27 BSPC in a Nutshell Publication

27 BSPCYEARSBaltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceThe 27th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference26th - 28th August 2018 in Mariehamn, Åland Islands– BSPC in a Nutshell –The Baltic Sea – Our LifelineCooperation, Sustainability and Smart EnergyThe 27th Baltic Sea Parliamentary holm, President of Ålands Lagting, first session focused on cooperation inConference took place in Marie- welcomed the participants. the Baltic Sea Region and it contin-hamn, Åland Islands. Around 170 ued into the afternoon. The seconddelegates met in the Plenary Hall of The BSPC Drafting Committee and the session was a call for more action onthe Åland Lagtinget, the Parliament BSPC Standing Committee held their the vision of a healthy Baltic Sea. Aof Åland. The aim of this year’s first sessions on Sunday, 26th August, in cultural event at the Åland Maritimeconference was to pass a resolution the Plenary Hall of the Ålands Lagting. Museum closed the day.on cooperation, sustainability and In the afternoon, there were two excur-smart energy in the Baltic Sea Re- sions: one to the municipality of Föglö On Tuesday the third session on sus-gion – our lifeline. The conference and the other to Bormasund Fortress. tainable energy and smart energy dis-was opened by H.E. Mr Sauli Ni- tribution platforms was followed by ainistö, President of the Republic of On Monday the first two sessions general debate and the closing of theFinland, and Ms Gun-Mari Lind- took place in the Ålands Lagting. The 27th BSPC conference.2The 27th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | WelcomingExtracts from the Opening Speech givenby H.E. Mr Sauli Niinistö, President of the Republic of Finland“I am very pleased to address you at fortunately, the Baltic Sea around thisthe 27th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Con- priceless landscape is not feeling wellference in Mariehamn. Let me warmly at all. Especially after this exception-congratulate the Baltic Sea Parliamen- ally warm summer, we have witnessedtary Conference and the host, Ålands quite worrying algal blooms. This sum-lagting, for organizing this year’s confer- mer, the sky has been clear, but the seaence. [...] hasn’t. [...]Next year, Finland will assume the Pres- We cannot delay reducing the nutrientidency of the European Union. Then, load from human activities, like agri-10 years after the adoption of the Strat- culture, nor in reducing the amount of the goals for a healthy sea environ-egy, is a good moment to take a look plastic litter that enter the sea. Action is ment. [...]at its achievements. The purpose of the needed now. We, you and me, gatheredEU Strategy is to find solutions to the here today, have the responsibility and I warmly support the idea that onechallenges faced by the Region: connect it cannot be handed over to future gen- day the Baltic Sea region also becomesthe region, save the sea and increase erations. [...] a model area for sustainable develop-prosperity. [...] ment. [...] Together we will achieve theFinland took over the Chairmanship goals for a better environment. But weWhen arriving to the Åland islands, we of HELCOM this summer for a two- have to keep in mind: structures andcan see that the archipelago truly is one year period. A priority of the Finnish conferences don’t mean anything with-of the most beautiful ones in the world Chairmanship is the updating of The out concrete action.with its thousands of islands of smooth HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan I wish you enriching discussions and arocks and species-rich landscape. Un- (BSAP), the roadmap for achieving good spirit of cooperation. Thank you.“Welcome addressby Ms Gun-Mari Lindholm, President of Ålands Lagting„Mr President of the Republic of Fin- ence, the topics on the agenda areland, Speakers, Presidents, Dear All, current and urgent, interesting andit is an honour for me to greet you all, forward-thinking. Besides a suc-welcome to Åland. cessful conference I wish you willlearn about Åland, our Autonomy,Our islands are often mentioned as our demilitarized status, our busi-the Islands of Peace. The Åland Au- ness life and about our everydaylifetonomy as well as the status as demil- on a sunny and windy island in theitarized and neutralized zone in the Baltic Sea. The Baltic Sea separate usmiddle of the Baltic Sea is an interna- but also unite us. It is the same Sea we Together, large countries and small is-tional solution where several of your leave to our children and grand-chil- lands we protect the Baltic Sea.countries took part. Åland gained its dren to sail and to swim in.autonomy in 1921. It was a decision Thank you all for coming. I wish youby the League of Nations. One im- I hope we will come to smart solu- all the best days in Åland, interestingportant cornerstone was the security tions together