during the year and made Please Jānis, you have the floor.Tuesday, 1st September 2015 – FOURTH SESSION 13Speech by Professor Dr. Jānis Vucāns, incoming Chairman of the BSPC on theoccasion of the transfer of the Chairmanship of the BSPCHonourable Chairman of the BSPC, ic of the Working Group on Innova- Presidency will continue to make gooddear colleagues, tion in Social- and Healthcare we had on this promise. I also underline thisladies and gentlemen quite a novel item on our agenda. point because I believe that the BSPC isa unique forum that has an even greaterFirst of all, I would like to congratulate The Baltic Sea Region faces longterm significance in the current situation,our German friends and especially the challenges and problems, and the which is no longer as stress-free, as be-Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern BSPC together with other regional in- fore. The disagreement between mostas they conclude their presidency of the stitutions must strive to protect citi- part of western countries and Russia in aBaltic Sea Parliamentary Conference. zens` interests by promoting their wel- number of regional cooperation direc-You addressed many important issues fare, safety and competitiveness. In- tions cannot be denied and ignored.which will promote welfare, competi- habitants of the Baltic Sea region aretiveness and prosperity of the Region. interested in having asecure, predicta- What sets the BSPC apart from otherble and growing political, economic, platforms is the fact that we still up-Dear Sylvia, you devoted yourself to social and cultural environment. hold the banner of cooperation, with-the parliamentary cooperation of the Therefore during the Latvian Presiden- out turning a blind eye to differences inBaltic Sea Region not only during the cy we would like to focus our common opinions that we could also witnesspresidency. We all know that you have work on the issue which is a funda- during this conference. I believe thatbeen the captain of the Baltic Sea co- mental cornerstone for the wellbeing we must continue our work, if we wantoperation for many, many years. We of the region - Education and Labour to live in peace and maintain a goodtruly appreciate your contribution to Market Policy. We believe it is impor- neighbourhood. I am glad that we havestrengthening the cooperation of the tant to look for political answers to the once again proven that we are capablecountries around our Mare Nostrum. following questions: How to ensure ef- of working together. And I am proudfective correlation between the labour that Riga will be the host city of theToday, Latvia takes over the presidency market and education sector? What Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference,of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Confer- policy measures should be taken to 25 years after East and West had over-ence. To assume the duties of the Chair- promote investment in skills and train- come confrontation. In this spirit Iman is an enormous challenge and a ing of workers? How to deal with hope that we will contribute to makinggreat honour for me. On behalf of the youth unemployment and the mobili- the region more secure and prosperous.Latvian parliament and the Latvian del- ty of the labour force? Our main goal as elected representa-egation, I would like to attest that we tives of our countries was and still is:will perform our duties very responsibly I am glad that after all the discussions we to keep up the dialogue,because we are committed to improve had in our Standing committee meet- to conduct an active peace policy,the quality of the Baltic Sea and ensure ings about the next Working group we to establish the Baltic Sea as a Sea ofsustainability of the Region. 25 years af- reached the decision that the next two Peace.ter the Fall of the Iron Curtain, and the years we will have a Working Group onfirst conference of the Baltic Sea parlia- the issue of Sustainable Tourism with a Dear Ms Carola Veit, the President ofmentarians in Helsinki, we are very set of sub-focusses, including maritime the Hamburg Parliament, I want toproud to be the hosts of the Silver Jubilee spatial planning a central pillar. Sylvia congratulate you for becoming the Viceof the BSPC. The baton has now passed Bretschneider agreed to lead this Work- President of the Baltic Sea Parliamenta-on from Rostock to its sister city Riga. ing Group and I am very happy about ry Conference for the next year, and IEven though these two cities may be far that. It is important that the BSPC ad- hope on our successful cooperation.apart, they are connected by our com- dresses concrete issues of Sustainablemon home,the Baltic Sea, and by the Tourism , and continues to move from Finally, I would like also to thankHanseatic League heritage. the general idea, that cooperation is im- everybody who took part in the workportant, to concrete projects of mutual of our conference and made it so suc-Traditionally, the BSPC has dealt with interest, where cooperation can give real cessful. Thank you very much for youreconomic and environmental issues; improvements. This has been the attention, and see you next year in Lat-with this year’s conference and the top- BSPC’s goal all along, and the Latvian via, in Riga!14CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONDrafting CommitteeThe BSPC Drafting Committee was responsible for developing the political recommendations of the annual parliamen-tary conference during the three-day consultation.