26 BSPC in a Nutshell Publication

26 BSPC3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, Germany | The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceYEARSBaltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceThe 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, Germany– BSPC in a Nutshell –Innovative Science, Sustainable Tourism –Participation and Cooperation in the Baltic Sea RegionThe 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary 3rd September. In the afternoon, City of Hamburg, welcomed the par-Conference took place in Hamburg, a tour through the German Elec- ticipants. The following three ses-Germany. Around 200 delegates, ex- tron Synchrotron Research Center sions focussed on cooperation in theperts and guests met in the historical and a harbour boat trip provided Baltic Sea Region, on democraticTown Hall of Hamburg. The aim of the participants with insight into participation & the digital age andthe conference was to pass a resolu- the historical, economical and in- on science and research.tion on the Baltic Sea Region as a role novative characteristics of Ham-model for innovative science and sus- burg. On Tuesday, the fourth session fo-tainable tourism and to foster the cussed on sustainable tourism andparticipation and cooperation in the On Monday, Ms Carola Veit, Presi- the final report of the BSPC WorkingBaltic Sea Region. dent of the Parliament of the Free Group on Sustainable Tourism. Sub-and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and sequently, the participants launchedThe BSPC Drafting Committee President of the BSPC opened the a new BSPC Working Group on Mi-and the BSPC Standing Commit- conference and Mr Olaf Scholz, First gration and Integration.tee held their sessions on Sunday, Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic2 The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | 3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, GermanyExtracts from the Welcoming Speech givenby Ms Carola Veit, President of the BSPC“It is my distinct honor to have served for people to follow. Only an en- and parliamentary work. [...] In myas BSPC President for this past year gaged citizenry who has a stake in the comments I underlined the importantand to be the host of the 26th an- political process will ensure a stable role science plays in informing policynual BSPC conference.[...] We are democracy. This is all the more true decisions. But I also made it clear thatgathered here in the Great Hall of for a city state like Hamburg, where policy is influenced by interests, sim-the Town Hall. When you came in political decisions affect citizens even ple majorities and financial restraints.I’m sure you noticed the grandesse more directly. [...] Policymaking works in trial-and-errorand the elaborate architecture – not mode: If we want to try out some-something you would usually expect We live in a globalized and gradually thing new, we have to change laws,from a sober Hanseatic trading city. more digitalized world, workers com- which sometimes means that oth-pete with workers even from other er policy areas are also inadvertentlyFor the next two days, the Town Hall countries, contracts are increasingly affected. So there is not always onesets the scene for our 26th Baltic Sea only temporary, and an ageing soci- certain way of “getting things right”Parliamentary Conference. With our ety means that fewer workers have to – policymaking is messy and the com-topics “Democracy”, “Science” and finance the pensions of more seniors. promise of long debates. But it does“Sustainability” I believe we have [...]. rely on every actor at least trying – tochosen forward-looking themes, the best of their knowledge and abilitywhich will determine the strength of In my capacity as BSPC President I – to get as close to the right decisionour societies in the future. [...] was invited to the annual gathering as they can. And that requires someof the Baltic Sea Science Congress in ground rules for democratic debate asLet me elaborate the overall idea be- June. I was asked to comment on the well as the acceptance of facts. If factshind this conference. In Hamburg key question of the session: ‘What is suddenly also become negotiable, wewe have long thought about ideas to the role of evidence-based science in undermine the basis of democraticinvolve our citizens in the political current and future decision-making’ debate, and ultimately of democracyprocess and make it more accessible from the perspective of parliaments itself. [...]”3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, Germany | The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 3Extracts from the Opening Speech givenby Mr Olaf Scholz, First Mayor of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburgroom for joint consultations of so many opportunity to thank the Council ofBaltic Sea Parliamentarians today. the Baltic Sea States very much for thesound collaboration in this regard.For the Hamburg Senate, the Baltic Sea Boosting prosperity is one objective ofPolicy is highly significant. We are well our regional cooperation. In our inter-aware of the importance of regional and connected and service-oriented society,transnational coordination. We value this prosperity increasingly depends onthe dialogue between the Baltic regions education. [...]on all levels. Especially with regards tocreating a joint identity within the Bal- Prosperity and education, labour mo-tic Sea Region, Hamburg as host has bility, Smart City and environmentalmore than just symbolic value. [...] issues – the catalogue of our joint topicsis substantial. Our experiences are en-The Baltic Sea Parliamentary Confer- riching, our perspectives often difference is highly important for the bond and even when we do not aim at achiev-throughout our region. This is reflected ing the same objective, we all knowin many fields – in economy and infra- about the importance of cooperation.structure, but also in