and find ways forward debates and that many friendships arein the Baltic. A decision which still for the environment and humanity. linked, that itself is a guarantee of co-is valid today and is a guarantee for It’s just us who live around the Baltic operation and for peace!the security in the Baltic Sea. I wish Sea who are the best experts to set thewe will have a rewarding confer- agenda for it. Välkomna”Sunday, 26th August 2018 | The 27th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 3Excursions to the Island and Municipality of Föglö andBomarsund FortressIn the afternoon of Sunday, 26th Au- and political background to its present was attacked by a British-French force.gust, two excursions took place. One autonomy. The remains of the Russian The defence was quickly overcome.trip provided participants with an in- military like fortifications, dwelling The main fort was blown up and neversight into daily life in the Archipelago. houses and other buildings can be seen rebuilt. The participants in the excur-A trip with the ferry led them to the in the terrain today as ruins and house sion also visited the ruins of a defencesmall island and municipality of Föglö foundations. The main fortress was tower, also blown up 1854, with anin the archipelago. the centrepiece of Bomarsund and was amazing view over the landscape andbuilt as a powerful symbol of defence archipelago of Åland. A reception andA bus trip to the main island and a vis- for the Russian Tsar’s authority in the dinner hosted by Ålands Lagting in theit to the Bomarsund Fortress area pro- Baltic Sea of the first half of the 19th Badhusparken Pavillion closed the firstvided participants with some historical century. In August 1854 the fortress day.4 The 27th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | Monday, 27th August 2018Extracts of the Report from the BSPC ChairMr Jörgen Pettersson, MP, President of the BSPCThe Standing Committee also took In addition, our rapporteurs have beenthe opportunity in Brussels to discuss to a number of events and have tak-the possible consequences of Brexit for en on board the findings relevant tothe Baltic Sea region and we also made their policy fields. This is detailed ingood on our promise to liaison with the written and oral reports to follow.our partners, most importantly the The tremendous work behind all thisCBSS. [...] becomes apparent when you look atthe reports that have been publishedMs Susanne Scherrer, Director of the on our website day after day duringManaging Authority/Joint Secretari- the past week. On behalf of the BSPCat in Rostock, Kiel and Riga, among I want to express my thanks to all ofmany important facts concerning the you involved in this work.transnational cooperation pointed outthat currently capacity for offshore What I am now recording as this year’swind energy production was barely conclusion also includes what my veryused in the BSR, due to missing con- esteemed colleague and Vice-Presidentnections between electricity grids, gaps Carola Veit is about to comment on:“[...] In the past year, the BSPC has in Research & Development and in- namely the step-by-step and year-by-visibly and in every respect fulfilled its sufficient cooperation. [...] year intensified reactions of govern-strategic objectives and achieved sig- ments to our resolutions. [...]nificant progress: On the basis of our The key messages at all these eventsprogramme and our resolution were: Based on our fundamental con- We have further deepened our inter-victions I pointed out the vital impor- nal contacts and relationships through• we have communicated our prin- tance of international parliamentary many discussions and close coopera-ciples and core messages at a large cooperation – especially in times of tion. We have grown more and morenumber of Baltic Sea-relevant tense situations, I have repeatedly into one family. And we are demon-events and beyond, pointed out the need for interparlia- strating today that those who once• we have intensified the coopera- mentary dialogue and to strengthen worked for us continue to belong to thetion with our partners, and the influence of parliaments. We are family: with Christina Gestrin and her• our programmatic concerns and the voice of the people who, all over presentation. She was our long-stand-contents are perceived much the world, want love, security, prosper- ing President as well as presiding overmore strongly. ity, peace and freedom. our 19th BSPC 2009 in this plenary halland is dealing now intensively with ‘En-We are becoming increasingly success- And I have underscored the necessity vironmental Cooperation in the Balticful in influencing government action. to include the young generation in our Sea Region’ and with our former Pres-[...] deliberations. ident, Working Group Chairman andlong-standing Rapporteur for labourWe have geared our activities to these That’s why