(The conference report, the speeches and the presentations will be available on http://www.bspc.net/)Conference ResolutionAdopted by the 24th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC)The participants, elected representa- to the parties to provide comprehen- of the ministerial meetings of thetives from the Baltic Sea Region sive support to the work of the OSCE; Council of Baltic Sea States (CBSS).States*, assembling in Rostock, Meck- This will foster the dialogue andexpect all Baltic Sea States to makelenburg-Vorpommern, 30 August – 1 strengthen cooperation;every effort to ensure that the BalticSeptember 2015,Sea region will continue to be a region discussing Cooperation in the Balticwelcome, against the background of of intensive co-operation and good, Sea Region, Cross-Border Coopera-the crisis in Ukraine, the agreements peaceful neighbourliness. To this end, tion in Health Care, Health andconcluded in Minsk, which may lead they will use all the opportunities of Economy – Paving the Way for Inno-to a peaceful solution of the conflict, parliamentary, governmental and so- vation in Social and Health Care, andand insist on their thorough and un- cial exchange and dialogue. For this Sustainable and Accessible Social andwavering implementation and appeal reason, they also call for a resumption Health Care – at the Crossroads ofHealth Care Provision, the Demo-graphic Shift and Shrinking Budgets;reiterating their support for the Coun-cil of Baltic Sea States (CBSS), wel-coming the new long-term prioritiesof the CBSS, as well as the efforts ofthe Polish CBSS Presidency to im-prove coherence in Baltic Sea regionalcooperation, and acknowledging theprogress and achievements of CBSS infields such as sustainable economicgrowth, clean shipping, labour market*Parliaments ofDenmark, Estonia, Europe, Finland, Federal Republic of Germany, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Iceland, Latvia, LeningradRegion, Lithuania, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Norway, Poland, City of St. Petersburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Sweden, Åland Islands,Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Baltic Assembly, Nordic Council15CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONable economy, capable of boosting the future and to reaffirm the com-mobility, research and development,competitiveness and opening up new mitment for the continued improve-transport and communications, cul-opportunities for business and em- ment and modernization of the wastetural heritage, trafficking in humanployment; water treatment capacity throughoutbeings, and civil security, and supportthe entire Baltic Sea Region, in com-the CBSS practical approach to the4. co-operate in order to strengthenpliance with the stricter threshold val-implementation of the new CBSSthe Baltic Sea Region as an importantues agreed by HELCOM;long term priorities;competitive knowledge region withan excellent higher education and re- 9. enhance macro-regional capacity toexpressing against the background ofsearch infrastructure; respond to major emergencies basedthe current situation their solidarityon all-hazards approach and joint,with the refugees which are forced to5. encourage co-operation in the fieldscross-border preparations to protectflee their homelands, being aware ofwhere mutual benefits and synergieslives, health and wellbeing of citizens;the big challenge to secure a safe resi-e.g. between the EU Strategy for thedence;Baltic Sea Region and the Strategy for 10. strengthen and further developthe socio-economic development of HELCOM as the main coordinatingcall on the governments in the Balticthe North-West Federal district of body in the effort to protect the BalticSea Region, the CBSS, the WorldRussia can only be achieved by identi- marine environment, and to stronglyHealth Organisation (WHO) and thefying common priorities and by devel- support the implementation of theEuropean Union (EU);oping respective regional strategies Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP), and toto ensure the decent treatment of the and action plans; stress the importance of BSAP as therefugees especially concerning hous- environmental pillar of the EU Strate-ing and healthcare; 6. evaluate the effects and promote gy for the Baltic Sea Region;the extension of the new regulationson SECA (Sulphur Emission Control 11. deepen the political exchangeRegarding Cooperation in the Bal- Area), in force since 1 January 2015, among young people in the Baltic Seatic Sea Region, to to other sea basins, including outside Region and to support the permanentof the EU, and support efficient en- establishment of a Baltic Sea Youth1. strengthen the cooperation in the forcement of these regulations on Forum;Baltic Sea Region including the ships, regardless of which flag they12. support the Nordic BioeconomyNorthern Dimension and the EU might fly, to ensure the improvementInitiative by the Nordic Council ofStrategy for the Baltic Sea Region and of the environment, human healthMinisters;other regional actors for a stable foun- and to secure the competitiveness ofdation of relations and encourage fur- the shipping sector in the region;Regarding Cross-borderther development of the structural di-7. promote close cooperation between Co-operation in Health Care, toalogue and cooperation between eachcruise operators, ports and otherand every regional organization andcoastal tourism stakeholders such as in 13. expand, strengthen and deepenformat leading to creation of a com-the recently launched Pan-European cross-border cooperation in social andmon Baltic cooperation space;Cruise Dialogue and actively partici- health care and the strategic planning2. support any cooperation