BSPC_Statements_31thBSPC_Resolution

32BSPCYEARSBerlin , 27 – 29 August 2023Statements of the governmentsin the Baltic Sea Regionto the 31st BSPC Resolution.1. Åland 12. Denmark 63. Estonia 104. Germany 365. Hamburg 616. Latvia 757. Lithuania 998. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 1069. Norway 13610. Poland 14211. Schleswig-Holstein 16512. Sweden 176Status: June 2023Åland Page 2Åland Page 3Åland Page 4Åland Page 5DENMARKDenmark Page 7Comments from the Danish government concerning the con-ference resolution adopted by the 31th Baltic Sea ParliamentaryConferenceThe Danish government welcomes the resolution adopted by the 31th Baltic SeaParliamentary Conference (BSPC) and its recommendations.Based on contributions from the relevant authorities, the Danish government hasthe following comments to the operative parts of the resolution:Cooperation in the RegionAfter Russia and Belarus were suspended from participating in the Council of theBaltic Sea States (CBSS) as a result of the war of aggression in Ukraine, on 17 May2022 Russia announced its withdrawal from the organization. The following week,the Norwegian Presidency hosted the first formal Council meeting since 2013.The foreign ministers' meeting in Kristiansand was thus the first Council meetingwithout Russian participation. Against the background of Russia's withdrawal andthe changed situation in the Baltic Sea region, the foreign ministers decided toreflect on the future of the CBSS during the German Presidency 2022-2023. It isexpected, that the reflection process will be concluded at a meeting of foreignministers in Wismar, Germany on 1-2 June 2023.Denmark considers that the CBSS remains an important platform for regionaldialogue and cooperation in the Baltic Sea region. During the German Presi-dency, Denmark aims to ensure that the cooperation is adapted in an appropri-ate way to Russia's withdrawal, and that the increased focus and streamlining ofthe organization that Denmark has sought to promote during the reform pro-cess of recent years becomes a reality. The war in Ukraine has made the well-functioning CBSS cooperation on human trafficking and the protection of vul-nerable children even more relevant, while other parts of the practical coopera-tion, including that dealing with sustainable development, should be reconsid-ered. Denmark supports Germany's focus on offshore wind and the foreignminister, together with his German colleague, will host a CBSS "Baltic OffshoreWind Forum" in Berlin on May 9, where a political declaration on this matter isexpected to be adopted. Denmark also supports CBSS work with young people.Civil societyAs described in last year's comments, Denmark has adopted a civil society strategyfor 2022-2025 regarding the social sector. The strategy focuses on a stronger col-laboration between the public sector and civil society by establishing local andnational partnerships as well as strengthening the existing infrastructure that helpsand supports social civil society associations. The civil society strategy for 2022-Denmark Page 82025 is under implementation. Notably, the local and national partnerships havebeen established or are soon to be established.Children at RiskDuring the Norwegian Presidency in 2022, a meeting and a conference were heldbased on a project aimed at mapping good practice and core elements in the na-tional social protection systems that secure children’s rights and the protection ofchildren. Furthermore, focus was on how to ensure that child protection systemsare adequately structured and equipped to function in periods of crisis. As a partof this project, a report will be published in 2023. In 2022, the expert group onchildren at risk met virtually several times regarding the situation in Ukraine.During the German Presidency, a meeting with the theme of protection of chil-dren against sexual abuse and exploitation was held. Current developments withinthe expert group are, among others, an increased focus on online elements relatedto sexual abuse of children and an increased focus on how child participation canbe included in the development of the work of the expert group. There willalso be an ongoing attention to the effects of the war in Ukraine in regards to thepriority areas covered by the expert group.Climate change mitigation, preserving biodiversity and adapting toclimate changeThe HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan is an important tool to achieve good en-vironmental status of the Baltic Sea and Denmark is committed to implementingthe actions. Denmark is actively taking part in leading a number of the actionse.g. on marine litter, hazardous substances, eutrophication and underwater noise.At the national level, the Danish Government will present an updated maritimespatial plan, with an ambition of 10 percent strictly protected marine areas and20 percent protected marine areas. Additionally, the Danish Government willprepare a programme of measures under the Marine Strategy framework di-rective that will support the goals of the Baltic Sea Action Plan.Denmark contributes to regionally coordinated actions on submerged munitionsand explosives in the HELCOM Expert Group on Environmental Risks of Sub-merged Objects (EG SUBMERGED). Furthermore, Denmark takes part in theregional work on developing best environmental practice for comprehensive riskassessment of munitions, wrecks and hazardous submerged objects and imple-ments the best available techniques for environmentally sound and safe manage-ment in HELCOM (S34) as part of implementation of the Baltic Sea ActionPlan. Denmark has also taken part in the expert roundtable on dumped muni-tions in the Baltic Sea in Kiel