25 BSPC in a Nutshell Publication

25 BSPCYEARSBaltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceThe 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference28th - 30th August 2016 in Riga, Latvia– BSPC in a Nutshell –High Quality Education and Labour –The Future of the Baltic Sea RegionThe 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary The participants arrived on Saturday and on how to develop competi-Conference took place in Riga, Lat- and the BSPC Drafting Committee tiveness in the Baltic Sea Regionvia. It was opened by H.E. Mr Rai- and the BSPC Standing Committee by linking education and the la-monds Vējonis, President of the held their first sessions on Sunday, bour market beginning with aRepublic of Latvia and H.E. Ms In- 28th August, in the Saeima, the Par- speech by Mr Valdis Dombrovskis,āra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saei- liament of the Republic of Latvia. In Vice-president of the Europeanma of the Republic of Latvia. the afternoon, a guided tour of Commission. The second sessionRundāle Castle as well as a reception was continued with a vivid discus-Around 200 delegates met at the at the castle provided the partici- sion by parlamentarians. In the af-University of Latvia Academic pants with insight into the history ternoon a ceremonial session inCentre of Natural Sciences right and cultural wealth of Latvia. honour of the 25th anniversary ofin the city center of Riga. The aim the BSPC took place. Mr Trivimiof the conference was to pass a res- On Monday, the first two sessions Velliste, Mr Franz Thönnes andolution on developing the Baltic took place at the University of Ms Anna Abrahamsson presentedSea Region as a role model for fu- Latvia Academic Centre of Natu- reviews, successes and perspectivesture high quality education and ral Sciences. They focused on co- on the Baltic Sea parliamentarylabour. operation in the Baltic Sea Region cooperation.2 The 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | WelcomingExtracts from the Welcoming Speech givenby H.E. Mr Raimonds Vējonis, President of the Republic of Latviamarkets and close economic ties Let me now briefly turn to sus-which we have established, the Nor- tainable tourism which is onedic-Baltic region has developed very of the growth areas of our econ-fast during the last 25 years and has omies.[...] If developed andbecome one of the most dynamic, managed in a sustainable way,IT- and innovation-oriented re- tourism can be instrumental ingions of the world. [...] safeguarding biodiversity by min-“I am proud and happy to address imizing the ecological footprint,you at the time when we celebrate We cannot achieve much in our providing green employment forthe historic events which took place development without high quality local populations, channelingat the end of August 25 years ago, education and a dynamic labour revenue back into conservationevents which brought to an end fif- market. I am particularly glad that and functioning as a vehicle forty years of occupation and allowed the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Con- promoting awareness of environ-the three Baltic States to become ference has underlined the necessi- mental preservation.[...]free and independent once more. ty for high quality education andThis time reminds us about the val- equal access to the labour market In conclusion let me wish you allue of freedom and statehood. [...] as the main priorities. [...] Uni- a successful Silver Jubilee confer-versities are centres of knowledge ence! The parliamentary coop-During these years we have worked and innovation. The integration of eration of our Baltic Sea regionto make the Baltic Sea region eco- research, higher education and in- countries will make us all stronger,nomically vibrant, secure and sta- dustry has to be the priority of our better-off and safer.”ble. Thanks to the openness of our efforts. [...]Welcome Addressby H.E. Ms Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima of the Republic of Latvia„It is my great pleasure to welcome you ered here! Among us, we have the old-to the 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary est parliament in the world – Iceland’sConference. Congratulations on the Aalthingi with its strong democraticSilver Jubilee! tradition. We have a lot to learn fromeach other. [...]We are particularly delighted to haveyou here at the new building of the We – the parliaments – have the cen-University of Latvia – the Academic tral role in fostering democracy. Par-Centre of Natural Sciences. Convening The founding vision of the Baltic Sea liamentary activity covers the entirehere is symbolic – because universities cooperation was the ideal of democra- spectrum of political, civil, economic,and quality education are crucial for cy. Today more than ever we need to and social rights. As the main institu-competitiveness, growth and prosperity promote democracy across the region tion of democracy, we should respondin our region. [...] – because it makes wars and conflicts to the needs of our people. [...]less likely.The founding fathers of the Baltic Sea There is a great need for the countries Let us work together to keep our prom-regional cooperation also had a vision of around the Baltic Sea to have a dia- ise in further building a peaceful, free,peace. Today, when our world is shat- logue on how to uphold democratic and prosperous Baltic Sea region. I wishtered by crises and conflicts, their vi- values. As many as 11 national parlia- everyone here in Latvia a successfulsion inspires us more than ever to build ments, 11 regional parliaments, and 5 conference with productive discussions.bridges and tear down walls. parliamentary organisations are gath- And I hope to see you in Riga again.”Sunday, 28th August 2016 | The 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 3Rundāle CastleOn Sunday afternoon the participants And because we want to take inspira- French and Latvian cultural heritageof the conference visited Rundāle Cas- tion from the past to shape the com- here – it is only fitting that Rundāle hastle. A guided tour of the palace provid- mon future that lies ahead of us. And, been chosen for our celebration of theed the BSPC delegates with insight into ladies and gentlemen, there is no better 25th anniversary of Baltic Sea Parlia-the historical background. During a re- place to do that than Rundāle palace. mentary Conference.” After the recep-ception in honour of the silver jubilee You have had your tours of the palace tion guests were invited to the palaceof the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Confer- earlier this evening. You have seen and garden to attend an