Implementation of the 28th BSPC Resolution

29 BSPCYEARSBaltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceStatements of the governmentsin the Baltic Sea Region to the28th BSPC Resolution.1. Åland 12. Denmark 63. German Bundestag 154. Estonia 355. Finland 466. Hamburg 577. Latvia 678. Lithuania 859. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 9410. Norway 11811. Poland 12212. Russia 13813. Schleswig-Holstein 14314. Sweden 152Status: 09 June 2020Åland Page 1ÅlandÅland Page 2Document No PageLETTER 164 Rk1a 1 (4)Date Dno13.3.2020 ÅLR 2019/9900Ålands BSPC-delegation, Ålands lagtingReferenceContactMarcus ÅkerblomSubjectUnofficial translation: The Government of Åland'sview regarding the BSPC Resolution of 2019 andinformation of measures taken and actions plannedIn August 2019 at the annual Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) in Oslothe BSPC resolution was adopted. The purpose of the resolution is that governmentsaround the Baltic Sea region pay attention to different areas described below.December 19th 2019 the parliament of Åland forwarded the resolution to itsgovernment for further actions.The resolution contains 31 priority appeals/points sent to the governments in theBaltic Sea Region. The points are assigned in following four headings:1. various projects and other collaborations2. future labour markets3. maritime related protectives to achieve the UN Sustainability Agenda by 20304. migration and integrationThe Government of Åland also notice that the appeals/points are being tangent toeach other. In this letter the Government of Åland describe measures taken andactions planned for these objectives.Point 1The Government of Åland participates in several international collaborations andprojects linked to the sea and coastal environments, environment and climate, suchas Coast4us and Seabased Measures as well as Åland Seamap. The Government ofÅland also cooperating with the other Baltic Sea countries regarding EU MarineStrategy Framework Directive and HELCOM in terms of both monitoring andaction.Point 2In accordance to the request to the BSPC's 26th resolution for a multinational forumfor young people, ReGeneration 2030 is under continues establishment.ReGeneration 2030 brings young people together from 14 countries andautonomous regions around the Baltic Sea: Finland, Åland, Sweden, Norway,Åland Page 3Denmark, Greenland, Faroe Islands, Iceland and Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania,Poland and Germany. The Government of Åland intends to continue thecooperation with both the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Council of the BalticSea States (CBSS) regarding ReGeneration 2030, in order to support theinvolvement of young people in the implementation of The Agenda 2030. The thirdedition of the ReGeneration 2030 Summit will be held in Åland August 22-24th2020. The Government of Åland require BSPC to consider a formalizedcollaboration with ReGeneration 2030 in the future.Point 3The Government of Åland has been participating in international cooperation in theBaltic Sea region for 25 years and attaches great importance to co-financingprojects so that different parties and businesses can participate in internationalcooperations. This is for example, to increase the region's competitiveness, toreduce nutrient emissions into water, to make common maritime planning, developtourist attractions and to develop joint training courses in, for example, healthcareon board ships. This provides sustainable funding and efforts that increase people'ssolidarity and affinity. New Interreg programs for the period 2021-2027 will alsobe developed during the year 2020.Point 7, 9, 10The Government of Åland has commissioned a study made by ÅSUB (Statistics andResearch Åland) on "Åland's future growth – opportunities and challenges". Itshows that the four megatrends in the world are technological development, climatechange and climate policy, changing in population structure and the globalredistribution of economic power. All these trends will have an impact on thedevelopment of the economy in Åland. It affects working life, what kind ofcompetence that is demanded, changing conditions and requirements for policycontrol, changing consumer behavior and labour market participation and probablynew markets will expand. Changes lead to new opportunities and it is an advantagefor a small society with the possibility of fast making decisions, but also in termsof seeing new business opportunities. The Government of Åland has identifiedincreased migration and digitization as focus areas in the coming years.Point 12Åland, as a region in Europe, is a pioneer with a higher employment rate forwomen than for men but also regarding a high level of employment. Workremains to create equal conditions for women to participate in decision-makingpositions. More work also needed to increase the economic equality.Point 13The Government of Åland supports all efforts made to prevent 'lost generations',that is, people who don’t enter the labour market after their studies.Point 14, 15, 17The Government of Åland have adopted a plastic strategy (in 2019) to reduce thespread of plastics and microplastics in the environment.Point 19, 21A Sea Plan for Åland is being developed to protect and restore marine habitats.The maritime planning has been carried out through the completed cooperationproject Pan Baltic Scope.Åland Page 4In cooperation with Åbo Akademi University, The Government of Ålandparticipating in the project Åland Seamap. The aim is to make an inventory of theunderwater nature around Åland with the purpose of protecting it.After worrying reports of the cod status, the Government of Åland together withNatural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE), will launch a scientific study of thecod around the Åland Islands in 2020.Point 22, 23Within the province of Åland, legislation on environmental impact assessment(EIA) and environmental assessment is used in cases that have a significantenvironmental impact.Point 25Freedom of movement within Europe requires systems that can take advantage ofknowledge and competence from other countries. Good or common systems alsofacilitate migration from non-European countries in areas such as education,labour, access to basic services, housing and health care, and social inclusion.Åland works according to the "The Government of Åland's integration promotionprogram", national guidelines and guidelines from the EU, including the“Integration Action Plan of Third-Country Nationals”. People that comes toÅland as quota refugees/refugees or residing here during their asylum application,are subject to national legislation regarding integration. Other immigrants aresubject to local legislation.Point 28In 2016, the Government of Åland established the network bärkraft.ax togetherwith actors from the trade and industry, civil society and education. Bärkraft.axperforms several different functions. One of them is providing a platform fordialogue between both individuals and organisations from all sectors of thesociety. Physical and digital meeting points for conversations regarding thedevelopment of society are available to everyone living in Åland.Point 26-30The fact that Åland is a very small region has not yet enabled immigrants toreceive all service at only one service point. The responsibility is divided by thestate, the Government of Åland and municipalities. Nor are all services availablein Åland all the time. For example, the Finnish Immigrations Service, which isresponsible for permit matters, will come to Åland only every 6 weeks.Åland have 16 municipalities. Everyone has the responsibility to have a goodintegration in their municipality and has its own integration programs and anypossible agreements with the state regarding the reception of refugees. TheMunicipalities Social Services (KST) is a new association of municipalities thatobliges municipalities to a coordinated social service. They begin their operationsin January 1, 2021. Integration is one of many social matters that will betransferred into their field of responsibility.The Government of Åland has regular coordination meetings with themunicipalities and the third sector to take note of current needs and interests. Forexample, by arranging language cafés, different kind of educations, otherÅland Page 5activities etcetera. The Government of Åland gives the opportunity to the thirdsector to seek special funds for various integration projects.The Government of Åland is the principal in the AMIF project “A safe port”. Inthis project, networking has been deepened and special efforts have been carriedout. For example, training of Society and Health Communicators. Hopefully thecommunicators will improve giving the necessary social information and apossibility to give information in their mother tongue. Hopefully the informationalso will reach a wider target group at an earlier stage. The project also launched anew digital platform www.integration.ax that gather all the necessary informationin one place.The Government of Åland has an information office, Kompassen (Compass), thatnon-Nordic migrants can visit to be referred to the right public authority. Peoplemoving within the Nordic region are offered support through the Nordic Councilof Ministers information service, Info Norden, that has an office in Åland.Point 31Good examples are a good start for new ideas. Today, it is possible to be inspiredby good example of integration, through different digital platforms in Finland, theNordic region and Europe. Then it is often necessary to adapt requirements andstrategies to local conditions to have the best possible effect.Deputy Head of Harry Janssonthe Åland GovernmentAdministrator Marcus ÅkerblomDenmark Page 6DenmarkDenmark Page 7Comments from the Danish government concerning the conference resolutionadopted by the 28th Baltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceThe Danish government welcomes the resolution adopted by the 28th Baltic Sea ParliamentaryConference (BSPC) and its recommendations. Based on contributions from the relevantauthorities, the Danish government has the following comments to the resolution:Cooperation in the RegionOn 1 July 2019, Denmark took over the Presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS)from Latvia. Together with Germany, Denmark founded the organisation in 1992, and the thirdDanish CBSS Presidency was devoted to concluding the reform of the Council and the CBSSSecretariat initiated in 2018.The overriding priority of the Danish Presidency was to ensure the effective implementation ofthe agreed CBSS Reform Roadmap, in order to bring more focus and flexibility in the work of theCBSS, improve CBSS cooperation with other international fora and formats active in the region,and enable concrete results in areas in which the CBSS is uniquely suited to add value.The CBSS reform process was successfully concluded on 19 May 2020 at a meeting of all CBSSForeign Ministers and the Secretary General of the European External Action Service, chaired byForeign Minister Jeppe Kofod of Denmark, at which revised terms of reference for the Counciland for the CBSS Secretariat were adopted.In line with the Reform Roadmap, the ministerial meeting also discussed a number of importantregional issues and challenges. In addition to regional aspects of the COVID-19 outbreak, theseincluded several of the key issues raised in the resolution of the 28th BSPC, notably engagementof young people, key environment and climate-related challenges, and the fight against cross-borderorganised crime.Following this exchange, the ministers adopted the Bornholm Declaration (https://cbss.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Bornholm-Declaration.pdf), which covers the CBSS reform process aswell as many of the key regional issues discussed.In addition to the ministerial meeting, collaborative efforts by the CBSS Member States, led by theDanish Presidency and assisted by the CBSS Secretariat, yielded a number of complementaryoutputs that will help strengthen regional cooperation and, specifically, the work of the CBSS inline with the agreed CBSS Reforms. These outputs include orientations for the CBSS role andengagement within the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region and the Northern Dimension,operational guidelines for CBSS practical cooperation and fundraising, and revised mandates andstrategies for CBSS work on the protection of children and the fight against trafficking in humanbeings.1Denmark Page 8More detailed information regarding the work of the 2019-2020 Danish CBSS Presidency can befound in the report published on 18 November 2020 by the CBSS Secretariathttps://cbss.org/report/danish-presidency-2019-2020/).An inter-ministerial task force to counter foreign disinformation campaigns against Denmark wasestablished prior to the 2019 Danish parliamentary election. Efforts were made to raise awarenessabout the threat of disinformation. Briefings and guidance were offered to political parties andjournalists. An evaluation of the task force is under way. No foreign disinformation campaignsagainst Denmark were identified up to the 2019 Danish parliamentary election. The task forcecontinues to handle known cases of disinformation in Denmark.Denmark supports the work of the NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence inRiga, Latvia.The Danish National Strategy for Cyber and Information Security for the period 2018-2021 isunder implementation. The overall aim is to familiarize and make citizens, businesses andauthorities able to manage digital risks, whereby Denmark can continue to use digital solutions tosupport the development of society.Measures to improve resilience against disinformation are taken via the inter-ministerial task forceto counter foreign disinformation campaigns against Denmark. Measures include briefings andguidance of Danish political parties and journalists.Future of Working LifeIn 2006, a parliamentary majority voted to raise the retirement age in accordance with lifeexpectancy. The principle behind the agreement is that the retirement age is to be raised graduallyin order to ensure that persons, on average, can expect to live 141⁄2 years as recipients of the publicold-age pension benefit. The parties behind the agreement have agreed to vote on the issue everyfifth year, given that life expectancy has increased within the five-year period.In 2015, the parties agreed to raise the retirement age from 67 to 68 years from year 2030 andonward. In 2020, the Danish Parliament will vote on raising the retirement age to 69 years from2035 onward. There is currently a parliamentary majority for this raise.With the aims of, amongst other things, increasing labour of market participation among seniors,the government has recently implemented initiatives that will strengthen economic incentives towork for seniors.While the general retirement age is gradually raised and the incentives to work for seniors arestrengthened, the government has also reached an agreement with a parliamentary majority onintroducing legislation on a new right to early pension for those who have been on the labourmarket for the longest time, often in physically hard jobs.The new right will be implemented throughout 2021. Predominantly unskilled and skilled workersare expected to obtain access. As skilled and unskilled workers on average have lower lifeexpectancy than those on the labour market with higher education, the Danish government findsthat the new right will amend injustices and disparities associated with the gradually risingretirement age.2Denmark Page 9In 2019, the government has received proposals from a think tank on seniors established with thegoal of making proposals on how to improve the working lives of seniors and at the same timeencourage seniors that are able and willing to stay a few more years on the labour market.Inspired by, amongst other things, the findings of the think tank, the government will pursueincentive-based policies that support the ongoing trend by which even more seniors choose tocontinue to be part of the labour force past the state pension retirement age.In 2020, a commission on the pension system was established. The commission is tasked withinvestigating, among other things, the possibilities for a slower increase in the pension age.Additionally, the government is currently implementing a broad parliamentary agreement toimprove the physical as well as the mental working environment.Denmark has prioritized that adult education must also be targeted individuals on the margins ofthe labour market. In October 2019, the Government reached an agreement on adult andvocational training primarily for the benefit of the unemployed workforce. The agreement containssix initiatives with a budget of 100 million DKK, and provides people with the least education theability to move from an unskilled level of work to a skilled level of work. For instance, one of theinitiatives enables the public authorities to provide subsidy to a company that hires an unemployedperson for temporary work, while their employee leaves in order to participate in an educationprogramme.Denmark works with the issues mentioned through multiple channels. The former DisruptionCouncil and its findings are one such example. Others include the Think Tank on Seniors and theExpert Committee on the working environment effort. The questions are also raised and are partof Denmark’s international cooperation in the EU (e.g. EMCO) and the OECD (ELSAcommittee). The state further supports research into the mentioned topics, fx. through universities.Denmark has an ongoing focus on the involvement of women in the work-force and reducing thegender pay gap. In order to promote female entrepreneurship in Denmark and improve theconditions for self-employed persons on family-related leave, the Danish Government and theparties behind the political agreement on the State Budget for 2020 have agreed to re-introduce amaternity equalization scheme for self-employed persons. New legislation has been presented tothe Danish Parliament. If the legislation is passed, the new regulations will enter into force on 1January 2021. Furthermore, the Government is in the process of implementing the new EUDirective on a better Work-Life Balance.Parallel to these efforts, the Government is considering additional national initiatives which maycontribute to a more equal sharing of parental leave. These deliberations are still ongoing and willbe discussed with the Danish Parliament in due course. Thus, no formal decisions have yet beentaken, but the Government is committed to improving the work-life balance of both women andmen.With regards to the gender pay gap, the Danish Centre for Social Science Research (VIVE)published a report on the gender pay gap in Denmark in May 2018. The report was commissionedby the Danish Ministry of Employment and analysed the development in the unadjusted andadjusted gender pay gap in the decade between 2007 and 2016. The report showed that while the3Denmark Page 10unadjusted gender pay gap had decreased by almost 25 pct. the adjusted gender pay gap remainedat approximately 7 pct. In October 2020, VIVE published its report on the adjusted gender paygap, financed by the Ministry of Employment. The report analyses, through new research methodsand additional register-based data, the factors behind the adjusted gender pay gap. The report waspublished in October 2020 and shows that the gender-segregated labour market plays an evenbigger part in explaining the persisting gender pay gap. The report also shows a correlation betweenthe number of women in a job function and a lower level of pay both in the private and the publicsector.Denmark has focused on meeting the challenges of an ageing population and for all to have theopportunity of life-long learning. In the summer of 2018, a think tank was established with the aimof contributing to a better work life for seniors and at the same time encourage seniors to stay afew more years on the labour market. The think tank presented its recommendations in November2019. The focus of the recommendations was on new measures to get long term unemployedseniors back to employment, how companies with policies for seniors are central in postponementof retirement from the labour market, and how pension funds can help strengthen the informationabout the economic benefits for seniors who are able and willing to stay in employment after theofficial retiring age. The Danish government is now considering the recommendations and findingsfrom the think tank and is looking into new proposals on how even more seniors can continue tobe part of the labour force – and how unemployed seniors can get back in employment.Continual education and training has been prioritised through the tripartite agreement concludedin October 2017. This agreement strengthens the adult education system and continual trainingsystem and ensures that employees and companies will have access to a strong, focused,transparent, and more flexible education system. The tripartite agreement includes initiatives ofDKK 2.5 billion in total over a four year period. Efforts have also been made towards targetingadult education to individuals on the margins of the labour market.The Danish government generally focuses on increasing productivity and strengthening thecompetencies of wage earners through investments in scientific research, education and up-skilling.In the fall of 2019, the political parties behind the Employment Reform agreed to reprioritise DKK100 million to a number of initiatives that will upgrade skills for unemployed and thereby securequalified labour for companies. The initiatives primarily have the purpose of skills upgrading forunskilled. This includes the opportunity for more unemployed to get vocational training, skillsupgrading through job rotation schemes as well as skills upgrading directed towards businesseswith labour shortage. Furthermore, the agreement includes an initiative directed towardsunemployed graduates.Denmark still prioritises NEET-youth (Youth not in Employment, Education or Training). Aftera successful evaluation of the project "Building Bridge to Education" targeting this group,Denmark has launched a follow-up initiative “Job Bridge to Education” that includes mentorsupport and practical work training for young people who falls within the NEET-group. Theproject runs in the period 2018-2020.Safeguarding the OceansDenmark is supporting an ambitious implementation of the plastic amendments decided at CoP14into the European legislation. Denmark is supportive of the work in the plastic waste partnershipand is following the partnership’s work.4Denmark Page 11On 19 October 2020, The Nordic Council of Ministers launched the Nordic Report on elementsfor a new global agreement to prevent marine plastic litter. The Nordic report should be seen asinput to the global negotiations at UNEA-5 in 2021 and 2022.Denmark is currently holding the chairmanship of the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Nordiccountries are working dedicatedly on paving the way for a global instrument on marine litter. OnOctober 28th 2020, the Nordic Council of Environmental Ministers adopted a declaration on theneed for a new global agreement to prevent marine plastic litter.Denmark is one of the world's most digitalised societies, with authorities ready to allowexperiments and designate test areas that can help make Denmark a leading test lab for digitalisationof vessel traffic and green shipping.The Danish Maritime Authority experiences interest for test activities for new technologies andgreen solutions, and several test areas for specific projects have been appointed, e.g. test of aremote-controlled tug boat in Copenhagen area, test of a remote-controlled work vessel in waterssouth of Fyn, test of an autonomous passenger vessel in Limfjorden, test of an autonomous dronefor survey purposes and test of land based pilotage by means of drone technology.Safety is central in any test activity, and based on a safety case, the Danish Maritime Authorityassesses if the safety is satisfactory, and whether the desired area is safe to use for the desired testof technology.The IMO Maritime Safety Committee approved in 2019 a guideline for testing autonomous shipactivities. The purpose of the guideline is to help relevant authorities and stakeholders to ensure,that testing activities with autonomous ships and related systems and infrastructure are carried outsafely and with regard for environmental protection.Generally, all current rules for ships are created on the basis that the vessel is manned at all times,which can result in challenges in relation to future autonomous ships and remote controlled vesselsthat can be partial or completely unmanned.At the moment there does not exist specific regulation on autonomous shipping neither domesticregulation nor international regulation.The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has started the extensive work looking at thecurrent regulation – a so-called Regulatory Scoping Exercise, where the current rules are reviewedin order to evaluate to what extent those rules are able to contain levels of autonomy, and/or whichrules need to be changed or developed. The Danish Maritime Authority participates as Denmark’srepresentative in this work. The goal is to establish common ground rules for autonomous ships,internationally.Denmark is currently in the process of developing its first marine spatial plan (MSP) for its sea-areas. The Danish Parliament has adopted the Act on Maritime Spatial Planning that establishes aframework for maritime spatial planning in the Danish marine waters.5Denmark Page 12The MSP will form the basis of the coordination between the many uses of Denmark's sea-area, ina manner that can support the conditions for sustainability and growth in Denmark. The MSPseeks to establish which sea-areas in Danish waters that can be used for, inter alia, the energy sectorat sea, maritime transport, transport infrastructures, fishery and aquaculture, mining, some typesof land reclamation and preservation, protection and improvement of the environment – allactivities which are subjected to different special regulations. The MSP is also expected to pointout areas in which permits etc. for installations and use, within the sectors mentioned above, canbe issued and thereby abstain other areas of the sea, from these activities.The preparation of Denmark's first MSP will be based on an ecosystem-based approach. Theecosystem-based approach follows the holistic mindset from Denmark's marine strategy II, whichis built upon four pillars: (a) The geographic approach, which is the management of ecosystemcomponents and human activities that exists in the same geographic areas. (b) The concerns of theconnections – not only within the ecosystem but also between ecosystem and human. It is worthnoting that humans too is an integrated part of the environment – both in relation to its challengesand solutions. (c) The cumulative effects. Human activities often affect ecosystems in a complexmatter. Here it is important to have knowledge about the effect of the sum of the impacts on anentire ecosystem. (d) The acknowledgment of the many different objectives and interest at sea. Anecosystem can have multiple functions (ecosystem services), but possibly not all at once. Forexample, a sandbank can be used for installing a wind turbine, be the foundation for sand andgravel mining, used as a fishing ground for fishermen or be protected as a habitat for fish -underlining that some activities can coexist whereas others cannot.By taking these measures the Danish MSP seeks to support and back the 14th SustainableDevelopment Goal (Life below water), on aiming to conserve and sustainably use the oceans seasand marine resources.Under the Marine Strategy framework directive Denmark is working to ensure coherent networkof marine protected areas, which will help achieve SDG 14. With the programme of measuresdeveloped under the Danish Marine Strategy (MSFD) from 2017, Denmark has an obligation toinvestigate the need to identify and possibly designate marine protected areas in the Danish partsof the North Sea and the Baltic Sea. This work will be based on an analysis of which habitat typesand marine species are not adequately protected at present. Possible new MPA’s are expected tobe part of the next Programme of Measures related to the implementation of the Marine StrategyFramework Directive.The UN Ocean Conference, which was supposed to take place in June 2020, has been postponedto 2021. A UN Ocean Conference Political Declaration, co-facilitated by Denmark and Palau, wasunder preparation in early 2020. However, these preparations have been delayed until early 2021.The relevant SDG 14 targets 14.1, 14.3 and 14.5 on marine pollution, ocean acidification andmarine protected areas are all covered by the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and theUnited Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA).The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, UNESCO-IOC, has been mandated by theUN General Assembly to plan the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for SustainableDevelopment (2021-2030). To implement the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science forSustainable Development in an Arctic Ocean context, a Task Force is presently preparing thedevelopment of an Arctic Ocean Action Plan. The Arctic process will take place after the adoption6Denmark Page 13of the implementation plan by the UN General Assembly, and will thus have stronger focus onidentifying and drafting actual realistic actions. Denmark is the organiser of the working groups,whose meetings will take place in October and November 2020. In March 2021, the action planfor the Arctic will be adopted.Denmark supports that the UN Ocean Conference will contribute to the UN Decade of OceanScience, in that regard the HELCOM Science agenda can contribute as a Voluntary Commitmentto the UN Ocean Conference in 2021.Denmark has implemented the Espoo Convention in the Danish Environmental Assessment Act(EAA), which covers plans, programs as well as projects. The EAA also transposes the EUDirectives EIA and SEA and their provisions concerning the assessment of transboundary impactson the environment.The EAA sets the procedural guidelines for conducting consultations and assessing transboundaryimpacts on the environment. The Environmental Protection Agency has been appointed Point ofContact in accordance with the Espoo Convention and the SEA Protocol to the Convention. TheDepartment of the Ministry of Environment and Food is appointed Focal Point for AdministrativeMatters in accordance with the Espoo Convention and the SEA Protocol to the Convention.Denmark is taking part in the ongoing work in HELCOM regarding dumped munitions in theBaltic Sea, e,g, the ongoing work in the HELCOM Submerged group.Denmark fully supports the process for achieving good environmental conditions in the Baltic Sea.Danish participation in HELCOM is led by the Ministry of Environment and Food in goodcooperation with the Ministry of Defence.Denmark welcomes the work on an updated and ambitious Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) and theMinistry of Defence is in dialogue with the Ministry of Environment and Food concerning theproposed content.Migration and IntegrationDenmark continues to support intergovernmental information exchange on a wide range ofintegration issues with the other countries bordering the Baltic Sea, though channels such as theEU, UN, IGC, CBSS and Nordic Cooperation, etc.The integration effort in Denmark is still monitored by ”the Integration Barometer”, where theannual progress on integration as well as a municipal level is monitored. The integration Barometeris available on https://integrationsbarometer.dk/ (only available in Danish).The Danish integration effort is already based on a “one stop” system where most of the necessaryservices, required for newly arrived refugees and other legal foreigners, are administered by themunicipality to which the refugee has been referred or where the legal foreigner is residing afterbeing granted a residence permit. The municipality has the responsibility for providing all necessaryservices such as housing and social benefits, as well as the self-support and return program offeredthrough the Integration Act, Danish language training and job training.7Denmark Page 14The main aim of the program under the Integration Act is to ensure that newly arrived foreignershave the opportunity to utilize their abilities and resources in order to become self-sufficient andactively participate in and contribute to Danish society on an equal footing with other citizens. Toensure this, the program primarily focuses on securing better integration into the labour market bya combination of supporting opportunities for newcomers to enter into the labour marketcombined with financial incentives directed at local authorities, private companies, language courseproviders and the individual refugee in order to secure successful integration.One key measure that entered into force on July 1, 2016, is the introduction of a new and moreefficient job and training program (Integrationsgrunduddannelse (IGU)) by which newly arrivedrefugees and family reunited to refugees are gradually - over the course of two years – receivingon the job training (regular employment) and 20 weeks of relevant upgrading of skills. Initially theindividual igu-participant may not fully possess the skills and productivity required to qualify for ajob on regular Danish wage levels and working conditions. The igu therefore includes a so-calledapprentice pay and ensures that job training and intensive skills training are combined within thetwo-year period. On February 25, 2019, the (former) Government and the social partners agreedto extend the scheme for a further 3 years until the end of June 2022.Denmark recognizes the importance of facilitating contact between newcomers and the localcommunity in order to ensure that newcomers are introduced to the values and norms of theDanish society thereby providing the best possible starting point for successful integration.For example in 2016, the Danish Red Cross-Danish Refugee Council launched the “buddyprogramme” (Friends show the way) which aims to ensure that all newly arrived refugees with aresidence permit are offered a so-called buddy (a volunteer) in their host municipality upon arrival.The project’s overall objective is to promote individual integration and social cohesion at the locallevel, with both the refugees and host societies gaining greatly from the relationship. Furtherinformation about this program can be found on the Red Cross website onhttps://redcross.eu/projects/friends-show-the-way (available in English).The Council of Ethnic Minorities (Rådet for Etniske Minoriteter), financed through the annualFinance Act, has among its “areas of action”, a focus on ensuring political and democraticparticipation amongst ethnic minorities, including refugees and other newly arrived foreigners. Partof the Council’s vision is to ensure a higher participation in democratic elections from ethnicminorities, and to work towards ensuring that participation of ethnic minorities in Danishinstitutions and organizations