we supported from the very and social affairs, Franz Thönnes. Oncetopics and targets: The first Standing beginning the youth summit ReGen- you have been connected to us, you willCommittee under the Åland Presi- eration 2030, that’s why the BSPC never get away from us again. [...]dency took place here in Mariehamn. attended and that’s why we will get aIn the run-up to the establishment of presentation from two representatives I wish us all a very successful confer-our working group “Integration and about the results and the manifesto ence, the deepening of our cooperationMigration”, we had a detailed pre- they agreed to. And we even go one and friendships and wise decisions thatsentation on this topic and a lively step further: One of the representatives will take us forward. And let’s get bet-exchange of information with experts of the summit will moderate the panel ter and better in working together forfrom Åland. [...] debate. [...] a prosperous, clean and peaceful BalticSea. It is time to work.”5Monday, 27 August 2018 | The 27th Baltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceMs Paula Lehtomäki, State Secretary to the Prime Minister of Finland in-formed participants on the development of Finland’s strategy for the BalticSea Region. Main core of the maritime policy is to ensure sustainable bluegrowth by protecting the ocean and the seas, developing maritime cluster andblue economy as well as maritime logistics.FIRST SESSIONCooperation in the Baltic Sea regionChair: Jörgen Pettersson, MP, President of the BSPCVice-Chair: Jorodd Asphjell, MP, Norway,Vice-President of the BSPCMs Carola Mr Hans Mr Juris Mr Hans Mr Simon Ms HannaVeit Olsson Bone Wallmark Holmström SalménThe first session of the conference Council of the Baltic Sea States tinued with Ms Christina Gestrin,introduced the “Cooperation in the (CBSS), and Mr Juris Bone, Chair- former Member of Parliament fromBaltic Sea Region”. The session was man of the CBSS Committee of Se- Finland and BSPC President, present-chaired by Mr Jörgen Pettersson, nior Officials, pointed out three pri- ing information on the environmentalPresident of the BSPC, and Jorodd orities: integrity and societal security, cooperation in the Baltic Sea region.Asphjell, Member of Parliament dialogue and responsibility.from Norway, as vice-chair. Mr Franz Thönnes, former Mem-Mr Hans Wallmark, Member of ber of Parliament from GermanyStarting off in this first session, Mr Parliament from Sweden and Chair- and BSPC President, gave a joint re-Jörgen Pettersson reported from the man of the BSPC Working Group on port on the work of the CBSS/BSLFBSPC Chair. Following this Ms Ca- Migration and Integration, presented Coordination Group on Labour androla Veit, President of the Hamburg the Midway Report of the working Employment.Parliament and Vice-President of the group. Mr Simon Holmström andBSPC, informed the delegates about Ms Hanna Salmén, representatives Ms Daria Akhutina, CBSS Seniorthe implementation of the 26th BSPC of the Youth Event “ReGeneration Advisor on Economic Issues, coordi-Resolution. 2030” presented their Manifesto and nator for Baltic Sea Labour Forum’the results of the summit taking place and secretary to CBSS Expert GroupMr Hans Olsson, Ambassador of one week ago in Marienhamn. After on maritime issues, gave a report onSweden and outgoing chair of the the lunch break the first session con- new developments.6 The 27th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | Monday, 27th August 2018Ms Christina Mr Franz Ms Daria Mr Pyry Mr Jochen Ms Saara-SofiaGestrin Thönnes Akhutina Niemi Schulte SirénMr Pyry Niemi, Member of Parlia- Ms Saara-Sofia Sirén, presented the gap between science and policy – anment from Sweden and BSPC-Rap- results of the action taken in their re- example from Stockholm Universityporteur on Labour Market and Social spective fields. Baltic Sea Centre“.Welfare, discussed labour issues.Addresses by the RepresentativesBriefings from BSPC Rapporteurs Addresses followed by Mr Roger Ry-The parliamentarians were updated berg, Chairman of the Baltic Sea Statesby the BSPC Rapporteurs. The rap- Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC),porteurs on Integrated Maritime Pol- and by Ms Ulla-Karin Nurm, Direc-icy, Mr Jörgen Pettersson and Mr tor of the Northern Dimension Part-Jochen Schulte, on Cultural Affairs, nership in Public Health and SocialMs Karin Gaardsted, on Sustain- Well-being. Gun Rudquist, Head ofable Tourism, Ms Sara Kemetter, on Policy, Baltic Eye, rounded up the first Ms Ulla-Karin Ms GunHELCOM and on Eutrophication, session by reporting on “Bridging the Nurm RudquistSECOND SESSIONThe Vision of a Healthy Baltic Sea –A Call for more ActionChair: Prof Jānis Vucāns, MP, Latvia,Co-Chair: Dorota Arciszewska-Mielewczyk, MP, PolandThe second session was chaired by Prof itime Affairs and Fisheries, addressed Ms Camilla Gunell, Deputy Prime