impressive musicalence Prof. Dr Jānis Vucāns, President of heard that the history of Rundāle is performance by Melo-M, a Latvian in-the BSPC, welcomed the guests and closely linked with the history of Latvia strumental cello rock ensemble, accom-stressed: “We are all here because we during last 3 centuries, and you can panied by a marvellous sound, lighthave actively shaped these past 25 years. find traces of German, Russian, Polish, and water fountain show.4 The 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | Monday, 29th August 2016Extracts of the Report from the BSPC Chairby Prof. Dr Janis Vucāns, President of the BSPC„It is the honourable duty of the BSPC - deplore the loss of innocent lives, ex-President to provide the delegates of press sympathy and solidarity withthe Baltic Sea Parliamentary Confer- the victims of all terrorist attacks,ence with a report on the activities their families and all those who suf-throughout the past year. The follow- fered in these inhumane attacks and,ing issues – from my point of view – - express the crucial need for the jointclearly stand out when I think about fight against this major threat to anythis last year: of our societies in our this year’s res-impact assessment and consultation olution.The BSPC has had a clear thematic with stakeholders.focus, with excellent expert presenta- Members of the BSPC Standingtions and discussions on the main Additionally a fruitful exchange of ex- Committee travelled to Minsk intheme of the work programme, name- periences about the dealing with the April to investigate ways to start aly education, the labour market and refugee crisis in our home countries process of contacts and discussionslabour mobility as core issues of our took place. However, it did prove use- about common issues with the Na-work. Latvia deems the strengthening ful to get an idea of how the situation tional Assembly of the Republic ofof the prestige of vocational training is handled elsewhere and maybe to Belarus. One important outcome isand education a priority, as it is part find inspiration for the dealing with that representatives from Belarus haveof the innovation system. Ultimately, the topic in our home parliaments and been invited to today’s conferenceit should be the goal of higher educa- in international cooperation. and that the discussion regarding thetion to enhance the creativity and en- observer status of the Belarusian par-trepreneurship of students to become It became very clear that one issue has liament will continue, also bearing inentrepreneurs, create jobs, provide increasingly been in the spotlight of the mind the outcome of the upcomingnew products and services and thus work of other parliamentary conferen- parliamentary elections in Belarus.expand the national as well as global cies and assemblies: to undertake joint The BSPC is determined to make alabour market. Another issue was the efforts against terrorism. I emphasize final decision in 2017.“Modernisation of social protection the need both to defend our securitysystems”. The Commission regards and to defend the fundamental values The response from the governmentsthe free movement of workers as a key that make us strong, namely freedom, to the 24th BSPC resolution has beenpillar of the internal market. Aim is to democracy and human rights. There- more comprehensive than ever before.deliver a balanced approach to labour fore it is (for me) of fundamental im- The BSPC has revised the way it ap-mobility, combining the protection of portance, that we proaches the governments with itsmobile workers and the fight against - condemn terrorism in all its forms as resolutions under the aspect to inves-social security abuse. Both elements of a common threat for our citizens and tigate even more closely in the futurethe package have been subject to full our shared values, how the resolutions of the BSPC wereimplemented by our governments.It has been very good being BSPCPresident throughout this past year andI think we’ve brought forward goodinitiatives. People coming togetheris the basis for any cooperation. AndOn the Podium:Prof. Dr Jānis Vucāns, cooperation also contributes to peace.President of the BSPC,In this spirit I wish all of us fruitfulMr Franz Thönnes, Memberof Parliament, Germany discussions, wise decisions, and a veryand Mr Bodo Bahr, successful continuation of our 25 yearsHead of BSPC Secretariatcooperation.”Monday, 29th August 2016 | The 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 5FIRST SESSIONCooperation in the Baltic Sea regionChair – Prof. Dr Jānis Vucāns, President of the BSPCVice-Chair – Mr Franz Thönnes, MP, GermanyMr Valdis Dombrovskis Ms Zanda Kalniņa- Mr Michał Czyż Mr Guðmundur Árni Ms Carola VeitLukaševica StefánssonThe first session of the conference intro- region and the importance of strong commitments to achieve healthy marineduced “Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Re- networking on expert level. ecosystems. Following this Ms Darjagion”. The session was chaired by Prof. Dr Akhutina, General Director, and MsJānis Vucāns, President of the BSPC and Mr Michał Czyż, Ambassador of Poland Magda Leszczyna-Rzucidło, BS NGOMr Franz Thönnes, Member of Parlia- and outgoing chair of the Council of the Network 2016 Forum Coordinator,ment from Germany as vice-chair. Baltic Sea States (CBSS), informed the reported from the Baltic Sea NGO Fo-delegates about the latest activities and rum and Network and its focus on peo-Starting off in this first session Prof. achievements of the council. Mr Guð- ple-to-people-cooperation and youth.Dr Jānis Vucāns reported from the mundur Árni Stefánsson, AmbassadorBSPC Chair. Mr Valdis Dombrovskis, of Iceland, presented an update on the Ms Maja Gojković, President of theVice-president of the European Com- priorities of the Icelandic CBSS Pres- Parliamentary Assembly of the Blackmission, Vice-President for the Euro and idency. He emphasized the focus on Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC)Social Dialogue, also in charge of Finan- the rights of children, on promoting and Speaker of the National Assemblycial Stability, Financial Services and Cap- democracy, on equality and respect for of the Republic of Serbia, addressed theital Markets Union, outlined the role of human rights and on gender equality. plenary.the BSPC in the European dimension. Ms Carola Veit, Vice-president of theMs Zanda Kalniņa-Lukaševica, Par- BSPC, reported on the governments Mr Vitaly Busko, Chairman of theliamentary Secretary of the Ministry of responses to last years resolution. Ms Commission on International AffairsForeign Affairs, Latvia, referred to the Monika Stankiewicz, Executive Secre- of the