reflects the ethnic composition of the general Danish population ingeneral and to work towards an increase in the number of ethnic minorities participating activelyin Danish civil society and in the democratic dialogue.8German Bundestag Page 15GermanBundestagGerman Bundestag Page 16German Bundestag Page 17Statement by Germany’s Federal Government on the resolutionadopted by the 28th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference, held inOslo (Norway) from 25 to 27 August 2019I. Regarding the preamble:The Federal Government welcomes the resolution adopted by the 28th annualconference of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC), held in Oslo from25 to 27 August 2019. The resolutions give the Federal Government valuable inputfor a German Baltic Sea policy which is regionally anchored.Close and coordinated cooperation between all stakeholders, a healthy Baltic Seaand sustainable economic development of the Baltic Sea region remain prioritiesfor the Federal Government. The Federal Government also underlines theimportance of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), the HelsinkiConvention (HELCOM), the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR)and the Northern Dimension (ND) as the pillars of this cooperation. All forumsare used for official and social exchange in close coordination between the federalministries and the northern German Länder (federal states). In addition, theFederal Government will continue its formative role as it assumes thechairmanship of the EUSBSR and HELCOM in 2020.Strengthening trust among all CBSS Member States will continue to be a keypriority for the Federal Government. Against this background, the FederalGovernment welcomes the progress made in implementing the Roadmap by theCBSS Secretariat and the Member States, and in particular by the Danishpresidency.Regarding the calls for action:The participants, elected representatives from the Baltic Sea RegionStates, assembling in Oslo, Norway, 25-27 August 2019, call on thegovernments in the Baltic Sea Region, the CBSS and the EU,Regarding Cooperation in the Region, to1. strengthen trust among all Member States of the Council of Baltic Sea States(CBSS) through further concrete efforts and measures;Response:Close and trusting cooperation in the Baltic Sea region remains a long-term priorityfor the Federal Government. The CBSS has a key role to play in strengthening trustGerman Bundestag Page 18within the region. The Roadmap adopted during the Latvian presidency and enshrinedin the Jurmala Declaration of 3 June 2019 is being consistently implemented by thecurrent Danish presidency. The Federal Government is working closely with allmembers in this context.2. intensify the early involvement of the next generation and respect the nextgeneration’s concerns more intensively in policy and decision-making processesvia concrete measures of the governments to reinforce the foundations of trust andsecurity in the Baltic Sea Region as an element of foreign policy;Response:The Federal Government is a longstanding supporter of the involvement of youngpeople in the Baltic Sea region. In particular, support for the Baltic Sea YouthDialogue (BSYD, held most recently in October 2019 in Berlin) is a uniqueexample of this involvement. In addition to the young people from the MemberStates, young people from Belarus were also represented. The Federal Governmenthas pressed for an extension of the Project Support Facility (PSF), citing thediscussions on the subject of young people during the CBSS High Level Meetingin Jurmala in June 2019. In 2020, the support will be focused entirely on projectsinvolving the “next generation” in all three CBSS long-term priorities. The call forapplications was published in January 2020.A post for a youth coordinator has been created in the Secretariat in Stockholm –the recruitment process is ongoing. In addition, EU funding has been secured(funding period: February 2020 to August 2022) to facilitate the initiative for a“youth platform” with the involvement of numerous local partners. This platformis intended to facilitate youth exchange beyond traditional programmes of visitsand to serve as a forum for discussions among young people on relevant issues inthe Baltic Sea region. A more far-reaching, systematic involvement of youngpeople in the opinion-forming process of the CBSS is currently being discussed bythe Member States, with an open mind as to the outcome.3. continue cooperation within the framework of the Northern Dimension, cross-border cooperation programmes between EU member states and Russia as well asInterreg Baltic Sea Region programme, and actively engage in developing newgenerations of these programmes for the future;Response:In the framework of the Northern Dimension, the Partnership on Transport andLogistics (NDPTL) was extended for another five years in November 2019. In theenvironmental and climate field, the Environmental Partnership (NDEP) has beenextended until 15 November 2022. Within this framework, investment projects aresupported in the common interest, particularly in the fields of water, waste andGerman Bundestag Page 19circular economy, energy efficiency, and nuclear safety. The Federal Governmentcalled for the extension of both partnerships. The European External ActionService is planning to hold a high-level Northern Dimension meeting in Iceland in2020 (at which Germany would be represented by the EU). In the CBSSframework, the Federal Government has, together with all Member States, calledon the CBSS Secretariat to engage in close dialogue with all ND partnerships.Regarding European Territorial Cooperation (ETC), close technical coordination ofthe aims and funding opportunities is taking place between the NationalCoordinators of the EUSBSR and the Joint Programming Committee (JPC) of theInterreg Baltic Sea Region Programme for the new funding period from 2021 to2027. A first joint meeting between all National Coordinators and the members ofthe JPC took place in Riga in February 2020. All involved expressed support for acontinuation of cooperation with the non-EU countries of Belarus, Norway andRussia.4. conclude the current CBSS reform process and increase the focus on synergiesbetween cooperation formats in the Baltic Sea Region, andResponse:The Federal Government is working closely with the Danish presidency of theCBSS to achieve the aims established in the reform process by July 2020. Atpresent, the implementation of the measures is proceeding in line with the timetableproduced by Denmark.In addition, the CBSS Member States have asked the CBSS Secretariat to developa strategy paper identifying strategic partners and potential synergies in regionalcooperation. It was considered for the first time by the CBSS Committee of SeniorOfficials (CSO) in December 2019. A final version is expected by the end of theDanish presidency.Another example of a successful cooperation format is the Federal Government’sfinancial support for the CBSS Expert Group on Sustainable Development (EGSD).In this context, synergies between ongoing projects and programmes supported bythe Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety(e.g. the National Climate Initiative, the European Climate Initiative, the AdvisingAssistance Programme (BHP2)) are increasingly being examined and, whereappropriate, regionally linked.5. examine the possibilities to establish fruitful professional cooperation on the basisof international law – such as has existed very successfully for decades throughinstitutions such as HELCOM in the field of environmental policy – in acomparable way in other policy areas as well,German Bundestag Page 20Response:The Federal Government’s current efforts in the Baltic Sea region, particularly inthe CBSS reform process, aim to strengthen synergies and reduce thematic overlapbetween the regional formats. Multilateral cooperation is generally very intensive.Further intensification or the creation of formats on the basis of international law isnot being discussed at this time.6. further strengthen measures to combat terrorism and violent extremism in linewith human rights obligations and the rule of law – recognising that theeffective fight against terrorism and violent extremism is an important pillarfor the preservation of democracy, the spread of disinformation being one keyelement. Parliaments have a key role to play in this context, as well as in theawareness of all the measures taken to combat terrorism at the internationallevel;Response:Hatred, right-wing and left-wing extremism, anti-Semitism and other forms ofgroup-focused enmity have no place in Germany. The Federal Government isresolutely determined to defend our liberal democracy against them.Terrorism is one of the biggest challenges for the security authorities in Germanyand Europe. The large number of terrorist attacks which have taken place in Europein recent years have provided tragic evidence of this. International terrorism, likeall forms of terrorism, aims to spread fear and terror. It not only threatens theindividual freedom and security of open societies, but also calls the internationalorder’s established structures into question.The Federal Government is addressing these challenges in part by taking numerouslegislative, organisational and societal measures to combat international terrorism.As recently as the end of October 2019, the Federal Government adopted a packageof measures produced by the Federal Ministry of the Interior, Building andCommunity and the Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection, whichpaves the way for still more effective measures to combat right-wing extremism andhate crime by creating or expanding the legal and actual basis for such measures.This includes expanded powers and greater staffing and technological capacities forthe security authorities, initiatives to tackle terrorist content online, and preventionprogrammes and cooperation in the framework of the EU and with other foreignpartners, bilaterally or in multinational contexts, such as the GlobalCounterterrorism Forum or the United Nations. These and other measures areintended, first and foremost, to protect the population — one example being still morerestrictive legislation on weapons and explosives — and to preserve our lifestyles andour liberal way of life.German Bundestag Page 21Regarding the Future of Working Life, to7. implement an exchange of ideas on the ministerial level as early as possible,involving the social partners’ current considerations and strategic approachesto meeting the considerable challenges with regard to ageing populations andthus pressures on pension systems, the new requirements of the labour marketon skills and qualifications as well as digitalisation and further technologicaldevelopments, the need for better synergies between educational systems aswell as labour markets’ demands and increasing labour mobility regardingtheir impacts on economic growth, for example countries suffering from highlyskilled and competent individuals leaving the country due to betteropportunities abroad (brain drain), social cohesion (between social groups) andsocial sustainability (between generations);Response:The Federal Government welcomes an exchange on the challenges and newrequirements regarding skills and qualifications which digitalisation poses for thelabour market. In particular, an exchange about best practices regarding continuingeducation and training in the era of digital transformation and environmental change ishighly relevant.The Baltic Sea countries can also cooperate proactively and fruitfully in relation toinitiatives at EU level, including the planned updating of the EU Skills Agenda and theDigital Education Action Plan. The structural change being driven by climate actionand digitalisation poses a major challenge for companies and employees. To addressthis challenge, additional incentives are to be created for skills development foremployees.In addition, precautions also have to be taken to allow rapid responses to economicvolatility. The Federal Government is therefore seeking to expand and adapt itsrange of labour market policy instruments via its current bill for a Work ofTomorrow Act (Arbeit-von-morgen-Gesetz). The core elements of this bill are atransformation subsidy and support for skills development to improve careerprospects – building on the provisions of the Skills Development Opportunities Act(Qualifizierungschancengesetz), as a second line of support – as well as anexpansion in the support available for skills development in outplacementcompanies, a legal entitlement to support for continuing education and trainingleading to a vocational qualification, the introduction of an authorisation to issueordinances to allow the partial reimbursement of social security contributions in thecase of skills development during short-time work, the permanent establishment ofassisted vocational training, support for cross-border apprentices during in-company vocational training, rules on the payment of travel expenses in the case ofintroductory training, greater protection under unemployment insurance for peopleundertaking continuing education and training, the extension of the continuingeducation bonus, and the introduction of electronic registration options with the FederalGerman Bundestag Page 22Employment Agency (early registration as a jobseeker and registration as beingunemployed).In addition, the “New Quality of Work Initiative” launched by the FederalGovernment is seeking to ensure good working conditions and to encouragecompanies and public administrations to implement innovative approaches topersonnel policy. The initiative is supported by the social partners. It seeks tosupport companies, employees and staff representative bodies in movingsuccessfully towards the digital future, on the basis of a shared vision. Theinitiative’s substance is structured around the following areas for personnel-policyaction: leadership, equality of opportunity and diversity, health, and knowledgeand skills.8. use the early exchange of current considerations and strategic approaches tomeeting these challenges in the individual countries of the Baltic Sea region, theelaboration of common interfaces, but also the visualization of existingdifferences in the individual approaches as a decisive contribution to the jointfurther development of the entire region;Response:The Federal Government is in constant dialogue with its European partners and thesocial partners in order to respond to the challenges posed by ageing populationsand the new requirements in the labour market. In addition to the regular dialogueat ministerial level, which takes place in bilateral discussions and in formats suchas the European Union’s Employment, Social Policy, Health and Consumer AffairsCouncil (EPSCO), the Federal Government participates actively in bodies such asthe Social Protection Committee (SPC) and the Employment Committee (EMCO),in order to ensure a continuous exchange, transfer of knowledge and a substantivestrategic discussion among the countries and with the social partners.9. consider long-term labour market forecasts, including scenarios for digitisingthe world of work, the development through qualifications, occupations,sectors and regions and to exchange continuous and long-term research resultson the development of employment and the labour market in the countries ofthe Baltic Sea Region. On this basis, a better possibility is to be opened up formeasures to meet the challenges posed to the labour market by demographic,technical and qualification-specific structural change, which will take accountof developments throughout the Baltic Sea region;Response:The Federal Government is engaged in an active dialogue on the findings of researchinto labour market trends. One component of this dialogue was a workshop held by theLatvian public employment service on 14 and 15 January 2020 in the framework ofthe Network of Public Employment Services, at which the Federal Government wasGerman Bundestag Page 23represented by the Institute for Employment Research (IAB). The IAB is also amember of the International Labour Market Forecasting Network, in which manyBaltic Sea countries are represented by their public employment services. An annualmeeting is held in this framework, most recently in May 2019, at which apresentation was given by Sabine Klinger; a joint publication was subsequentlyissued.10. jointly discuss the enormous transformation of the world of work that can beexpected from further digitisation in a forward-looking and early manner andto explore ways in which these can be better countered by comparableprocedures;Response:The transformation of the world of work affects all Baltic Sea countries. Aforward-looking dialogue helps countries to identify the risks, opportunities andsuitable political instruments proactively and at an early stage. In particular, it isimportant to discuss concrete measures which can help countries to shape thetransformation in an equitable and human-centred way. The Federal Government’sdialogue with the Baltic Sea countries has been intensified because of these sharedinterests. The Baltic Sea partners are also pioneers when it comes to a human-centred approach to shaping a digitalised society.11. agree on fair framework conditions with regard to the design of workingconditions in a digital economy and to further facilitate entrepreneurial activityacross borders;The Federal Government is seeking to ensure decent work even for new forms ofwork, such as the platform economy. We want to enable companies to makegreater use of the platform economy’s potential. At the same time, good workingconditions and social protection must still apply in the platform economy. Giventhe cross-border business models which exist, regulation at European level issensible in order to create a level playing field.12. improve gender parity and ensure stronger involvement of women in theworkforce by enabling compatibility of career and family work as well as equalemployment opportunity and thereby reducing the gender pay gap;Response:The Federal Government believes its holistic approach to tackling the gender pay gap,by looking at all causes of the pay gap between men and women, has been validated. Itwill continue its steps and efforts to increase the female labour-force participation rate,to make it easier for men and women to combine family and caregivingresponsibilities and work, and to reduce the gender pay gap. Important measuresGerman Bundestag Page 24have been taken to promote equality of opportunity in working life, in the form ofthe national minimum wage, the Act on the Equal Participation of Women and Menin Executive Positions (Gesetz für die gleichberechtigte Teilhabe von Frauen undMännern an Führungspositionen) and the Act to promote Transparency in WageStructures among Women and Men (Gesetz zur Förderung der Entgelttransparenzzwischen Frauen und Männern). Family caregiver leave, the care supportallowance, the parental allowance “plus”, and the federal programme KitaPlus(which aims to increase childcare availability) have made it easier to combinefamily and work responsibilities. The right to return from part-time to full-timework also helps people to better combine work and family life, and contributes to amore secure income over the course of people’s lives.13. step up the efforts to support youths who are currently not in employment,education, or training (NEET) back into education or the labour market - basedon best practices and the results of cross-sectoral, transnational cooperation;;Response:The Federal Government is open to the further development of internationalcooperation in the Baltic Sea region regarding NEETs. Currently, the FederalGovernment is working intensively to enhance national measures for young NEETs.The existing instruments to support young people, particularly in the promotion ofvocational training, are regularly updated. One example is “assisted vocationaltraining”, which was introduced in the last electoral term as a new instrument topromote vocational training. It supports disadvantaged young people who requiresupport in connection with learning difficulties or problems in their socialenvironment in the process of successfully completing in-company vocationaltraining in the dual system. This instrument, which was initially introduced for alimited period, is to be made permanent and developed further.In addition, a range of new developments are taking place, particularly with regardto careers guidance and advice in schools. The careers guidance events begin oneyear earlier than was previously the case, and include more interactive formats.School students thus come “more directly” into contact with occupational profiles.This is intended to allow young people to explore their own strengths, weaknessesand interests, and to think about their choice of career at an early stage.The further development of youth employment agencies is an important aim for theFederal Government. Coordinated cooperation in youth employment agenciesbetween the employment agencies, jobcentres and youth welfare offices, inparticular, as well as schools in some cases, can enable these services to reach moreyoung people.German Bundestag Page 25The Alliance for Initial and Further Training 2019-2021, which brings togethervarious stakeholders from the vocational training and labour market under theleadership of the Federal Government, has the aim of helping everyone, ideally, toobtain a skilled vocational qualification, and of strengthening the dual system ofvocational training. The partners in the Alliance contribute to this aim through jointactivities and voluntary commitments. The Alliance covers a broad spectrum oftopics, ranging from careers guidance, to placement into vocational training(including support services for apprentices and companies), to greater ease oftransfer between vocational training and academic education, to mobility issues, andservices for those who drop out of university courses.Since 2016, the Education Chains Initiative has promoted better coordination ofexisting services and support options and a coherent approach by the Federation,Länder and federal agencies. Negotiations are currently ongoing for the new period.Regarding Safeguarding the Oceans –Achieving the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals, to14. consistently implement the amended Basel Convention on the Control ofTransboundary Movements of Hazardous Waste and their Disposal signed by 187states, considering its amendment and decisions on plastic wastes, adopted on 10May 2019 by the Fourteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the BaselConvention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wasteand their Disposal as important contributions to combating of the pollution of theseas by plastic waste in accordance with the resolutions of the BSPC;The Basel Convention is implemented in particular by the European Regulation onshipments of waste. The amendments must first be incorporated into an OECDDecision. Negotiations on this are ongoing, as the United States has objected to theamendments to the Basel Convention being adopted unchanged in the OECDDecision. The amendments to the Basel Convention must also be incorporated intothe European Regulation on shipments of waste; the European Commission has toproduce proposals for this.15. support the further development of a legally-binding, globally-reachingmechanism for managing plastic waste towards the consistent combating of thepollution of the seas by plastic waste in accordance with the resolutions of theBSPC;Response:Regarding the further development of a legally-binding, globally-reachingmechanism for managing plastic waste, the Federal Government is workingGerman Bundestag Page 26actively with countries around the world which are particularly ambitious indriving forward consistent efforts to combat pollution of the seas by plastic waste.In March 2019, on the margins of the UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi,Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary at the Federal Ministry for the Environment,Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, announced plans to invite these countriesto a coordination meeting. The meeting was held in Berlin on 15 October 2019 asa “Roundtable on tackling global plastic pollution — Ways towards aninternational convention”. It was attended by representatives and ambassadorsfrom 14 countries (China, Denmark, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Kenya, Malaysia,Norway, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Turkey) and the EuropeanCommission; Federal Minister Schulze opened the event. The aim of the meetingwas to discuss the potential advantages of a legally-binding, globally-reachingmechanism (e.g. a new convention) and strategic approaches for UNEA-5. Therewas broad support among the attendees for driving forward the internationalprocess towards a global agreement, without determining in advance whether itshould be binding in international law.On the margins of the third meeting of the UN ad hoc open-ended expert group onmarine litter and microplastics (Bangkok, 18-22 November 2019), which theFederal Government attended at working level, a further meeting of “ambitiouscountries” with around 20 participants was held on the evening of 20 November2020, at the invitation of the Federal Government, to build further support for a UNagreement on plastics.The Nordic countries, particularly Norway, are also playing a leadership role inbuilding support in the framework of UNEA-5 for an international plasticsagreement or a new mandate (e.g. the establishment of an international negotiatinggroup), and have taken decisions at ministerial level on this issue. At present, amajor study is being produced on behalf of the Nordic countries, accompanied byworkshops. The Federal Government (like Switzerland and the EuropeanCommission) was invited to the workshops organised by the Nordic countries andattended two-day coordination meetings at working level in September 2019 andJanuary 2020 in Reykjavik and Copenhagen respectively.16. promote, through appropriate measures, the accelerated digitalisation ofvessel traffic and green shipping to achieve the 2030 objectives as soon aspossible;Response:The Federal Government welcomes this call for action. Reducing shipping’simpacts on the environment and climate is a key element of German engagement inthe framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Alongside thecontinuous updating of existing provisions to protect the marine environment, theGerman Bundestag Page 27focus is currently on the development of concrete measures in the framework of theinitial strategy on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships, inparticular. In this context, the Federal Government’s main focus is ensuring that thelevel of ambition and the goals of the initial strategy are actually achieved. This isthe only way to ensure that shipping can play its part in achieving the goals of theParis Agreement. At national level, the Federal Government has produced fundingguidelines on the provision of grants for equipping and converting sea-going shipsto use liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a marine fuel. Measures are being prepared tosupport fixed and mobile facilities for shore-side electricity supply for ships whenin port.To promote the accelerated digitalisation of vessel traffic, the Federal Governmentis working at both international and national level on a wide range of issues, inparticular the expansion of the Automatic Identification System (AIS) through theintroduction of the VHF Digital Exchange System (VDES), in order to improve thebandwidth for information to be transmitted ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore in theVHF band. The Federal Government is also working in the IMO’s FacilitationCommittee (FAL) on the creation of an international maritime single windowenvironment based on the European approach (EMSWe), in order to fully harmoniseship reporting worldwide and create the conditions for complete digitalisation. Inaddition, work is taking place in the IMO’s Sub-Committee on Navigation,Communications and Search and Rescue (NCSR) on replacing the analogueNAVigational TEXt Message System (NAVTEX) by introducing NavigationalData (NAVDAT), so that digital navigation information (alerts, nauticalinformation) can be processed directly in electronic form, for example in theElectronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS).17. support the plastic waste partnership established by the Fourteenth meeting ofthe Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention to mobilize theresources, interests and expertise of business, government, academic and civilsociety to assist in the implementation of new measures to reduce thegeneration of these wastes, including microplastics, providing a range ofpractical support, including tools, best practices, technical and financialassistance;Response:The Federal Government is actively participating in the newly established PlasticWaste Partnership. Representatives of the Federal Ministry for the Environment,Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, the Federal Ministry for EconomicCooperation and Development, and GIZ have been nominated as members of thePartnership’s working group. Its first meeting is due to take place at the start ofMarch 2020. The aim is to implement the programme of work agreed by theConference of the Parties, and to organise concerted action for appropriateGerman Bundestag Page 28regulation at the global level to strengthen e-navigation and pave the way forautonomous shipping.18. organise concerted action for appropriate regulation at the global level tostrengthen e navigation and pave the way for autonomous shipping;Response:Both e-navigation and autonomous shipping are regularly dealt with through “concertedand global” action at IMO level. Their comprehensive international use will beimpossible without the safety framework (performance and testing standards) to beestablished by the IMO. The Federal Government is active at IMO level.19. use the ongoing changes and processes on ecologically and biologically significantareas and maritime spatial planning systematically as a sufficient and necessarytool to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal 14 on protecting and restoringecosystems of the UN 2030 goals and intensify all continuing efforts in meetingthe SDG 14 targets;Response:In 2018, HELCOM worked with the Secretariat of the Convention on BiologicalDiversity (CBD) to identify and describe biologically or ecologically significantmarine areas in the Baltic Sea region, including a German marine area, in ascientific process laid down by the CBD. All of these areas were officiallyaccepted by the Conference of the Parties to the CBD in November 2019 (seeCBD/COP/DEC/14/9), were added to a public list maintained by the CBDSecretariat as “ecologically or biologically significant areas”, and weretransmitted to the UN General Assembly.HELCOM adopted guidelines for the implementation of the ecosystem-based approachin maritime spatial planning as early as 2016, a process launched largely at Germany’sinitiative and in which Germany played a key role; HELCOM is thus a pioneer in theimplementation of the ecosystem approach in maritime spatial planning.20. jointly develop far-reaching measures and proposals for the UN Conference onoceans 2020 and try to further evolve these together at the UN level and achievemore decisive action at the international level to ensure political support for thesemeasures in the field of improving the state of the oceans and its recovery;Response:The second UN Ocean Conference (SDG 14 conference) will be held in Lisbon from2 to 6 June 2020. The Federal Government regards the development of global oceangovernance as being of key importance for the achievement of the SDG 14 targets.Regional marine protection partnerships are an important foundation for this necessarydevelopment. The Federal Government already made this clear at the 2017 conferenceGerman Bundestag Page 29in the framework of a voluntary commitment. In 2020, the Federal Government willincreasingly press for prioritised and accelerated implementation of SDG 14 inmarine regions, i.e. cross-border and cross-sectoral cooperation. Within HELCOMand OSPAR, the SDGs have already been translated into goals for the regional leveland regional action plans have been developed, which are being updated at regularintervals.In February 2017, HELCOM engaged intensively with the 2030 Agenda adoptedby the UN in September 2015, and set out in a report how the SustainableDevelopment Goals could be implemented in the Baltic Sea region. For the UNconference in June 2020, HELCOM is planning to put forward contributions to“voluntary commitments” in the discussion process.Among other things, the Federal Government is actively supporting the ambitioustarget for 30% of the ocean to be protected in marine protected areas by 2030, in theframework of the post-2020 process under the Convention on Biological Diversity.With regard to improving the state of the world’s oceans, the Federal Governmentis also actively involved in the efforts to bring about an effective agreement on theconservation of the biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). TheFederal Government’s primary objectives are, in particular, effective rules on thedesignation, protection, management and monitoring of protected areas beyondnational jurisdiction, and high environmental standards for high seas environmentalimpact assessments. Furthermore, in 2016 the EU (with Germany playing theleading role) submitted a proposal to the Convention for the Conservation ofAntarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) for the creation of a comprehensivemarine protected area for the sensitive and almost untouched ecosystem in theAntarctic Weddell Sea (WSMPA). In June 2018, the German Bundestagunanimously adopted a resolution which supported the establishment of thisprotected area with high standards of protection and gave the Federal Governmentparliamentary backing for the international negotiations.21. support in-depth marine research and innovation in the conservation andsustainable use of marine biological diversity;Response:In-depth marine research into the conservation and sustainable use of biologicaldiversity is a priority issue in the Federal Government’s coastal, marine and polarresearch programme “MARE:N”. With the “Coasts in Transformation” fundingannouncement in 2019 in the “North and Baltic Sea Coasts” research priority area,the Federal Government is addressing the creation of practical knowledge about theeffects of multiple stressors and the sea level rise on the dynamics and integrity ofcoastal systems, and about the effects of anthropogenic and climate-inducedGerman Bundestag Page 30changes on species occurrence, functional biodiversity and material flows in coastalecosystems. The funding is due to begin in 2020; six million euros is available. The“Protection and Sustainable Use of Marine Areas” research mission planned by theGerman Marine Research Alliance (DAM) for 2020 is intended to developimplementation-oriented practical knowledge about reducing the effects ofanthropogenic stressors and about management