education and re-“Welcome to Hamburg! Our City is search. Among others, the Baltic Sci- On behalf of the city of Hamburg, Iindeed very suited to host the Baltic Sea ence Network stresses the importance wish all Baltic Sea Parliamentary Con-Parliamentary Conference this time. As Hamburg assigns to engaging in the ference participants fruitful discussionsHanseatic City, we have been closely Baltic Sea area. This project is substan- and good luck. This meeting is a verylinked with the Baltic coastal states for tially brought forward by the Hamburg positive and important contributionmany centuries. And I am glad to see Ministry of Science, Research and for cohesion, peace and prosperity inthat the Hamburg Town Hall offers Equalities. I would like to seize this the Baltic Sea Region.”4 The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | 3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, GermanyHarbour Boat Trip and Tour through theGerman Electron Synchrotron Research CenterOn Sunday afternoon, there was aboat trip trough the harbour of Ham-burg, Germany’s largest port andnamed the country’s “Gateway to theWorld”. The participants were takenaround the harbour to see the enor-mous merchant vessels, cruise linersand impressive buildings like the El-bphilharmonie. The guided boat tripon the river Elbe provided a splendidview of the Free and Hanseatic Cityof Hamburg.A second excursion provided theparticipants with a tour through theGerman Electron Synchrotron Re-search Center. This national researchcenter in Germany operates parti-cle accelerators used to investigatethe structure of matter. The guidedtour presented the innovative andscientific characteristics of Hamburgand showed a road spectrum of in-ter-disciplinary scientific research inthe main areas: high energy physicsphoton science and the develop-ment, construction and operation ofparticle accelerators.3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, Germany | The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 5FIRST SESSIONCooperation in the Baltic Sea RegionChair: Jörgen Pettersson, MP, Åland,Vice-President of the BSPCCo-Chair: Valentina Pivnenko, MP, Russian FederationThe first session of the conference Council of the Baltic Sea States. tions 2030 Agenda for Sustainableintroduced the “Cooperation in the During the presidency of Iceland Development.Baltic Sea Region”. The session was the main focus led on the topicschaired by Mr Jörgen Petterson, democracy, equality and children The parliamentarians were updatedMember of Parliament from the and on the 25th anniversary of the by the BSPC Rapporteurs. The BSPCÅland Islands, and Ms Valentina CBSS. Rapporteur on Integrated MaritimePivnenko, Member of Parliament Policy, Mr Jörgen Pettersson from thefrom the Russian Federation. Mr Hans Olsson, Chairman of Åland Islands, the BSPC Rapporteurthe Committee of Senior Officials on Cultural Affairs, Ms Sonja MandtStarting of in this first session Mr and Ambassador of Sweden, pre- from Norway, and the BSPC Rappor-Guðmundur Árni Stefánsson, sented an update on the priorities teur on the Baltic Sea Labour Forum,Outgoing CBSS Chair and Am- of the upcoming Swedish CBSS Mr Franz Thönnes from Germany,bassador of Iceland, reported on Presidency stressing the main topic informed on new developments inthe work and activities from the sustainability and the United Na- their respective fields of action.6 The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | 3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, GermanyExtracts from the Report on Implementationof the 25th BSPC Resolution givenby Prof Jānis Vucāns, Vice-President of the BSPC“Today, I have the honour to present ing competitiveness through better also mentioned. [...] We can statethe report on the governments’ re- aligning school and university pro- that some cooperation is certainlysponses to the 25th BSPC Resolution grammes with economic needs. [...] already in place within the field ofimplementation survey. [...] sustainable tourism.Many of the issues raised in the chap-Let me thank each government of the ter “Employment Opportunities, However, I share the opinion point-Baltic Sea region and everyone who Labour Mobility and Youth Unem- ed out in our policy analysis: There ishas contributed to the statements of ployment” of the resolution are well still space for improvement in the fu-the governments. Much work has covered by numerous programmes ture. For example, in terms of format,been done but it has been worth the and projects initiated by the govern- the statements would benefit fromeffort to make progress along these ments. The policy analysis which we some standardisation. [...]lines. In this way, we are strengthen- received sees the need to establishing the parliamentary dimension in more regular exchange platforms be- If we are successful in convincingthe whole Baltic Sea Region. [...] tween different actors. [...] our governments to follow thesehints in the future, the parliamentsThe issue of linking education and As in the previous two sections, the in the Baltic Sea Region and the gov-the labour market more closely is of focus of the chapter “Sustainable ernments among each other will re-major importance for the govern- Tourism” lies on national measures ceive better and better input for thements regarding the future welfare of to promote sustainable tourism with- implementation of measures whichtheir citizens. The governments have in their respective countries but some will help to improve and to strength-implemented a great variety of pro- initiatives to strengthen transnation- en the prosperity in the whole Balticjects and activities aimed at increas- al and cross-border cooperation are Sea Region.”Foto Publikum3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, Germany | The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 7SECOND SESSIONDemocratic Participation &the Digital AgeModerated by Carola Veit”Prof Jobst Fiedler, Professor of Pub-lic and