House of Representatives of theimportance of regional frameworks to tary of HELCOM, gave a report on the National Assembly of the Republic ofkeep a save, prosperous and connected status of implementation of HELCOM Belarus, addressed the BSPC delegates.Ms Monika Stankiewicz Ms Darja Akhutina Ms Magda Leszczyna- Ms Maja Gojković Mr Vitaly BuskoRzucidło6 The 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | Monday, 29th August 2016SECOND SESSIONHow to develop competitiveness in theBaltic Sea Region by linking educationand the labour marketChair – Ms Dorota Arciszewska-Mielewczyk, MP, PolandVice-Chair – Mr Pyry Niemi, MP, SwedenMs Līga Lejiņa Ms Jadwiga Parada Mr Poul NielsonThe second session was chaired by Ms and sustainable introduction of work- ed on the “Nordic model”, workingDorota Arciszewska-Mielewczyk, based learning. Ms Līga Lejiņa, State life and cooperation around it in theMember of Parliament from Poland, Secretary of the Ministry of Educa- Nordic Region. Mr Jan Guz, OPZZand by Mr Pyry Niemi, Member tion and Science, Latvia, presented President and the Co-president ofof Parliament from Sweden, as vice- lifelong guidance strategies and as- the Baltic Sea Trade Union Network,chair. The topic of the second session pects of career management skills. is reporting from the regional unionwas “How to develop competitiveness Ms Jadwiga Parada, Director of Vo- federation. Dr Martin Sauer, Balticin the Baltic Sea Region by linking cational and Continuing Education Sea Labour Forum, highlighted theeducation and the labour market”. Department from Ministry of Na- creation of sustainable regional labourtional Education, Poland, informed markets within the Baltic Sea Region.The speakers presented their views on activities on vocational education, Mr Vatanyar Yagiya, Prof.essor ofand statements on defining labour on cooperation in higher education the Saint-Petersburg State Universitymarket needs, tools for forecasting and on cooperation with employers. and Councellor of the Saint - Peters-trends in the labour market, voca- Mr Poul Nielson, former EU Com- burg Legislative Assembly Chairmantional education, cooperation in missioner and Danish cabinet minis- stressed the leading role of the devel-higher education and on corporate ter, author of the brand new review opment of education in the Baltic Seasocial responsibility for systematic of the Nordic labour market elaborat- Region.Mr Jan Guz Dr Martin Sauer Mr Vatanyar YagiyaMonday, 29th August 2016 | The 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 7CEREMONIAL SESSIONin honour of the 25th anniversaryof the BSPCBaltic Sea parliamentary cooperation:yesterday, today, tomorrowChair – Ms Carola Veit, Vice-president of the BSPCThe ceremonial session in honour ofthe 25th anniversary of the BSPC washeld as a roundtable discussion mod-erated by Ms Carola Veit, Vice-pres-ident of the BSPC. The discussionevolved around perspectives on “Bal-tic Sea parliamentary cooperation:yesterday, today, tomorrow”. AfterMr Trivimi Velliste and Mr FranzThönnes gave their speeches, MsAnna Abrahamsson, President of theNordic Youth Council, reported onchallenges facing youth today regard-ing education and labour and whatMr Trivimi Velliste Mr Franz Thönnes Ms Anna Abrahamsson solutions can be found for tomorrow.Extracts from the Ceremonial Speechby Mr Franz Thönnes, Chairman of the delegation of theGerman Bundestag to the BSPCMr Franz Thönnes congratulated Lat- He pointed out that the many achieve- Referring to “tomorrow“, he stressedvia and Estonia on their independence ments characteristic of the situation the importance of further strengthening25 years ago. He referred to “yesterday“, “today“ were the result of this dialogue. cooperation in order to look for answershighlighting the development of a com- The BSPC had proved to have become to international challenges such as themon identity, the stabilization of dem- a strong partner with considerable in- refugee situation and the threat posedocratic structures and good neighbour- fluence. It initiated claims that were by terrorism. Cooperating in fields likehoods and recapitulating the first steps of incorporated in the HELCOM Action youth and sustainable tourism were es-the BSPC 1991 in Helsinki. He reiterat- Plan tackling the challenge of marine sential to create a solid regional identity,ed that the overall aim of the BSPC was litter in the Baltic Sea. The “Clean Bal- he said. He concluded that as the regionto strengthen regional identity, to initiate tic Shipping“ concept was another ex- would constantly face new challenges,more powerful political activities and to ample to fight pollution. The Labour the BSPC needed to continuously workenhance interparliamentary, intergovern- Forum brings together numerous em- on dialogue, compromise and coopera-mental and inter civil societal dialogue at ployer and union representatives to pro- tion to face future challenges.eye-level through close cooperation be- mote labour mobility and fair labourtween national and regional parliaments. conditions in the Baltic Sea.8 The 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | Monday, 29th August 2016Extracts from the Ceremonial Speechby Mr Trivimi Velliste, former President of the BSPC and the BalticAssembly, Estonia“For 25 years we have furthered ourco-operation and provided a usefulforum for open debate and exchangeof information between Parliamentsand other bodies of the Baltic Sea Re-gion. This cooperation started due toa fundamental geopolitical changethat had taken place in the region.The historic meeting held at Ronneby, The very existence of the forum as such We should always bear in mind theSweden, on 2 – 3 September 1990 is a crucial precondition for a dialogue fundamental objectives of the Balticwas the first summit of political lead- around the Baltic Sea. The end of the Sea Parliamentary Conference as spelters around the Baltic Sea since World Cold War opened up totally new ave- out in our Rules of Procedure –War Two where representatives of sev- nues to build our common future. Un- strengthening the common identityeral States could again sit behind their fortunately, we have not always been of the Baltic Sea Region, initiatingown national flags. able to meet the new challenge. This is and guiding new political activities,particularly true in the recent years. endowing them with additional, par-The BSPC which had its first conven-liamentary authority.tion in January 1991 was among the However, there are some importantvery first Baltic Sea cooperation fo- practical areas where considerable ac- One of the unique features of therums to be established after the end of tion has taken place. The Baltic