Min-Dr. Jānis Vucāns, Member of Parlia- participants in a video message on the ister of the Åland Islands and Ministerment from Latvia, and Ms Dorota topic: “Protecting our environment for Trade, Environment and Energy, in-Arciszewska-Mielewczyk, Member of while maintaining our competitiveness formed the guests about the sustainabilityParliament from Poland, as vice-chair. in regards to the UN 2030 goals for our strategy of the Åland Islands as a best-prac-The speakers presented their views and oceans and the Baltic Sea Action Plan”. tice example for the Baltic Sea Region.statements on “The Vision of a Healthy Mr Kimmo Tiilikainen, Minister ofBaltic Sea – A Call for more Action”. the Environment, Energy and Housing Ms Ottilia Thoreson, Director of theof Finland, stressed the priorities of the WWF Baltic Ecoregion Programme,Mr Karmenu Vella, European Com- Finnish HELCOM Chairmanship and highlighted the Baltic Sea Scorecardmissioner for the Environment, Mar- the future of the Baltic Sea Action Plan. and the need for stringent action.Monday, 27th August 2018 | The 27th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 7Mr Kimmo Ms Camilla Ms Ottilia Mr Marc Mr JariTiilikainen Gunell Thoreson Klaus NahkanenMr Marc Klaus, Race for the Bal- Mr Jari Nahkanen, Chairman CPMR The second session was closed aftertic, Baltic Sea City Accelerator, talked Baltic Sea Commission, stressed that a panel debate moderated by Mr Si-about the private sector’s engagement emphasis must be put on implementa- mon Holmström from ReGenerationin a healthy Baltic Sea and a better En- tion, sufficient funding and the support 2030.vironment. of actors at the local and regional levels.8THIRD SESSIONSustainable Energy, Smart energy distribution platformsThe chair of the third session was explained a project which aims to without restricting the content toMs Valentina Pivnenko, Member realize a smart and flexible energy give everyone the opportunity toof Parliament of the Russian Feder- system, where novel energy markets contribute what was particularlyation, and vice-chair was Ms Karin and regulation can be implemented. close to his or her heart. ThereforeGaardsted, Member of Parliament a controversial but healthy debatefrom Denmark. The discussion Mr Reinis Āboltiņš, Senior Adviser on current issues evolved. Differentevolved around “Sustainable energy, on Energy from Latvia, described views were indicated and diversesmart energy distribution platforms”. challenges to sustainable energy in positions were lively discussed. AtContributions were made about pilot the Baltic Sea Region. the end of this open forum theprojects in the Baltic Sea Region on resolution of the 27th Baltic Seathe next generation electrical grids. The third session ended in a gener- Parliamentary Conference was ad-al debate. At the end of this 27th opted and the Strategy and WorkMr Berndt Schalin, Senior Advi- BSPC conference a new format Programme 2018 – 2019 was re-sor of the Government of Åland, was introduced - a general debate leased.9Closing Wordsby Mr Jörgen Pettersson, outgoing Chair of the BSPC“At the very end of our conference let I hope that our decisions contribute • and that you leave the Åland Is-me thank everyone who has partici- to make the world a bit better, and lands a bit more experienced andpated in the organisation of the Baltic educated than before you arrived.Sea Parliamentary Conference: I hope that came true, what I pointedout last year in Hamburg:• first of all, thank you to all the par- I now declare the 27th Baltic Sea Par-liamentarians, experts, government • that you go home with good mem- liamentary Conference closed. Thankrepresentatives, and guests for your ories which will inspire you in your you all!active involvement; future work and which you willnot forget for a lifetime, Have a safe journey home!”• thank you to the staff of the ÅlandsLagting, Administration, speciallySten Eriksson and Maj Falck foryour support and assistance in effi-ciently organising this conference;• thank you to our Secretary Generalfor his valuable input;• and finally, a special thank you tothe interpreters for their amazingjob that greatly simplified our workover the past couple of days!I hope that it was a very fruitful con-ference for all of you,I hope that you could deepen cooper-ation and friendships,10Speech by Mr Jorodd Asphjell incoming President of the BSPC onthe occasion of the transfer of the Chairmanship of the BSPCDear Jørgen, sea as land and much of our income We have proposed to have a look intoFirst of all I would like to thank you comes from the sea. Next year’s con- The Future of Working Life – Digita-and Åland for having hosted the 27th ference will be in Oslo, the capital. By lization, Integration and Labour Mo-Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference. the fjord but, not in the ocean. bility in the Baltic Sea Region. This isI believe