Financial Management fromthe Hertie School of Governance,gave a keynote speech adress on thetopic “democracy at a crossroad –Rebuilding Trust through Participa-tion.”The second presentation in this ses-sion given by Mr Alexander Shish-lov, Human Rights Ombudsmanfor Saint Petersburg, focussed on“Digital Age Challenges to HumanProf Jobst Fiedler Alexander Shishlov Rights and Democracy”.The second session on Democratic Par-ticipation and the Digital Age wasmoderated by Carola Veit.The speakers presented their viewsand statements on democratic par-ticipation, especially focussing thechallenges and opportunities of dig-italization.Exhibition Opening“Finland 100 Anniversary Exhibition”The Finnish BSPC Delegation invited theparticipants to take part in the openingceremony of the exhibition “Suomi-Finland– 100 years of democracy” on the occasion ofthe 100 anniversary of independence of theRepublic of Finland in 2017, located at theTown Hall of Hamburg. Ms Veera Ruohu,Head of the Delegation of the Parliament ofFinland, presented the exhibition and thehistory of finish democracy.8 The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | 3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, GermanyThe second session furthermoreincluded a roundtable discussionon the topic “democratic partici-pation and the digital age”, mod-erated by Ms Carola Veit. Duringthe discussion Mr Espen Krogh,Nordic Council Youth President,pointed out the importance of so-cial media and the developments ofpopulism in the digital age and therole of social media in a democracy.Ms Valentina Pivnenko, Memberof Parliament from the RussianFederation, informed on the sig- forms of deliberate democracy, ers get sufficient information’s onnificance of voter participation in digital mobilisation and referred politics through the news and me-elections and the developments to the increasing amount of polit- dia. Mr Veiko Spolītis, Member ofin increasing the access to digital ical communication on the social Parliament from Latvia, referred totechnologies for the people. Prof media platforms. Mr Alexander the basic values of democracies asJobst Fiedler, Professor of Public Shishlov, Human Rights Om- free press and protection of minor-and Financial Management from budsman for Saint Petersburg, fo- ity rights.the Hertie School of Governance, cussed in the discussion on possi-pointed out the opportunities for bilities how to face the existing lack The roundtable discussion endedincreasing political interest by a of trust in election processes and with inquiries and a lively debatehigher usage of referenda, new the importance to ensure, that vot- from the plenary.3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, Germany | The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 9THIRD SESSIONScience and ResearchChair: Prof Jānis Vucāns, MP, Latvia,Vice-President of the BSPCCo-Chair: Prof Aadu Must, MP,President of the Baltic AssemblyMonika Stankiewicz Maira Mora Prof Ulrich BathmannThe chair of the third session was Prof Ms Monika Stankiewicz, HEL- retariat of the Council of the BalticJānis Vucāns, Member of Parliament COM Executive Secretary, reported Sea States, presented the Sciencefrom Latvia and Vice-President of the on the State of the Baltic Sea in the and Research policy in the BalticBSPC, and the vice-chair was Prof year 2017 with a view on the pres- Sea Region and Baltic Science Net-Aadu Must, Member of Parliament ent and the future. work.and President of the Baltic Assembly.The topic of this session was “Science Ms Maira Mora, Director General Prof Ulrich Bathmann, Leibnizand Research”. of the Permanent International Sec- Institute for Baltic Sea Research, in-formed on evidence-based environ-mental management.Jari Haapala, Finnish Meteorologi-cal Institute, presented an overviewon the utility of regional climatemodels for the Baltic Sea Region.Prof Robert Feidenhans’l, Direc-tor European XFEL, gave a speechon “European X-Ray – A new re-search facility at the forefront ofScience” and informed on futurex-ray projects.Jari Haapala Prof Robert Feidenhans’l10 The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | 3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, GermanyFourth SESSIONChair: Pyry Niemi, MP, SwedenSustainable Tourism Co-Chair: Karin Gaardsted, MP, DenmarkThe fourth session of the conference BSPC Working Group Meeting on Mr Arild Molstad, Author andaddressed the topic “Sustainable Sustainable Tourim. Furthermore Journalist, Adviser on conservationTourism”. The session was chaired by they presented an overview of their and sustainable tourism to interna-Mr Pyry Niemi, Member of Parlia- ideas for developing sustainable tional institutions - Norway, pre-ment from the Sweden, and Ms Karin tourism in the Baltic Sea Region. sented the topic “The Paris ClimateGaardsted, Member of Parliament Agreement and tourism: A Roadm-from Denmark. Dr Monika Griefahn, Chief Sus- ap for the future.tainability Officer AIDA Cruises,Friederike Schick and Elias Lind- reported on the sustainability pro- Mr Michael Otremba, Manag-ström, Baltic Sea Parliamentary jects of AIDA Cruises. ing Director Hamburg TourismusYouth Forum, reported about the GMBH, informed the participantsBaltic Sea Parliamentary Youth Mr Alexandr Sirchenko, TUI Rus- about “Sustainable Tourism in Cit-Forum that took place in Spring sia, informed on the Development ies. The permission to grow?”2017 in Kiel in connection with the of International Tourism.New BSPC Working Group – Migration & IntegrationChair: Franz Thönnes, MP, Germany | Vice-Chair: Per Rune Henrikson, MP, NorwayThe fifth and last session was chaired by Mr Franz Thönnes, Member of Parliament from Germany, and Mr PerRune Henriksen, Member of Parliament from Norway. The speakers presented their views and statements on“Migration and Integration” and the participants implemented a new BSPC Working Group on “Migration andIntegration”Mr Pedro Roque, President of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean, addressed