Sea BSPC is that it includes representa-the Cold War. It predated the found- environment as a particularly sensitive tives from both national and sub-na-ing of the CBSS. I believe it was a issue has always been in the centre of tional parliaments. This pattern makessymbolic landmark of democratic tra- our attention. It is equally true that our forum quite heterogeneous. Atdition. environmental protection in general the same time it is an asset that offersand maritime safety are of highest pri- added value in terms of widening andBy initiating cooperation among elev-ority for all of us. deepening the concept of democracy.en countries of the Baltic Sea, weDifferent political levels can interactopened a promising window of op- The endeavours of the BSPC haveand complement each another. Theportunity and embarked on a deter- substantially contributed to cross-bor-dialogue becomes more comprehen-mined course towards stability, securi- der, economic and interregional coop-sive with additional dimensions.ty and prosperity in the Region thus eration, to social integration of the re-fostering step-by-step rapprochement gion as well as to enhancing security I strongly believe the BSPC shouldamong our nations. of its citizens. further its cooperation with theCouncil of the Baltic Sea States. Itshould in every possible way cooper-The BSPC Drafting Committee ate in the context of the Northern Di-was responsible for developing themension, taking advantage of the Ac-political recommendations of theannual parliamentary conference tion Plan of the Baltic Sea Strategy.during the three daysconsultation. The resolution One of the best qualities we can offerhandles issues on Education andeach other is our identity – historical,Labour in Baltic Sea Region.geographical, cultural. Despite all the(The conference report, difficulties we face today, we have tothe speeches and the preserve our identity and traditions aspresentations will be availablethey are the most important bridgeon http://www.bspc.net/)from nation to nation.”Tuesday, 30th August 2016 | The 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 9THIRD SESSIONRealising employment opportunities– Improving labour mobility andcombating youth unemploymentChair: Mr Jörgen Petterson, MP, ÅlandVice-chair: Giedrė Purvaneckienė, MP, LithuaniaMr Jānis Reirs Ms Algimanta Pabedinskiene Ms Anette KrammeThe chair of the third session was Mr mechanisms – the Youth Guar- Anette Kramme, ParliamentaryJörgen Petterson, Member of Par- antee (support in the framework State Secretary of the Labour andliament from Åland Islands, and the of active labour market policies, Social Affairs Ministry, Germany,vice-chair was Giedrė Purvaneck- vocational education opportuni- is presenting causes and trends ofienė, Member of Parliament from ties, measures to involve NEETs). youth unemployment and supportLithuania. The discussion evolved Mr Jānis Reirs, Minister of Wel- mechanisms for the integration ofaround “Realising employment oppor- fare, Latvia, shared experiences on refugees in the labour market. Mrtunities – Improving labour mobili- the Baltic employment services Thor Kleppen Sættem, State Sec-ty and combating youth unemploy- and on labour mobility issues in retary of the Ministry of Labourment”. the region. Ms Algimanta Pabe- and Social Affairs, presented per-dinskiene, Minister of Social spectives on youth employmentThe speakers focused on labour Security and Labour, Lithuania, promotion and on immigration inmobility, including emigration/ presented aspects on labour force Norway. Ms Egle Käärats, Deputyimmigration aspects, urbaniza- migration in Lithuania, measures State Secretary General on Labourtion, on trends, causes, solutions of to reduce emigration and actions and Employment Policy, reportedyouth unemployment, on support to fight youth unemployment. Ms on the situation in Estonia.Mr Thor Kleppen Sættem Ms Egle Käärats10Contributions from BSPC Working Groupand RapporteursThe Vice Chairman of the BSPC ficking in Human Beings, Thomas Policy, Jörgen Pettersson from theWorking Group on Sustainable Stritzl from Germany and the BSPC Åland Islands on new developmentsTourism, Sara Kemetter from the Rapporteur on Integrated Maritime in their respective fields of action.Åland Islands, presented the Work-ing Group’s Mid-way report to theconference participants. The groupwill elaborate its final report for the26th BSPC in Hamburg. The par-liamentarians were also updated bythe BSPC Rapporteur on CulturalAffairs, Sonja Mandt from Norway,the BSPC Rapporteur on Eutrophi-cation, Saara-Sofia Sirén from Fin-land, the BSPC Rapporteur on Traf-Closing of the 25th BSPCVoting and Remarksby Dr Jānis Vucāns, Chair of the BSPCDear colleagues, synergetic work during the past couple send in additional proposals, and manyLadies and gentlemen, of days. We have had a constructive delegations did so.I hereby open the Closing Session of discussion, and I think that we haveI would like to remind that accordingthe 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Con- succeeded in finding answers to manyto the Rules of Procedure of the BSPCference. questions.any proposals received after this deadlineI hereby open the Closing Session of However, some of our main tasks are were not taken into account in the pre-the 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Con- still ahead – among others the adoption paring of the final list. There are a num-ference. of the resolution of this conference. All ber of administrative matters that wedelegations received the first draft of have to address first. As always, I wouldI would like to thank all of you for thethe resolution in early July and then like to remind everyone that we can onlyenergetic, productive and I think alsowere given time until 19 August to take decisions by unanimous consent.11Firstly, the Conference is invited to sion I would like to mention only two and I would like to remind everyoneadopt changes to the BSPC Rules of points from this resolution regarding that just like every year, the resolutionProcedure. These reflect changes to the competitiveness in the Baltic Sea Re- needs to find the unanimous agree-BSPC Chairmanship. Can everyone gion by linking Education and Labour ment by every BSPC member. Withagree to the new Rules of Procedure? Market. your adoption of the resolution of the... Is there any vote against? ... No 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary confer-Point 19 is saying the partners agree tovote, so it means unanimously agreed. I ence you also agree to the administra-strengthen the contact between schools,recognize that the 25th Baltic Sea Parlia- tive matters included in the resolution,universities