I speak for all of us present a very interesting topic and importantwhen I say that this has been a fan- Norway is not bordering the Baltic for all our citizens. How will technol-tastic conference! You have shown us Sea, so why does BSPC matter for us? ogy influence the working life in ourgreat hospitality. It is always a pleasure region in the future? New opportu-to visit your beautiful islands here in You are our neighbours, our friends, nities, but also challenges for others.the middle of the Baltic Sea. A perfect and our most important trading part- Can the Baltic Sea Region become avenue for the BSPC! ners since historic times. Peace and world champion in employing newcooperation in the Baltic Sea Area is technology?Thanks to all involved in the pro- also very important for Norway. Wegramme, it has been very interesting are a member of the Nordic Council, Another area where our countries areand I have learned a lot. I have also and the Baltic Sea Area has always performing well is the UNs Sustain-met a lot of nice people that I hope- been of great importance for the Nor- able Developments Goals. However,fully will meet again. dic Council. there is still work to be done accord-ing to a recent report commissionedI would specially like to thank the I am looking forward to the com- by our governments in the CBSS. Iworking people, that is Bodo, Sten, ing year were the BSPC has several believe the BSPC should see how weMaj and the rest of the staff, and of important issues to work with. The also can contribute to this importantcourse the interpreters! You have all Working Group on Migration will work.done a great job! continue its important work and de-liver a final report with recommen- I am looking forward to a busy, butNext year I will invite you outside the dations in time for the conference in interesting year, and most of all, I amBaltic Sea, to the Big Ocean! No, that Oslo. This is also an issue I expect we looking forward to see all of you inwas a joke, although Norway’s territo- will discuss further during the confer- Oslo next year!ry consists of at least six times as much ence.The BSPC Presidents of past and present conferences: Ms Valentina Pivnenko, Mr Jörgen Pettersson, Prof Jānis Vucāns, Ms Carola Veit,Mr Jorodd Asphjell and Mr Franz Thönnes.11Conference ResolutionAdopted by the 27th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC)The participants, elected represen- - and recognise the achievements in or reducing the use of single-usetatives from the Baltic Sea Region areas of Sustainable Development, plastic products that are found mostStates*, assembling in Mariehamn, Youth, the Fight Against Trafficking often on beaches and in oceans,Åland, 26-28 August 2018, in Human Beings, Child Protection along with fishing equipment lostand Civil Protection; or left behind at sea, and intend to- renew the expectation that all Bal- help raise awareness of the negativetic Sea States make every effort to - encourage the Latvian CBSS impact of plastic waste among con-ensure the Baltic Sea Region contin- Presidency 2018/2019 to continue sumers;ues to be a region of peaceful and efforts within its three priorities:close neighbourliness and intense Integrity & Societal Security, Dia- - discuss Cooperation, the Visioncooperation based on democratic logue, Responsibility; of a Healthy Baltic Sea, Sustainablevalues, the rule of law, human rights Energy as well as Migration and In-and equal opportunities for all. To - share the vision of the CBSS Vi- tegration;this end, they will pursue all the sion Group, that the Baltic Seaopportunities of parliamentary, gov- Region shall become a role model call on the governments in theernmental and social exchange and of ecological, economic, social and Baltic Sea Region, the CBSS anddemocratic dialogue among neigh- security standards and policies, with the EUbours. For this reason, they welcome a vibrant regional civil society andthe Stockholm Declaration of the will take into account the report ofCouncil of Baltic Sea States and in the Vision Group in their furtherparticular the Roadmap for Reform. discussions on future developments Regarding Cooperation in the Re-They furthermore welcome the re- in the Baltic Sea Region; gion, tosumption of the Council of BalticSea States (CBSS) Foreign Ministers - underline again the need for polit- 1. intensify the interaction betweenmeetings including under the Swed- ical exchange among young people the Northern Dimension policyish Presidency but additionally call and will proceed to establish a Bal- and the EU Strategy for the Bal-for a resumption of the Baltic Sea tic Sea Parliamentary Youth Forum tic Sea and the Russian StrategyStates Summits. This will foster the based on the youth projects of their of social and economic develop-dialogue, strengthen cooperation member parliaments and parliamen- ment of the North-West federaland manifesting