Germanas speech at 29 BSPC

29 BSPCYEARSBaltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceFIRST SESSIONVision 2030: Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region,Safe and Prosperous Development – Common Effectiveand Sustainable Solutions for the FutureH. E. Mr. Neris GermanasVice-Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Lithuania29th BALTIC SEA PARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCE, Vilnius, August 24, 2020Statement by Neris Germanas, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of LithuaniaDear Colleagues, Members of Parliaments, Ladies and Gentlemen,It is my pleasure to make a presentation at the memorable event that comprises the two Lithua-nian presidencies in the region – in the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference and in the Councilof the Baltic Sea States.The CBSS is an important player in the region, so it is our task to ensure that the organizationhas an opportunity to shape a united response and strategy in the present challenging situation.It is our task to direct it toward concrete actions in the areas where the CBSS is uniquely suitedto add value.The Bornholm Declaration adopted at a high-level meeting during the Danish Presidency gaveus a clear indication in what direction the Baltic Sea Region should move. The Revised Termsof Reference of the Council of the Baltic Sea States and of the Secretariat adopted together withthe Bornholm Declaration gave us the necessary tools to act.On July 1, Lithuania took over the CBSS annual rotating Presidency from Denmark. In thesechallenging times, the Presidency will seek ways of turning challenges into opportunities.The Presidency will focus on developing green industry, including green and maritime tourismaimed at reviving regional economy, increase region’s visibility; provide employment opportu-nities to young people.In light of the current pandemic, the Presidency will also attempt to boost civil protection inthe region and strengthen its resilience against major emergencies and disasters.It will strive, by the effort of the CBSS expert groups, to find ways to protect those most vul-nerable in our societies, such as those at risk of human trafficking for labour exploitation andchildren at risk of violence.The Presidency will also put special attention to the involvement of the young people in build-ing up the future of the Baltic Sea Region.It has been 10 years since the Vilnius Declaration envisioning the state of the Baltic Sea Regionby 2020 was adopted by the Heads of Government of the CBSS member states. The Presiden-cy has therefore already offered an assessment prepared by a group of regional experts of theachievements in the region and an evaluation of the CBSS’ role in fulfilling the Declaration’sgoals. This assessment is planned to be followed by a new Vilnius Declaration “A Vision of theBaltic Sea Region until 2030“.The Baltic Sea Region has long been recognized as a model of an advanced socio-economic de-velopment and successful regional cooperation in the European Union and beyond. Still multi-ple challenges remain to be turned into opportunities. By 2030, we would like our region to be:On the economic side:- focusing on sustainable economic (blue and green) growth and development, innova-tion, clean energy as well as the protection of the environment;On the governance side:- reaping the benefits of resilient economies and societies, responsive public services andstrong institutional frameworks for cooperation;- striving for better inclusion, prosperity, public health and social cohesion;- improving the possibilities of digitalization for communication, accessible for all people;- protecting the vulnerable;On the side of safety and security:- being able to tackle current and future challenges and crises through joint action whereapplicable;On the side of regional identity building;- promoting elements of a common regional identity and common values through cul-ture, research and education;And, finally, this should be the region:- involving and enabling the youth and- building trust between its nations.For this to be implemented we need an even more coherent framework for continued strongcooperative efforts and actions in the region in all policy areas, strong willingness and contin-uous commitment by all regional actors.We believe that such a declaration and its implementation could be closer monitored in thefuture. Such an annual report might be produced by the CBSS Secretariat, and shared regularlywith the BSPC and the public.Finally, I want to express my appreciation for the growing cooperation between the BSPC andthe CBSS for the benefit of the region.