the plenary. Ms Isa-bel Santos, Vice-Chair of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly ad hoc Committee on Migration and OSCE Parlia-mentary Vice-President, gave a speech on “For a Coherent, Shared and Responsible Governance of Migration andRefugee Flows”.Extracts from the speech on the Final Report from theBSPC Working Group on Sustainable Tourism,given by Ms Sara Kemetter, BSPC Working Group Vice-Chairperson“After two years of intensive work, tock, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, established and maintained contactsit is my great pleasure to present to launched the Working Group on with relevant institutions, organisa-you the final report of the Working Sustainable Tourism with the over- tions and other actors in the BalticGroup on Sustainable Tourism. [...] arching objective to elaborate polit- Sea Region.ical positions and recommendationsLet us look back. In the summer pertaining to sustainable tourism. In these two years, we met sevenof 2015, the 24th BSPC in Ros- For this purpose, the working group times. The meetings were alternately3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, Germany | The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 11hosted by parliaments of the Region. sustainable level. Moreover, we had maintain our close contact and ourWe invited experts from different intensive discussions on the differ- close cooperation. With regard topolicy fields and backgrounds to give ent tourism taxation models and our long-standing political engage-presentations on certain topics. We tax incentives in the tourism sector. ment in tourism policy – we as Bal-collected best practices in sustainable In general, tourism is a growing tic Sea Parliamentarians should con-tourism as a methodical approach to sector so that the fiscal policies in tinue our engagement in this field.support the transfer of advantages the Baltic Sea states have to react toand opportunities of sustainability these tendencies. Let’s all together and together withbetween the Baltic Sea Regions. [...] our governments try to achieve whatIt is of crucial importance to note is also pointed out in the draft reso-We focussed on best practices in that the topics “tourism” and “sus- lution of this conference:Island Tourism, Cruise Tourism, tainability” are not separate policies.Cycling Tourism as well as the ex- [...] Therefore, for my colleagues To orient our work along the prin-istence and implementation of and I, it was and is very important ciple that sustainability is the guid-sustainable approaches of a na- that we call on the governments in ing principle and standard practicetional strategy. The working group our resolution primarily to make in all types of tourism in the Balticfurthermore had a look at existing sure that the consequences of tour- Sea region and work towards the vi-connections between environmen- ism are sustainable and for this rea- sion that the Baltic Sea Region willtal protection, climate change and son adopt models and methods to become the first eco-region in thesustainable tourism. Especially save and protect nature. [...] world, conceiving of the BSR as thein the field of optimizing traffic first region where ecology and econ-routes, there is a lot to do, with The mandate of the BSPC working omy work together in a balancedmany different possibilities and group on sustainable tourism will and integrated manner to sustainways for all regions to reach a more end today. I am sure that we can societies and culture.”The BSPC DraftingCommittee met on Sun-day, 3rd September, andwas responsible for devel-oping the political recom-mendations of the annualparliamentary conference.The resolution refers totopics on cooperation inthe region, on democraticparticipation and the dig-ital age, on innovativescience and research andon sustainable tourism.The BSPC StandingCommittee met on Sun-day and finally preparesthe annual Conference.Furthermore the meetingoversaw the structure andthe work plan of the up-coming presidency of theÅland Islands.(The conference report, thespeeches and the presenta-tions will be available onhttp://www.bspc.net/)12 The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | 3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, GermanyExtracts from the Farewell to Per Rune Henriksen andFranz Thönnes givenby Ms Carola Veit, President of the BSPC“In September, there will be gener- that you may be able to further somebody who has significantly in-al elections in two of our member support our work. fluenced and put his mark on thecountries: in Norway and Germa- contents and the direction of theny. In some cases, it is not quite We will also miss in the future Baltic Sea Parliamentary Confer-certain ahead of the elections who Wille Rydman, Member of the ence for nearly 20 years. [...]will be coming back. In two cases, Finnish Parliament, who was mem-though, we know for certain that ber of the Standing Committee as He was president of the BSPC andtwo colleagues who had been in- representative of the Nordic Coun- chairman of the Standing Com-tensely involved in the Standing cil and we will miss Sonja Mandt, mittee 2006/2007. He was chair-Committee will be taking their Member of the Norwegian Parlia- man of the Working Group to theleave from their respective national ment, who was our Rapporteur on BSPC for this political area. Andparliaments: Per Rune Henriksen Cultural Affairs and elaborated - as for more than a dozen years [...],and Franz Thönnes. [...] you heard and can read on our he has been a continuous memberDear Per Rune who has represent- website – very informative reports of the Standing Committee.ed the Norwegian delegation for on culture and cultural heritage.several years in the Standing Com- [...] He has also rigorously used his po-mittee. Our deepest gratitude for sitions in the government of theyour commitment, for your well Franz Thönnes first participated in Federal Republic of Germany