and businesses in order tomentary Conference has agreed to the including the Work Programme 2016make sure that university educationnew Rules of Procedure. - 2017 and the adapted Rules of Pro-and vocational education and trainingcedure. And now I ask you to vote byNext, the Conference is invited to are closely and concretely oriented to-raising your hand and I ́m asking:adopt the Work Programme for 2016 wards labour market and to identify as- 2017. Can everyone agree to the new well as to prevent labour market mis- Can everyone agree to the resolution ofWork Programme? ... Is there any vote matches. To my mind, this sentence is the 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Con-against? ... No votes against. It means very important. ference? Who is for such final resolu-unanimously agreement. Thank you. tion? ...And the second one, point 25 fromLadies and gentlemen, resolution, support business and ed- Thank you. Are any votes against? ...now we can turn to the resolution of ucation cooperation for a sustainable No. Thank you. It means that we havethe 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Con- economic area in the Baltic Sea Re- adopted the final resolution.ference. My thanks to all the delega- gion, especially a systematic exchangetions for their hard work, especially to of expertise in the labour market and Thank you everyone for your greatthe members of the Drafting Commit- education sectors. This cooperation be- work during this conference, as well astee. They worked hard, seeking com- tween business and education sector is during this past year and not only butpromises acceptable to all parties and very, very important to go forward and also for the whole period when every-drafting the final version of the resolu- to make our region competitive in the body of you had been involved in thetion, which is now in front of you. As global scale. activities of BSPC. I hope that the con-always, it wasn’t an easy way to come to tents of the just adopted resolution willan agreement, but to my mind in the Of course there are a lot of other sen- be acted on by our governments, min-end it was worth to go this hard way. tences, but I mention those two be- istries and other institutions around thecause those directly relate to the theme Baltic Sea.Dear colleagues, of our conference.the distributed resolution includes also I truly appreciate the work we haveDear colleagues,the matters related to the title of this done here together. I am sure that thein the distributed resolution, you willconference, relation between Labour Hamburg presidency will strengthenfind the unanimous agreement by theMarket and Education in Baltic Sea the BSPC even further. I expect thatmembers of the Drafting CommitteeRegion. Therefore during this last ses- everybody of you knows that the Ham-12burg Parliament will be the next presid- to be the presiding Parliament in BSPC And now, I have a pleasure to give ouring parliament in the BSPC for the year in year 2018 - 2019. floor to the incoming President of the2016 - 2017. BSPC Ms Carola Veit, President of theThe Drafting Committee also decided Hamburg Parliament, for presentationAdditional information is that the that the BSPC President for the next of incoming presidency.Drafting Committee agreed to give the year will be Carola Veit and we willhonour to the Parliament of Åland to have two Vice Presidents, Jörgen Pet- Please, the floor is yourspreside in the BSPC in the year 2017 - tersson from the Parliament of Åland,2018 and to the Parliament of Norway and myself, Jānis Vucāns.Speech by Ms Carola Veit, incoming Chairman of the BSPC on theoccasion of the transfer of the Chairmanship of the BSPCDear Colleagues, Of course on the economic field, And we have a highly developed sys-Ladies and Gentlemen, since Hamburg Port still plays the tem of public participation and civilDear Jānis, central role for the economic ex- legislation that enables people to in-change of the Baltic states with the fluence and to take part in politicalIt is a great honour and pleasure for rest of the world. decisions.me to take over the chair and to in- All that makes Hamburg the onlyvite you all to the 26th BSPC Con- But also from the cultural point German city among the „Top Ten“ ofference in the Free and Hanseatic of view: the founders of our oldest the most attractive cities in the world.City of Hamburg next September. church for example asked the samechurch architects to construct and You all know Hamburg Port, the big-Two months before that, govern- build our “St. Katharinen” as the gest one in Germany, but my home-ments meet in Hamburg for the founders of “St. Peter’s” Church here town has several bases for economicG-20-Summit, so it is a good place in Riga did. power.also for us, representing the parlia-ments, to come together for our an- Or Nikolaus Kopernikus: He regretted Hamburg is one of the leading plac-nual meeting. he had never seen planet Mercury. Well, es for aviation industries, for renew-he was short sighted, which of course is ables, and Hamburg is the centre ofGeographically seen, I have to admit a handicap for an astronomer... creative industries in Germany. Med-that my hometown is not too close to ical industries and of course tourismthe Baltic sea – but of course it is – from But in our Hamburg Planetarium are further key aspects.the historical and political point of view. we have a big, impressing star-showwhich deals exactly with his subject And of course there is much more:That is why Hamburg has been a and with the conclusions made by Just to mention that Hamburg wasparticipant of our conference since Nikolaus Kopernikus. the first state in Germany to have anits foundation in 1991. We have nev- overall youth employment agencyer hosted the annual meeting in all You can see: Hamburg has not only that provides assistance in educationthose years, so let’s say it is high time been connected with the Baltic area and training – as we just discussed.to do so. for centuries – it will always be im- Or that we provide every child be-portant for us. tween zero and fourteen (and theirLiving and working together with all parents) with child care that is basiclyBaltic sea neighbours has a long and Hamburg offers an attractive envi- free of charge.successful tradition in Hamburg. It ronment for work and life, that ishas been like this since the end of the strongly characterized by taking over So let me now give you some impres-Middle Age, when we fought pirates responsibility towards nature. sions: (short film on Hamburg)together, and it is still valid.13So we can offer you, dear colleagues, 2. science, education and youthan ideal surrounding for the issues 