that marks pate in transnational projects to un- of health services and continue withthe Baltic Sea Region as a model re- lock the full potential for sustainable strong effort the development of agion with equal access to health for all blue growth in the maritime and “Baltic Sea Health Region”, to de-and with a special obligation to sup- coastal tourism sectors; crease inequality and lift the generalport the dissemination and develop- welfare as a common challenge all Bal-8. continue work to upgrade recep-ment of health and well-being by tic Sea Region Countries face;tion facilities for sewage in passengerplaying a key role in the realization ofports to ensure a timely activation of 14. support the Northern Dimensionthe new sustainable developmentthe special area status of the Baltic Sea Partnership in Public Health and So-goals of the United Nations;under Marpol Annex IV of the Inter- cial Wellbeing (NDPHS) as a highly3. reaffirm the pursuit of the entire re- national Maritime Organization, with valued and innovative regional net-gion to co-operation aimed at becom- the aim to hinder the release of un- work, significantly contributing to theing a role model region with a sustain- treated sewage from passenger ships in improvement of peoples’ health and16CONFERENCE RESOLUTIONsocial wellbeing in the Northern Di- 22. intensify exchanges of experience 28. improve support for the develop-mension area, the new NDPHS Strat- and co-operation with the aim of ment of innovations in health care inegy 2020 and its Action Plan, as well fighting antimicrobial resistance as order to prevent a brain drain;as the Policy Area “Health” of the EU one of the main global challenges in29. support the ScanBalt StrategyStrategy for the Baltic Sea Region; health care, to implement research in2015-2018 and use synergies with ex-this area, and support and intensify all15. support the EU ́s cross-border isting strategies;efforts to develop and implement aco-operation programmes and otherglobal action plan on antimicrobial30. develop measures to improve therelevant programmes as tools contrib-resistance by WHO;situation of the medical and care pro-uting to strengthening cross-borderfessions through – for example -and regional co-operation in health 23. reduce the usage of antibiotics –eHealth;care in the Baltic Sea Region; general – and for agriculture (livestockfarming) to an absolute minimum in 31. improve conditions to support the16. launch and develop concreteorder to prevent further increase of development of innovations in healthtransnational health care and socialantimicrobial resistance; care, including in the fields of eHealthwellbeing initiatives, such as ScanBaltand telemedicine, whilst ensuring thator the WHO’s Healthy Cities project24. strive to introduce the same stand-investments in eHealth support theand to foster the development of theards on a high level in the treatment ofadoption of standards and drive inter-Baltic Sea Health Region by furthercontagious infectious diseasesoperability across the health sector tostrategies and transnational projects,throughout the Baltic Sea Region;leverage the „eHealth European Inter-e.g. by a joint antibiotics strategy, byoperability Framework (eEIF)” andconnecting the fields of health, tour- 25. broaden the scope of the Könbergobserve the joint European initiatives,ism, information and communica- report to the entire Baltic Sea Region,such as the “Guidelines under eHealthtions technology (ICT) and natural in order to gain a comparable over-Network” of the responsible memberresources; view of the status of health and care instate authorities;the Baltic Sea Region;17. spread innovative and best prac-32. further strengthen measures fortices throughout the Baltic Sea Region 26. commission a regular report oncollaborative implementation of aso to become a model region in health the status of health including disag-joint eHealth Innovation ecosystemcare; gregated data and analysis for differentbased on a Baltic Sea Region coopera-population groups such as children,18. co-operate on research and sus- tion platform for eHealth initiativesyouth and senior citizens and particu-tainable strategies for promotion of built on smart specialization and mo-larly marginalized groups in the coun-cultivation and production of healthy bilize regional resources based on al-tries of the Baltic Sea Region, in orderand organic food; ready existing structures and interna-to coordinate issues, definitions andtionally recognized standards;19. make workplaces safer and health- emphases as a step forward in terms ofier and thus more productive and rec- comparability of different systems 33. improve the conditions to includeognize the important work of trade within the region and map commonly eHealth and telemedicine in theunions to promote a culture of risk shared challenges ahead; standard care;prevention to improve working con-34. improve early intervention toditions throughout the region;strengthen good public health throughRegarding Health and Economy, to20. improve transnational coopera- social investment such as vaccine pro-tion and medical specialization in the grams, and take strong measures to re-27. appreciate that, whereas economictreatment of rare diseases, bearing in duce consumption of alcohol, tobaccoprosperity is good for health, goodmind the cost-effective usage of medi- and illicit drugs, and work towardshealth outcomes also favour economiccal equipment; stronger prevention of diabetes II andgrowth and development. To thatother lifestyle illnesses;21. regulate transnational emergency end, recognize the importance ofcare