strategies for marine areas.At European level, the Federal Government is making 7.9 million euros in fundingavailable in the framework of the Article 185 TFEU programme BONUS for theperiod from 2014 to 2020.22. ensure that the provisions of the UN Convention on Environmental ImpactAssessment in a Transboundary Context (1991) (Espoo Convention) arecomplied with in the implementation of projects with transboundary impacts inthe Baltic Sea area;Response:The Espoo Convention, as an instrument of the UN Economic Commission for Europe(ECE), ensures that affected countries and their populations are involved in othercountries’ environmental impact assessment processes for projects which can havesignificant transboundary impacts. This mutual involvement in industrial projects isparticularly important for the countries in the Baltic Sea region and is, in general,conducted properly and fruitfully. To enhance cooperation between the countries inthe Baltic Sea region, a regular informal exchange takes place between all nationalEspoo points of contact in the Baltic Sea countries.23. ensure that large scale projects that affect the coastlines and coastal areas andthat have a major impact on ecosystems in the Baltic Sea region have to complywith the obligations arising from relevant international treaties and conventions,including the Espoo Convention and the Helsinki Convention;Response:When it comes to large-scale projects that affect coastlines and coastal regions, suchas Nord Stream II, in particular, special care is taken to ensure compliance with theobligations arising from the Espoo Convention. The Federal Government engages in aclose dialogue with the authorities responsible for the technical execution of theindividual projects. The Federal Government has complied with the informationobligations arising from HELCOM in connection with Nordstream I and II.24. with regard to the detection of unexploded ordnance and buried/depositedammunition present in the Baltic Sea, and with reference to current HELCOMactivities, work together and develop a cross-border, sustainable strategy fordealing with this, call on the CBSS to explore the possibility to create afinancing tool, i.e. to monitor, contain/secure, salvage or destroy, as theunexploded ordnance in the Baltic Sea may constitute a danger to humans andGerman Bundestag Page 31the environment, especially with regard to shipping routes and coastal watersused by tourists; based on such monitoring results a commission of expertshas to evaluate and analyse the risks outgoing from the buried/depositedammunition annually and issue recommendations for action;Response:The Federal Government would welcome a political consensus among all Baltic Seacountries on the subject of ammunition in the Baltic Sea.At national level, the Federal Government and the coastal Länder have been dealingcontinuously with the topic of the risk posed by sunken ammunition for a decade,especially in the framework of the Ammunition Expert Group set up by theFederation-Länder Working Group on the North Sea and Baltic Sea. The firstdetailed report, with the title “Ammunition in German marine waters – taking stockand recommendations”, was published as early as November 2011 and has sincebeen updated on an annual basis. The UDEMM collaborative project (total funding:1.5 million euros), which concluded in 2019, studied the extent of ammunitioncontamination in the southern Baltic Sea. Spatial risk maps of the German BalticSea and guidelines for evidence-based monitoring have been developed on the basisof measurements and modelling.In light of the decisions taken by the 93rd Conference of Environment Ministers inNovember 2019, the Federal Government will – on the basis of the Expert Group’smany years of preparatory work and the currently available research findings,particularly the findings of recent months – discuss the way ahead and what action isneeded, with an open mind as to the outcome, and will take any measures to counterrisks. A further aim is to develop a cross-border, sustainable strategy for dealing withunexploded ordnance in the Baltic Sea. The establishment of a voluntary financing toolmight be one option for cooperation.In the Federal Government’s view, dealing with ammunition in the Baltic Sea andNorth Sea is a task for all of the countries in these regions. We will therefore conductassessments on this subject and encourage the development of recommendations foraction, including in the framework of cooperation under HELCOM and, in particular,through the established structures of the SUBMERGED Expert Group, chaired byGermany.Regarding Migration and Integration, to25. explore the possibility of a Baltic Sea-wide agreement on the futuremanagement of migration;Points 25 and 31 are answered together under point 31.German Bundestag Page 3226. consider – as best practice examples – the implementation of “one stopinstitutions” where migrants can receive all necessary services in one place as wellas the possibility of personal integration plans;Points 26, 27 and 30 are answered together under point 30.27. take measures to facilitate direct and regular contacts between newcomers andlocals, local institutions, civil society organisations, communities and individuals;Points 26, 27 and 30 are answered together under point 30.28. support dialogue platforms as open and regular communication and coordinationtools for involved stakeholders to broaden the societal dialogue;Response:In the last funding period of the federal programme “Living Democracy!” (2015-2019),the “partnerships for democracy” at municipal level already offered various eventformats. These aimed to promote dialogue and the organisation of civil-societystakeholders. The call for funding applications for the “partnerships for democracy” inthe current funding period (2020-2024) expressly recommends the “creation of forumsfor respectful cooperation, constructive dialogue and debate to allow engagement withsubjects relevant to the programme”. In addition, a dialogue on security and preventionis to be developed.Furthermore, the National Action Plan on Integration (NAP-I) is being updated overthe period to the end of 2021 to further develop approaches to integration, under theoverall leadership of the integration commissioners and with the involvement of theLänder, municipalities and civil society. The NAP-I process serves to ensure thecomprehensive involvement of integration stakeholders in the design of integrationpolicy and brings together a variety of integration measures in a nationwide strategyin line with the principle that with rights come responsibilities. It is supported byfederal discussion formats (e.g. the Federation-Länder meetings referred to underpoint 30 below, the Federal Chancellor’s integration summit), by the ExpertCommission referred to under point 30 below, but also by transparency aboutfederal measures through the publication of a regular overview of the FederalGovernment’s measures, which will also be continued as an online database in 2020.29. improve within the framework of strategic approaches to integration thereceptiveness of host societies through increased democratic participation inintegration, with a stronger focus on the municipal level as the area of dailycoexistence;Response:To provide greater support for the municipal level, the maximum funding availablefor the “partnerships for democracy” under the federal programme “LivingGerman Bundestag Page 33Democracy!” has been increased by 25 per cent. In 2015 and 2016, in particular, theintegration of refugees was a nationwide priority in the work of many “partnershipsfor democracy”. In places where challenges still exist because of migration flows,projects (“individual measures”) to increase receptiveness are still receiving supportfrom the partnerships. In most cases, they are implemented by civil-societyorganisations.30. support and promote a municipal multi-stakeholder governance of refugeeintegration including systematic participation and multi-stakeholder exchangebetween politics, the business sector and civil society;Response to points 26, 27 and 30:Integration policy is a key policy field for the Federal Government and is directedin particular, though not only, at refugees. The Federal Government’s integration-policy strategy is based on the principle that with rights come responsibilities.Although people are entitled to integration, they are also required to make theirown efforts to integrate. Integration can only succeed as a two-way process.The Federal Government supports the integration of migrants by means of a diverseportfolio of measures, encompassing the fields of language tuition, integration intovocational training, work and education, and integration into society. The measuresare focused on participation and equality of opportunity: they are aimed at alleligible persons, regardless of their national, ethnic or religious background.Asylum seekers are fully informed about integration opportunities already duringthe application process; depending on their prospects of being allowed to stay inGermany, they can take part in integration measures even while the process is stillongoing. In addition, migrants can obtain information about integration measuresfrom the Migration Advisory Service for Adult Immigrants, for example; one-stopinstitutions thus already exist (see point 26).An important guiding principle in the design of federal integration measures is thepromotion of contact between migrants and the host society and the development ofsociety’s capacity for integration (see point 27). In this context, the Federationsupports a wide range of measures, which are set out in the “Overview of FederalGovernment measures relating to language tuition and integration” that is publishedat regular intervals. For example, support is provided particularly for localapproaches which promote integration into the community and living environmentand which are also aimed at people from the host society as important contributorsto the integration process (see also point 29). In addition, the Federal Governmenthas established an Expert Commission to develop proposals relating to key issuesin the field of integration policy, particularly with regard to society’s capacity forintegration. The Commission is due to submit its report in the summer of 2020.German Bundestag Page 34Integration takes place at local level; the Länder, municipalities and civil societyare important integration stakeholders with which the Federation collaboratesclosely (see point 30). The Federation has provided comprehensive financialsupport to the Länder and municipalities when it comes to coping with refugeeflows and integrating refugees. In total, the Länder and municipalities receivedaround 6 billion euros in refugee-related financial relief in 2019. In addition,federally financed integration measures, such as the integration course and theMigration Advisory Service for Adult Immigrants, are offered throughout Germany,thus reducing the organisational and financial burden on the Länder andmunicipalities. A regular technical exchange also takes place with the Länder andmunicipalities on integration-policy issues, for example within the framework ofthe Federation-Länder meetings organised by the Federal Office for Migration andRefugees.31. examine the extent to which the regular exchange of best practice examplesthroughout the Baltic Sea region will make it possible to harmonise migrationstrategies;Response to points 25 and 31:The Federal Government is working intensively with other countries to tackle thecauses of refugee flows and illegal migration. At the same time, the FederalGovernment is honouring its legal and humanitarian commitments and helpingrefugees. The discussions and negotiations in the European Union are crucial, in theFederal Government’s view. The Federal Government welcomes the exchange ofbest practice examples in this area; this takes place regularly, especially withinEuropean bodies.Estonia Page 35EstoniaEstonia Page 36ESTONIAN STATEMENTS REGARDING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THERESOLUTION OF THE THE 28th BALTIC SEA PARLIAMENTARYCONFERENCEI ESTONIAN MFAPoints 1-5CBSS ministerial meeting in 2019 once again declared the importance of the CBSS as a platformuniquely suited to add value to the development of the Baltic Sea Region, throughintergovernmental dialogue and practical cooperation between all countries in the region, byfostering mutual understanding, building trust, ensuring stability and promoting people topeople contacts. The meeting endorsed the Roadmap of the CBSS reforms 2018-2020. CBSSCSO was instructed to conclude the implementation of the document by the end of the DanishPresidency in 2020. The Roadmap enables the necessary flexibility of the Council, higheradaptability, preparedness and effectiveness of the CBSS, increases the focus on synergiesbetween cooperation formats in the Baltic Sea Region and promotes the facilitating role of theCBSS in this regard.Under the Danish Chairmanship, the CBSS Committee of the Senior Officials (CSO) has workedintensively to achieve the ambitious goals of the reform. Some documents have been alreadyagreed on the Committee level including changes to the Terms of Reference of theorganisation. The changes in the basic documents lead to more flexible and effective work ofthe Council and reflect the experience of the work of the CBSS during last years. There is acommon understanding that the Baltic Sea Summits would take place when the Member Statesconsider such political discussions opportune. The consistency and continuity of the politicaldialogue in the region is ensured by the CBSS Council meetings. CBSS reforms support trustamong the Member States and enhance CBSS and its Member States governments andnumerous other stakeholders activities in all three Long Term Priority areas. Implementation ofthe CBSS Project Facility (PSF) during the new period 2020-22 also contributes to the trust aswell as the projects initiated by the CBSS Secretariat and participation of the CBSS in projectswith other partners. Changes in the PSF documents agreed by the CBSS Member States in theCSO will contribute to the enhanced added value of the projects and take into account theexperience of the two previous PSF periods.During last years CBSS has worked intensively to widen Youth participation in regionalcooperation and especially in the CBSS led projects. One important way to have Young peopleconcerns accounted is widening their participation in the political process. In Estonia a personmust be of at least 18 years of age to vote at national and EP elections, at local governmentcouncil elections 16- and 17-year olds have been given the right to vote. To stand as a1Estonia Page 37candidate, a person must be of at least 21 years of age for the Riigikogu and the EuropeanParliament elections, and at least 18 years of age for the local government council elections.Numerous very different Youth organisations are an important and visible part of our civilsociety. Estonian Youth Council plays a prominent role and cooperates with similar Councils inother Baltic Sea countries. Youth issues are high on the agenda not only at the CBSS but alsoother cooperation formats, for example, BSSSC and HELCOM. Better cooperation betweendifferent formats and efficient division of labour would make Youth cooperation in the Regionmore efficient and their voice more influential. We would especially mention Youth actions fora better environment, which play a significant role in influencing political decisions.Estonia considers good cooperation, better division of labour and avoiding duplicationimportant principles for regional cooperation formats in the Baltic Sea Region, such as CBSS,Northern Dimension, HELCOM, EUSBSR, Nordic Council, Baltic Council of Ministers and others.Regular meetings between the Presidencies and Secretariats of four regional councils (CBSS, theNordic Council of Ministers, the Arctic Council and the Barents Euro-Arctic Council) areimportant for better cooperation and coordination of the activities, we especially would like tosee more sectorial cooperation between them.Interreg Baltic Sea Programme and cross-border cooperation programmes play an importantrole in enhancing Baltic Sea regional cooperation. We are now approaching the programmingprocess of the new MFF EU financial instruments and it is crucial to define priorities for fundingand secure smooth moving from one MFF period to another avoiding gaps in financing.Baltic Sea cooperation is in many areas based on multiple legal instruments includingInternational conventions, decisions of International organisations etc, some areas are coveredby EU legislation, some by political declarations, different action plans, memorandums ofmutual understanding and so on. It is up to relevant sectoral departments to decide, which kindof International agreements they would like to use, formal or informal. At first, there has to bemutual political will to do something together and the sides find an appropriate form for theiragreements.II ESTONIAN MINISTRY OF SOCIAL AFFAIRSPoints 7-13, 26-31Issues of the Future of Working Life involve activities of different national departments whodiscuss these matters in several international cooperation formats. Every ministerial-level meetinghas to be well prepared on the level of officials and experts, it has to bring clear added value. It iscrucial to have all members of one or other format to contribute to the success of the meetings.2Estonia Page 38Currently, Baltic Sea Region states are not in the position to have soon a ministerial meeting aboutFuture of the Working Life issues, because of the lack of results on the level of officials and expertswhich would create a ground for political level meeting in the Baltic Sea Region format.Since 2017 we started to provide training and retraining measures for employed people by PublicEmployment Services provider Estonian Unemployment Insurance Fund and approved by socialpartners. This package of measures contains different measures provided directly to employees aswell as measures provided to employees via their employers. The main focus is to support peoplewho need support in changing job or remaining employed due to a lack of skills or their skillsbeing outdated, but also to support structural change in the economy. Training is especiallyfocussed to provide skills which has been indicated in skills forecasting system (OSKA) asgrowing in demand and also IT skills are provided and people 50+ is one of the target groupsmeasures are focussed.The new services are as follows:• a degree study allowance for an employed person for obtaining vocational, professionalhigher education or Bachelor's studies;• labour market training with a training card (worth up to 2500 euros for 3 years) to foremployed persons at risk of unemployment;• support for obtaining qualifications for employed persons who have undergone labourmarket or other training with the support of the training benefit;• a training grant for employers for improving the skills and knowledge of theiremployees upon their recruitment and helping them to adapt to changes in the employer'seconomic activities.Different flexible working arrangements and working conditions are topics that are frequentlydiscussed between government and social partners. In 2018 the government developed proposalsto change the Employment Contracts Act. Proposals covered working time regulation andregulation of fixed-time contracts. The consensus was not reached with social partners and lawremained unchanged. Discussions continue whether working conditions under the EmploymentContracts Act are sufficiently flexible and who should be covered by this law (should theparticipants of the digital economy be covered).At the end of 2018, the Government discussed a further action plan for changes in the long-termcare (LTC) system. The main aim of the changes is to increase the availability of long-term careservices to reduce the care burden on informal carers and through that, support the reconciliationof work and care. In June 2019, the newly formed Government agreed that the Ministry of SocialAffairs should continue to develop long-term care reform plan. At the beginning of 2020, theCabinet approved a new state/municipality partnership model for the provision of LTC. As a nextstep, the Ministry of Social Affairs will prepare a legislative intent for LTC legislation by the endof 2020.3Estonia Page 39From January 2019 to the end of 2021, a project is carried out by a research consortium led by theTallinn University to decrease the still unexplained part of the gender pay gap by clearing upfurther reasons for it through linking together different existing databases, adding qualitativeanalysis and using simulation and prognosis models to design evidence-based policy scenarios.The project also creates a low-administrative-cost database for up-to-date data on the gender paygap. Based on the analysis, user-friendly digital awareness-raising features will be developed. The615 789 EUR project is co-financed from the Regional Development Fund.In 2019-2020, the Gender Equality and Equal Treatment Commissioners Office is implementinga project “InWeGe - Income, Wealth and Gender” in collaboration with the University of Tartuand the TalTech (Tallinn Technical University). The project with a total budget of over 700 000euros is co-financed by the European Commission through the Rights, Equality and CitizenshipProgramme. The project has three objectives. First, it analyses the gender gap in financial andpension assets, focusing on Estonia, but using data also from other European countries. Second,the project aims to reveal new factors behind gender income gap in Estonia. Additionally, a freeof charge and evidence-based innovative web application that predicts wages and pensionentitlements is planned to be developed. In spring 2019, scientists from the TalTech and theUniversity of Tartu presented a study about the gender gap in net wealth in Estonia. Administrativedata on wealth that is linked to the Estonian Household Finance and Consumption Survey providesan individual-level wealth data for all household types.In 2019-2020, the think tank Praxis is implementing a project “Nudging Women to Power”,financed from the European Commissions` Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme, with aco-financing from the Ministry of Social Affairs, the National Foundation of Civil Society and theNordic Council of Ministers. The general objective of the project is to improve women’s access tohigh-level political decision-making. It aims to increase knowledge, awareness and understandingof the importance of gender equality in the public policymaking and how the media, as well aspolitical organizations, can help to empower women in achieving higher positions, as well asvisibility and credibility in public domains. The direct target group of the project are Estonianjournalists and national policymakers participating in seminars organized during the project. Thewider target audience will be all journalists, policymakers, women interested in decision-makingand the whole society benefitting from more equal representation of women and men in politics.In November 2019, an 18-month research project started that will concentrate on developing andpiloting nudging methods to increase the share of women among ICT sector students andemployees. The nudges that could aid in bringing more women to study and work in ICT will betested in 2020. The project is co-funded by the Estonian Research Council from the EuropeanRegional Development Fund and the Ministry of Social Affairs.The Estonian Youth Guarantee Implementation Plan was presented in April 2014 andincludes different activities by the Ministry of Social Affairs and the Ministry of Education andResearch. Youth guarantee is coordinated in cooperation between these two ministries. Youthguarantee steering group meets at least twice a year. Youth guarantee steering group members4Estonia Page 40are Ministry of Social Affairs; Ministry of Education and Research; Estonian National YouthCouncil; Estonian Employers’ Confederation; PES; Innove (Foundation Innove is an educationcompetence centre that coordinates and promotes general and vocational education in Estonia,offers educational counselling services through the nationwide Rajaleidja network and mediatesEuropean Union grants in fields of education and working life); Estonian Youth Work Center;Association of Estonian Open Youth Centres and The Labour Inspectorate.At the local level, different measures are implemented. Since 2018 there is the Youth GuaranteeSupport System (youth tracking system) which is a system designed specifically to support youngpeople not in education, employment or training get back to school or work. The register-basedsystem helps local municipalities to reach out to young people in NEET situation. Also, thetracking system helps to make the overall youth guarantee system (different measures) morecomplete because specialists from local municipality have information about young people inNEET situation and can offer them different options according to young people aims (for examplecareer guidance, schools, training or other labour market services). Youth guarantee supportsystem has specific IT-system and case management to offer individual support.Thanks to the cooperation between different partners at local level discussion about the topic hasraised wider awareness about the issue.III ESTONIAN MINISTRY OF EDUCATION AND RESEARCHPoints 7-10, 13For the sustainable functioning of society, it is important that every person is employed in thelabour market to the best of his or her abilities and able to react quickly and flexibly to changes inthe labour market. The Estonian Lifelong Learning Strategy is a document that proposesmeasures and actions to reduce the gap between lifelong learning and labour market needs.The Lifelong Learning Strategy is guiding the major developments in the field of education and isthe basis for the national education budget choices for 2014-2020, and will serve as a basis fordeveloping the necessary programs to support change. The new strategy document is beingprepared for the years 2021 - 2035Objectives and actions of the Lifelong Learning Strategy are supported by the CompetitivenessPlan Estonia 2020, Estonia's national sustainable development strategy Sustainable Estonia 21and are a fulfilment of the objectives of the Estonian security policy in the field of education.The proportion of adults (25-64 years) without special or vocational education in Estonia hasbeen gradually decreasing year-by-year. Those with basic or lower education are the mostvulnerable in the labour market. People without secondary education are more likely to beunemployed or away from the labour market and they also tend to have lower wages. In 2018, the5Estonia Page 41share of people aged 25-64 without secondary education was highest among those aged 25-29(about 17%).To reduce the proportion of people without vocational or vocational education, it is important toreduce drop-outs from formal education and increase adult participation in vocational and highereducation. The adult participation rate in lifelong learning has reached the highest level in 2019.The participation rate in lifelong learning has increased, mainly at the expense of non-formallearning, but the participation of adults in vocational and higher education has also increased. Lesstraditional groups - men, older people, non-Estonians and adults with a low level of education -are increasingly involved in training.The labour market is showing increasing demand for people with vocational education, whileseveral analyzes indicate that, alongside the acquisition of vocational skills, general andtransferable skills and knowledge are playing an increasingly important role. Thus, in the future,the focus should be on converging rather than confronting vocational and general secondaryeducation and aiming for more smooth transitions and blended learning opportunities.The share of young people aged 18-24 with no educational attainment has fallen over the lasteleven years from 14.4% in 2007 (the highest level in the time series) to 11.3% in 2018. There isconcern about the gender gap: there are still more men than women with low levels of education.Over the last five years, the employment rate of 20-34 year-olds who have completed one to threeyears of study has improved, reaching 81.7% in 2018, very close to the 2020 target (82%).The proportion of 16- to 74-year-olds with digital literacy has also improved in recent years.According to Eurostat, in 2017, 88% of adults had at least a low level of digital literacy.Within the framework of the Closer Lifelong Learning Program, measures will be implemented todevelop the apprenticeship system in vocational and higher education, including apprenticeships,improving the image of vocational education and expanding apprenticeships. Piloting of work-based learning in higher education has begun. The program supports vocational championshipsand traineeships. To support the interest of entrepreneurs, competitions of the best practicecompany and trainee were organized under the leadership of the Estonian Employers'Confederation.There is a great interest in entrepreneurship education. Modules for entrepreneurship education forgeneral, vocational and higher education institutions have been completed. The EntrepreneurshipLearning Program has contributed to the rapid growth of student companies.Skills Coordination System OSKA provides information on key occupations and skills needed inthe labour market. OSKA reports will be completed in all areas of the labour market by 2020.In conclusion, half of the indicators of the general objective of the Estonian Lifelong LearningStrategy have been fulfilled. Graduates' employment and adult participation in lifelong learningis increasing, and students at the end of elementary school are among the best in the world. The6Estonia Page 42share of adults with at least low levels of ICT skills is close to 90%, which is also estimated to bethe number of jobs requiring a computer, while the proportion of adults with good skills is low.The share of adults (25-64 years) without special or vocational education has remained stable.From youth affairs perspective exchanging ideas on the ministerial level with strategic partnersand interest groups has been constantly evolving. On regards the ageing population and thenecessity of empowering youth opinion in decision-making processes, an advisory council ofyouth organisations was established following the initiative of Minister of Education and Research.During the meeting, youth representatives can raise discussion topics which are important fromtheir perspective. Previously the agenda has included referred digitalisation and synergies betweeneducational systems and labour market.Strategic cooperation between the Ministry of Education and Research (MoER), GovernmentOffice and Estonian National Youth Council ensured youth contribution to long-term nationalstrategy “Estonia 2035” process. In addition to open consultations, youth-targeted activities wereconducted and youth field strategic partners involved in thematic discussions. In result youngNEETs are addressed as one of the key target groups in national strategies (both “Estonia 2035”and National Youth Field strategy 2021-2035).Strong co-operation established between MoER and Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) underYouth Guarantee initiative, including preventive youth work and labour services, interventionservices for NEETs, career guidance services (provided by Unemployment Foundation), alsosupport for better knowledge in fields of responsibilities of the ministries. Outcomes of YouthGuarantee initiative are constantly observed by the working group and compared with othercountries good practices, as well with the European Commission recommendations.Social sustainability (between generations) and social cohesion (between social groups) arepriorities for the Global Estonia Programme under the Ministry of the Interior. Particular workinggroup – focussing on youth and young adults – is a good example of involving viewpoints fromyoung people to understand their relations and perspectives to interact with local communitymembers (from various age groups and diverse profiles).IV ESTONIAN MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENTPoints 14-15, 17, 19-24Estonia implements the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements ofHazardous Waste and their Disposal. Estonia supports that all waste, including plastic waste, ishandled in an environmentally sound manner. Estonia recognizes the amendments of the BaselConvention annexes and decisions on plastic wastes adopted on 10 May 2019 by the Fourteenthmeeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary7Estonia Page 43Movements of Hazardous Waste and their Disposal as an important contribution to combat plasticpollution globally.Under Estonia’s Presidency of the fourth session of United Nations Environmental Assembly(UNEA 4), plastic was identified as an important topic (reducing plastic waste was included in theministerial declaration and the relevant resolution). UNEA-5 is elaborating the topic of plasticfurther (Estonia being a Vice-President).Estonia is planning to establish a strategic approach for the circular economy by the end of 2021.Engagement of stakeholders is part of the preparation process. For that, we are analysing potentialand possible measures of circular economy in the plastic industry. We are also supporting thereduction of waste generation projects from the Environmental Programme (EnvironmentalInvestment Centre). Finally, in 2019, we have launched a Circular Economy homepage(https://ringmajandus.envir.ee/en) where practical information is available for everybody.Baltic Sea states in cooperation with HELCOM have established and designated ecologically andbiologically significant areas.Estonia is in the process of developing a maritime special planning, the second public display ofthe draft is currently ongoing. In maritime governance, we support agreements which guaranteenatural reproductive capacity of marine resources as our resources and potentials are limited.Under the aegis of HELCOM, together with Germany and Sweden we have made proposals forthe UN Oceans Conference and are trying to develop these further at the UN level. In theseproposals, we have reached the position that when tackling with the problems of the Baltic Sea weneed to consider also issues at global level, for example, climate change. Anthropogenic pressuresare similar globally, thus the HELCOM member states contribute also to the global fight againstclimate change.In Estonia, the measures are directly linked to the strategic decision-making level since it is theMinistry of the Environment participating in the work of HELCOM.As Estonia is a Party to the Espoo convention, we have implemented its provisions in case ofdifferent projects, including those carried out in the Baltic Sea region, for example,Balticconnector gas pipeline; North-West Estonian Marine Wind Farm, North Stream (twice).Which concerns the EIA protocol of the Espoo Convention, one of the current transboundary casesis the maritime special planning of Estonia. In the