3. sustainable tourismof our BSPC 2017 we just adoptedin our work-programme, as there So let me once again say thank you toare: Jānis and his team as well as to Bodofor hosting and organisation of this1. democracy and participation, year’s conference!also in connection with youthexchange See you in Hamburg! Thank you!Closing Wordsby Dr Jānis Vucāns, Chair of the BSPCSea Parliamentary Conference at a time Let me express thanks also to the man-when the Baltic region and the whole agement of the Latvians Parliament,of Europe is facing great challenges Saeima Administration of Parliamentwhich affect all of us together as well as and the staff of the Saeima for the sup-everybody individually. port and assistance in efficiently organ-ising this conference.That is why, with a great sense of re-sponsibility, the Latvian presidency Many thanks also to you, Bodo Bahr,strived to reach an agreement on joint and to you, Ingrida Sticenko, and toThank you, Carola, for your kind policy as implemented by the legisla- your teams of Secretariat for your verywords. Thank you for the inspiring pre- ture and the executive power in order significant input in our work.sentation of the Hamburg presidency to provide the people of our countriesin the BSPC. It`s a pleasure for me to with the sense that we are living and And finally, our special thanks to thehand over the presidency from Latvia to will continue to live in a secure and interpreters sitting in that room forHamburg. And I hold this symbolic re- open and unified region. their amazing job that greatly simpli-lay baton which traditionally goes from fied our work over the past couple ofone presidency to another one. There- During this conference, there are pre- days.fore, please, now this is yours. pared materials which are already dis-I hope that you had pleasant stay intributed to you. This is the nutshellSymbolically this baton has a power of from this conference. There is addition- my country and we Latvians tried togood thoughts, which means that we ally a first edition of the booklet about do the best. I now declare the 25thwish you a very successful presidency 25 Years BSPC, but the additional in- Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conferencefor your year and this is with best wish- formation is that there will be the sec- closed. Thank you all!es. I ask all Germans to help Carola or- ond edition of this booklet where alsoganise this conference because I know material from this 25th conference willhow difficult it is, how much it is nec- be included and Bodo promised that itessary to have a good team and to have will be prepared quite soon.support from all sides is very importantin this organisational work. Good luck! I would like to thank also everyonewho has participated in the organ-And now in the capacity of outgoing isation of this 25th Baltic Sea Parlia-president, I would like to emphasise mentary Conference. First of all, mythat it has been a true honor to be the thanks go to all of you, the parliamen-BSPC President and it was a great re- tarians, experts, government repre-sponsibility for us, the Latvian parlia- sentatives, and guests for your activementarians, to preside over the Baltic involvement.14Conference ResolutionAdopted by the 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC)The participants, elected represen- - committed to adapting experi- able Development in the Baltictatives from the Baltic Sea Region ences from the past to a common Sea Region adopted by the highStates*, assembling in Riga, Lat- future so that the integration of representatives of the CBSS gov-via, 28-30 August 2016, the Baltic Sea Region shall be car- ernment institutions responsibleried on while preserving regional for sustainable development on 6taking into account a significantidentities; June, 2016;number of acts of internationalterrorism that have occurred since - convinced that respecting the - welcoming the acceptance ofthe last BSPC in Rostock, August rights of minorities would provide Chair ́s Conclusions of CBSS Sci-2015, a benefit for all regions in the Bal- ence Ministers ́ Conference calledtic Sea Area; Baltic Science: Renewing the- condemn terrorism in all itsCommitment to Science/Researchforms as a common threat for our - welcoming that the implemen-Joint Actions in the Baltic Sea Re-citizens and our shared values, tation of the Baltic Sea Parliamen-gion in Kraków, on 16 June, 2016;tary Conference resolutions has- deplore the loss of innocentprogressively become more com- - welcoming the Internationallives, express sympathy and soli-prehensive; Maritime Organization’s (IMO)darity with the victims of all ter-decision that the Baltic Sea specialrorist attacks, their families and all - affirming the importance of thearea for sewage discharges fromthose who suffered in these inhu- United Nations 2030 Agenda forpassenger ships under Annex IVmane attacks, Sustainable Development that isor the MARPOL Convention willdevoted to the people, the protec-take effect by latest 2021 for IMO- express the crucial need for thetion of the planet, prosperity inregistered passenger vessels, in linejoint fight against this major threatharmony with nature, peace andwith previous BSPC resolutions;to our societies and to uphold ourpartnership, and believing in thedemocratic values, while stressingnecessity of the implementation of call on the governments in thethat this fight has to respect thethe 17 Sustainable Development Baltic Sea Region, the CBSS andrule of law and civil and humanGoals, especially Goal 14 which the EU,rights, discussing Cooperation intargets to conserve and sustainablythe Baltic Sea Region, Innovationuse the oceans, seas and marineand Competitiveness in the Balticresources for sustainable develop-Sea Region by linking Educationment;and Labour Market, EmploymentRegarding Cooperation in theOpportunities, Labour Mobility - welcoming the adoption of theRegion, toand Youth Unemployment, and Warsaw Declaration: RegionalSustainable Tourism, Responses to Global Challenges1. welcome mutual cooperationat the Meeting of Deputy Foreignand peaceful solutions of inter-- against the background of theMinisters of the Council of thenational disputes taking into ac-BSPC’s Silver Jubilee recognizingBaltic Sea States (CBSS) in War-count best practises for example inthe Baltic Sea Parliamentary Con-saw on 8 June, 2016;the Baltic Sea region;ference’s model character as a plat-form for inter-parliamentary co- - welcoming the adoption of the2. take further steps to re-establishoperation in the region in the face Declaration Baltic 2030: Renew-mutual trust and dialogue in theof the current political climate; ing the Commitment to Sustain-Baltic