peace; tary organizations but also effect ef- district;forts to establish closer cooperation- welcome the comprehensive im- between youth organisations in the 2. extend the scope of transnationalplementation statements and re- BSR and formats such as ‘Regener- programmes covering the wholeports by the governments of the ation 2030’ involving young people Baltic Sea area and anchor thisBaltic Sea Region on the 26th BSPC in the deliberation of issues to be possibility and the correspond-Resolution and the progress made discussed in the BSPC; ing funding in all macro-region-to implement the BSPC’s calls for al strategies on a formal level toaction; - welcome all efforts to move to- improve relations between neigh-wards a healthy and clean Baltic Sea; bouring countries;- welcome the efforts of the Swed-ish CBSS Presidency 2017/2018 - establish a way, as a first step within 3. strengthen cooperation in theto improve coherence in Baltic Sea the framework of a progressive for- field of migration and integra-regional cooperation, acknowledge eign and trade policy to address the tion, involving all countries bor-the progress of the CBSS - based issue of plastic litter on a global scale; dering the Baltic Sea, to betteron the priorities of sustainability, meet similar tasks;continuity and adaptability under - strongly welcome all concrete ac-the umbrella of the UN 2030 goals tions and all regulations in banning124. intensify programs in the scope state of the Baltic Sea under var- the UN-Agenda 2030 goals andof visits and multinational meet- ious aspects – vigorously imple- realise the vision of a clean Balticings of youth in view of meeting ment the decisions contained in Sea free from marine litter whilsteach other, fostering mutual un- the Ministerial Declaration; promoting sustainable agricul-derstanding and developing rela- tural practices, more sustainabletions; 8. establish effective coordination shipping and tackling eutrophica-processes and policies to support tion and underwater noise;5. actively support – referring to the the Implementation StrategyMinisterial Declaration adopted for the sustainable Blue Growth 13. prepare for and help shape theby the CBSS Labour Ministries Agenda for the Baltic Sea Region; “Decade of Ocean Science forin June 2017 – in the field of Sustainable Development” fromlabour and employment in the 9. enhance consultations and coop- 2021-2030 proclaimed by theBaltic Sea Region, the work of eration regarding a spatial master United Nations, in order to reachthe “CBSS/BSLF Coordination planning in the Baltic Sea region, the goal of delivering the oceanGroup on Labour and Employ- considering all interests and as- we need for the future we want;ment” (CG) – focused on the pects of economy (shipping, fish-cross-cutting and topical issues ing, energy, tourism, etc.), envi- 14. further strengthen the relation-pertaining to the new qualifica- ronment and the neighbours; ship between the UN Sustainabletions required for future work Development Goals and humanpatterns, and their linkage to 10. considering that, depending on rights whilst recognising theireducation and the needs of the the country, only 25 to 60 per- close relationship and mutual re-labour market, life-long learning cent of the targets of the HEL- inforcement;and comprehensive labour mar- COM Baltic Sea Action Plan toket forecasting and research, in- be implemented by 2021 are cur- 15. take preventative measures andcluding demographic challenges; rently met at the national level immediate actions to improveguarantee equal opportunities for – urgently intensify efforts at the the quality of waste-water efflu-men and women; national and regional level to set ents and halt untreated discharg-appropriate policy priorities so as es without delay and to show6. meet the challenges of an age- to achieve the objectives of the determination to clean up theing population, social cohesion BSAP by 2021 as far as possible heavily polluted sea;and sustainable development in on schedule;the Baltic Sea region through in- 16. take urgent efficient action oncreased cooperation on incentives 11. hold regular HELCOM Ministe- the worrying levels of plasticsand practical systems for life-long rial Meetings – including all re- and micro-plastics in the seas;learning and adult education, ad- sponsible ministers of each mem- support and implement the reg-aptation of job conditions and ber state in the meetings – and ulations on reducing or banningworkplaces to the needs of older come to binding rules under in- single-use plastic as quickly aspersons, anti-age discrimination ternational law – as was the case possible; promote public aware-policies, measures to promote with the measures to increase ness of microplastic pollutiongood health and flexible and maritime safety with the involve- throughout the Baltic ecosys-gradual retirement schemes; ment of the