transboundary EIA procedures, major impacton ecosystems has always been considered both under relevant international treaties as well as theEspoo and Helsinki conventions.The issue of the detection of unexploded ordnance and buried/deposited ammunition present in theBaltic Sea has been on the agenda of HELCOM. It would be rational to keep the theme inHELCOM framework and not create duplicating activities in other regional cooperation formats.8Estonia Page 44V ESTONIAN MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND COMMUNICATIONSPoints 16 and 18Estonia believes it is important to increase the integration of digitalisation in port reception,logistic chain (e.g. e-Manifest), vessel traffic via e-navigation and innovative green shipping.Estonia already uses National Single Window Environment for all kinds of reporting formalities,including port calls (just-in-time approach), customs formalities, migration formalities, healthand garbage formalities etc.; and contributes to research and development of autonomoussystems technology in transport.VI ESTONIAN MINISTRY OF THE INTERIORPoints 6, 25-31Since the beginning of 2019 in the field of counter-terrorism, the government of Estonia is inthe process of renewing its priorities for the fight against terrorism in the Internal SecurityDevelopment Plan (ISDP) 2020-2030. The Plan will cover all the necessary factors anddevelopments regarding counter-terrorism and violent extremism. ISDP priorities are in accordwith the UN CT Global Strategy, as well as the main principles and priorities of the UN, EU,CoE, OSCE and international law (including the protection of human rights).Estonian Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) has designated a position of a localcoordinator, who coordinates the development of local multiagency network (incl. localcommunities and private sector partners) on prevention of radicalization. In cooperation withEstonian Academy of Security Sciences, the PBGB, Estonian Internal Security Service (KAPO)and local experts additional courses and guidelines have been created to raise the expertise offirst-line practitioners (law enforcement, prison and probation and rescue service officers,specialists in local authorities, social workers, teachers, psychologists, etc.) to detect and react tothe radicalization on early stage. PBGB has established an operational format of cooperationagainst antisemitism together with the Estonian Jewish Community. The Board has signedseveral bilateral and multilateral agreements related to internal security, counter-terrorism,P/CVE and exchange of personnel. It is developing measures for deradicalization and moretargeted measures for support of victims of terrorism.PBGB has achieved progress in the development of crisis management plans for high-securityrisk locations (i.e. airports, harbours), protection of public space and soft targets.Estonia has raised the competence and renewed the technology and equipment (includingdecontamination capacity) of the Estonian Internal Security Service`s CBRN (Chemical,biological, radiological and nuclear) team and Estonian Rescue Board’s CBRN team. Weorganized a CBRN exercise in Tallinn (October 2019), led by Estonian Internal Security Service(KAPO) - the main authority in Estonia, responsible for CBRN related cases. All relevant public9Estonia Page 45and private sector partners cooperated and participated in the exercise. The exercise wasvideotaped and has been used as training material for CBRN-related tabletop exercise inFebruary 2020.Regarding Migration and Integration, good and fruitful cooperation continues betweenEstonia, Latvia and Lithuania to discuss and coordinate positions on the EU level.In March 2019, an expert-level meeting took place in Riga on the initiative of the LatvianMigration Service to exchange experience and to discuss the labour migration legislation inEstonia, Latvia and Lithuania.Also, every year a conference is organised by the Nordic Council of Ministers Estonian office, incooperation with Ministry of the Interior, University of Tartu and other cooperation partners. Theconference is a good platform for sharing best practices and the latest research in the field ofmigration, cross-border mobility in the Nordic and Baltic countries.9.3.202010Finland Page 46FinlandFinland Page 4714.4.2020 1Ministry of the EnvironmentRegarding Safeguarding the Oceans –Achieving the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals, to14. consistently implement the amended Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements ofHazardous Waste and their Disposal signed by 187 states, considering its amendment and decisions onplastic wastes, adopted on 10 May 2019 by the Fourteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to theBasel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Waste and their Disposal asimportant contributions to combating of the pollution of the seas by plastic waste in accordance with theresolutions of the BSPC;On the second half of 2019, Finland, as the President of the EU Council, kept issues agreed at COP-14 ontable and actively promoted EU and its Member States negotiations in the OECD about incorporating theseamendments in the OECD decision on transboundary movement of wastes.15. support the further development of a legally-binding, globally-reaching mechanism for managing plasticwaste towards the consistent combating of the pollution of the seas by plastic waste in accordance with theresolutions of the BSPC;Finland takes part in cooperation under the Nordic Council of Ministers (NCM). Meeting of environmentministers under the NCM in April 2019 called for the development of a global agreement to moreeffectively and comprehensively deal with the issue of marine plastic litter and microplastics on a globallevel in an integrated manner and agreed to provide financial support for a Nordic Report to informdecision-making, sketching out the possible elements and approaches of a new global agreement thatwould address the whole lifecycle of plastics. Finland has also actively promoted the work on improving theglobal governance related to marine litter and microplastics both in the EU, especially during its Presidency,and in the UN ad hoc open-ended expert group on marine litter and microplastics.17. support the plastic waste partnership established by the Fourteenth meeting of the Conference of theParties to the Basel Convention to mobilize the resources, interests and expertise of business, government,academic and civil society to assist in the implementation of new measures to reduce the generation ofthese wastes, including microplastics, providing a range of practical support, including tools, best practices,technical and financial assistance;The EU and several Member States participate actively in the partnership. The EU Council working partyfollows this work and gives guidance when necessary.19. use the ongoing changes and processes on ecologically and biologically significant areas and maritimespatial planning systematically as a sufficient and necessary tool to achieve the Sustainable DevelopmentGoal 14 on protecting and restoring ecosystems of the UN 2030 goals and intensify all continuing efforts inmeeting the SDG 14 targets;In 2020 for the first time in Finland, information on 87 ecologically significant marine underwater areas(EMMA) along the Finnish coast has been described. EMMA was produced under the Finnish MarineUnderwater Inventory Programme (VELMU), custom-made for the Finnish maritime spatial planners.Descriptions of EMMAs have been prepared in collaboration with numerous marine nature experts, basedPostiosoite Käyntiosoite Puhelin Faksi s-posti, internetPostadress Besöksadress Telefon Fax e-post, internetPostal Address Office Telephone Fax e-mail, internetValtioneuvosto Snellmanninkatu 1A 0295 16001 (09) 160 22165 info@vnk.fiSnellmanninkatu 1A 00170 Helsinki Internat. +358 295 16001 Internat. +358 9 160 22165 www.valtioneuvosto.fiPL 23, FI-00023 Helsinki FinlandFinlandFinland Page 4814.4.2020 2on extensive data and literature incl. e.g. VELMU data. The EMMAs will be taken into account in thenational maritime spatial planning process.20. jointly develop far-reaching measures and proposals for the UN Conference on oceans 2020 and try tofurther evolve these together at the UN level and achieve more decisive action at the international level toensure political support for these measures in the field of improving the state of the oceans and itsrecovery;Finland has been active both in the preparations by the EU+MSs to the UN Ocean Conference as well aswithin HELCOM. The HELCOM high-level meeting on 3 March agreed on input to the UN Ocean Conferencefrom the perspective of the Baltic Sea.21. support in-depth marine research and innovation in the conservation and sustainable use of marinebiological diversity;The Finnish Marine Underwater Inventory Programme (VELMU) has gathered information from ca. 160,000observation points (2004-2019). Data have been used for a number of key assessments and reports onmarine nature, such as the Report on the State of the Finnish Red listed species (2019) and Red listedhabitats (2018) as well as for the Reporting on the EU Habitats Directive.22. ensure that the provisions of the UN Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in aTransboundary Context (1991) (Espoo Convention) are complied with in the implementation of projectswith transboundary impacts in the Baltic Sea area;Finland has applied the Espoo Convention to all projects with a transboundary context as defined by theConvention. It also takes actively part into the cooperation of the Baltic Sea countries’ subregion under theEspoo Convention and is currently a co-lead of this group together with Denmark and Sweden.23. ensure that large scale projects that affect the coastlines and coastal areas and that have a majorimpact on ecosystems in the Baltic Sea region have to comply with the obligations arising from relevantinternational treaties andconventions, including the Espoo Convention and the Helsinki Convention;Finland has raised awareness of regional environmental authorities and other relevant actors in theapplication of the international treaties and conventions implemented in the region, including the EspooConvention and the Helsinki Convention to ensure the compliance with these treaties and conventions.24. with regard to the detection of unexploded ordnance and buried/deposited ammunition present in theBaltic Sea, and with reference to current HELCOM activities, work together and develop a cross-border,sustainable strategy for dealing with this, call on the CBSS to explore the possibility to create a financingtool, i.e. to monitor, contain/secure, salvage or destroy, as the unexploded ordnance in the Baltic Sea mayconstitute a danger to humans and the environment, especially with regard to shipping routes and coastalwaters used by tourists; based on such monitoring results a commission of experts has to evaluate andanalyse the risks outgoing from the buried/deposited ammunition annually and issue recommendations foraction;Postiosoite Käyntiosoite Puhelin Faksi s-posti, internetPostadress Besöksadress Telefon Fax e-post, internetPostal Address Office Telephone Fax e-mail, internetValtioneuvosto Snellmanninkatu 1A 0295 16001 (09) 160 22165 info@vnk.fiSnellmanninkatu 1A 00170 Helsinki Internat. +358 295 16001 Internat. +358 9 160 22165 www.valtioneuvosto.fiPL 23, FI-00023 Helsinki FinlandFinlandFinland Page 4914.4.2020 3Finland takes part in the work of the HELCOM SUBMERGED (Expert Group on Environmental Risks ofHazardous Submerged Objects) expert group that is planned to give its report by the end of this year. Thereport will deal with submerged ammunition and shipwrecks. Also international research projects on theissue area are ongoing.Ministry of Economic Affairs and EmploymentDevelopment of the Baltic Sea region is one of the key objectives of Finland. The issue is stated in thecurrent Government Programme:“Finland will promote security policy stability in the Baltic Sea region and will strengthen Baltic cooperationtogether with the Nordic countries, Russia and the Baltic countries. The Council of the Baltic Sea States(CBSS) and HELCOM are important forums in Baltic cooperation.For Finland, the main element of regional cooperation concerning the Baltic Sea is the EU Strategy for theBaltic Sea Region and the collaboration performed within the strategy framework. Finland’s aim is that theBaltic Sea should be clean and constitute a robust marine environment. The aim is that the Baltic Sea regionwill take the lead in sustainable development and in the bioeconomy and circular economy.Regional and cross-border cooperation, including the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, will be takeninto account in the process of planning the EU’s financing instruments for the 2021–2027 programmingperiod”One of the key measures to support the Baltic Sea co-operation is the Interreg Baltic Sea Region. All in all263,8 MEUR has been allocated to implement this programme.The other significant tool to support the development of the Baltic Sea Region is the Finnish Structural FundProgramme 2014-2020. By the end of 2019 a total of 2282 ERDF and 198 ESF projects have been funded.Altogether 543,4 MEUR ERDF funding (41% of all ERDF public funding) and 125,0 MEUR of ESF funding (15%of all ESF public funding) is reserved to projects that directly or indirectly support development in the BalticSea Region. The most important activity in ERDF projects is connected to increasing global competivenessof the Baltic Sea Region (76% of all ERDF projects). 44% of ESF projects are focused on supporting the EUBaltic Sea Region strategy.Regarding the Baltic Sea Strategy, the most important priority area is to develop the entrepreneurship andsupport to the development of SMEs. 83% of ERDF projects are connected to this priority area. From ESFfunding the most important priority area is development of innovative education and training of youngpeople. All in all 52% of funding has been allocated to this priority area.The ministers of labour in the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) had their first meeting in 2017. Another high-levelmeeting was held in 2019 in order to follow up its conclusions. The cooperation in this sector takes placemainly in the CBSS Coordination Group, where Finland has been an active participant. The next event in thesector was planned to take place in the end of March 2020, but it was cancelled. The CBSS Secretariat isimplementing an ambitious project on sustainable working life covering for instance the issues of ageingPostiosoite Käyntiosoite Puhelin Faksi s-posti, internetPostadress Besöksadress Telefon Fax e-post, internetPostal Address Office Telephone Fax e-mail, internetValtioneuvosto Snellmanninkatu 1A 0295 16001 (09) 160 22165 info@vnk.fiSnellmanninkatu 1A 00170 Helsinki Internat. +358 295 16001 Internat. +358 9 160 22165 www.valtioneuvosto.fiPL 23, FI-00023 Helsinki FinlandFinlandFinland Page 5014.4.2020 4labour force and the future of work. Finland has national actions financed by the European Social Fundwhich cooperate and support this important transnational project.Ministry of DefenceConnected to action items 1-6: IMPLEMENTED:The Finnish Ministry of Defence, Finnish Defence Forces and Finnish Navy have maintained and developedmilitary capabilities and situational awareness, continued active dialogue and exercise activities betweendifferent national (maritime and other) authorities and with international partners, deepened militarycooperation especially with Sweden, as well as maintained a high readiness to combat oil pollution. All ofthese measures have contributed to the stability of the security situation in the Baltic Sea area bydecreasing military uncertainty and tensions.Connected to action items 8 and 10: IMPLEMENTED:The Finnish Ministry of Defence has participated actively in the maritime policy dialogue, including thenational and EU levels, supporting joint discussion and the exchange of current considerations and strategicapproaches.Connected to action item 12: IMPLEMENTED:The Finnish Defence Forces and Finnish Navy have enhanced recruiting of women to naval careers includingNavy officer training, supporting improving gender parity and stronger involvement of women in theworkforce and in the maritime career.Connected to action item 14: IMPLEMENTED:The Finnish Navy adheres to a responsible handling and disposal regime for all categories of hazardouswaste, including oil, grey water, black water, solid trash and batteries on all ships.Connected to action item 16: PLANNED:The Finnish Ministry of Defence and Finnish Defence Forces are investigating the inclusion of newdigitalised and green technologies onboard the future Finnish Navy combat vessels (Pohjanmaa-classcorvettes, aka Squadron 2020 vessels), including propulsion and power systems.Connected to action item 24: IMPLEMENTED:Finnish Navy capabilities in mine countermeasures (MCM) have been developed significantly. The FinnishNavy has maintained knowledge of historical minefields and as a part of MCM training continuedparticipation in operations to clear away remaining sea mines from the Baltic Sea. This has been supportedby active mapping of the seabed including shipwrecks, in cooperation with the Finnish EnvironmentInstitute (SYKE) and other maritime authorities.Postiosoite Käyntiosoite Puhelin Faksi s-posti, internetPostadress Besöksadress Telefon Fax e-post, internetPostal Address Office Telephone Fax e-mail, internetValtioneuvosto Snellmanninkatu 1A 0295 16001 (09) 160 22165 info@vnk.fiSnellmanninkatu 1A 00170 Helsinki Internat. +358 295 16001 Internat. +358 9 160 22165 www.valtioneuvosto.fiPL 23, FI-00023 Helsinki FinlandFinlandFinland Page 5114.4.2020 5Ministry of Transport and CommunicationsAction 1 in regard to call for action nr. 16: Environmental legislation on maritime transport will bereformed – focus on waste managementIn regard to call for action number 16, Finland will reform national environmental legislation on maritimetransport. The focus is on waste management in ports. The aim is to improve the treatment and receptionof waste in ports, which will reduce the generation of marine litter and, in particular, the discharge ofplastic into the seas.Amendments will be made to the Act on Environmental Protection in Maritime Transport, as required bythe June 2019 revision of the EU Directive on port reception facilities for the delivery of waste from ships.The Directive (EU) 2019/883 promotes the provision of facilities for the reception of waste in ports and thedelivery of waste from ships to ports. The arrangements for the payment of a waste fee will also bereformed in order to ensure that the waste will be delivered to the port on a regular basis.Monitoring will also be increased. In the future, at least 15% of the total number of individual ships callingat Finnish ports annually will be inspected. The monitoring of ships will follow a risk-based approach.The legislative project also explores the possibility of extending the introduction of administrative sanctionsto cover ships violating the emission requirements, for example with regard to sulphur emissions. The aimis also to introduce the legislative amendments required by the Hong Kong International Convention for theSafe and Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships.Action 2 in regard to call for action nr. 16: several projects promoting the accelerated digitalization ofvessel trafficThe results of flagship projects within the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region’s (EUSBSR)Policy Area (PA) Safe have contributed to this target as follows:1) Several flagships have reached the level where they are carrying out real world tests for e-navigation services in the area of the Baltic Sea.2) Resurveying of the major shipping routes and ports in the Baltic Sea Region has continuedsuccessfully during the reporting period. Projects dealing with this provide more accuratesea charts which are prerequisites for safer maritime operations.3) In addition, a number of flagships focusing on, for example, emergency preparedness,situational awareness in navigation and winter navigation have been completed during thereporting period.The Ministry of Transport and Communications of Finland is preparing a strategic plan on transportautomation including legislation that will pave the way for transport automation in system level. Thisinvolves highly-automated and autonomous shipping.The initial report of the Automation plan of Transport and Communications of Finland recommends adigital model of physical transport infrastructure, sharing dynamic and accurate data on ship movementsfor remote-control and e-pilotage purposes as well as sharing predicted and up-to-date route information.It recommends for example enriching electronic navigational charts with dynamic data, building a digitalPostiosoite Käyntiosoite Puhelin Faksi s-posti, internetPostadress Besöksadress Telefon Fax e-post, internetPostal Address Office Telephone Fax e-mail, internetValtioneuvosto Snellmanninkatu 1A 0295 16001 (09) 160 22165 info@vnk.fiSnellmanninkatu 1A 00170 Helsinki Internat. +358 295 16001 Internat. +358 9 160 22165 www.valtioneuvosto.fiPL 23, FI-00023 Helsinki FinlandFinlandFinland Page 5214.4.2020 6model of physical transport infrastructure as well as using common interfaces developed in the STMproject.The Ministry of Transport and Communications of Finland is also preparing a logistics digitalization strategytowards sustainability and efficiency with digitalization in transport. This strategy includes all transportmodes and nodes such as ports.Action 3 in regard to call for action nr. 16: Working group to prepare a roadmap for fossil-free transportThe Finnish Minister of Transport and Communications has appointed a working group to prepare Finland'sroadmap for fossil-free transport. The aim is to create a range of means for cutting transport emissions byhalf over the next decade. The solutions must be ecologically, financially and socially sustainable. A largenumber of various actors in society have been invited to participate in the work.The task of the working group is to identify the necessary milestones along the way to fossil-free transportand to assess the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of the various measures. The roadmap will also coverthe emissions reduction commitments made in the different fields of the transport sector.There is a dedicated sub-group for shipping, that concentrates on measures to reduce emissions inmaritime traffic to and from Finland. Due to the nature of this traffic, particular attention will be paid toshort-sea shipping in the Baltic Sea. Therefore the results of this national effort may benefit also otherBaltic Sea states.Action 1 in regard to call for action nr. 18: advancing autonomous shipping both internationally andwithin FinlandThe EUSBSR’s Policy Area SAFE and its Flagship-projects have contributed primarily to the EUSBSRobjectives “Save the sea” and “Clean and safe shipping”. In this respect, the scope of activities has beenmainly on macro-regional and national levels. However, on a broader scope PA SAFE aligns naturally withseveral international agendas. These include for example High-level Action Plan of the InternationalMaritime Organization (IMO) where a Regulatory Scoping Exercise concerning autonomous shipping hasbeen under preparation.The Ministry of Transport and Communications of Finland is preparing a strategic plan on transportautomation including legislation that will pave the way for transport automation in system level. Thisinvolves highly-automated and autonomous shipping.The plan will include objectives and projects, overview on state of maritime transport automation, eg.definitions, levels and technological development, data exchange requirements, data needs of automation,digital and physical infrastructure requirements, analysis of existing legislation and additional legislationneeds as well as impact assessment. It will include IMO, EU and national legislation.The report also sees building a Baltic Sea test bed as an opportunity in the long run for enabling demandingtesting considering whole transport system and between Baltic Sea countries in the long run.Postiosoite Käyntiosoite Puhelin Faksi s-posti, internetPostadress Besöksadress Telefon Fax e-post, internetPostal Address Office Telephone Fax e-mail, internetValtioneuvosto Snellmanninkatu 1A 0295 16001 (09) 160 22165 info@vnk.fiSnellmanninkatu 1A 00170 Helsinki Internat. +358 295 16001 Internat. +358 9 160 22165 www.valtioneuvosto.fiPL 23, FI-00023 Helsinki FinlandFinlandFinland Page 5314.4.2020 7Finland has been an active voluntary country in IMO regulatory scoping exercise of autonomous shipping.Finland particularly sees cooperation towards holistic, goal-based and technology-neutral legislation forexample in accountability, traceability and liability issues as well as concerning use of data crucial both inIMO and Baltic sea cooperation context crucial.Ministry of the InteriorAction 26. consider – as best practice examples – the implementation of “one stop institutions” wheremigrants can receive all necessary services in one place as well as the possibility of personal integrationplans• Development of multidisciplinary and low-threshold guidance and counselling services for migrantsand the expansion of their availability are key issues Finland in order to promote the reach,settlement and integration of migrants. Multidisciplinary competence development, guidance andcounselling services for migrants will be consolidated and developed in the coming years, based onthe integration development objectives set out in the government programme.Action 31. examine the extent to which the regular exchange of best practice examples throughout theBaltic Sea region will make it possible to harmonise migration strategies• Discussions are taking place between EU countries in various EU formats on best practices in thefield of immigration and asylum policy. It should also be noted that, in principle, the EU has acommon immigration and asylum policy.• Finland has an established migration dialogue with countries of the Baltic Sea Region. The dialogueincludes, for example, a review of good practices with the Russian Federation.• The Russian Federation is a member (like the EU countries) also in the Budapest process, the tasksof which are described as follows: The Budapest Process provides an informal and flexibleframework for states and other stakeholders to address issues of common concern and maintainopen channels of communication between each other. Through dialogue, information andexperience exchange, a common understanding of migration concepts and policies is promoted aswell as a common language on migration issues.• However, it is important to note that national migration strategies in the Baltic Sea Region are theresult of national policy decisions.Ministry of Education and CulturePostiosoite Käyntiosoite Puhelin Faksi s-posti, internetPostadress Besöksadress Telefon Fax e-post, internetPostal Address Office Telephone Fax e-mail, internetValtioneuvosto Snellmanninkatu 1A 0295 16001 (09) 160 22165 info@vnk.fiSnellmanninkatu 1A 00170 Helsinki Internat. +358 295 16001 Internat. +358 9 160 22165 www.valtioneuvosto.fiPL 23, FI-00023 Helsinki FinlandFinlandFinland Page 5414.4.2020 8Action 7: “strategic approaches to meeting the considerable challenges with regard to ageing populationsand” “the new requirements of the labour market on skills and qualifications as well as digitalisation andfurther technological developments, the need for better synergies between educational systems as well aslabour markets’ demands”...The Finnish Government will draw up an education policy report for skills and learning in 2030. The reportaims increasing the level of education and competence in Finland. In addition, topics like equality ineducation, and reduction of the differences in learning outcomes will be targeted.The system needs continuously to be developed. Our objective is that• the level of education and competence among the population will rise at all levels of education,differences in learning outcomes will decrease, and educational equality will increase• children and young people will feel well• education system offers for all equal opportunities for learning• Finland will be an internationally attractive place to study, conduct research and invest.The education policy report will examine the entire education system.Action 9: consider long-term labour market forecasts, including scenarios for digitising the world of work,the development through qualifications, occupations, sectors and regionsNational Forum for Skills Anticipation generalThe National Forum for Skills Anticipation serves as a joint expert body in educational anticipation for theMinistry of Education and Culture and the Finnish National Agency for Education (EDUFI). The systemconsists of a steering group, anticipation groups and a network of experts. The task is to promote theinteraction of education and training with working life in cooperation with the Ministry and EDUFI. Nolonger provided for by Government Decree, the Ministry's decision, EDUFI appoints the anticipation groupsand organises the anticipation workAnticipation groups are involved in both qualitative and quantitative anticipation work EDUFI draws up ananticipation action plan at the beginning of the term after hearing the anticipation groups and steeringgroup. It also organises the anticipation workTasks of the nine (9) anticipation groups- to analyse changing competence and skills needs - to propose initiatives and giveand their impact on the development of recommendations for the qualificationeducation on the basis of the anticipation data structure of VET, the contents of educationand the development of cooperationbetween education and training andworking life- to develop the operating modes between VET - to bring up the observed developmentand training and higher education the needs of targets in the debate => research andworking life, continuums of education development initiativesAnticipation groups: CompositionRepresentation: employers, employees, education providers (VET + higher education), educationaladministration (member and secretary), teaching staff (VET + higher education) and research in each field.EDUFI appoints members to anticipation groups based on proposals made by central organisations andPostiosoite Käyntiosoite Puhelin Faksi s-posti, internetPostadress Besöksadress Telefon Fax e-post, internetPostal Address Office Telephone Fax e-mail, internetValtioneuvosto Snellmanninkatu 1A 0295 16001 (09) 160 22165 info@vnk.fiSnellmanninkatu 1A 00170 Helsinki Internat. +358 295 16001 Internat. +358 9 160 22165 www.valtioneuvosto.fiPL 23, FI-00023 Helsinki FinlandFinlandFinland Page 5514.4.2020 9other parties invited to join. Working life representatives, appointed from among anticipation groupmembers, serve as the chair and vice chair. The term is limited to 4 years. EDUFI officials act as secretaries.An effort is made to obtain education provider and teaching staff representatives from both VET and highereducation. There should be at least as many or more working life representatives than other parties in totaland there should be no more than 16 members at a time. Deputy members are appointed for eachmember.Anticipation groups:Natural resources, food production and the Business and administrationenvironmentEducation, culture and communications Transport and logisticsHospitality services Built environmentSocial, health and welfare services Technology industry and servicesProcess industry and productionSteering groupTasked e.g. with planning, developing and steering the activities of the Competence Foresight Forum andacting as an expert group. Max. 20 members. The Ministry of education and Culture appoints membersbased on recommendations made by central organisations and other parties invited to join. The Ministryappoints the chair, vice chair and secretaries from the Ministry and EDUFI.Representation:employers and entrepreneurs employeeseducation providers (VET + higher education) educational administrationteaching staff students (VET + higher education)expertise in educational research and evaluationExpert networks of the anticipation groupsFree form networks, anticipation groups may set them up independently as necessary. Anticipation groupsappoint members and decide on the composition. The aim is to complement and deepen the expertise ofthe anticipation group as necessary. Members of the network participate in the work mainly throughelectronic tools.Task 21: “support in-depth marine research and innovation in the conservation and sustainable use ofmarine biological diversity;”Research, technology and innovation are important means towards achieving sustainable developmentgoals as recently emphasized by the Global Sustainable Development Review (2019) drawn by independentscientists. The interdisciplinary and cooperative approach to tackle global challenges and to identifysolutions to solve them is a cornerstone of our activities towards sustainable use of marine resource,marine protection and low-carbon marine mobility. To provide just a few examples:• Finnish Marine Research Infrastructure (FINMARI) combines all major components of the Finnishmarine research community. FINMARI is a distributed infrastructure network of field stations,research vessels and multi-purpose icebreakers, laboratory facilities, ferryboxes, fixedmeasurement platforms and buoys. FINMARI is included in the national research infrastructureroadmap and has received funding inter alia from the Academy of Finland. FINMARI is linked toPostiosoite Käyntiosoite Puhelin Faksi s-posti, internetPostadress Besöksadress Telefon Fax e-post, internetPostal Address Office Telephone Fax e-mail, internetValtioneuvosto Snellmanninkatu 1A 0295 16001 (09) 160 22165 info@vnk.fiSnellmanninkatu 1A 00170 Helsinki Internat. +358 295 16001 Internat. +358 9 160 22165 www.valtioneuvosto.fiPL 23, FI-00023 Helsinki FinlandFinlandFinland Page 5614.4.2020 10European reseach infrastructures like EMBRC and Euro-Argo and is involved in many internationalresearch projects.• The Finnish Inventory Programme for the Underwater Marine Environment (VELMU) collects dataon the occurrence of underwater marine biotopes, species and communities in Finland’s marinewaters. The programme contributes to the Baltic marine protection and to the sustainable use ofthe sea and its natural resources.• Finland – like many other Baltic countries – is a member of European infrastructure of biologicalinformation ELIXIR. ELIXIR is an intergovernmental organisation that brings together life scienceresources from across Europe. These resources include databases, software tools, trainingmaterials, cloud storage and supercomputers. Marine Metagenomics is on of ELIXIR Communities.It brings together experts across Europe to develop standards, services and training within marinemetagenomics.