Sea Region, in particular*Parliaments and parliamentary institutions:Baltic Assembly, Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Denmark, Estonia, European Parliament, Federal Republic of Germany, Finland, Free and Hanseatic City of Ham-burg, Iceland, Kaliningrad Region, Latvia, Lithuania, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Nordic Council, Norway, Poland, City of St. Petersburg, Council of Federation ofthe Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Schleswig-Holstein, Sweden, Åland Islands.15within the Council of the Baltic the EU strategy for the Baltic Sea 13. foster cooperation in the fieldSea States in order to ensure the Region; of research and innovation to-most efficient use of the organi- wards more competitive and sus-7. discuss mutual definitions re-zation’s potential as a forum for tainable region;garding sustainable developmentmultilateral intergovernmental co-throughout the Baltic Sea region 14. pay greater attention to theoperation as well as political andand to support innovations with- issue of ensuring predictabili-policy dialogue in the Baltic Seain green and blue technologies as ty that could be strengthenedRegion;well as to create a joint web por- through reciprocal transparency3. further enhance regional syner- tal for the Baltic Sea region for and risk reduction measures. Thisgy and cohesion through deepen- sharing good examples regarding is important in order to avoiding collaboration and structured research, education and environ- any unnecessary risks and ten-dialogue between organizations mental best practices; sions, including with regard to theand cooperation formats in the movement of military vessels and8. take the lead and coordinateBaltic Sea Region; planes in the Baltic Sea Region;development of a new regulations4. further promote and encour- framework for autonomous ves-age public-private practical inter- sels with the aim to make propos-action as a tool for cross-border als to IMO as well as to supportcooperation, economically viable research, technology developmentRegarding Competitiveness inactions and projects for the ben- and standards for autonomousthe Baltic Sea Region by linkingefit of the Baltic Sea Region, tak- vessels;Education and Labour Market,ing into account and advancingto9. continue cooperation betweenthe success of the Saint Petersburgeach other in areas where mutu-Initiative and encouraging fuller15. recognize the need to linkal benefits and synergies can beuse of the CBSS Pilot Financialeducation and the labour marketachieved among relevant regionalInitiative, if the situation permits;more closely;strategies and action plans;5. build on success of the CBSS16. against this background to10. against the background of theProject Support Facility as a toolsupport the New Skills Agenda forgeneral competitive situation infor supporting the strategicallyEurope;the tourism economy as well asimportant project activities in thethe current tense situation in Eu-Baltic Sea Region, taking particu- 17. provide vocational trainingrope to encourage transnationallar note of Russia’s and Finland’s and skills development opportu-strategies and long-term commit-voluntary contribution to the nities to young people which arements for fostering cross-borderFacility for 2016, and to explore geared to the needs of industryapproaches primarily in the fieldthe possibilities for a continuation and which, by way of generallyof sustainable tourism in the Bal-of the CBSS funding facility in a recognized formal qualifications,tic Sea Region;form of the Baltic Sea Coopera- form one of the most importanttion Fund after 2016; prerequisites for workplace suc-11. closely work together in cop-cess;ing with the ongoing challenges6. further strengthen and developconnected with the refugees in theHELCOM as the main coordinat- 18. strengthen the contacts be-region and to continue to ensureing body in the effort to protect tween schools, universities andthe decent treatment of and thethe Baltic marine environment, business in order to make sureright to safe asylum for these refu-and to strongly support and en- that university education and vo-gees in the countries of the Balticcourage a fast implementation of cational education and trainingSea Region;the Marine Litter Action Plan, are closely and concretely orient-as well as the implementation of ed towards labour market and to12. foster closer cooperation and,the NOx emission control area identify as well as to prevent la-as far as necessary, following EURoadmap for the Baltic Sea, and bour market mismatches;respectively UN declarations into stress the importance of thetackling illegal and irregular mi-Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) as 19. build on success of the CBSSgration;one of the environmental pillars of EuroFaculty programme as an ex-16ample of long-term project-based 28. call more intensified “bot- 36. also use for this purpose goodcooperation in higher education tom-up” collaboration and net- approaches such as the recommen-and science for the benefit of the working in order to pursue devel- dation of the Council of the Eu-people of the Baltic Sea Region opment and synergies in specific ropean Union on the integrationand to explore the possible steps areas of science, research, innova- of long-term unemployed into theforward for this programme; tion and clusters collaboration; labour market;20 foster the further development 29. facilitate continuous dialogue 37. pursue the goal of steppingand upgrade of skills (basic and and collaboration in science, re- up efforts to encourage in partic-specialized) and employability search, innovation and higher ed- ular low-skilled, long-term un-through establishment of a right ucation using existing political and employed and older employees tofor lifelong learning; regional formats and initiatives; take part in continuing vocationaleducation and training;21. improve transparency andcomparability of qualifications, 38. further develop the promo-and thereby to further develop tion of continuing training andthe mutual recognition of formal improve the conditions for con-Regarding Employment Oppor-qualifications; tinuing training provision gearedtunities, Labour Mobility andto the acquisition of vocationalYouth Unemployment, to22. facilitate anticipating labourtraining qualifications, includingmarkets’ skills needs;for young adults;30. work towards the creation of ajoint, collaborative labour market23. explore the need for a North-39. facilitate mobility especial-in the Baltic Sea Region;ern Dimension Partnership forly in cross-border regions and toLabour Market and Education toprovide information services to31. support