transport ministers tem and encourage customers to–, thus bringing the issue of a avoid personal care products con-clean Baltic Sea more strongly taining plastic microbeads;into the political debate of eachRegarding the vision of a Healthy nation and region and to achieveBaltic Sea – a call for more action, to a more binding enforcement ofthe agreements reached; Regarding Sustainable Energy, Smart7. – as the BSPC supports the energy distribution platforms, toHELCOM Ministerial Declara- 12. develop or enhance both joint andtion of 6 March 2018 in Brussels additional national and regional 17. enhance and efficiently useand shares its critical view on the sustainability strategies to achieve cross-border transmission con-13nections by building and expand- 22. enlarge projects for advising and all its neighbours, a resource foring fluent electricity networks to supporting volunteers, local insti- nutrition (fishing) and energyenable new energy markets and tutions and civil society organiza- (oil, gas, wind and wave) as wellnew forms of energy services and tions working in the field of inte- as a recreation area for millions ofproducts to better integrate re- gration and taking into account tourists, therefore use all oppor-newable energies, as well as use the unifying and integrating role tunities of Baltic Sea cooperationundersea electrity connection to of sports; to enable managing and consid-integrate grids; ering all interests and aspects of23. consider migration and securi- economy, environment and thety perspectives in relevant other neighbours;political agendas such as trade,Regarding Migration and Integra- labour rights and environmental 27. further develop the Trans-Euro-tion, to preservation; pean Networks for transport inthe Baltic Sea region, take initia-18. acknowledge objective differenc- 24. seek holistic and multi-facetted tives to synchronize toll systemses in the political system as well solutions to the challenges posed in Europe, in particular the Balticas in the historical and cultural by current refugee and migration Sea neighbours, to make trans-background due to the scars of policies which include a well-co- port via sea and rail most eco-the Second World War, continue ordinated combination of migra- nomic compared to trucking;discussions and reflections about tion management, humanitarianflight and migration, and share assistance, political solutions, Eu- 28. aim to make the Baltic Sea a pio-best governance practices to raise ropean and international collabo- neer area for automatic shipping.awareness in our societies; ration, fair trade agreements anddevelopment assistance;19. initiate a Baltic Sea-wide data ba-sis on integration conditions and Furthermore, the Conference de-measures to improve the public cides todiscussion on a factual basis; Regarding Economic develop-ment and growth in the Baltic Sea welcome with gratitude the kind20. intensify the dialogue on migra- Region offer by the Parliament of Norwaytion and integration between the to host the 28th Baltic Sea Parlia-countries bordering the Baltic 25. support the Implementation mentary Conference in Oslo onSea; Strategy for the sustainable Blue 25-27 August 2019.Growth Agenda for the Baltic Sea21. increase the offer of migra- Region;tion-specific advisory servicesand language training in order to 26. acknowledge, that the Baltic Seaintensify integration efforts; is a crucial line of sea transporta-tion (a motorway of the sea) for*Parliaments and Parliamentary Organizations:Baltic Assembly, Free Hanseatic City of Bremen, Denmark, Estonia, European Parliament, Faroe Islands,Federal Republic of Germany, Finland, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Iceland, Kaliningrad Region,Karelian Republic, Latvia, Leningrad Region, Lithuania, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Nordic Council,Norway, Poland, Council of the Federation of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation,State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, City of St. Petersburg,Schleswig-Holstein, Sweden, Åland Islands.14 The 27th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | ImpressionsImpressions | The 27th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 1516 The 27th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference | ImpressionsImpressions | The 27th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 1727 BSPCYEARSBaltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceConference Site Åland Islands inMariehamn on 26th – 28th August 2018Photo: Bodo BahrMeet you next time in Norway, hosting the 28th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference inOslo on 25th – 27th August 2019Photo: shutterstock.comImpressum©BSPC Secretariat Text: Dr. Claudia Peters, Bodo Bahr, Julien Radloff2018 Editing: Bodo Bahr, Dr. Claudia PetersLayout: Produktionsbüro TinusPhotos: Ralf Roletschek, Olaf Kosinsky