andfounded and factual contributions the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Con- the German Bundestag for hisand also your efforts to balance out ference in 1998, only a few kilo- work in the BSPC. [...] We wantopinions in the background. We metres away – in Lübeck –, imme- to thank you for your highly dedi-wish you for your further endeav- diately next to his constituency, and cated work in the past nearly 20ours health, success and all good has been the leader of the delega- years, for many good conversationsthings, and – even though no tions from the German Bundestag and discussions, for everythinglonger in the Norwegian parlia- to the BSPC. [...] With him, we are that you have done to promote thement – perhaps one or the other losing a pillar that has supported Baltic Sea and the Baltic Sea coop-function in the political arena so this cooperation for many years, eration. [...]”3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, Germany | The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 13Extracts from the Closing Session and Adoption of the26th BSPC Resolution givenby Ms Carola Veit, President of the BSPC“Now we can turn to the resolution • as well as the adapted Rules of governments, ministries and otherof the 26th Baltic Sea Parliamenta- Procedure.[...] institutions around the Baltic Sea.ry Conference.The resolution of the 26th Baltic Ladies and gentlemen, dear col-Thank you to all the delegations for Sea Parliamentary Conference is leagues, It has been a true honor totheir hard work, especially to the adopted. Thank you everyone for be BSPC President. Thanks to amembers of the Drafting Commit- your great work during this confer- good BSPC tradition I’m very muchtee. As always, it wasn’t an easy feat ence, as well as during this past year. looking forward to pass the batonto come to an agreement, but in the I hope that the contents of this over to the incoming President, ourend it was worth it. [...] resolution will be acted on by our colleague Jörgen Pettersson.”The resolution found the unani-mous agreement by the members ofthe Drafting Committee and Iwould like to remind everyone thatjust like every year, the resolutionneeds to find the unanimous agree-ment by every BSPC member.With your adoption of the resolu-tion of the 26th Baltic Sea Parlia-mentary Conference you also agreeto the administrative matters in-cluded in the resolution, including• the launch of a new WorkingGroup on Migration andIntegration,• the Work Program 2017-2018,14 The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | 3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, GermanySpeech by Mr Jörgen Pettersson, incoming President of the BSPCon the occasion of the transfer of the Chairmanship of the BSPCfriendly welcome? In fact that is quite for a secure and prosperous Baltic Seaa lot. Åland is a great example of Crisis area. There are probably no better placeManagement. Exactly 100 years from than the demilitarised and neutralisednow when Finland planned for their in- Åland Island to discuss difficult ques-dependency that turned reality the 6th tions for the common best.of December 1917 the people on Ålandfeared that the new nation would not be We will of course also hear more from thethe best future for the islanders. There- new Working Group which will discussfore the Ålanders went to the Swedish the global challenge in migration andking and begged that Sweden would take integration. A topic that is not nationalDear chair, Carola, care of the island. After complicated and but international in every sense. Being asometimes dangerous political negotia- human being means we are taking care ofon behalf of everyone present here, thank tions the question went to the League of each other to the best of our endeavours.you and thanks to Hamburg for having Nations who decided that Åland shouldhosted the 26th Baltic Sea Parliamenta- belong to Finland with guarantees for Åland is a good place for that aswell. Wery Conference in a genuine atmosphere, language, culture and much more. A might be only 30.000 people on our is-generous hospitality and with great dis- unique Autonomy was formed which land. But we are more than 90 differentcussions and debate. Not to forget all ever since have proven to be beneficial nationalities and we are used to deal withthe delicious food and inspiring ideas in for everyone. new and other cultures. Being an islanderhow we continue to develop our beloved is not always a walk in the park but itConference. Thanks to all involved in the What can we learn from that? The an- makes things easier the more friends youprogramme. We all leave a little bit more swer is simple. No matter how compli- have. And more friends we want!educated and enlightened than we ar- cated situations and conflicts seems to berived. Thanks also to Bodo, Florian and there is always a solution. Within this family we are all relatives andeveryone else in the staff. it is my pleasure to say welcome to all ofWhat started from pessimism evolved you to Åland next year! The BSPC-fami-Thank you Carola for your friendship into optimism which make me remem- ly is different in many ways, as all familiesand the professional way you have lead ber the words from the author George are. But we have a common cause thatthe work within the BSPC since we met Bernard Shaw: ”The world need both unites us and which is more importantin Riga a year ago. It has been a great pessimists and optimists. The optimists than the road bumps in our daily lives.learning experience preceding our pres- invent the aeroplane and the pessimists Without a healthy and secure Baltic Seaidency. invent the parachute.” we can never look our children in theireyes, saying that we weren’t aware of theAs from today myself and all the other Therefore we are looking at a number difficulties – because we are! YesterdayÅlanders will do our utmost in order to of possible themes for next years Con- we all saw the Helcom Report with farsteer