• Smart Mobility programme of Business Finland promotes also smart marine mobility to deliversmart and environmentally friendly high-tech maritime solutions• Gulf of Bothnia as Resource for Sustainable Growth (SmartSea) is part of the “Climate-Neutral andResource-Scarce Finland”–program, funded by the Strategic Research Council of Academy ofFinland. SmartSea provides science-based guidance and new innovations for the sustainable use ofthe Finland’s marine resources. In SmartSea, the integrated value of nature will be assessed anddiscussed with the different stakeholders. In the future, this helps planners to do decisions that areefficient, and accepted by the society.Postiosoite Käyntiosoite Puhelin Faksi s-posti, internetPostadress Besöksadress Telefon Fax e-post, internetPostal Address Office Telephone Fax e-mail, internetValtioneuvosto Snellmanninkatu 1A 0295 16001 (09) 160 22165 info@vnk.fiSnellmanninkatu 1A 00170 Helsinki Internat. +358 295 16001 Internat. +358 9 160 22165 www.valtioneuvosto.fiPL 23, FI-00023 Helsinki FinlandFinlandHamburg Page 57HamburgHamburg Page 58Hamburg Page 59Attachment 3.2 BSPC SC 2 March 2020 Brussels3. December 2019Statement by the Senate of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburgon implementing the Final Resolution of the 28th Baltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceThe Senate expressly welcomes the goals formulated in the Resolution. To the extent that thepoints listed fall within the remit of the Senate and do not require regulation at the federal orEU level, they are in many respects already current practice.In the following statement, the Senate takes a position on the areas that are its concern andreports on measures and administrative practices that are implemented in Hamburg inaccordance with the interests of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference.Regarding Cooperation in the Region:With regard to paragraphs 1 – 5 of the Resolution:Due to its political emphasis on an active Baltic Sea policy, Hamburg has traditionally beenintensively involved within the framework of the EU’s Interreg Baltic Sea Region programme.Hamburg cooperates in the Interreg Baltic Sea Region programme with Norway, Sweden,Denmark, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland.Institutions in Hamburg (government bodies and offices, universities, associations, etc.)regularly cooperate in terms of content and subject matter with partners throughout the BalticSea Region. The breadth of topics extends from measures to combat and adapt to climatechange, e-mobility, support for SMEs or knowledge networks to port connections, Smart Cityissues and cooperation, or the development of concrete measures with regard to demographicchange. Here, Hamburg bodies work with international partners to develop valuable solutions,so as to be able to manage their own tasks more effectively, efficiently and innovatively infuture.The Senate Chancellery supports potential and active project partners with finding partners,provides advice with submitting bids and running projects and ensures the appropriatenetworking of local project participants among themselves. Additionally, the SenateChancellery is represented on the national and international programme committees andrepresents Hamburg’s interests in the meetings of the Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region’sinternational committees.Through the aforementioned project activities, Hamburg’s political commitment in and for theBaltic Sea Region is given a concrete basis. In general, the Hamburg Senate welcomes theinstitutional proposals for intensifying cooperation in the Baltic Sea region.1Hamburg Page 60With regard to paragraph 6:The Senate puts strong emphasis on the observation that measures to combat terrorism andviolent extremism must be constantly adapted to changing challenges and optimised whilehaving regard to the principles of the rule of law.Hamburg pursues integrated concepts for the prevention and combating of politically motivatedextremism and terrorism through its Senate Concept on the Prevention and Combating ofReligiously Motivated Extremism and Hostility to Muslims (“Senatskonzept zur Vorbeugungund Bekämpfung von religiös begründetem Extremismus und Muslimfeindlichkeit” adopted in2014, Document 20/13460, and elaborated in 2016, Documents 21/5039 and 21/14037) andthe 2019 State Programme for the Prevention and Combating of Right-wing Extremism(“Landesprogramm zur Vorbeugung und Bekämpfung von Rechtsextremismus 2019”Document 21/18643 and predecessor programme Document 20/9849). The City of Hamburgattaches particular value to the closest possible linkage between repression and prevention aswell as to simultaneously addressing different forms of terrorism, extremism and group-focused enmity. The state and civil society make concerted efforts to effectively combatreligiously motivated extremism, right-wing extremism and the denigration of people in general.Hamburg authorities cooperate closely in this respect, and resources have been increasedrepeatedly in recent years.Because of its anonymity and reach, the Internet is becoming increasingly important to theactivities of those with extremist aspirations. This poses great challenges for the securityauthorities. The Senate has therefore taken various legal and personnel-related steps to meetthe new challenges arising from the use of the Internet. In addition, the Senate has createdand initiated new instruments to prevent radicalisation, especially among the young. Theseinclude the establishment of networks between governmental and civil society structures.As it is well-nigh impossible to prevent the dissemination of disinformation, Hamburg isconcentrating on limiting its effect by supporting political and media education within andoutside school.Regarding the Future of Working Life:With regard to paragraphs 7 – 12:The Senate warmly welcomes the proposal for an exchange of ideas between the countries ofthe Baltic Sea region on the challenges of the changing world of work. All countries face similarchallenges and can learn from one another. This applies also to the intent to improve paritybetween men and women (paragraph 12). With regard to the call to agree on fair frameworkconditions with regard to the digital economy, it should be noted that this is also a matter for2Hamburg Page 61the parties involved in collective bargaining. The state can do no more here than set theframework for good work (paragraph 11).See also statement on paragraphs 1 – 5 of the Resolution.With regard to paragraph 13:Hamburg already set up a youth careers agency (“Jugendberufsagentur“) in 2012 with the goalof not giving up on anyone. At the point of transition from school to training and work, weensure that young people who cannot demonstrate any prospects after school (traineeship oruniversity place) receive an offer of careers advice or training. This is offered according to need.The NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) target group receives advice at youthcareers agency offices from municipal staff from the youth welfare or social spacemanagement sectors who support them in solving practical life problems. In addition, EuropeanSocial Fund (ESF) resources were used to set up a comprehensive provision of outreachadvice and support with the aim of reintegrating these young people into the regular labourmarket systems. The bodies responsible for these services are represented in transnationalworking groups where there is an intensive exchange about approaches for reaching and(re-)integrating NEETs.Within this framework the Ministry for Employment, Social Welfare, Families and Integration(BASFI) and the Hamburg Institute for Vocational Training (HIBB) work under the umbrella ofthe Hamburg Youth Employment Agency as experts in the EU Strategy for the Baltic SeaRegion’s (EUSBSR) flagship project “School to Work”.The goal of the flagship project is the strengthening of transnational cooperation betweeneducation providers and the institutions representing the educational sector and the labourmarket. Together the 60 participating institutions (public bodies, schools, municipal and localgovernment administrations, national agencies, non-governmental organisations) from all theparticipating states in the EUSBSR are seeking to reduce the number of early school leaversand provide support for the school students affected. To this end, a joint website is operated(in Sweden and Finland) where successful projects can be presented and mutual supportoffered.The thematically organised working groups are divided into the following areas among others:encouraging entrepreneurship, labour market integration and vocational training. The flagshipproject and its various platforms and projects are funded from a range of sources, among themthe Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions, ESF, the Swedish Institute undErasmus+.A very successful example of a project in the “School to Work” flagship is the Hamburg ESFproject “Come In”, which has been running since 2007. It is directed at unemployed youngpeople who could not be placed by the employment agency. Most of these young people arecharacterised by poor performance at school and general non-cooperation. Of the 2,712 young3Hamburg Page 62people whom the project succeeded in mobilising by the end of 2016, 49 per cent weresuccessfully placed in vocational training or another educational scheme.Also worthy of mention is the commitment of HIBB, which since 2009 has been a partner,together with the Norden Association in Stockholm, in the EUSBSR Policy Area Education. Itsgoal is to encourage an exchange of ideas between the Baltic states on the subject of thetransition from school to work but also on general, vocational and academic education. To thisend, joint concepts are developed at the various levels. The responsibilities of HIBB alsoinclude expanding the network for sharing examples of best practice in integrating refugeesinto vocational training (cf. paragraphs 25 – 31).Regarding Safeguarding the Oceans:With regard to paragraph 14:At the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention it was decidedto amend the classification of plastic waste resulting in a tightening of the conditions for thetransboundary movements of such waste. The Senate welcomes and supports this. The listentry for non-hazardous plastic waste has been made more specific to the effect that in futureonly pre-treated and unmixed plastic fractions may be exported to third countries outside theterms of the waste verification procedure, provided that the receiving countries agree inprinciple to this and that environmentally sound treatment is guaranteed. According to thedecision of the conference, all other plastic waste (such as mixed plastics) must in future bedeclared or is per se subject to the third country export ban. A reduction in the quantities ofplastic waste being exported purely as a result of this decision is desirable, but it is no meansautomatic. In any event, the quality of the material considered for export and thus itsrecyclability will increase significantly. Of importance in this regard is the fact that theaforementioned decision must be adopted at the OECD level and enshrined in law in the EUin order to be enforced effectively. (There is currently still a veto by the USA.)With regard to paragraph 15:The restriction of transboundary movements of plastic waste under the legal provisionsmentioned in paragraph 14 is, in the Senate’s view, of particular significance for the Pacificregion. The Ministry for the Environment and Energy (BUE) has already approached producersin Hamburg to request that they respect the internationally agreed quality requirements for thetrade in plastic waste. In addition, at the BUE’s request, the inspection authorities will befocussing particularly on this waste stream in the Port of Hamburg.With regard to paragraph 16:In the course of its official business, the Senate makes the case for the promotion ofdigitalisation of vessel traffic and of green shipping.With regard to paragraph 17:4Hamburg Page 63The Senate welcomes the fact that producers of plastic are voluntarily providing resources forimproving waste management infrastructure, especially the objective of providing financial andorganisational support for collection, recycling and environmentally sound disposal of waste incountries with poorly developed waste management systems. This is a first step towardsincreased responsibility on the part of producers. It would be desirable if the manufacturers offilter cigarettes in Hamburg (Reemtsma, BAT) were also to join the alliance.With regard to paragraphs 18 – 20:The calls for action listed in paragraphs 18 – 20 do not come within the remit of the HamburgSenate but require work at the European and global levels. The Senate welcomes thedevelopment of joint measures.With regard to paragraph 21:The Hamburg Senate actively supports in-depth marine research and innovation in theconservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity through the foundation of theGerman Maritime Research Alliance (DAM – “Deutsche Allianz Meeresforschung”) in whichHamburg was actively involved. The Senate expressly welcomes further strengthening.With regard to paragraphs 22 and 23:The Senate affirms the need to ensure environmentally compatible and sustainabledevelopment, especially to take precautions and to guard against, reduce and monitorsignificant adverse effects on the environment in general and in the transboundary context inparticular. In this respect compliance with the provisions of the Espoo Convention of 1991 isof great importance. Due to its geographical location, transboundary activities by Hamburgwithin the meaning of the Espoo Convention have not so far occurred in practice. Should suchactivities by Hamburg occur in future, and contrary to expectations, Hamburg will ensure thatthe provisions of the Espoo Convention are complied with. In the case of foreign transboundaryproceedings in which Hamburg is involved (as a rule, proceedings involving nuclear powerplants), public participation is carried out in accordance with the Espoo Convention, providedscrutiny by the competent authority has shown that the Hamburg geographical area is affected.With regard to paragraph 24:The Hamburg Senate shares the view that, with regard to the sites contaminated by munitionsin the North Sea and Baltic Sea, the introduction of organised salvage is required. At theEnvironment Ministers’ Conference in Hamburg on 14 and 15 November, a corresponding draft,supported by Hamburg, was discussed. In it the environment ministers of the federal statescall on the federal government, among other things, to cooperate with the coastal statesaffected to carry out a comprehensive and site-specific assessment of the condition ofmunitions to prioritise the possible need for action in the North Sea and Baltic Sea. Theyconsider it expedient, given the hydrological conditions, to focus initially on the Baltic Sea andthen to transfer the experience gained to the North Sea as far as is possible. This is to formthe basis for the development of joint proposals for the implementation, prioritisation andshared funding of such measures.5Hamburg Page 64Regarding Migration and Integration:With regard to paragraph 25:The Senate welcomes the possibility of exploring a Baltic Sea-wide agreement on the futuremanagement of migration.With regard to paragraph 26:The implementation of central contact points and the possibility of personal integration plansare welcomed. There are corresponding services in Hamburg to provide migrants withindividual advice on various areas of life (for example, the refugee centre, the federal adviceservice for migrants and follow-up support through the integration centres).The Hamburg Senate, with participation by the Action Alliance for Education and EmploymentHamburg – Hamburg Skilled Labour Network (“Aktionsbündnis Bildung und BeschäftigungHamburg – Hamburger Fachkräftenetzwerk”), has agreed with the employment agency(“Agentur für Arbeit”) and “Jobcenter” to develop training and labour market integration forrefugees systematically and across legal boundaries. A comprehensive programme approach(W.I.R programme) was developed to address existing qualifications systematically and in thebest possible way. The W.I.R – work and integration for refugees – advice centre beganoperations in autumn 2015. Its goal is to integrate refugees into the Hamburg training andemployment market quickly and sustainably. Largely thanks to W.I.R., Hamburg has a reliablesupport structure and responsible bodies that closely accompany the integration of refugeesinto the employment market from the outset in order to avoid people dropping out of work ortraining. Added to this is strongly developed language learning support in Hamburg that is alsoavailable to refugees who do not qualify for federally financed language courses.With regard to paragraphs 27 and 28:The refugee aid forum (“Forum Flüchtlingshilfe”) continues to support all volunteers helpingrefugees with the provision of resources, information, information events, dialogue forums,training and a major annual event. Increasingly, the target group for the services – refugeesthemselves and migrants’ organisations – are being included, for example through directinvitations to participate in the annual event. In 2019, several dialogue forums worked togetherfor the first time with one of the district administrations and the Jobcenter to organise aninformation fair specifically for women from a refugee or migrant background, which offered alot of information and contact points on entering the labour market as well as many relatedtopics (child daycare provision, care of dependants, health care, leisure opportunities, victimsupport, etc.)At the annual AKTIVOLI volunteers’ fair, exhibition space is made available to migrants’organisations by BASFI. In addition, there are numerous projects and services run by6Hamburg Page 65volunteers for encouraging exchange between immigrants and locals, for example twoorganisers offer discussion groups across Hamburg where volunteers can engage migrants indialogue and help them with language learning.Dialogue platforms as open and regular communication and coordination tools for involvedstakeholders to broaden societal dialogue are to be encouraged. Hamburg supports societaldialogue through the integration council (“Hamburger Integrationsbeirat”), for instance. Theintegration council advices the Hamburg Senate on integration policy matters. It acts as animplementation-oriented integration multiplier within all areas of society through the activecontribution to furthering integration by its members in their respective areas of responsibility.With regard to paragraphs 27 – 31:Sport is one of the most important societal players with regard to integration and citizenengagement for their fellow citizens from a migrant background. Sports clubs are an idealplatform for direct contacts between locals and new arrivals.Thus, the Senate supports the central body, the Hamburg Sports Federation (“HamburgerSportbund”) and its member associations in implementing the German Olympic SportsConfederation’s integration programme. By supplementing federal funding with Hamburg statefunding, the importance of the integrative function of sport is also taken into account. While in2017 and 2018 the focus was on a quick and uncomplicated involvement of refugees in sportsactivities, work now concentrates more on the permanent integration of people from a migrantbackground into the clubs and their structures; here an important goal is encouraging thistarget group to take on voluntary roles.Through continued implementation of the Active City Masterplan, the Senate is carrying onwith its work to develop structures and activities to make sport available to all, all of the time,and at low cost. This includes, for instance, “movement islands” – sports and fitness equipmentinstalled in public green spaces in all the Hamburg districts – and the Active City Summer,during which everyone in the city can try out around 1,000 sports and activities for free duringthe summer months so that they can find out what they enjoy doing without any commitment.This service is aimed particularly at people who perhaps lack the courage to get directlyinvolved in sports clubs – or who may have never have encountered them.Moreover, the Senate also supports the approach of improving the receptiveness of the hostsociety within the framework of strategic integration work by increased democratic participationin integration, thus shifting the emphasis to the local government level as the area where day-to-day life takes place.Additionally, since 2015 the topic of integrating refugees and migrants has been firmlyestablished in the EUSBSR Action Plan in the Policy Area Education. The continued highrelevance and urgency of the topic area in the Baltic Sea region has led to the adoption of adedicated flagship project on the subject, “Recognising potential – enabling the integration ofmigrants”, in the forthcoming EUSBSR Action Plan from 2021 on. The goal is the earlyrecognition of migrants’ potential and facilitating tailor-made education and training conceptsfor the smooth and rapid integration of migrants into the labour market. A further goal isgenerating greater awareness in society of the integration of migrants.To this end, players from the Baltic states from administration, business, politics and civilsociety at local and regional level should be able to cooperate transnationally and exchange7Hamburg Page 66views on a regular basis. The aim is for this to lead to a harmonisation of migration strategies.The funding of the flagship project is made possible through ESF, AMIF, Interreg, Erasmus+and Horizon Europe, among others.As a contribution to initiating the aforementioned flagship project, the Hamburg Senate,spearheaded by HIBB, already successfully staged an international forum on the integrationof refugees and migrants on 24 and 25 October 2019. On this occasion 140 participants fromvarious levels of administration and politics in 20 European countries shared their experiencesand briefed themselves on successful integration concepts. The format of the conference metwith great approval from all participants.The initial impetus for the planned flagship project provided by the EUSBSR Policy AreaEducation should be given timely political support such that a partner from the Baltic Sea regionwith just the right know-how agrees to take over the flagship project.8Latvia Page 67LatviaLatvia Page 68Latvia Page 69Latvia Page 70Latvia Page 71Latvia Page 72Latvia Page 73Latvia Page 74Latvia Page 75Latvia Page 76Latvia Page 77Latvia Page 78Latvia Page 79Latvia Page 80Latvia Page 81Latvia Page 82Latvia Page 83Latvia Page 84Lithuania Page 85LithuaniaLithuania Page 86Lithuania Page 87Lithuania Page 88Lithuania Page 89Lithuania Page 90Lithuania Page 91Lithuania Page 92Lithuania Page 93Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 94Mecklenburg-VorpommernMecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 95Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 96Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 97Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 98Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 99Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 100Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 101Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 102Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 103Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 104Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 105Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 106Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 107Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 108Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 109Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 110Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 111Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 112Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 113Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 114Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 115Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 116Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 117Norway Page 118NorwayNorway Page 119Norwegian comments to the resolution of the 28th Baltic Sea ParliamentaryConference (BSPC) in Oslo on 25-27 August 2019With reference to the resolution adopted by the 28th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference in Oslo,Norway, on 26-27 August 2019, Norway has the following comments:Cooperation in the regionNorway shares the emphasis put by the BSPC on the importance of ensuring that the Baltic SeaRegion remains a region of peaceful and close neighborly cooperation, based on democratic values,the rule of law, human rights as well as equal opportunities for all. Norway takes an active part in anumber of cooperation structures and programs in the region, as a member of the Council of theBaltic Sea States and of the Northern Dimension, of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council and the ArcticCouncil, and in the Nordic cooperation and the Nordic-Baltic cooperation. Norway also contributesconsiderably to the economic and social cohesion and development in this region through the EEAand Norway Grants scheme.Regarding the reforms of the CBSS, Norway has actively participated in the implementation processfollowing the decisions adopted at the High Level meeting in Jurmala (Latvia) in June 2019. Norwaytrusts that this will lead to an even more efficient and fruitful cooperation within the organization, aswell as increased synergies with other cooperation formats in the region. In the reform discussions,Norway has underlined the importance of the CBSS both for concrete project cooperation and forpolitical dialogue, and we expect that the process will contribute to reviving the Council as a platformfor political dialogue on issues of common interest and relevance to our region.The Future of Working LifeNorway works closely with countries in the Baltic Sea region within different frameworks forcooperation on the topic of "future of the working life". In the framework of the Nordic Council ofMinisters of Labour, the Nordic countries launched in 2017 an extensive project on "the future ofwork", where researchers from the five Nordic countries will study how the ongoing transformationsin production and labour markets will influence the future of work in the Nordic countries. As amember of the European Economic Area (EEA) and the ILO, Norway has also taken part in thebroader discussions on this topic on a ministerial level over the recent years. The basis for theexchange of ideas and experiences with other countries in the Baltic Sea region is the developmentof a sound knowledge base to guide the development of national policies. An appointed officialcommittee, with the participation of the social partners, will by 1 June 2021 deliver a report on theappropriateness of the different forms of labour market attachment and organisation in the contextof the future of work. The Official Committee on Skill Needs has delivered three reports in the period2018-2020 on the best possible evidence-based assessment of Norway’s future skills needs, as a basisfor national and regional planning, and for strategic decision making of both employers andindividuals.Norway Page 120Safeguarding the Oceans – Achieving the 2030 UN Sustainable Development GoalsNorway welcomes the focus in the BSPC resolution this year on sustainable oceans in the context ofachieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the relevance of this agenda to the Baltic Sea.If we make economic production and ocean protection mutually supporting, the ocean holds the keyto meeting many of the Sustainable Development Goals. The High-Level Panel for Sustainable OceanEconomy, which Prime Minister Solberg initiated in 2018, will present its recommendations ahead ofthe UN Ocean Conference in Portugal in 2020, underlining the relationship between a healthy andclean ocean, sustainable use of ocean resources, economic growth and development. Many of theserecommendations will have a bearing on the issues raised in the BSPC’s resolution, such as marineplastic pollution, green shipping, marine research and innovation and integrated ocean management.The Panel urges all coastal states to implement these recommendations.Marine plastic litter is one of the fastest growing environmental concerns. Litter knows no bordersand collective action is crucial. In order to fulfill our joint commitment from the UN EnvironmentAssembly in 2017 (to eliminate all discharge of plastic litter into the ocean), Norway believes there isa need for a new global agreement to combat marine litter. In 2019, following a proposal fromNorway, the Nordic Ministers of Environment signed a declaration calling for such an agreement.Norway thus appreciates the reference to a global agreement in the Conference Resolution. Norwayhas also put forward proposals to strengthen existing mechanisms, in particular an action plan underthe IMO that was adopted in 2018, and the new global partnership on plastic waste and strictercontrol of transboundary movements of plastic wastes under the Basel Convention as referred to inthe BSPC resolution. Norway is also continuing its development aid program amounting to 200million USD over the next four years to combat marine plastic litter. However, we do recognize thatin some places other land-based pollution such as sewage and agricultural run-off are more pressingissues, which we understand is the case for the Baltic Sea. We must constantly remind ourselves ofthe multiple stressors that affect the marine environment. Norway is one of the co-founders ofPROBLUE, a multi-donor trust fund in the World Bank with a comprehensive approach to sustainablemanagement of marine resource and protection of the marine environment.Norway also puts great emphasis on green shipping as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In2019, the Government published its action plan for green shipping, which aims to reduce emissionsfrom domestic shipping and fisheries by half by 2030 and promote the development of low- andzero-emission solutions for all vessel categories. Encouraging the development of autonomousvessels is an integral part of the plan, as digitalisation and automated processes can lead to safer andmore environmentally friendly production. The Government has therefore allocated 15 mill. NOK tostrengthen digital competence in the ocean industries. Norway is also supporting the transition togreen shipping in developing countries through its contribution of 50 million NOK to the IMO-ledproject Green Voyage 2050.The topic of the UN Ocean Conference in Lisbon in June is “scaling up ocean action based on scienceand innovation for the implementation of goal 14: stocktaking, partnerships and solutions”. Norwayputs great emphasis on marine science and innovation, not least through the UN Decade on OceanScience 2021-2030, and is actively supporting the IOC in its role as coordinator of the Decade.Domestically, ocean research is one of the prioritised areas in the Government’s Long-term Plan forResearch and Higher Education (2019-2028). In February 2020, the Norwegian Research Councilannounced 380 million NOK to ocean research within the fields of marine ecosystems, fisheries andaquaculture. Norway also participates actively in the EU’s ocean research programs with the aim tocontribute to a sustainable blue economy. Furthermore, Norway will continue to participate in aNorway Page 121wide range of ocean oriented research co-operation, territorial cooperation programmes andshipping co-ordination in the Baltic SeaThe UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is the legal basis for all ocean activities. Norway puts greatemphasis on following up international treaties and conventions related to the ocean, such as theEspoo Convention and the Helsinki Convention.Migration and IntegrationNorway attaches great importance to developing and implementing policies that ensure goodintegration of migrants who live and work in Norway for shorter or longer periods, as well as ofrefugees who are granted legal residence in the country. The Norwegian government has launchedan Integration Strategy – Integration Through Knowledge (2019-2022). The goal of the integrationstrategy is increased participation in working and social life, through a coordinated andcomprehensive effort. The intensified effort to promote integration and this strategy are importantto ensure economic and social sustainability, opportunities for all and a welfare society with trust,unity and small differences. Cooperation and support through grants are provided to municipalitiesand civil society. From January 2020 the role of the County Councils for tasks regarding integrationhas been strengthened.Norway works closely with other countries in the region in respect of migration issues, both in aNordic and a broader context, in particular within the framework of the European Economic Area andthe Schengen cooperation. As a Schengen member state, we are part of an internal free-travel areawith a common external border. Our association agreement on participation in the Schengencooperation gives us the right and the obligation to apply all the Schengen rules. These include ruleson police cooperation, legal cooperation on criminal cases, visa rules and rules on checks on personsat the outer borders. Through the EEA and Norway Grants, Norway contributes to strengtheningcapacity for handling asylum and migration especially in Greece but also in some other countriesaffected by the Eastern Mediterranean migration route. Norway also takes part in the Vallettacooperation between European and African states, which was established as a response to the influxof migrants to Europe in 2015. Our participation includes a significant financial contribution to theEuropean Trust Fund for stability and addressing root causes of irregular migration and displacedpersons in Africa (EUTF).Poland Page 122PolandPoland Page 123Information on activities carried out by Polish institutions in order to implement specific areas ofBaltic Cooperation, which were indicatedin the Resolution of the 28th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference(Oslo, 25-27.08.2019)Regarding Cooperation in the RegionMinistry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with other ministries and governmental institutionsparticipated actively in the process of the Council of the Baltic Sea States reform. Minister of ForeignAffairs Mr. Jacek Czaputowicz took part in the videoconference of the ministers of foreign affairs ofthe CBSS on May, 19, which adopted the revised versions of the CBSS’ strategic documents thusfinalizing the Council’s reform. During the meeting Minister Czaputowicz expressed his convictionthat the reform will improve the effectiveness of actions in the Baltic Sea and facilitate cooperationwith the partners active in the region: the Arctic Council, the Nordic Council of Ministers, the BarentsEuro-Arctic Council, and as part of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region as well as the NorthernDimension. Minister shared the opinion that through political dialogue and specific projects, theCouncil will take part in implementing strategy and policies for the region.Poland-Russia Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020The main objective of the Poland-Russia Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020 is tosupport cross-border cooperation in the social, environmental, economic and institutional sphere.PartnershipWithin the Poland-Russia CBC Programme support can be obtained by applicants, who are legalpersons established in the Programme area or by the international organizations with a base ofoperations in the Programme area. The European grouping of territorial cooperation may bebeneficiary, regardless its place of establishment, provided that its geographic coverage is within theProgramme area. Each project shall involve at least two beneficiaries: 1 from Poland and 1 fromRussian Federation.Programme budgetThe total Programme co-financig amounts to 62 298 477 EUR. The financial allocation consisting ofthe European Regional Development Fund (20 652 617 EUR), European Neighbourhood Instrument(20 993 243 EUR) and Russian Federation contribution to the Programme (20 652 617 EUR). No grantmay exceed 90% of the total eligible costs of the project.Thematic objectivesThe Programme focuses on four thematic objectives selected from a list attached to theProgramming Document for EU suport to ENI Cross-border Cooperation 2014-2020. Within theProgramme the following thematic objectives were chosen: TO 3 Promotion of local culture andpreservation of historical heritage, TO 6 Environmental protection, climate change mitigation andadaptation, TO 7 Improvement of accessibility to the regions, development of sustainable andclimate proof transport and communications networks and systems and TO 10 Promotion of bordermanagement and border security, mobili ty and migration management.Programme PrioritiesThe Poland-Russia Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020 has set four priorities thatreflect the selected Thematic Objectives of the Programme:1Poland Page 1241. Cooperating on historical, natural and cultural heritage for their preservation and cross-border development.2. Cooperation for the clean natural environment in the cross-border area.3. Accessible regions and sustainable cross-border transport and communication.4. Joint actions for border efficiency and security.Regular projectsThe Programme supports the implementation of regular projects that are selected in an opencompetition procedure – the Open Call for Proposals. The planned duration of a regular project maynot exceed 24 months.All projects realized within the Programme have to be implemented in a partnership of at least twoinstitutions, one from Poland and the other one from the Russian Federation. Among themselves, thepartners shall agree which institution will play the role of the lead beneficiary who will be responsiblefor representing the partnership.The minimum value of the grant for a project is 100 000 EUR, whereas the maximum grant for aproject is 2 500 000 EUR. The maximum Programme co-financing is up to 90% of the total projectbudget.Large Infrastructure ProjectsThe Joint Monitoring Committee of the Poland-Russia Programme 2014-2020 approved three LargeInfrastructure Projects.The list of Large Infrastructure Projects:1. Development of tourist-recreational potential and water tourism in Svetly and Malbork towns(Phase 2).