in a way that the fastest possible health and social wellbeing for the 35. support the usage of cost-reducinghealthcare provision can be guaran- economy and other policy areas and methods for better quality of life, in-teed regardless of the healthcare pro- vice versa and consider health aspects cluding cultural and physicalviders ́ country of origin; in all policies; health-related activities in treatment;17CONFERENCE RESOLUTION36. improve the national labelling rel- Ageing and especially considering ple in culture, sports, volunteeringevant for a healthy lifestyle including public services with regard to rural and music in order to fight againstlabelling accessible to different popu- peripheral areas; stigmatization of disadvantagedlation groups such as child-sensitive groups;44. install geriatric health care centresand child-specific labelling;and modify social rehabilitation cen- 52. create incentives to improve the37. foster development of health-re- tres to ensure health care in rural are- conditions of the nursing and carelated services within the tourism strat- as as well as improving age-appropri- professions and to work towards in-egies of the Baltic Sea Region coun- ate medicine; tensified professional and vocationaltries; training for people employed in the45. ensure integrated services forhealth sector to significantly facilitate38. ensure global comparability of children consolidating health carea cost-effective health system in the re-health economy and measure the per- and social care services in a child-sen-gion and foster understanding of theformance and the impact of the health sitive way;health sector as a cross-cutting issue;care systems via economic growth and46. ensure support services for fami-employment by establishing a first re- 53. fully recognize the social partnerslies, pregnant women and prospec-liable transnational method like “eco- in the social and health care profes-tive parents in support of familiesnomic footprint of health economy”; sions, protect their activities and en-and parenthood, provide an integrat-sure that social partners and trade39. check the possibility to establish a ed package of services to familiesunions will be involved in the regula-“Baltic Health Forum”, to ensure and with children in order to encouragetory and implementation process onimprove a sustainable exchange and childbirth, childcare and child rear-health issues as early as possible;networking in this policy field around ing with a view to counteracting thethe Baltic Sea; current demographic trends and in- 54. carefully consider both physicalvesting in families and fostering and psycho-social risks at work place,child-friendly communities and soci- against the background of a rising re-Regarding Sustainable and Accessi- eties; tirement age, strive for good workingble Social and Health Care, to conditions, wellbeing and a sustaina-47. encourage patient responsibilityble work-life balance within the la-for people living in the Baltic Sea Re-40. ensure affordable health care for bour force of the Baltic Sea Region;gion;everyone and emphasize the focus on55. strive to establish laws for pa-the needs of patients with due regard 48. raise awareness especially amongsttients’ rights in all the countries ofto age and gender and to warrant the youth in a healthier lifestyle andthe Baltic Sea Region and mecha-equal and affordable access to to work on making education innisms to ensure that those rights arehigh-quality health services through- healthy lifestyle mandatory in allfulfilled;out the whole Baltic Sea Region; schools and all school levels, a data-base on best practice examples on 56. establish a Working Group on41. ensure that a positive economichow to improve education and Sustainable Tourism – with focus ondevelopment in the region promotesawareness should be created; cultural, economic and labour mar-high standards in health care and so-ket, maritime and coastal tourism ascial wellbeing; 49. carry out studies with the aim ofwell as ecological aspects and as adeveloping prevention strategies in42. take strong measures to ensure central pillar of maritime spatialhealth care, such as the North-Trøn-equitable availability, access and use planning and with a view to develop-delag Health Study (HUNT);of social welfare and health care ser- ing synergies with the policy areavices, e.g. between urban and rural 50. establish a first aid system for “Tourism” under the EU Strategy forareas, between socio-economic mental health problems as the recog- the Baltic Sea Region - to submit agroups and with due regard to age nition, awareness and diagnostic of first report at the 25th BSPC;and gender; mental problems are still underde-57. welcome with gratitude the kindveloped;43. develop and strengthen strategies offer of the Parliament of Latvia toaddressing demographic change, 51. support activities on Non-Gov- host the 25th Baltic Sea Parliamenta-such as the European Innovation ernmental Organizations focussing ry Conference in Riga on 28 - 30 Au-Partnership on Active and Healthy on non-formal education for exam- gust 2016.Baltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceLandtagConference Site Yachting & Spa Resort, Hohe Düne, inRostock on 30th August - 1st September 2015Photo: Dr. Claudia PetersMeet you next time in Latvia, hosting the 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference inRiga on 28th - 30th August 2016Photo: shutterstock.comImpressum©Landtag Text: Dr. Claudia Peters, Bodo BahrMecklenburg-Vorpommern, Editing: Bodo Bahr, Dr. Claudia PetersSchwerin 2015 Layout: Produktionsbüro TinusPhotos: Jens Büttner