this wonderful and unique organ- ference. Themes that can balance opti- more red than green squares on differentisation towards the future. For the first mism and pessimism in order to find the areas. That is unacceptable. Our respon-time ever the Åland Islands will have the right way for a prosperous Baltic Sea. We sibility is to change red into more green.presidency for the year to come. That look forward to continue these discus- The BSPC is a vital stakeholder in thismeans we want to see you all in Marie- sion with the Standing Committee that mission, Hamburg has contributed withhamn, our capital, next August 26-28. will meet in Mariehamn in November. knowledge about the condition todayBeing just a little bit buoyant I can al- Amongst the alternatives we are consid- and visions for tomorrow.ready now promise you a visit to maybe ering the important discussion of how wethe most beautiful island in the world! build sustainable societies in the Baltic We will now take the baton and contin-Sea based on democratic values, human ue our common journey towards a bet-So, what can we offer you other than rights and equal chances for everyone. ter tomorrow. See you all in the Ålandmagnificent views, great food and a We all need cooperation and integration Islands next year!3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, Germany | The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 15Conference ResolutionAdopted by the 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC)The participants, elected representatives its role as a tool for supporting the Sustainable Tourism in the Baltic Seafrom the Baltic Sea Region States1, as- strategically important project ac- Region,sembling in Hamburg, Germany, 3-5 tivities in the Baltic Sea Region;September 2017, call on the governments in the Baltic• further promoting and encouraging Sea Region, the CBSS and the EU,• welcoming successful steps taken to public-private practical interactionre-establish full-scale and compre- as a tool for cross-border cooper-hensive political dialogue in the Bal- ation, economically viable actionsRegarding Cooperation in thetic Sea Region, in particular within and projects for the benefit of thethe Council of the Baltic Sea States, Baltic Sea Region, taking into ac- Region, tohighlighting the importance of the count the continuous progress madeForeign Ministers’ meeting on the by the Saint Petersburg initiative; 1. intensify the cooperation in the Bal-occasion of the 25th anniversary of tic Sea Region including the Northernthe CBSS hosted by the CBSS Ice- • continuing involving youth into Dimension, the EU Strategy for thelandic Presidency in Reykjavik on the procedures of the BSPC working Baltic Sea Region and the Strategy for20 June 2017 and the call for main- groups. Especially during the second the socio-economic development of thetaining the momentum and spirit of half of a two-year mandate of a work- North-West Federal district of Russiathese positive developments; ing group the vivid debate with young in addition to other regional actors bypeople nominated by the member par- identifying common priorities and de-• s upporting the appointment of an liaments can be an enriching also with veloping respective regional strategiesindependent group of wise persons, regard to the annual conference; and action plans in fields of commonincluding representatives from civil so- interest and mutual benefits. Sinceciety by the CBSS to elaborate a report • expressing deep concern about the macro-regional strategies gather stake-with recommendations for a vision for growing number of terrorist attacks holders and actors from all sectors andthe Baltic Sea Region beyond 2020 that have occurred since the last levels of governance, macro-regionaland on the future role of the CBSS BSPC in Riga namely in Stock- strategies offer efficient instruments toand the means to expand its impact holm, St. Petersburg and Berlin and improve relations between neighbour-as a forum for political dialogue and - by reaffirming the position in the ing countries and thereby support Eu-practical cooperation in the region; 25th resolution - utterly condemn- ropean Neighbourhood Policy;ing terrorism in all its forms as an• welcoming the High-Level Meeting increasing common threat for our 2. further strengthen and developof the Representatives of the CBSS citizens and our shared values, a HELCOM as the coordinator of the re-Labour Ministries and the Declara- threat which can only be eliminated gional implementation of ocean-relatedtion adopted on 15 June 2017 in by joint efforts; goals of the 2030 Sustainable Develop-Berlin; ment Agenda of the United Nations,• b eing convinced that the issues of through the strengthened implementa-• welcoming the adoption of the Migration and Integration pose a tion of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Ac-CBSS Action Plan - “Realizing the tremendous challenge to all countries tion Plan and further commitment toVision: The Baltic 2030 Action in the Baltic Sea Region as well as a achieve a Baltic Sea in good environ-Plan” as an important step towards great chance for their further devel- mental status by 2021 and if applicable,ensuring sustainable development opment. Those issues call for inten- by renewing the Baltic Sea Action Planof the Baltic Sea Region; sive dialogue as well as close cooper- in line with the UN Sustainable Devel-ation and coordinated policies also opment Agenda with a time perspective• welcoming the decision by the between the Baltic Sea States; until 2030;CBSS to continue operation of theCouncil’s Project Support Facility discussing Cooperation and Participa- 3. support HELCOM in elaboratingfor 2017-2019, noting in particular tion as well as Innovative Science and1 P arliaments and Parliamentary Organizations:Baltic Assembly, Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Denmark, Estonia, Federal Republic of Germany, Finland,Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Iceland, Kaliningrad