• Lead beneficiary: Administration of "Svetly urban district".• Other beneficiaries: Municipality of Malbork.• Total project budget: 5,1 mln euro.• Amount requested: 4,6 mln euro.• Scope of the project: The project is a continuation of cooperation initiated during theimplementation of the Lithuania-Poland-Russia Cross-Border Cooperation Programme 2007-2013. Its main objective is to support local culture and preserve the historical heritage of thecities of Svetly and Malbork and to develop a water tourism between the Kaliningrad regionand the Pomeranian Voivodeship by using the international waterway E-70.2. CBCycle: Cross-border cycle routes for promotion and sustainable use of cultural heritage.• Lead beneficiary: Ministry for Tourism of Kaliningrad region.• Other beneficiaries: Administration of Svetlogorsk municipality, Administration of Pionerskymunicipality, Administration of Zelenogradsk municipality, Department of Tourism of theMarshal’s Office of the Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodship, European Foundation forMonuments Protection.• Total project budget: 4,5 mln euro.• Amount requested: 4 mln euro.• Scope of the project: The project aims to improve the attractiveness and competitiveness ofthe Kaliningrad region and north-eastern Poland by creating a common cycle route,integrated and connected with EuroVelo cycle routes.2Poland Page 1253. Construction of the new route of the regional road No. 512 with the construction of the bridgeover the Łyna river in Bartoszyce.• Lead beneficiary: Warmińsko-Mazurskie Voivodeship (Voivodeship Road Administration inOlsztyn).• Other beneficiaries: Administration of Municipality “Gusev city district”.• Total project budget: 8 mln euro.• Amount requested: 7,2 mln euro.• Scope of the project: The project involves the construction of a bridge along with theconstruction of a new section of the road on the Polish side of the border and the renovationof streets and sidewalks in Gusiew, on the Russian side. The implementation of the projectwill contribute to improvement of access to the border-crossing point Bezledy –Bagrationowsk and development of the transport network in the border area.Cooperation in the Baltic Sea region under Interreg programsPoland actively participates in the implementation of the transnational programme of the Baltic SeaRegion, and also acts as the Managing Authority of two cross-border cooperation programmes in thisregion - South Baltic (with participation of Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Lithuania) and Poland -Russia. For many years, Polish beneficiaries have been involved in international partnerships aimedat implementing projects focused on developing the potential of the Baltic Sea region. Effectivecooperation in this area is supported by the European Union under subsequent financialperspectives.Existing Interreg programmes around the Baltic Sea are proof that without territorial cooperationacross borders the development of this region is not effective. Interreg projects from the Baltic Searegion can be a thematic inspiration for projects in other parts of Europe.We are currently focusing on preparation of the next edition of Interreg programmes for this region -for the years 2021-2027. Programming groups are working on the programming documents that willallow to continue existing cooperation networks and create new ones to meet the challenges thatthe area of Baltic Sea Region is facing.Regarding the Future of Working LifeActivities conducted by the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social PolicyYouth support initiative at the CBSS forumSupport for the initiative from the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy. A similar trend isperceivable at the level of the European debate, as the importance of the issues of employing andactivating the youth is growing. The Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy expresses a positiveview on establishing the Expert Group on Youth Affairs. The Ministry of Family, Labour and SocialPolicy gladly acknowledges that one of the tasks of the Group includes vocational development ofpersons with disabilities to allow them to fully participate in social and professional life, as well asenabling youth with disabilities to participate in the social life on par with persons withoutdisabilities.In 2020, an initiative was taken to engage in cooperation within a similar format at the EU level, i.e.the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR). In included a conference titled:“Transnational collaboratives strengthening the capacity to support Youth NEET”, held by the3Poland Page 126Knowledge Platform - Integrate NEETs on March 4th of 2020 in Stockholm. One of the motions of theaforementioned meeting involves including Poland in the cooperation as part of the Platform. TheMinistry of Family, Labour and Social Policy has presented the members of the Team on YouthGuarantees with detailed information on the subject matter discussed as part of the Platform andhas received a positive opinion with regards to the potential involvement in their works issued by theNSZZ “Solidarność” National Commission, Student Forum Business Centre Club (these institutionsdelegate members to the aforementioned Team), as well as information regarding the participationof the members of NSZZ “Solidarność” National Commission in seminars and conferences held by thePlatform.CBSS Expert Group on Children at RiskSince 2014, the Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy has been included in the works carriedout by the CBSS Expert Group on Children at Risk (CAR). The group identifies the issues, initiates andsupports cooperative measures implemented by the Member States in favour of widely understoodrights of the children and the youth on the local level and at the Baltic Sea region, implementingprogrammes in areas designated by the CBSS. It must be pointed out that some of the projectsimplemented by CAR have a rather local and regional level and may thus better identify the issuesfaced by the Member States, and point out the possible routes for solving the issues, also matchingthe specific nature of these countries. The projects are implemented by non-governmentalorganisations as well as other institutions which handle issues related to children’s rights as part oftheir statutory duties. The subject areas of the projects pertain to securing the rights of children inseveral areas (Children rights, Children and Parents support, Unaccompanied minors, Combatingviolence against children, Child friendly justice).The current crucial issue of the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic and the manner of protecting therights of children and families and ensuring their rights in the Baltic States will soon be also reflectedin the works carried out by the CAR Group. The plans include discussions and exchange of goodpractices in that respect implemented in the individual Member States.Activities conducted by the Ministry of National EducationIn Poland, the share of NEET among young people is relatively low and since 2013 has beensystematically decreasing according to Eurostat, 16.4 percent of young people in Poland (aged 20-34)did not work or study in 2018.The main reasons for the NEET phenomenon among youth are the difficult situation of young peopleon the labour market, lack of competences and early school leaving. In case of Poland the youthunemployment rate is lower than the average European and only a small percentage of young peopleleave school before attending secondary school education. Since 2006 the percentage of early schoolleavers did not exceed 5.7% and since 2012 a steady decline in the number of early school leaverscan be observed. The National target for Poland to be reached in 2020 is 4.5%.The Strategy of Human Capital Development 2020In Polish legislation there is no separate strategic document devoted exclusively to the problem ofearly school leaving, however this issue is tackled in the Strategy of Human Capital Development2020 (Strategia Rozwoju Kapitału Ludzkiego 2020) as well as in the Lifelong Learning Strategy(Perspektywa uczenia się przez całe życie).As far as early school leaving is concerned, the Strategy of Human Capital Development lists threemain goals: preventing early school leaving from early childhood, early stage identification of young4Poland Page 127people at risk of early school leaving, compensating early school leavers and providing them withappropriate assistance.Strategy of Human Capital Development 2020 (Strategia Rozwoju Kapitału Ludzkiego 2020) isimplemented at the national level. With respect to young people, the ministries involved are thefollowing: Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy, Ministry of National Education, Ministry ofScience and Higher Education. It also involves actively schools at all levels and Voluntary LabourCorps. The regional strategies are developed by the local authorities. The main tool of monitoring thephenomenon of early school leaving in Poland is the education information system (SystemInformacji Oświatowej).The Responsible Development Strategy until 2020 (with a perspective to 2030)Education has a significant impact on the situation of young people entering adult life in Poland. Thatis why it is one of the elements of the Responsible Development Strategy adopted by the Council ofMinisters on 14 February 2017. This document forms the main strategic document of the Polishgovernment. In accordance with the provisions of the Strategy, teaching should be adapted to theneeds of the labour market and should respond to the country’s changing economic conditions. TheStrategy assigns key importance to transversal skills, which allow for playing social and professionalroles in different contexts; digital skills, which are indispensable for functioning in the contemporaryworld; and professional skills, as the shortage of skilled workers can prevent or hinder thedevelopment of vital sectors listed in the Strategy. The Strategy identifies the following strategicprojects related to education:• The Higher Education Reform;• Integrated Qualifications System;• The Skills Initiative;• The Innovators School;• Education in Digital Society;• Modern Human Resources for Polish Industry;• Study and Work in Poland.Examples of national activities undertaken in the field of youthThe aim of actions taken in the field of youth at the national level is to improve the situation of theyoung people, especially in terms of access to high-quality education, active participation in thelabour market and participation in social and political life. An important issue in this respect is to takeinto account the situation of marginalized and vulnerable youth who are not in employment,education or training (NEET).With a view to improve the situation of young people in Poland, the following have been adoptedand carried out in recent years:• comprehensive reform of the education system, taking into account changes in the generaleducation curriculum,• reform of vocational education (the new measures aim at improving prestige of vocationaleducation in Poland, mostly through improving quality and effectiveness of VET in schoolsand other institutions),• reform of higher education,• strategic document in the field of lifelong learning perspective covering various forms oflearning (formal, non-formal, informal) at different educational levels,• the Act on the Integrated Qualifications System;• Integrated Skills Strategy;• government programmes to support families;5Poland Page 128• 0% PIT programme for young people up to 26 years old;• Dialogue Council with the Young Generation was established.At the European level, Poland supports all initiatives aimed at increasing the scale of investment inhuman capital of the European Union, i.e. programmes aimed at raising young people'scompetences, gaining professional experience and increasing social involvement. That is why Polandsupports further development of the European Solidarity Corps and the Erasmus+. These twosupport the personal, educational, social, civic and professional development of participating youth,including NEETs in particular.Measures by the Ministry of National Education focusing on vocational education and training system(VET)In the field of VET the following measures have been implemented since 2016:• making the structure of education more flexible and ensuring access to further educationand training thanks to the introduction of I and II stage sectoral vocational schools. Such amodel ensures full permeability of vocational education and training and allows for takingthe Matura (final secondary education leaving) examination;• enhancing practical training by allowing schools to increase the number of hours for practicaltraining implementation;• introducing compulsory career guidance at schools in order to increase the validity ofdecisions related to the choice of a career;• modifying the model of financing vocational education with taking into account the costintensiveness of training in individual occupations;• abolishing the limit on remuneration paid to labour market specialists employed at schools;• acquiring partners to work together on behalf of vocational education and training -management boards of special economic zones have declared their cooperation with theMinistry of National Education and support for schools teaching specific occupations; a jointletter from the Prime Minister and Minister of Education was addressed to employers,including state treasury companies, in which they encouraged to support sectoral vocationaland technical schools; ministries competent for specific occupations were included in thecooperation;• more than 1000 employers actively participate in the development of curricularamendments;• a new tool for monitoring the demand for VET graduates is developed in cooperation withthe Central Statistical Office;• the Ministry of National Education announces competitions for employers to present thebest solutions in the area of practical training;• companies (e.g. PGE, KGHM) conclude agreements with schools, which provide for theformation of forms sponsored by such companies;• representatives of individual industries conclude agreements with the Ministry of NationalEducation aimed at the development of vocational education and training (e.g. electricpower and power sector, rail and road transport sector);• each employer interested in starting cooperation with a given school can use the services ofVET Coordinators appointed for this purpose at each education authority;• the Council of Vocational School Headmasters appointed by the Ministry of NationalEducation participates in the development of reforms of vocational education and trainingand public consultation on them in the school environment.New core curriculum for post-primary schools – new regulation by the Minister of National EducationThe following educational aspects have been addressed in the new core curricula:• focus on the development of key competences;6Poland Page 129• improving the efficiency of mother tongue teaching through introducing pupils to culturaltradition and literature, which serves rooting in the past, developing one’s identity andcultural continuity;• improving the efficiency of modern foreign language teaching giving pupils a framework forcontinuing and systematic foreign language learning (two languages) and a possibility ofbilingual education;• return to learning of history as a separate subject for all pupils taking into consideration awide context of internal and international situation;• development of entrepreneurship, creativity and ICT skills not only for educational purposesbut also for everyday life, with a focus on all aspects of ICT teaching and introduction ofcoding for all pupils;• development of knowledge and skills in maths and science through teaching of separatesubjects of biology, chemistry, physics and geography at the II educational stage – withcontinuation at the III educational stage;• return to the growth based learning approach through repetition, enhancement anddevelopment of knowledge on the subsequent levels of education;• replacing of subject integration concept with a subject correlation one (in the field ofhumanities and in the field of science).National Reforms related to Transversal Skills and EmployabilityThe Ministry of National Education proposed a number of changes to make sure that vocationaleducation and training regains its status in Poland. As part of them, each year the Ministry willprovide a forecast about the demand for staff in trade occupations on the domestic and provinciallabour markets.Thanks to the forecast, schools and school authorities can already plan educational offer inoccupations, which will be launched in subsequent school years. What is important, decisions madein this scope cater for diversification of funding of these occupations.It is worth reminding that the presence of employers at all stages of vocational education andtraining is a priority included in changes introduced by the Ministry of National Education. Employersshould be involved in identifying the needs in the scope of new jobs and skills, in designing educationand training offer in these occupations and skills, in offering practical training, in verification oflearning outcomes during occupational examination, and in employing school graduates. Thus, apartfrom obtaining the opinions of provincial councils of the labour market, prior to launching educationoffer in a given occupation, a school head will be obliged to start cooperation with employersrepresenting a specific occupation or sector.Integrated Skills Strategy 2030In February 2019 the Council of ministers approved a document “Integrated Skills Strategy 2030 -General Part” (Zintegrowana Strategia Umiejętności 2030 – część ogólna). The Strategy is to providea country and the economy with a strategic approach to accumulating, maintaining and using theirhuman capital in order to boost employment and economic growth and to promote social inclusionand participation.The Integrated Skills Strategy includes the entire system of education and training, including generaleducation, vocational education and training, higher education, and non-formal and informaleducation. It takes into account the demand for specific skills; their supply and methods offorecasting the demand for skills; skill shaping and development, adaptation to the needs of thelabour market and the economy; as well as their effective application, and a system of managementand coordination. It provides a framework, which promotes the complementarity of the policysupporting the development, activation and efficient use of skills.7Poland Page 130A key element of the strategy development is to diagnose and define the strengths, and, above all,the challenges and priorities related to the development of relevant skills in Poland, the activation ofskills supply on the labour market, and the efficient use of skills in economic and social life, as well asthe reinforcement of a system of skill development and shaping.The Integrated Skills Strategy is aiming at:• planning a coherent policy for developing skills,• coordinating measures undertaken by different stakeholders acting towards development ofskills,• assuring equal access to information on supply and demand for skills, professional guidanceand training offers linked to the development of skills,• strengthening the awareness of skills' importance in individual, economic and socialdevelopment,• increasing educational and professional activity of all social groups, especially those in a riskof exclusion.Regarding Safeguarding the Oceans –Achieving the 2030 UN Sustainable Development GoalsActivities conducted by the Ministry of Maritime Economy and Inland NavigationInclusion of cyber competences to the STCW ConventionPoland is engaged in review of the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certificationand Watchkeeping (STCW Convention) to better answer actual needs in shipping. The STCWConvention misses competences related to the skills of operating advanced devices and IT systems,as well as work using these devices and technologies. The current version of the convention does notspecify IT requirements and standards. Based on that, Poland fully supports the discussion ondevelopment of requirements and standards for the training and certification of IT competences. Wealso propose to add the new STCW Certificate of Competences (CoC) for IT Officer as a crew member.Unlike the Electro Technological Officer (ETO), which is responsible for monitoring all electronic andelectrical equipment, IT Officer would be responsible for operating advanced programmes and cybersecurity onboard for technological advanced vessels and also with a view to the autonomous ships. Itis possible also to include IT competences in already existing certificates, especially for navigationand radio operator. Important element of the revision of STCW is adaptation of new regulations tothe autonomous shipping.Currently the discussion is held within the EU Member States which are working on the proposal ofthe document to present during the 103. Session of Maritime Safety Committee of the InternationalMaritime Organization (planned in November this year). Poland takes an active part in thatdiscussion.Connection to the articles in Resolution: 9, 16, 18Current state of the activity: in progressCouncil of the Baltic Sea States’ Expert Group on Sustainable Maritime EconomyPoland is active within the framework of the Council of the Baltic Sea States' Expert Group onSustainable Maritime Economy (EGSME). EGSME as an intergovernmental group of experts providespolitical support to improvement of the Baltic Sea Region’s international competitiveness with regardto the development of a sustainable maritime economy, transforms Baltic Sea Region into a modelregion for maritime best practice and for a balanced co-existence of a successful sustainable maritime8Poland Page 131economy and protection of the vulnerable marine ecosystem.Connection to the articles in Resolution: 16Current state of the activity: in progress, current engagementEngagement in dialogue on decarbonization of shippingPoland believes that all necessary instruments to fight against pollutions should be proposed by theIMO as a specialized UN agency that deals with modern day shipping on daily basis. Their expertisewould allow the smooth transformation of shipping industry into zero-emission industry withoutaffecting the global demand for maritime transport. Polish experts are engaged in all IMO works,especially in both committees: Marine Environment Protection Committee (MEPC) and MaritimeSafety Committee (MSC). In the context of environment protection Sub-Committee on PollutionPrevention and Response (PPR) is another crucial body.The Ministry's position on greenhouse gas emissions from ships has three basic elements:§ support for taking measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from maritime transport;§ support for European Union activities supporting the adoption of appropriate globalsolutions through the International Maritime Organization (IMO);§ focus on achieving emission reductions with alternative fuels.Connection to the articles in Resolution: 16Current state of the activity: in progress“Green shipyard”As annual global pollution created by uncontrolled ship recycling is growing rapidly it is necessary tosupport the green initiatives in Baltic Sea and North Sea areas.“Green Shipyard in Poland” is a grass-root initiative of entrepreneurs themselves in order to applynew maritime policy of Poland that includes rebuilding shipyard industry and new EU standards ofship recycling.The idea is to add a new functionality (ship recycling) to existing shipyards by using synergy of ourknow-how, human potential and the innovation aspect that would allow financing the process. PolishMinistry of Maritime Economy and Inland Navigation is fully committed to that idea. Currently thefeasibility study is being prepared.Connection to the articles in Resolution: 16Current state of the activity: planned"Project of the marine protection plan for the Natura 2000 area, Ławica Słupska"Great examples of that balanced co-existence are Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). MPAs are widelyconsidered to be an essential tool for recovering, protecting and enhancing biodiversity, maintainingproductivity and increasing the resilience of ecosystems in the face of a changing climate, and forsecuring these benefits for current and future generations.MPAs are about 25% of Polish total marine area. Polish Natura 2000 marine protected sites consist of8 bird areas, 8 habitat areas and 1 area Ławica Słupska that belongs to both bird and habitat areas. Inthe coastal zone, other habitats such as cliffs, various types of dunes or saline marshes are protected.In Poland there are three forms of protection on the Baltic Sea. Two of them are incorporated in theNature Conservation Act: national parks and Natura 2000 sites. The third is related to the Conventionon the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area (Helsinki Convention, HELCOM).9Poland Page 132The latest "Project of the marine protection plan for the Natura 2000 area, Ławica Słupska" aims tocreate tools to effectively protect the marine Natura 2000 site "Ławica Slupska" (Słupsk Shoal) bydeveloping environmental documentation and creating a conservation plan project being the firstsuch plan for the Natura 2000 area entirely located in maritime areas in the Polish exclusive economiczone. The plan will allow rational and sustainable management of the Natura 2000 site in order topreserve or improve its values, in the context of the growing pressure of various planned activities inthe maritime areas. Process of consultations was planned till October 2020.Connection to the articles in Resolution: 19Current state of the activity: in progressUN Ocean Conference 2020Poland was actively working on EU input to UN Oceans concept document. We also delivered ourown national input to above mention document and submitted the candidature of the DeputyMinister of Maritime Economy and Inland Navigation to lead one of the proposed dialogues (panels).Connection to the articles in Resolution: 20Current state of the activity: in progressHELCOM Expert Group on Environmental Risks of Hazardous Submerged Objects (SUBMERGED)Poland is actively working within HELCOM Expert Group on Environmental Risks of HazardousSubmerged Objects (SUBMERGED). SUBMERGED is now in the process of assessment of number ofthe hazardous wrecks in Baltic Sea that needs quick actions in order to prevent a mass-scalepollution. Last meeting was held in January this year.Poland is also working on that issue within the framework of our national laws as out of 300estimated wrecks in Baltic Sea around 100 is located in Polish waters. The most hazardous are fromthe World War II period, like s/s Stuttgart and t/s Franken. Stuttgart has already produced fuel leaks.Franken is at advanced corrosive state and may collapse anytime.On top of that there are numerous wrecks carrying the deposits of chemical weapons. The estimatesare that the release of only the sixth part of those deposits would create a mass-scale catastrophethat would seize the life in Baltic Sea for a century.The costs of removing all hazardous deposits from the Baltic Sea are enormous. Polish Ministry ofMaritime Economy and Inland Navigation strongly believes that those cost could be distributedamongst all Baltic Sea States.Connection to the articles in Resolution: 24Current state of the activity: in progressActivities conducted by the Ministry of ClimateThe Ministry of Climate is focusing on the transposition of the Single-Use Plastics Directive - Directive(EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of theimpact of certain plastic products on the environment (Official Journal of the European Union L155/1 of 12/06/2019).To support the further development of a legally-binding, globally-reaching mechanism for managingplastic waste towards the consistent combating of the pollution of the seas by plastic waste - theMinistry of Climate along with the Ministry of Economic Development and Ministry of MaritimeEconomy and Inland Navigation are involved in preparing the EU& Member States positions formeetings of the Ad Hoc Open Ended Expert Group on Marine Litter and Microplastics (AHOEEG)10Poland Page 133which works under the auspices of the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP). During the3rd AHOEEG meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, on November 18-22, 2019, Poland was represented byMinistry of Economic Development.Referring to para 14 &17 – Poland actively participates in works of the Basel Convention on theControl of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal especially bydeveloping positions within the European Union which take into account Polish views.Points 22 and 23 of the ResolutionMinistry of Environment:For every project, planned by Polish entrepreneurs in the Baltic Sea, which may have negativesignificant transboundary impact, the provisions of the UN Convention on Environmental ImpactAssessment in a Transboundary Context (1991), Espoo Convention, are applied. This concernsespecially large scale project such Baltic Pipe, for which the transboundary EIA procedure was carriedout with 3 countries: Denmark, Sweden and Germany.A very important tool in order to achieve sustainable development goals for the Baltic Sea is strategicenvironmental assessment for maritime spatial plans (MSP) in the Baltic Sea region. Polish party iscurrently conducting transboundary SEA procedure for Polish MSP with Sweden, Germany andDenmark in order to comply with provisions of Protocol on Strategic Environmental Assessment tothe Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context (2003).On the basis of the Habitats Directive, Poland designated 17 Special Areas of Conservation (SACs)with a total area of 574,356.28 ha and, on the basis of the Birds Directive, 13 Special Protection Areas(SPAs) with a total area of 795 128.70 ha. These areas have been designated for the protection andrestoration of marine ecosystems. Most of these areas have draft protection plans in place, whichare currently being processed by the Polish Ministry of Environment. After the establishment ofthese plans, the activities included will serve the purpose of active protection of marine habitats, andtheir findings will be binding while creating spatial development plans and planning investments inthe Baltic Sea.Regarding Migration and IntegrationActivities conducted by the Ministry of Interior and AdministrationIn order to facilitate contacts between foreigners applying for international protection and localsocieties, local institutions, civil society organisations and individuals, Office for Foreigners as well asnon-governmental organisations carry out different integration activities. Integration actions aimingat social inclusion starting at the moment when the applicant arrives at the reception centre(temporary stay) and then continue in the residence centres during the whole period of theprocedure for international protection. The intent of these actions is to create positive relations withthe local communities, institutions and local organisations.These are the examples of the activities on promotion of social inclusion:1) for newly arrived foreigners in reception centres are organised information meetings ontopics related to social assistance as well as basic functioning in Poland, i.e. norms, customs,traditions, health care education or issues related to employment. During these meetingsforeigners receive brochures with the contacts dates to all kind of organisations providingsupport for migrants;2) minors applying for international protection have access to public education and carein public kindergartens, primaries and secondary schools on terms applicable to Polishcitizens. There is a steady collaboration facilitated partially by the Office between applicants,11Poland Page 134local community and representatives of the local institutions. Children attending to Polishschools are fully involved in the school life, e.g. by participating in