a common jobs plat-further develop education and la-frontier workers who are subjectform and to raise its awareness inbour market in the Baltic Sea Re-to different national practices andorder to harness its full potentialgion;legal systems;for the labour force of the BalticSea Region;24. support business and educa-40. utilize cross-border capaci-tion cooperation for a sustainableties for commuters in education32. bring together national em-economic area in the Baltic Seaand studies thereby understand-ployment services and private em-Region, especially a systematic ex-ing cross-border commuting as aployment agencies, including thechange of expertise in the labourmeans to reduce the risk of unem-social partners, in order to boostmarket and education sectors;ployment;job seekers’ chances;25. strengthen the cooperation41. make better use of the resourc-33. use and further develop goodbetween social associations, thees of an ageing society;approaches such as the EU’s Youthsocial partners and governmentalGuarantee scheme in order to de-organisations in a social dialogue; 42. facilitate cooperation betweenvelop sustainable and broad-basededucation and business to enableconcepts for tackling youth unem-26. support research and standard-young people to find work andployment and promote the transi-ization within cyber security, withemployers to fill vacancies;tion from school to working life;focus on maritime context and ap-plications and to foster data gover- 43. rigorously and continuously34. provide targeted measures tonance in order to enable a fair and pursue the goal of reducing youthNEETS to integrate them success-fertile environment for new data unemployment and opening upfully into training and work;driven services that will capitalize job prospects and life chances forour regions technology excellence all young people, to use financial35. promote the integration of theand trigger high skill job creation; funds by the European Union tolong-term unemployed in the la-this and to monitor results;bour market, using tried and test-27. implement the Baltic Sea Re-ed methods based on a coordinat-gion as a leading learning region;ed and individualized approachwhich includes employers;1744. intervene at an early stage to 50. strengthen the rural devel- service unit for Sustainable Tour-inform young people making the opment and agricultural pro- ism cooperation and permanenttransition from school to work duction in accordance with the platform for information andabout pathways and possibilities environment in such a way, that know-how exchange at transna-with respect to career develop- the natural landscape and sound tional level, the so-called “Balticment and promote successful en- environment as precondition for a Sea Tourism Center”;try into the jobs market; sustainable tourism in rural areas58. support the objectives of theare protected and restored;45. strive to ensure fair wages and Policy Area Tourism in the EUto work towards the reduction of 51. support transnational strate- Strategy for the Baltic Sea Regionsubcontracted, temporary agency gies which promote the develop- to facilitate and strengthen thework and temporary service con- ment of tourism in the Baltic Sea Baltic Sea Tourism Forum processtracts where permanent jobs are Region and to include the creation as well as to facilitate coordina-possible; of synergies between projects and tion with stakeholders througha communication strategy for the joint workshops;46. educate and integrate refugees Policy Area Tourism;into the labour market as soon as 59. facilitate the networking andpossible and to exchange experi- 52. ensure the better inclusion of clustering of tourism stakehold-ences with best practice examples all Baltic Sea countries in joint ers;within the Baltic Sea Region. And projects and strategies as well as of60. reinvigorate and update ex-also embed the social partners the private sector to improve di-isting but untapped knowledgecomprehensively and at an early rect economic impact;in the Baltic Sea Region aboutstage in these efforts;53. work towards increased coher- Sustainable Tourism, for instance47. promote the participation of ence with regard to approaches to the Agora Strategy for Sustainablepeople with disabilities in work- Sustainable Tourism in the region; Tourism Development in the Bal-tic Sea Region;ing life, where possible in busi-54. order to help mobilize the fullness in the general labour market,potential of Sustainable Tourism 61. work towards creating lon-having regard for the principle ofto establish the Baltic Sea Region ger-term impacts and benefits,inclusion in the meaning of theas a common and coherent tour- thus increasing public acceptance;UN Convention on the Rights ofism destination;Persons with Disabilities;55. jointly work towards a com-48. support their public labourmon understanding of Sustainableadministrations to promote theTourism and to strive to establish Furthermore, the Conferencemobility of their citizens in thejoint marketing and joint labels; Decides toentire Baltic Sea Region;56. support the Baltic Sea Tour-62. welcome with gratitude theism Forum and its newly-estab-kind offer of the Parliament oflished project for a permanentthe Free and Hanseatic City ofplatform for information andHamburg to host the 26th BalticRegarding Sustainable Tourism, know-how exchange – the BalticSea Parliamentary Conferenceto Sea Tourism Center – as coordi-in Hamburg on 3 - 5 Septembernator for the implementation of2017.49. against the background of activities on Sustainable Tourismthe unique natural environment in the region;of the Baltic Sea and the vulner-ability of many habitats, to work 57. especially support the ap-on cross-border strategies in order plication for the 2nd call by theto minimize existing conflicts be- Baltic Sea Tourism Center for fi-tween tourism, marine and coast- nancial support via the EU-IN-al protection; TERREG-Programme SouthBaltic 2014-2020 to achieve theestablishment of an operational18 The 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | ImpressionsImpressions | The 25th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 1925 BSPCYEARSBaltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceConference Site University of Latvia Academic Centre of Natural Sciences inRiga, Latvia, on 28th – 30th August 2016Photo: shutterstock.comMeet you next time in Germany, hosting the 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference inHamburg on 3rd – 5th September 2017Photo: shutterstock.comImpressum©BSPC Secretariat Text: Dr. Claudia Peters, Bodo Bahr2016 Editing: Bodo Bahr, Dr. Claudia PetersLayout: Produktionsbüro TinusPhotos: Reinis Inkens, Ernests Dinka