Region, Karelian Republic, Latvia, Leningrad Region,Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Nordic Council, Norway, Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization for Security andCo-operation in Europe (OSCE PA) Poland, City of St. Petersburg, Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation,Schleswig-Holstein, Sweden, Åland Islands.16 The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | 3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, Germanya regional action plan on underwater ciety, including, but not limited to, react against “Hate Speech” and “Fakenoise as well as in implementing the government, science, education and News”;marine litter regional action plan and culture. To this end, the BSPC willin its battle against eutrophication; continue to work towards establishingconcrete measures to reduce the input a Baltic Sea-wide youth forum;Regarding Innovative Scienceof plastics into the marine environmentshould be taken on; 8. stimulate a common dialogue and and Research, todebate in the Baltic Sea region on eth-4. support the significance of the Sci- ical conditions for the digitization of 16. intensify scientific cooperation inence, Research and Innovation Agen- states and societies and the possibilities the Baltic Sea Region qualitatively andda as it is outlined by CBSS Science of a common legal framework in this quantitatively and thereforeMinisters’ Conference held in 2016 policy field. The task of the Parliamentsin the Chair’s Conclusions: Baltic Sci- is to guarantee fundamental rights, · promote the development of moreence: Renewing the Commitment to democracy and the rule of law in the credible projections of the futureScience/Research Joint Actions in the digital world as well. Parliaments and of the Baltic Sea, based on the bestBaltic Sea Region; governments are encouraged to ensure basic marine research as well as thethat there is no gap between the digital most plausible socioeconomic de-5. elaborate a common programme society and the state; velopment scenarios and associat-based on a strategy within the frame-ed alterations in human pressures,work of the CBSS to develop sustain- 9. work with the aim to make the Bal-and the complex impacts of climateable tourism in the Baltic Sea Region, tic sea region a global frontrunner inchange on the ecosystem,considering the following aspects making new digital technologies workfor democracy and political develop- · promote the delivery of new com-• the reduction as far as possible of ment;prehensive knowledge on trueobstacles to cross-border travelling tolong-term effects of various humanpromote the freedom of travel includ- 10. stimulate policies to enhance dig-pressures on all organizational levelsing promotion of the local border traf- itization of democratic activity and- from genes to an ecosystem, as wellfic regime on outer borders of the EU processes with the aim to increase pub-as suggestions on ways to mitigatelic participation in decision-makingthese effects,• facilitating border and visa regime through sharing of technology and bestfor youth and organized tourist practices by governments and parlia-· provide a scientific foundation forgroups ments;innovative cross-border policy mak-• the improvement of sustainable 11. draw attention to training and edu- ing, including potential internal-transport and tourism infrastructure cation for the youth with regard to dig- ization of the costs of marine eco-system services into the economicitalization opportunities in order to fos-• support for the idea of Baltic Sea system;ter a competent and responsible use ofRegion States creating a commonthe evolving technological innovationsBaltic Sea Brand, based on cultural 17. promote the further development- thereby contributing to democraticand natural heritage, to strengthen of the Baltic Sea Science Network tosocieties in the digital age;tourism competitiveness enhance macro-regional dimensions ofscience and research policy from which12. understand state coordination of• the improvement of travel options higher education and research institu-innovation policies in terms of a socialespecially for young people (e.g. in- tions should benefit and to thus createprogress and not only as a technologicalterferry); a supra-regional network that providesprocess;an “administrative network” in addi-13. support the social partners in the tion to the existing “scientific network”Baltic Sea Region in their pursuit to to manage the scientific cooperation inRegarding Democratic Partici-use the chances of digitalization for de- a useful and targeted way, especially inpation and the Digital Age, to cent and sustainable working and living the framework of the project “Balticconditions; Science Network”;6. further improve and develop meansof democratic participation, e.g. 14. draw special attention to the gen- 18. take a more active role with regardthrough transparency, comprehensive der and generation aspects of digital to providing sustainable resources forinformation, government accountabili- innovation and the consequent societal research and development in order toty and other instruments of citizen par- changes; further innovations by developing e.g.ticipation; common standards, data security and15. bearing in mind the importance of intellectual property rights within the7. commit to strengthening the in- freedom of expression, explore legal Baltic Sea Region;volvement of youth in all areas of so- possibilities and a common approach to3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, Germany | The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 1719. continue to support the efforts in stipend programmes for mobility within labour skills, language and interculturalbuilding closer ties between analytical the Baltic Sea Region imparting the ben- skills;research institutions and businesses in efits of scientific and cultural exchangesthe framework of the Baltic TRAM