celebrations, anniversariesor intercultural events;3) within a public education system minors are entitled to the classes about their countries oforigin, which are organise in the mother tongue by cultural associations or relevantembassies (for a maximum of 5h/week);4) there are organised leisure activities for children and youths in all the centres within projectfinanced from AMIF, which include cultural and entertainment events and excursions toplaces such as: theatres, cinemas, swimming pools and to places related to the region, i.e.parks, historic places, etc. One of the aims of these activities is to get minors familiar with thesurrounding neighbourhood and local public space;5) an important role in the field of integration between foreigners and local communities playNGOs. The main examples actions undertaken by NGOs’ are: educational support organisedin the centres, sport and leisure activities, legal aid, material and psychological support,cultural mentoring and assistance in dealing with official matters, integration eventsinvolving local societies. Some of these actions are not only organised in the centres but alsooutside;6) foreigners applying for international protection in Poland can obtain, also in a short timeafter arrival to the reception centre, social assistance in a form of money allowances andthey can live outside of the centres. This social benefit is granted on the request of theforeigner. It can be granted for organisational, safety or family reasons or to prepareforeigners for an independent life after they receiving one of the form of protection. Livingoutside the centre gives more independence and stimulate integration processes.CBSS Civil Protection NetworkThe National Headquarters of the State Fire Service – KG PSP actively takes part in the CBSS CivilProtection Network (‘CPN’), which constitutes a vital opportunity for all participating states todevelop a common framework for improving safety and security in the region in relation to day-to-day emergencies and major disasters.Activities undertaken by the CPN support implementation of the Joint Position on EnhancingCooperation in Civil Protection Area, agreed by the CBSS Directors General for Civil Protection in2017. The document lists areas in need of strengthened cooperation to provide even betterprevention and preparedness of the Baltic Sea Region (more details: http://www.bsr-secure.eu/showcase/4261/).The participation in the events undertaken by the CPN helps to exchange the knowledge,strengthen connections between countries and disseminate information about cooperationpossibilities to relevant stakeholders within the country.As an example, the delegates of the National Headquarters of the State Fire Service – KG PSP tookpart in the recent edition the Baltic Excellence Programme in Civil Security, heldin Tinglev, Denmark (18-20 November 2019) under the Danish Presidency in the CBSS.The international training course focused on transboundary cooperation and developing strategicleadership skills as well as addressed inter alia challenges posed by climate change.EUSBSR Policy Area SECUREIn addition, representatives of the National Headquarters of the State Fire Service – KG PSP areactively engaged in the works of the Policy Area SECURE Steering Group under the European UnionStrategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR). Flagship projects of the EUSBSR also supportimplementation of the above-mentioned Joint Position on Enhancing Cooperation in Civil ProtectionArea.12Poland Page 135Some of the flagship initiatives of the EUSBSR, in which the State Fire Service units are involved,include:• CASCADE – Making Communities Resilient to Climate Change: Cross-Sectorial Cooperation inCapacity-building (participating institution from Poland: The Main School of Fire Service –SGSP);• Fire-IN – Improving the national and European fire and rescue capability developmentprocess by fostering innovation in this domain and promoting cutting edge solutions torecognized operational needs (participating institutions from Poland: The Main School of FireService – SGSP, Scientific and Research Centre for Fire Protection – National ResearchInstitute – CNBOP-PIB).Further activities with the participation of the State Fire Service units are under development,including project proposals:• NEEDS - bringing relevant societal security field knowledge into higher education curricula;• ChyResilience, focused on the role of children and youth in building a resilient society.Engagement of the Polish PolicePolish Police in active way participates in the working group of the Baltic Sea Task Forceon Organized Crime (“BSTF”).The current active participants of the BSTF are: the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdomof Denmark, The Federal Republic of Germany, the Republic of Poland, the Republicof Lithuania, the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Estonia, the Russian Federation, the Republicof Finland, the Kingdom of Sweden and the Republic of Iceland. Moreover, the Council of theBaltic Sea States, Interpol, Europol and UNODC have an observer status at this group. The TaskForce members are the Personal Representatives of the Prime Minister Offices in the particularcountries. Since 2016, Poland is represented by the 1st Deputy of the Commander-in-Chief ofPolish Police. The Operational Committee is an executive body of the Task Force. In the years2019-2020 Poland supports German presidency in the BSTF.The Operational Committee of the BSTF consists of national coordinators and officers-experts -representatives of the Police, Border Guard and the National Revenue Administration.In the meetings of the Strategic Committee of the BSTF takes part the Personal Representative ofthe Prime Minister - the 1st Deputy of the Commander-in-Chief of Polish Police or – in hisabsence – Deputy Commander of the Police Central Bureau of Investigation.The International Police Cooperation Bureau at the National Police Headquarters in Warsawcoordinated an arrangement of all BSTF Strategic Committee meetings in Poland in 2019, both onmatters of substance and in terms of organization and logistic.The priorities of the BSTF for the years 2019-2020 are:- Exploitation of analytic and operational possibilities of Europol, maximize the synergy withactivities carried out within the framework of OAP and EMPACT;- Combating drug-related crime;- Combating organized crime and against property;- Combating organized crime groups arranging illegal migration;- Combating organized economical crime including customs and tax fraud in international trade.13Poland Page 136The following tasks were fulfilled during German presidency with Polish operational support in2019:- on 27-28 of February 2019 in Warsaw – meeting of the Operational Committee of the BSTF(organized by Poland);- on 18-19 of June 2019 in Gdansk - meeting of the Operational Committee of the BSTF (organized byPoland);- on 25 October – 1 November 2019 in Berlin – meeting of the Strategic Committee.- There were planned two meetings in Poland and one strategic meeting in Germany in 2020, but dueto the COVID-19 outbreak the preparation was suspended. The new terms will be provided at theend of the epidemic.- During the strategic meeting at the end of the 2019, the member states made a decisionto continue the cooperation in current form. The points of next presidency as well as the number ofoperational and strategic meetings remains open. Poland will present and evaluate the operationalactivities carried out during current presidency. The presentation and evaluation should be donewith the resumption of the BSTF meetings.Border cooperationIn the scope of statutory tasks of the Border Guard related to maritime security of the state border,including the maritime border and supervision compliance with regulations in Polish maritime areas,implementing tasks at both operational and tactical levels, the Maritime Regional Unit of BorderGuard is involved in cooperation with the countries of the Baltic Sea region as part of the Baltic SeaRegion Border Control Cooperation Conference (BSRBCC).The scope of activity implemented by the Maritime Regional Unit of Border Guard focuses directly onthe implementation of tasks in the form of exercises and operations of international nature,meetings and workshops at the expert level, as well as 24/7 information exchange in the field ofmaritime border protection and surveillance of maritime areas. In addition, joint training of officers iscarried out, and a joint annual report on risk analysis in the Baltic Sea region (BSRBCC Annual ThreatAssessment) is being developed.It should be emphasized that the Russian side (FSB Federal Border Service of the Russian Federation)is actively involved in BSRBCC activities, which, in the opinion of the Maritime Regional Unit, could bequalified as the implementation of the continuation of cooperation in accordance with section 3 ofthe resolution.Considering the epidemiological threat associated with the SARS CoV-2 virus, this year,2 out of 14 planned projects have been implemented under German forum chairmanship. At thebeginning of March all other activities were suspended, while in May it was decided to transfer theGerman presidency in BSRBCC for 2021.In the field of cooperation in the region mentioned in section 5 and 6 of the resolution, underHELCOM joint patrols are carried out using vessels of the Maritime Regional Unit Vessel Squadrons,in which inspectors from the competent Inspectorates for Environmental Protection and MaritimeOffices participate. The purpose of these projects is to check compliance with the provisions on theprotection of the marine environment, as well as conducting research on the quality of thisenvironment, observing and assessing its condition and changes occurring in it. In order to monitortransitional waters and offshore, inspectors on board SG vessels take water samples in the territorialsea and internal marine waters.In addition, on 25/09/2019, the Maritime Regional Unit participated in the Polish-German exerciseorganized by the Maritime Search and Rescue Service (SAR) code name "POLGER 2019". This14Poland Page 137mentioned exercise, as recommended by HELCOM, was aimed at strengthening sub regionalcooperation in the field of combating threats and pollution at sea.Referring to section 6 of the resolution, vessels of the Maritime Regional Unit of Border Guard,carrying out border activities consisting in patrolling Polish maritime sea areas, carry out tasksrelated to escorting ships entering LNG ports with LNG cargo or other dangerous cargo that may bethe object of a terrorist attack.15Russia Page 138RussiaRussia Page 13928th BSPC Resolution Implementation (Oslo, August 2019 г.)Russian FederationCall on the governments in the Baltic Sea Region, the CBSS and the EU,regarding cooperation in the region, to...1. (strengthen trust among all Member States of the Council of Baltic Sea States(CBSS) through further concrete efforts and measures;)Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia Sergey Lavrov took part at the Council ofthe Baltic Sea States (CBSS) Ministerial Meeting held on 19 May 2020. As part ofefforts aimed at reinforcing trust among the CBSS member states, strengthening theBaltic cooperation and increase its resilience in a changing world Minister Lavrovproposed a set of concrete steps, including elaboration of a strategic document for thedevelopment of the Baltic Sea Region by 2030; resumption of meetings of Heads ofGovernment of the Baltic Sea countries; establishment of streamlined verticalcooperation in the region that would embrace national, regional and municipal levels(based on interaction between CBSS, Baltic Sea States Sub-Regional Cooperation(BSSSC), Union of the Baltic Cities (UBC)); strengthening the CBSS financialcapacity (including its Project Support Facility); resumption of coordination meetingsof the intergovernmental councils in the North and the Northern Dimension (ND)Partnerships at the political level.2. (intensify the early involvement of the next generation and respect the nextgeneration’s concerns more intensively in policy and decision-making processesvia concrete measures of the governments to reinforce the foundations of trustand security in the Baltic Sea Region as an element of foreign policy;)Russia, as a Member State of the CBSS, supported establishment of the BalticSea Youth Platform at the CBSS Ministerial Meeting on 19 May 2020. A number ofRussian youth organisations, associations and agencies joined the Platform asassociated partners. Russian regions actively engage through BSSSC, UBC andEuroregion Baltic that act as strategic partners within the Platform.3. (continue cooperation within the framework of the Northern Dimension,cross-border cooperation programmes between EU member states and Russia aswell as Interreg Baltic Sea Region programme, and actively engage indeveloping new generations of these programmes for the future,)The Annual Cultural Forum of the Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture(NDPC) was hosted in St Petersburg in November 2019 in cooperation with theMinistry of Culture of Russia.Thematic seminars on “Digitalisation of Transport” (Riga, November 5, 2019)and “Decarbonization of Transport” (online, June 23, 2020) were organized by theNorthern Dimension Partnership on Transport and Logistics together with theNorthern Dimension Institute.Permanent cooperation in the Northern Dimension Partnership on Health andSocial Well-being (NDPHS) expert groups was accompanied by meetings andRussia Page 1402conferences on specific topics. On March 11, 2020 the Russian Centre forCoordination and Monitoring of the Cooperation in the NDPHS organized the firstNational Needs Assessment Workshop on Health and Social Well-being of AgeingPopulation in the ND Countries. The NDPC and NDPHS Partners started elaborationof the new cooperation strategies for the periods of the next 3-5 years.Russia continued implementation of numerous projects co-financed by theEnvironmental and Nuclear Windows of the Northern Dimension EnvironmentalPartnership.Along with the successful implementation of the of the cross-bordercooperation (CBC) programmes between Russia and the EU member states as well asthe “Interreg. Baltic Sea Region” programme for the period 2014 to 2020 Russia andother participating countries started the preparation process of the new generation ofthese programmes for the period of 2021 to 2027.Programming Committees for all the CBC programmes were established, and aseries of meetings took place in February-August 2020. The Joint ProgrammingCommittee of the “Interreg. Baltic Sea Region” programme for the period 2021 to2027 continued its work with the Russian participation, and a number of meetingswere held (the last one in June 2020). At the meetings the thematic priorities andobjectives as well as the legal framework of the future programmes were discussed.4. (conclude the current CBSS reform process and increase the focus onsynergies between cooperation formats in the Baltic Sea Region,)At the CBSS Ministerial Meeting on 19 May 2020 Minister of Foreign Affairsof Russia Sergey Lavrov proposed resuming coordination meetings of theintergovernmental councils in the North and the Northern Dimension at the politicallevel.Building synergies between cooperation formats in the Baltic Sea Region wasamong the main topics of the XVIII Annual Strategic Planning Leaders Forum of theRegions and Cities of Russia hosted in St Petersburg in October 2020. It was attendedby the representatives of the Russian and foreign national, regional and localministries and agencies, the CBSS, “Interreg. Baltic Sea Region” programme and“South-East Finland – Russia” cross-border cooperation programme, HELCOM,VASAB, BSSSC, UBC as well as international expert centres, business andacademia.Coordination between cooperation formats in the region is also one of theelements of cross-border cooperation between Russia and the EU member states.Russia Page 141INFORMATION ON IMPLEMENTATION OF the 28th BSPCRESOLUTIONBY RUSSIAN FEDERATIONMigration and integration aspectsInformation of the Russian Federal Agency on Nationalities’ Affairs (FADN)In accordance with decree of the President of the Russian Federation (August24, 2017 No 399) "On amendments to the Decree of the President of the RussianFederation of March 31, 2015 No. 168 "On the Federal Agency for ethnic Affairs",the FADN of Russia has the authority to develop and implement state nationalpolicy, state policy in the sphere of social and cultural adaptation and integration offoreign citizens in the Russian Federation, as well as regulatory and legal regulationand provision of public services in the field of state national policy, social andcultural adaptation and integration of foreign citizens in the Russian Federation.During the reporting period, as part of the development of a methodologicalguide for Executive authorities of the Russian Federation "on social and culturaladaptation and integration of foreign citizens in the Russian Federation", the FADNof Russia analyzed the information received from the subjects of the RussianFederation, and continued to prepare methodological recommendations for stateauthorities and local self-government bodies, national-cultural public associationsand non-profit organizations that carry out activities in the field of social andcultural adaptation of foreign citizens, summarizing the best regional practices inthis area.Work continues to improve legislation in the field of social and culturaladaptation and integration of foreign citizens. With regard to the implementation ofthe resolution adopted at the 28th Parliamentary conference of the Baltic Sea in Osloon August 27, 2019, the FADN of Russia reports the following.According to p.26 of the Resolution the state budget institution"Multifunctional migration center" (Migration center), operates in Moscow, theyaccepts applications and documents necessary for issuing or reissuing a patentconfirming the right to work. The patent must be obtained by foreign citizens whoarrived in the Russian Federation in a manner that does not require a visa.The migration center is the only organization where you can get a genuinepatent to work in Moscow. All the procedures required for registration of a full setof documents for a patent can be completed on the territory of the Migration center.Russia Page 1422According to p.28, the FADN of Russia provides information and Advisorysupport for round tables, conferences, and forums that raise issues of socio-culturaladaptation and integration of foreign citizens. On October 9, 2019, the 9th Sessionof the scientific and methodological Association on migration and demographicprocesses was held at the Financial University under the Government of the RussianFederation. Employees of the Federal migration service of Russia took part in thediscussion of political and legal approaches to the adaptation of immigrants, takinginto account the norms of ensuring human rights and minimizing migration risks.On October 15, 2019, the Moscow forum on public security was held at the Moscowhouse of nationalities,among others, a round table on the theme "Migration and security". At the roundtable, FADN employees raised issues of migrant phobia of the host community andradicalism in the migrant environment, ways to overcome these problems bybuilding a dialogue between the national majority and migrant communities, as wellas involving youth organizations and activists in the normalization of the migrationsituation.November 5, 2019 employees of FADN took part in the Internationalscientific-practical conference on "Migration in Russia and modern world:problems, perspectives, practical solutions", which discussed the conceptual issuesof the modern migration policy, models of management of migration processes, theproblems of sociocultural adaptation of migrants as a factor of modern ethnicmobility as well as good practices combating the formation of ethnic enclaves.December 5-6, 2019 MGIMO (University) and the Institute for Social and politicalresearch of the Russian Academy of Sciences held the XI International scientificand practical forum "Migration bridges in Eurasia: new approaches to the formationof migration policy for sustainable development" within the framework of theproject "Migration bridges in Eurasia"(2008-2019).Employees of FADN took part in the round table "Integration of migrantsinto Russian society: do we need the law and what practices are effective?", wherequestions were raised as to the prospects for the adoption of the law on socialadaptation and integration of foreign citizens, the role of national-culturalautonomies in the process of migrantophobia host communities and radicalism inthe migrant environment.Schleswig-Holstein Page 143Schleswig-HolsteinSchleswig-Holstein Page 144Schleswig-Holstein State Parliament - 19th Election period Printed matter 19/2046II. Resolution of the 28th Baltic Sea Parliamentarian Conference1. In view of the future of working lifeTo Item 11: Fair framework conditions for work in a digital economy(MWVATT) The digital transformation in the working environment provides a variety ofopportunities for employees as well as companies. Thus, digitalisation allows greater self-determination and freedom due to a more flexible organisation of working hours and place ofwork. In order to shape the current changes and challenges in the world of work in a future-oriented manner, it is also necessary to adapt the federal legal framework. In this context,several activities exist already on a federal level, which are respectively accompanied by thestate.To item 13: Measures to support adolescents without education and employment(MSGJFS) The task to support young people in finding access to the job market and to remainemployed represents a sector of general, as well as international, youth employment. Currently,MSGJFS supports the Alte Schule e. V. in the context of their project Generation Europe. Theorganisation has linked youth tourism and social work and has developed it into a sustainablemodel with versatile programme offers for children and adolescent groups, internationalencounters and many projects against social segregation and for employment. The Alte Schulee. V. offers programmes for socially and educationally disadvantaged adolescents. Thisconceptual basic orientation is simultaneously the main concept for the structure and theorganisation of European encounter programmes. Generation Europe was promoted by thestate of Schleswig-Holstein with respectively €10,000 in the context of two youth encounters in2018 and 2019. The objective of the programme is the initiation of an international youthnetwork and to motivate the participants to joint political actions.(MWVATT) Currently, Schleswig-Holstein has adolescent employment agencies at 20locations in 10 districts and district-free cities. Further launches are to come to create acomprehensive offer. The jurisdiction-transcending cooperation ensures the low-key, non-bureaucratic and individual counselling and guidance of young people in the transition fromschool to professional life.81Schleswig-Holstein Page 145Printed matter 19/2046 Schleswig-Holstein State Parliament - 19th Election periodThe key objectives "Nobody should be left behind along the way" and "Everyone is needed"show that the adolescent employment agencies also address specifically those young peoplewho are currently neither in training nor in employment. Due to the close cooperation withschools and the Lifelong Career Guidance Service of the Employment Agency, the aim is toprovide young people with an offer of advice before they leave school in order to discuss thenext steps with them and to work out possibilities for follow-up (training, educational measures,studies etc.).The state government shall establish a Schleswig-Holstein Institute for Vocational Training(SHIBB) at MWVATT on 1 January 2021 in order to optimise the intermeshing of vocationaltraining and the world of work. Its core tasks will include the increase of activities and the qualityof the dual vocational training, particularly by bundling responsibilities and competencies. Thisincludes particularly the improvement of the transition of young people from school to trainingand employment and thus the reduction of the number of adolescents as well as the length oftime in the transition period by improving their chances of occupational training. A board oftrustees with representatives of the relevant ministries, social partners, school authorities andvocational schools will be set up as an advisory body in order to emphasise the community ofresponsibility between all those involved in vocational education and training and to strengthentheir cooperation.2. In view of protective measures for the oceansTo issues 14-15: Strategy for the handling of plastic waste(MELUND) The ever increasing problem of the pollution of the oceans is the essential reasonfor the recent activities in the handling of plastic waste. This problem has become more andmore apparent throughout the past years due to scientific studies. The extent to which it existsby now has dramatic consequences for marine ecosystems and their food chains. This problemhas to be addressed at the source as well as in the marine area. It was therefore determined ona European level in the context of the EC Marine Strategy Framework Directive of 2008 thatthe characteristics and quantities of waste in the ocean may not have detrimental effects on theshores and marine environment and that good environmental conditions and environmentaltargets and measures must be determined and implemented. The current implementation isdocumented in the respective reports for the Northern and Baltic Seas (seehttps://www.meeresschutz.info/berichte-art-8-10.html.).The basis for a new plastics economy was created with the European Strategy for Plastics in aCircular Economy in spring 2018.82Schleswig-Holstein Page 146Schleswig-Holstein State Parliament - 19th Election period Printed matter 19/2046It fully considers the requirements in terms of reuse, repair and recycling in the design andmanufacturing of plastics and plastic products. With the EU Circular Economy Package and thedirective regarding the reduction of the effects of certain plastic products on the environmentwere initiated in the first legal regulation. In addition, further limitations are currently beingdebated with respect to micro-plastics in the context of the EU Directive REACH (Registration,Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals).At federal level, legislative processes to amend the Cycle Management Act (KrWG) (particularlythe reinforcement of waste prevention and recirculation management) and the Packaging Act(e.g. prohibition of plastic bags) are underway. MELUND supports this procedure. The FederalMinistry for Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) submitted a 5-pointplan for less plastic and more recycling at the end of 2018. With this measure, BMU initiatedimportant steps toward less superfluous packaging, less disposable products, less waste as wellas more recycling.The resolutions passed at the member states conference to the Basel Convention (BÜ)regarding the intensification of the BÜ regarding the transport of plastic waste will result in thefact that plastic waste may only be traded freely if it is almost free from impurities anddetermined for recycling. All other plastic waste has to be reported in accordance with the BÜregulations - i.e. involving the respectively responsible authorities. The export of mixed andcontaminated plastic waste from the EU is to be prohibited at the start of 2021. The purpose ofthis resolution is to prevent that such waste reaches countries without suitable recyclingstructures. It ultimately also prevents that these reach the environment. MELUND welcomesand supports the BÜ resolutions and expects that they are implemented into European law andsubsequently national law, if applicable, as soon as possible. In the context of its risk-orientedcontrol plan, the society for the organisation of the disposal of special waste (GOES mbH,Neumünster), as the responsible authority for border-transcending waste transport in Schleswig-Holstein is currently conducting regular and random systems controls at the exporters andimporters of plastic waste, which contributes to the prevention of illegal transports. Schleswig-Holstein has been at the Round Table for "Ocean Waste" since 2016. Here, the suggestions fornational measures against ocean waste are discussed and supported in a broad spectrum ofparticipants and specific strategies developed for their implementation.83Schleswig-Holstein Page 147Printed matter 19/2046 Schleswig-Holstein State Parliament - 19th Election periodTo point 16: Digitalisation of ferry traffic for the further development of a green shippingindustry(MWVATT) The state is not entitled to determine the stipulations for the digitalisation andintensification of the specifications for fuels in the shipping industry organised pursuant toprivate law, as this occurs at the international level. However, it is possible and alreadypracticed to create the legal parameters in state law to implement these internationalrequirements in order for, e.g., the bunkering with lower-emission ship fuels. However, neitherdigitalisation in the shipping operation nor "green" shipping industry or even an autonomousshipping industry are in direct association: neither does digitisation make shipping moreenvironmentally friendly per se, nor can the vision of an autonomous ship be realised solelythrough digitally controlled processes in ferry operations. These three diverse segments moveforward at their respective own speed. The state supports each in accordance with its options.To point 21: Support of research projects and innovation-promoting measures to securethe biodiversity of the Baltic Sea(MELUND) Legal requirements and principles on an international, European and national levelalready exist to safeguard biodiversity. In addition, several measures have already been taken.The respective EU environmental regulations of the Fauna-Flora-Habitat (FFH) Directive, theDirective of the Wild Birds Directive (VRL), the Water Framework Directive (WRRL) and theMarine Strategy Framework Directive (MSRL), which are supported and, if applicable,supplemented on an international level by the principles of the regional Convention for theProtection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OPSAR) and the Baltic MarineEnvironment Protection Commission(HELCOM) deserve a particular mention. For example,according to EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSRL), the biological diversity has to bemaintained. At the same time, the quality and the occurrence of habitats, as well as thedistribution and frequency of species, have to correspond with the prevailing physiographic,geographic and climatic conditions. In this context, the good condition of the environment has tobe defined according to legally specified timetables, which have to be achieved by thedetermination and implementation of environmental targets and measures. Equally, theeconomical state of preservation for specifically stipulated species and habitats worthy ofprotection has to be maintained or achieved according to the Fauna-Flora-Habitat (FFH) and theWild Birds (VRL) Directive. In the context of implementing these Directives, research projectsare undertaken also, which gear toward maintaining or protecting biodiversity and itscharacteristics. The habitats of the Northern and Baltic Seas will also be a component of thestate biodiversity strategy. It is their objective to initiate key issues and solution approaches tomaintain and develop the natural diversity on Schleswig-Holstein by the end of 2021.84Schleswig-Holstein Page 148Schleswig-Holstein State Parliament - 19th Election period Printed matter 19/2046Research is still required with respect to the opportunities of assessing of the effects ofintroduced species. Equally, many questions are still open regarding the eco-systematicconnections in order to allow for a total assessment of the ecological condition of marineecosystem and to protect their diversity in a targeted manner. For example, the joint projectStopP, which was completed in 2019, used statistical habitat models, ecological networkanalyses and high-resolution hydrodynamic models to investigate which abiotic factors causethe formation of specific habitats and their species communities. Furthermore, investigations arecurrently carried out in the context of the BMU Environmental Research Plan for theimplementation of the MSRL Directive Programme of Measures 2016-2021. With respect tothese issues, Schleswig-Holstein is working closely with the coastal states and the FederalGovernment on the implementation of the MSRL. Currently, further research requirements arebeing discussed with the objective of a specific project application in the context of the inter-ministerial state initiative "Future Oceans" of the state of Schleswig-Holstein. These needs referto the networking of data and information, the linking of marine nature conservation and the useof marine habitats as well as the quality of habitats (and the species found there) underchanging anthropogenic conditions.(MBWK) Research projects to secure biodiversity in the Baltic Sea have been part of theportfolio of the institutionally supported scientific establishments in Schleswig-Holstein,particularly at GEOMAR - Helmholtz Centre for Maritime Oceanic Research and at theChristian-Albrechts-Universität in Kiel. Additional subsidies for research works in in thissector can be expected in this area as of 2020 through the Deutsche AllianzMeeresforschung (DAM), in which the state of Schleswig-Holstein together with the otherNorthern German states and the Federal Government are involved. DAM, founded in July 2019,promotes the collaboration within the German maritime research by way of joint researchmissions as well as networking projects in the infrastructure and data sectors. A contribution ofthe DAM research mission "Protection and sustainable use of maritime spaces" is expected inview of the biodiversity in the Baltic Sea. Following final preparation and consent of the DAMAdministrative Board, it is to be posted in 2020. The objective is the development of asustainable usage of maritime resources and ecosystem performances while aiming for goodenvironmental conditions by 2023. For this purpose, the expertise from various institutes is to beaccumulated. On a regional level, the focus lies on the Northern and Baltic Sea, specifically inview of the influence of the fishing and shipping industry, material discharges, tourism,renewable energies, mining of mineral resources, sand mining, coastal protection measures,harbours and the bio-economy.85Schleswig-Holstein Page 149Printed matter 19/2046 Schleswig-Holstein State Parliament - 19th Election periodTo item 24: Border-transcending sustainable strategies for the monitoring and salvagingof munition in the Baltic Sea(MELUND) In 2019, Progress has been made in terms of the description of the effects ofmunition dumped in the ocean based on the previously presented results of the scientificprojects DAIMON (INTERREG-Baltic Sea, see https://www.daimonproject.com) and UDEMM(sponsored by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research, see https://udemm.geomar.de).The approach of the INTERREG Baltic Sea project DAIMON, integrating the results of previousprojects (MERCW, CHEMSEA, MODUM) and the methodological findings on eco-toxicologicalassessment from the UDEMM project have provided the scientific basis for this. The nowavailable evidence of toxic substances from weapons in seawater, sediment and also in marineorganisms is still based on extremely low concentrations due to the corrosion that has begun.However, it is a serious warning signal due to progressive rusting processes. Therefore, theresults do not yet justify immediate action. The consortium of the project "Robotic UnderwaterSalvage and Disposal Procedure including Technology for the Delaboration of Ammunition inthe Sea" (RoBEMM) presented its work at the status meeting "Maritime Technlogies-2018" as atechnical breakthrough. A system based on the results of this study should make it possible toeliminate large, unmanageable maritime explosive devices without underwater blasting in thefuture. Since 2003, approx. 