and while strengthening and to promot- 35. fully use the possibilities of the cir-(Transnational Research Access in the ing summer schools as well as exchange cular and fair sharing economies creat-Macro-region) project; programmes in the Baltic Sea Region; ing new jobs in the service sectors;20. further improve the conditions of 36. foster a joint promotion by privatethe Baltic Sea Region in global scientif- and public stakeholders of the Balticic competition through joint strength- Regarding Sustainable Tour- Sea Region as a tourism destinationened efforts by increased investments in ism, to especially in new source markets andinnovative science and research; to foster cooperation in the region as28. work towards the vision that the a main key for the successful develop-21. recognize the EUSBSRs Policy Area Baltic Sea Region will become the first ment of the Baltic Sea Region;Innovation and Policy Area Education eco-region in the world, conceiving thecommitment to ensure a prosperous, Baltic Sea Region as the first regionsustainable and competitive region where ecology and economy work to-37. better use the potential of digitaliza-based on front running innovation, re- gether in a balanced and integratedtion in promoting sustainable tourismsearch and higher education activities manner to sustain societies and culture.and further support the developmentas “a common good” and highlight theof the Baltic Sea Tourism Center intoimportance of developing measures to 29. ensure that the consequences of tour-a permanent platform for informa-overcome innovation and performance ism are sustainable by adopting modelstion and exchange of know-how at thegaps in the region; and methods to save and protect naturetransnational level, especially with re-and orient work along the principle that22. strengthen citizen awareness of educa- sustainability is the guiding principle gard to the long-term priorities of thetion and science as important innovation and standard practice in all types of tour- CBSS;resources through suitable measures; ism in the Baltic Sea region;38. sustain a sound environment, safe-23. referring to the success of the Baltic 30. further examine the use of carbon guarding the recreational quality ofSea Science Day held for the first time footprints to improve the comparability natural and man-made landscapes andin St. Petersburg on 8 February 2017, and attractiveness of tourism products integrating natural, cultural and hu-to support and promote the continua- and their ecological and economical im- man environments within the BSR sotion of this initiative as a useful tool for pacts; further improve the transparency that tourism activities do not endangerthe intensification of scientific cooper- of tourism products as to their quality in the natural and cultural heritage of theation in the Baltic Sea Region and for terms of sustainability, e.g by using com- BSR and instead actively contribute toimproving the visibility of the Region’s mon labels and standards; their preservation;achievements and potential in the field39. promote and sustain the competi-of science, research and innovation; 31. promote wastewater facilities at har-tive quality and efficiency of the tour-bours in the Baltic Sea Region;24. support BONUS II; ism business while also creating satis-32. improve interrailing, to promote the factory social conditions for tourists,25. intensify measures to facilitate use of alternative sources of energy and the workforce and the local population;cross-border border integration of in- foster a sustainable multimodal splitterdisciplinary Earth system science in (sea, road, rail), and to improve bike 40. involve citizens in the developmentthe Baltic Sea region; infrastructure including bicycle stands of tourism strategies.and Ebike charging stations at trans-26. call for seeking synergies and mea-port hubs as examples for ecologicalsures for developing the Arctic-Balticforms of tourism;Furthermore the Conferencejoint vision, collaboration and scientificperformance; 33. jointly task a Tourism Transport Decides toImpact Assessment Study to analyze27. improve the short-term mobility 41. welcome with gratitude the kind of-continuously the output of differentpossibilities of researchers by provid- fer of the Parliament of Åland to hostpolitical action to increase the level ofing unbureaucratic support outside of the 27th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Con-sustainability;large funded projects to allow for more ference in Mariehamn on 26–28 Au-flexibility in visibility and international 34. counteract the lack of skilled work- gust 2018.research collaboration and a better inte- ers in the tourism sector in the Balticgration of the Baltic Sea Region research Sea Region, e.g. by establishing an in-landscape, to intensify the mobility of ternational winter school to increaseteaching professionals and students by18 The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | 3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, Germany3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, Germany | The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 1920 The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | 3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, Germany3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, Germany | The 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 2126 BSPCThe 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | 3rd - 5th September 2017 in Hamburg, GermanyYEARSBaltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceConference Site Town Hall in,Hamburg on 3rd – 5th September 2017Photo: shutterstock.comMeet you next time on the Åland Islands, hosting the 27th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference inMariehamn on 26th – 28th August 2018Impressum©BSPC Secretariat Text: Julien Radloff, Bodo Bahr2017 Editing: Bodo Bahr, Julien RadloffLayout: Produktionsbüro TinusPhotos: Susanne Ahrens, Olaf Kosinsky