25 million Euro subsidies were applied to maintain this situation.Due to media coverage on television and in print media as well as the annual reporting of theExpert Group on Ammunition in the Sea of the federal/state working group North and Baltic Sea(https://www.munition-im meer.de), the results will be made available to an interested public.Currently, the HELCOM work group SUBMERGED is collating the findings regarding thecontamination of the entire Baltic Sea with munition, ship and military plane wrecks. With thisprocess, a recommendation of the authors of the HELCOM report regarding chemical weaponsin the Baltic Sea (see http://www.helcom.f1/Lists/Publications/BSEP142.pdf) ) is beingimplemented. Publication is envisaged in late 2020. For a further two years, work will continue inthe lnterreg North Sea Project "North Sea-Wrecks" under the guidance of the DeutschesSchifffahrtsmuseums (German Shipping Industry Museum) to transfer methods from UDEMMand DAIMON to the situation in the North Sea. The objective is to clarify which risks canemanate from war ship wrecks with particularly poisonous fuels and munition. The new methodsare practically unlocked for the neighbouring countries by way of regional conferences andinternships of the project DAIMON 2 and the decision support systems DIAMON-DSS istransferred to an operatively effective status.In addition, the European Fisheries Fund promotes the projects BASTA and ExPloTect tocontinue to close already identified technical-methodical gaps.86Schleswig-Holstein Page 150Schleswig-Holstein State Parliament - 19th Election Period Printed matter 19/2046Future project applications will primarily deal with the issue as to whether and how the chemicalcompound of weapons in marine organisms can impact food from the sea.The recent decisions of the expert minister conferences for the environment as well as internalaffairs can be considered the first national strategies. Both exhibit the willingness to collaborateand provide partially extremely specific measures, but also account for the results available sofar by first raising systematic data to focus on the correct situation with suitable measures. Theresolutions were preceded by different parliamentary deliberations in the State Parliaments ofMecklenburg-Vorpommern and Schleswig-Holstein as well as minor enquires to the FederalGovernment by the parties of the German Bundestag.4. In view of migration and integrationRegarding points 27 and 28: Promotion of contacts between migrants and civil society aswell as political involvement(MILI) Schleswig-Holstein has created a coordinated measures package to promote integration,participation and cooperation on a regional and local level in the shape of a Directive, whichentered into force at the beginning of 2019. Since 1 January 2019, MILI subsidisescoordination venues related to all migrant groups. It is their objective to implementstructures and measures within their respective administration geared toward integration andparticipation and to initiate and establish them in close collaboration with the district authoritiesand municipalities and other relevant societal actors as well as beyond district borders, ifrequired. Overall, 30 venues (two per district/district-free city) could be sponsored with theavailable subsidies.Furthermore, local measures for the participation and collaboration (MaTZ) are promoted toreinforce the social participation of adult migrants and the coexistence and solidarity of theoverall society on site. MaTZ is geared toward the social participation of individual persons.Fields of action are: promotion of local coexistence and cohesion, intercultural opening ofadministration and organisations, sensitisation to discrimination, knowledge transfer to promotethe participation of adult migrants in social and political regulatory structures (e.g. associations,advisory boards), discussion and understanding of social values, overcoming barriers to entryand addressing specific migrant groups.87Schleswig-Holstein Page 151Printed matter 19/2046 Schleswig-Holstein State Parliament - 19th Election periodIn addition, local contact points are created to promote self-organisation and the equalsocial and political participation of migrants (local participation - PORTs). Until the end ofthe directive's term at the latest, support is provided for the establishment and operation of alocal contact point for initiatives and organisations of migrants that work towards the activeparticipation in shaping a diverse society. The tasks of the PORTs with limited geographicalscope are to advise initiatives and organisations of migrants, e.g. on setting up associations andapplying for funding, to organise training courses for migrant organisations and to supportnetworking.88Sweden Page 152SwedenSweden Page 1532020-05-08UtrikesdepartementetEnheten för Östeuropa och CentralasienEva EkmehagEva.ekmehag@gov.seTel. 076 76 54 463Uppföljning av rekommendationer antagna på den 28eParlamentariska Östersjökonferensen (BSPC) 2019Nedan regeringskansliets samlade återkoppling på rekommendationerantagna på BSPC, i Oslo, i augusti 2019.Regarding Cooperation in the Region, to1. strengthen trust among all Member States of the Council ofBaltic Sea States (CBSS) through further concrete efforts andmeasuresUtrikesdepartementetStrengthening trust among the CBSS member states is of centralimportance. It is achieved through practical cooperation in severaldifferent areas within the framework of the three long-term prioritiesof the organization – namely “Safe & Secure Region”, “Sustainable &Prosperous Region”, and “People-to-people cooperation”.2. intensify the early involvement of the next generation andrespect the next generation’s concerns more intensively inpolicy and decision-making processes via concrete measures ofthe governments to reinforce the foundations of trust andsecurity in the Baltic Sea Region as an element of foreign policyUtrikesdepartementetSweden Page 154The engagement of young people is a priority of the CBSS. The livesof young people are affected by all different policy areas on all levelsof implementation, and they must therefore have a say in thedevelopment, implementation and evaluation of policies that concernthem. A new “Baltic Sea Youth Platform” will be launched on May19th, which enables young people to interact, cooperate andcommunicate across borders, meet peers as well as decision-makers.3. continue cooperation within the framework of the NorthernDimension, cross-border cooperation programmes between EUmember states and Russia as well as Interreg Baltic Sea Regionprogramme, and actively engage in developing new generationsof these programmes for the futureStatsrådsberedningen EU-kanslietThe Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme continues to inviteRussian organisations to be involved as project partners as they mayapply for the Programme funding. This strengthens present andfuture cooperation between EU member states and non-memberstates in the region. The Program is an agreement between EUmember states Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland,Sweden and the northern parts of Germany as well as partnercountries Norway, Belarus and the northwest regions of Russia.4. conclude the current CBSS reform process and increase thefocus on synergies between cooperation formats in the BalticSea Region, andUtrikesdepartementetThe ongoing CBSS reform process will be concluded at the Councilmeeting on May 19th and has i.a. entailed strengthening co-operationwith other international fora and formats active in the Baltic Searegion.5. examine the possibilities to establish fruitful professionalcooperation on the basis of international law – such as hasexisted very successfully for decades through institutions such2 (16)Sweden Page 155as HELCOM in the field of environmental policy – in acomparable way in other policy areas as well,6. further strengthen measures to combat terrorism and violentextremism in line with human rights obligations and the rule oflaw – recognising that the effective fight against terrorism andviolent extremism is an important pillar for the preservation ofdemocracy, the spread of disinformation being one keyelement. Parliaments have a key role to play in this context, aswell as in the awareness of all the measures taken to combatterrorism at the international level;Regarding the Future of Working Life, to7. implement and exchange of ideas on the ministerial level asearly as possible, involving the social partners’ currentconsiderations and strategic approaches to meeting theconsiderable challenges with regard to ageing populations andthus pressures on pension systems, the new requirements of thelabour market on skills and qualifications as well asdigitalisation and further technological developments, the needfor better synergies between educational systems as well aslabour markets’ demands and increasing labour mobilityregarding their impacts on economic growth, for examplecountries suffering from highly skilled and competentindividuals leaving the country due to better opportunitiesabroad (brain drain), social cohesion (between social groups)and social sustainability (between generations)ArbetsmarknadsdepartementetThe Nordic Ministers for Labour initiated the Nordic project: TheFuture of Work: Opportunities and challenges for the Nordic modelin the fall of 2017. In this collaborative project funded by the NordicCouncil of Ministers, researchers from the five Nordic countriesstudy how the ongoing transformations of production and labourmarkets associated with, amongst other, digitalization, demographicchange, and new forms of employment will influence the future ofwork in the Nordic countries. The objective is to enhance research-based knowledge dissemination, experience exchange, and mutual3 (16)Sweden Page 156learning across the Nordic boundaries. The project is conducted by ateam of more than 30 Nordic scholars and will be finished in 2020.An interim report was published in 2018.UtbildningsdepartementetBaltic Sea Labour Forum for Sustainable Working Life (BSLF-SWL)is a 2-year project with a funding of 8 million SEK from the SwedishESF Council. The project has also received additional funding forthird-country participation from the Swedish Institute. BSLF-SWLstarted its preparation phase in January 2019 and enteredimplementation phase in June 2019. The overarching aim of theproject is to improve working life conditions and lifelong learningprovisions, systems and policies for elderly labour force in order topromote active ageing and employability. The project addresses threeissues, crucial for the socio-economic development of the countriesin the Baltic Sea Region (BSR)- the demographic challenge, activeageing and lifelong learning. More information about the project canbe found at: https://www.bslf.eu/sustainable-working-life/8. use the early exchange of current considerations and strategicapproaches to meeting these challenges in the individualcountries of the Baltic Sea region, the elaboration of commoninterfaces, but also the visualization of existing differences inthe individual approaches as a decisive contribution to the jointfurther development of the entire region;9. consider long-term labour market forecasts, includingscenarios for digitising the world of work, the developmentthrough qualifications, occupations, sectors and regions and toexchange continuous and long-term research results on thedevelopment of employment and the labour market in thecountries of the Baltic Sea Region. On this basis, a betterpossibility is to be opened up for measures to meet thechallenges posed to the labour market by demographic,technical and qualification-specific structural change, whichwill take account of developments throughout the Baltic Searegion4 (16)Sweden Page 15710. jointly discuss the enormous transformation of the world ofwork that can be expected from further digitisation in aforward-looking and early manner and to explore ways in whichthese can be better countered by comparable proceduresArbetsmarknadsdepartementetThe Government has established a new agency for workenvironment expertise. The agency has been commissioned to collectknowledge and identify knowledge gaps on the future of workregarding working life and workers’ safety and health.11. agree on fair framework conditions with regard to the design ofworking conditions in a digital economy and to furtherfacilitate entrepreneurial activity across bordersArbetsmarknadsdepartementetThe Government has made several efforts regarding knowledge onchanges in the field of workers safety and health. An inquiry wasappointed to map out the challenges of modern working life andanalyse and assess whether the existing regulations on workenvironment responsibility are fit-for-purpose in view of thosechallenges.12. improve gender parity and ensure stronger involvement ofwomen in the workforce by enabling compatibility of careerand family work as well as equal employment opportunity andthereby reducing the gender pay gapArbetsmarknadsdepartementetThe Government has decided to appoint a commission for gender-equal lifetime earnings. The commission has been instructed topresent proposals that aim to increase economic equality betweenwomen and men in Sweden in the long term. The commission isprimarily to propose measures that contribute to the promotion ofgender-equal wages, gender-equal lifetime earnings, a gender-equaldistribution of public support measures as well as gender-equalworkplaces. In addition to presenting proposals, the commission is to5 (16)Sweden Page 158work to ensure a broad discussion in society and spread knowledgeabout how economic equality and gender-equal lifetime earnings canbe promoted. The commission’s final report is to be presented by 20December 2021. An interim report is to be presented in January2021.https://www.government.se/press-releases/2020/03/government-appoints-commission-for-gender-equal-lifetime-earnings/13. step up the efforts to support youths who are currently not inemployment, education, or training (NEET) back intoeducation or the labour market - based on best practices andthe results of cross-sectoral, transnational cooperationUtbildningsdepartementetThe project “PlugIN 2.0” with the Swedish Association of LocalAuthorities and Regions (SKR) as the project owner is funded by theSwedish ESF Council and focuses on trying to prevent early schoolleaving. Over the project years, more than 7 700 young people, thathad not completed their studies or were at risk of not completing,participated in the project. The project has helped to identifychallenges, contributed to solutions and increased knowledge on theissue of early school leave. New working methods and forms ofcollaboration that reduce study interruptions have emerged.Together, the parties have created opportunities for improved workwith the target group and continued dissemination of experience andknowledge about the issue of early school leave. More informationabout the project can be found at:https://skr.se/skolakulturfritid/forskolagrundochgymnasieskola/uppdragfullfoljdutbildning/pluginminskarstudieavbrottenpagymnasiet/plugin.8701.htmlRegarding Safeguarding of the Oceans –Achieving the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals, to14. consistently implement the amended Basel Convention on theControl of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Waste andtheir Disposal signed by 187 states, considering its amendment6 (16)Sweden Page 159and decisions on plastic wastes, adopted on 10 May 2019 by theFourteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to theBasel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movementsof Hazardous Waste and their Disposal as importantcontributions to combating of the pollution of the seas byplastic waste in accordance with the resolutions of the BSPCMiljödepartementetSweden warmly welcomes the Basel Convention decisions to securebetter control of plastic waste that will play an important role incombatting plastic pollution. It is now important to secure anambitious implementation of the new rules. Sweden is heavilyinvolved in the work to implement the amendments in the EU(Waste Shipment Regulation) and OECD.15. support the further development of a legally-binding, globallyreaching mechanism for managing plastic waste towards theconsistent combating of the pollution of the seas by plasticwaste in accordance with the resolutions of the BSPCMiljödepartementetSweden firmly believes that a global agreement on marine plasticlitter and microplastics is needed to address plastic pollution in themarine environment. Sweden has been actively engaged in the workof the Ad Hoc Open- Ended Expert Group om marine litter andmicroplastics which was established at the third meeting of theUnited Nations Environment Assembly. The Nordic EnvironmentMinisters have also agreed to finance a Nordic report on possibleelements of a new global agreement. This report is currently beingdrafted and will give us concrete proposals that will bring us oneimportant step towards forward to a positive outcome at the FifthSession of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA5) in2021.16. promote, through appropriate measures, the accelerateddigitalisation of vessel traffic and green shipping to achieve the2030 objectives as soon as possible7 (16)Sweden Page 160InfrastrukturdepartementetSweden is very dependent on foreign trade and shipping is a vital linkin transport chains for our import and export of goods.Consequently, the Swedish Government is very engaged is maritimepolicies and supportive to the implementation of new facilities forobtaining more efficient and green shipping. In the Government’sMaritime Strategy enhanced digitalisation in the maritime sector is asignificant part and is consequently supported by the Governmentand its national transport administrations.17. support the plastic waste partnership established by theFourteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to theBasel Convention to mobilize the resources, interests andexpertise of business, government, academic and civil societyto assist in the implementation of new measures to reduce thegeneration of these wastes, including microplastics, providing arange of practical support, including tools, best practices,technical and financial assistanceMiljödepartementetThe plastic waste partnership under the Basel Convention plays animportant role in the work to secure sound management of plasticwaste globally. Sweden is actively involved in the different workinggroups of the plastic waste partnership.18. organise concerted action for appropriate regulation at theglobal level to strengthen e-navigation and pave the way forautonomous shippingInfrastrukturdepartementetSweden is actively participating in IMO and especially supporting inthe development of autonomous shipping.19. use the ongoing changes and processes on ecologically andbiologically significant areas and maritime spatial planningsystematically as a sufficient and necessary tool to achieve theSustainable Development Goal 14 on protecting and restoring8 (16)Sweden Page 161ecosystems of the UN 2030 goals and intensify all continuingefforts in meeting the SDG 14 targetsMiljödepartementetThe process to identify and describe EBSAs (Ecologically orBiologically Significant Marine Areas in the context of the UNConvention on Biological Diversity, CBD) in the Baltic Sea wascarried out by the Baltic States though a regional workshop inFebruary 2018. The candidate EBSAs was thereafter decided indecision 14/9 in the CBD COP 14. The process of establishing areview process for EBSAs is ongoing and is expected to be discussedand possibly decided in CBD COP 15. The Baltic EBSAs are alleither within or crossing national jurisdiction, so constructivecooperation in the Baltic region is necessary to ensure that EBSAscan be used to contribute to achieving SDG 14. EU member statesshall establish and implement maritime spatial planning in accordancewith the EU directive on maritime spatial planning [directive2014/89/EU establishing a framework for maritime spatialplanning]. Sweden is to establish maritime spatial plans at the latestby 31 March 2021, after a five-year planning process. One of theaims with such plans is to contribute to meeting the SDG 14 targets.20. jointly develop far-reaching measures and proposals for the UNConference on oceans 2020 and try to further evolve thesetogether at the UN level and achieve more decisive action atthe international level to ensure political support for thesemeasures in the field of improving the state of the oceans andits recoveryMiljödepartementetThe UN Ocean conference is postponed and there is presently nonew date for the conference but HELCOM meeting 41 decided on 5joint voluntary commitments from the HELCOM parties. These are:1. Update of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action PlanHELCOM commits to updating the Baltic Sea Action Plan by 2021,and to include, in the update, increased support for the9 (16)Sweden Page 162implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.The Baltic Sea Action Plan is HELCOM's strategic programme ofactions and measures for achieving good environmental andecological status of the Baltic Sea. Since its inception in 2007, it hasresulted in a lot of environmental improvements such as a reductionin nutrient inputs to the sea, an improved state of biodiversity and areduction in maritime incidents and spills. The update is meant tostrengthen the current plan, while also considering new issuescurrently not addressed within HELCOM. The update will carry overalready agreed actions of the current BSAP as well as include newactions and measures to respond to previously unaddressedenvironmental challenges such as underwater noise, seabed integrity,pharmaceuticals, and impacts of climate change. Furthermore, theupdated BSAP will, at the very least, maintain the same level ofambition as existent in the current plan. In the BSAP update,HELCOM seeks to integrate and support national, regional andglobal processes aiming at improving the state of the marineenvironment of the Baltic Sea. This includes the UN SustainableDevelopment Goals (especially SDG 14 on life below water), globalwork on the link between oceans and climate, the work carried outwithin the Biodiversity Convention (CBD) and the EU MemberStates’ implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive.HELCOM also commits itself to consider relevant measures to avoidnew sea-based and new land-based input of marine litter andaddresses in particular waste from ships including abandoned, lostand otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), litter from touristicactivities as well as riverine inputs.2. Contribution to the UN Decade of Ocean Science for SustainableDevelopment (2021-2030), including through the development of a HELCOMScience AgendaHELCOM commits to contribute to the UN Decade of OceanScience for Sustainable Development (20212030), taking on an activerole in its related processes, notably by participating in related eventsand activities. HELCOM also commits to developing a HELCOM10 (16)Sweden Page 163Science Agenda that will outline existing and foreseen Baltic Searegional science needs, supporting the UN Decade of Ocean Science.In addition to supporting processes under the UN Decade of OceanScience and linking to its strategic objectives, the HELCOM ScienceAgenda will also provide the necessary scientific underpinnings forfuture HELCOM work, including the implementation of the updatedBaltic Sea Action Plan. HELCOM further commits to linking theHELCOM Science Agenda to national science plans and scientificresearch.3. Sharing experiences with other Regional Seas OrganisationsHELCOM commits to sharing experiences on the protection of themarine environment and environmentally friendly and sustainablemaritime activities with other regional seas organisations, notablywithin the framework of the UN Regional Seas Programme andthrough cooperation with other regional seas organisations. Bysharing knowledge and experiences among regional seasorganisations, HELCOM seeks to facilitate and accelerate the globalresponse to the current challenges our seas and oceans are facing,notably originating from anthropogenic pressures such as from oureconomic activities or climate change, while sparing resources thatcould be used to drive the response even further. The regional seasshare certain similarities, be they the same pressures on the marineenvironment caused by similar human activities, the samebiochemical characteristics and biodiversity, or similar geopoliticalsituations. Sharing knowledge and information on how a regional seadeals or has dealt with its own challenges can be a valuable andresource-efficient contribution to the work of other regional seaorganisations facing similar issues relating to the protection of themarine environment. HELCOM, in particular commits to sharing itsexperiences with other regional seas organisations on carrying outholistic assessments of the marine environment and on theimplementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan, including the analysisof sufficiency of measures and the achievement of goodenvironmental/ecological status through improved implementationof these measures.11 (16)Sweden Page 1644. Strong support for global efforts to address the matter of marine litter, includingplastic, on a global level.HELCOM notes with concern the high and rapidly increasing levelsof marine plastic litter and microplastics as a global environmentalproblem and a serious threat to the marine environment. HELCOMcommits itself to the prevention and significant reduction of marineplastic litter and microplastics from both land- and sea-based sources,which constitutes a contribution to achieving the sustainabledevelopment goals. HELCOM, in particular finds that strengthenedglobal action is needed to prevent further discharge and reduce levelsof marine plastic litter and microplastic in the marine environmentstemming from current global and market-driven consumption ofplastic products. The matter of marine litter, including plastic, cannotbe solved by any one country alone and effective, dedicated globalgovernance is needed to address existing gaps and promotecoherence, coordination and effective prioritization of our efforts.Therefore, HELCOM commits itself to support the development ofa global instrument to more effectively and comprehensively dealwith the issue of marine plastic litter and microplastics on a globallevel in an integrated manner.5. Workshop on ecosystem-based management in support of the UN Decade ofOcean ScienceEcosystem-based management may be a central practice that needsto be implemented for the UN Decade of Ocean Science to beeffective. With a view to strengthen ecosystem-based management inthe Baltic Sea region, HELCOM commits to organise a jointworkshop bringing together policy, management and science. Keytopics of such a workshop could deal with bottlenecks to theimplementation of ecosystem-based management, suggest concreteactions to overcome these bottlenecks and propose pilot areas andconcrete use cases where implementation could be tested.Besides HELCOM - contributing, especially with its advancedknowledge on holistic assessments and implementation of actionssupporting ecosystem-based management of the marine environment- other important actors to engage could be ICES, national agencies12 (16)Sweden Page 165involved in the implementation of marine policies as well asorganizations designing these policies. If a pan-European focus isdeemed relevant, OSPAR, UNEP/MAP and the BucharestConvention could be potential partners, among other internationalfora. The Baltic and North Sea Coordination and Support Action(BANOS CSA), addressing both the North and the Baltic Sea, couldalso be considered as a relevant partner.21. support in-depth marine research and innovation in theconservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversityMiljödepartementetThere are many research projects and networks set up in the region.Research cooperation between the Baltic countries is well developedand have been vivid for decades. Many projects are supported byregional funding institutions, e.g. EU Interreg and BONUS (jointBaltic Sea research and development programme). BONUS havebeen key to some of the developments that have been done withinthe HELCOM cooperation in the Baltic sea, especially on theimplementation of the Marine Strategy Framework directive. Themarine research performed within the framework of ICES is alsostrongly supported by Sweden through the participation of manyresearchers. Since 2018 a new funding programme is planned from2021: Baltic Sea and North Sea Research and Innovation Programme(BANOS). Between 2017-2020 there are e.g. more than 20 projectsimplemented under BONUS within the themes Blue Baltic (e.g.Optimisation of mussel mitigation cultures for fish feed in the BalticSea, and Multilevel assessment of microplastics and associatedpollutants in the Baltic Sea) and Synthesis projects (e.g. Multi-methodassessment for resilient ecosystem services and human-nature systemintegration). The EU Baltic Sea Strategy is supporting andcoordinating many research projects and cooperation’s.22. ensure that the provisions of the UN Convention onEnvironmental Impact Assessment in a TransboundaryContext (1991) (Espoo Convention) are complied with in theimplementation of projects with transboundary impacts in theBaltic Sea area13 (16)Sweden Page 166MiljödepartementetSweden is strongly supporting the Esbo processes where needed andSwedish authorities have an obligation to follow the Esbo guidelinesas appropriate.23. ensure that large scale projects that affect the coastlines andcoastal areas and that have a major impact on ecosystems inthe Baltic Sea region have to comply with the obligationsarising from relevant international treaties and conventions,including the Espoo Convention and the Helsinki ConventionMiljödepartementetSee recommendation 22.24. with regard to the detection of unexploded ordnance andburied/deposited ammunition present in the Baltic Sea, andwith reference to current HELCOM activities, work togetherand develop a cross-border, sustainable strategy for dealingwith this, call on the CBSS to explore the possibility to create afinancing tool, i.e. to monitor, contain/secure, salvage ordestroy, as the unexploded ordnance in the Baltic Sea mayconstitute a danger to humans and the environment, especiallywith regard to shipping routes and coastal waters used bytourists; based on such monitoring results a commission ofexperts has to evaluate and analyse the risks outgoing from theburied/deposited ammunition annually and issuerecommendations for actionFörsvarsdepartementetSweden has presently no planned measures regarding depositedammunitions. The Swedish armed forces provide support whenunexploded ordinance is detected, and the Swedish defence researchagency provide advice and support regarding chemical munitions.The Baltic Sea and Skagerrak contains a dark legacy of ca. 250 000tons of dumped munitions. The DAIMON project, have assessedthe risk. The group is preparing the report on environmental threatsposed by wrecks and dumped munitions.14 (16)Sweden Page 167Regarding Migration and Integration, to25. explore the possibility of a Baltic Sea-wide agreement on thefuture management of migration;JustitiedepartementetIt is of great importance that we continue working towards a long-term European solution for an asylum and migration system.We need a sustainable common asylum system that can manage crisissituations. We look forward to the coming proposals from theCommission.26. consider – as best practice examples – the implementation of“one stop institutions” where migrants can receive allnecessary services in one place as well as the possibility ofpersonal integration plansJustitiedepartementetWe need to await the proposals from the European Commission andcontinue to work towards a common European solution.27. take measures to facilitate direct and regular contacts betweennewcomers and locals, local institutions, civil societyorganisations, communities and individuals28. support dialogue platforms as open and regular communicationand coordination tools for involved stakeholders to broaden thesocietal dialogue29. improve within the framework of strategic approaches tointegration the receptiveness of host societies throughincreased democratic participation in integration, with astronger focus on the municipal level as the area of dailycoexistenceArbetsmarknadsdepartementet15 (16)Sweden Page 168Sweden has a tradition of openness to the rest of the world and isfully committed to maintaining an inclusive society. TheGovernment’s objective is that newly arrived immigrants who havebeen granted asylum will take up work or education and trainingwithin two years after being granted residence permit. To this end,the Government has several targeted measures, with a special focuson those with a short education, and on the women situation. Thechallenges that the Government is facing right now is related to thefact that women are underrepresented in the targeted measures forintegration and on the increased segregation in society.The integration of newly arrived immigrants is a shared responsibilityon a national, regional and local level. A good reception system andefficient integration system require cooperation between severaldifferent actors. Central government, county councils, regions andmunicipalities must all work together. Therefore, the public sectorcooperates with social partners, employers and civil society to besuccessful in our integration efforts.30. support and promote a municipal multi-stakeholdergovernance of refugee integration including systematicparticipation and multi-stakeholder exchange between politics,the business sector and civil society31. examine the extent to which the regular exchange of bestpractice examples throughout the Baltic Sea region will make itpossible to harmonise migration strategiesJustitiedepartementetWe are working on using the existent networks more and better inorder to exchange best practices, for example the EuropeanMigration Network (EMN), Intergovernmental consultations onmigration, asylum and refugees, IGC and the Nordic high-levelcooperation (NSHF)16 (16)