in December 2022, where concrete recommenda-tions for management and handling were given. Denmark is also actively takingpart in the JPI Oceans Knowledge Hub on “Munitions in the Sea”.2Denmark Page 9Demographic challenges in light of the Russian invasion ofUkraine; migration, labour market and the social welfare modelDisplaced persons from Ukraine, who are given residency in Denmark, are as-signed to a municipality that must offer them temporary housing on the sameterms as refugees. Temporary housing may be occupied for an indefinite amountof time. However, a municipality may choose to move recipients between housingspots based on need, circumstance, etc.3ESTONIAEstonia Page 11RESPONSE OF ESTONIA REGARDING THERESOLUTION OF THE 31st BALTIC SEAPARLIAMENTARY CONFERENCEBased on the inputs from the respective Ministries1SUPPORT TO UKRAINE AGAINST THE RUSSIAN AGGRESSIONSupporting Ukraine in defence of their country, people, and democraticvalues has been at the core of Estonia's foreign policy since the new phaseof Russia's full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine started in February2022. The Coalition agreement for 2023-2027 of the Estonian Reform Party,Estonia 200 and the Social Democratic Party signed on 10 April 2023(Coalition agreement) confirms that within the European Union, Estonia is"advocating for stronger sanctions to be imposed on Russia. We aresupporting and will continue to support Ukraine economically, politicallyand militarily." Together with its allies and partners, Estonia has shown itsunwavering commitment to protecting the rules-based international orderand the foundations of Europe's security. It has taken practical steps tostand up against Russia's aggression against Ukraine.Estonia's actions are based on three broader policies.Firstly, the policy to raise the cost of the aggression for Russia to take awaythe will and options to continue waging war. Sanctions are a substantialelement of increasing the pressure on Russia and are already showingresults. Estonia has efficiently contributed to the ten sanction packages ofthe European Union against Russia's aggression. We have contributed todeveloping price caps on gas and oil and are striving to ensure that theseare reviewed and lowered.Europe is seeking legal options for using frozen Russian assets to rebuildUkraine. The European Union and the G7 states have frozen about 300billion euros of assets connected to the Russian Central Bank. There arealso around 19 billion euros worth of assets of Russian oligarchs inEuropean Union countries. Estonia is creating the financial instrument thatallows it to use these assets for the benefit of Ukraine.1 Estonia elected a new Riigikogu on 5 March. On 15 April, the new Government of Estonia had yet tobe sworn in, even though it had won the confidence vote in the Riigikogu a few days before. Thisresponse document was prepared according to the requested deadline of 15 April 2023 but alsoincluded some elements of the Coalition agreement of the parties of the new Government and somelater events. Some parts of this response are based on the Coalition agreement rather than thedocuments of the actual Government.1Estonia Page 12Estonia supported the decisions of the CBSS and other Baltic Sea Regioncooperation formats about suspending cooperation with Russia and alsoBelarus.Estonia has called for Russia losing its seat and role in internationalorganizations. Russia must be isolated because it commits gross violationsof the Charter of the United Nations principles and internationalhumanitarian and human rights law.Estonia led the way with like-minded countries in achieving the expulsion ofRussia from the Council of Europe and suspending the aggressor'smembership in the UN Human Rights Council. Regrettably, the world mustagain face Russia's application for membership in the Human RightsCouncil for 2024-2026. It is critical to continue international efforts to makesure that Russia finds no way back there. In addition, Estonia will keepworking towards Russia no longer being a member of Interpol. It isunacceptable that a country with no regard for the lives and health of thepeople of Ukraine remains the location for the regional centre of the WorldHealth Organisation.Russia is shamelessly trying to utilize sport. Russian functionaries have noplace in international sports organizations and Russian athletes ininternational competitions. Last autumn, Estonia's Minister of ForeignAffairs sent a letter to the International Olympic Committee that therestrictions on the participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes ininternational competitions must remain in force until Russia has ceased itswar against Ukraine. This position was reinforced by a joint statement ofEstonia, Ukraine, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland to the International OlympicCommittee on 27 March 2023.Last August, Estonia, alongside the Baltic States, Poland and Finland,showed an initiative and imposed a regime restricting access to theEuropean Union for citizens of the aggressor state.The second policy is to offer and provide comprehensive political andpractical assistance to Ukraine. Estonia has been vocal in internationalorganizations when condemning Russia's unjustified, unprovoked and full-scale brutal military invasion of Ukraine and protecting Ukraine'ssovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognizedborders. We have co-sponsored all relevant resolutions of the GeneralAssembly of the United Nations and participated actively in reaching out toother countries. Then Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia,Urmas Reinsalu, delivered a statement at the Emergency Special Session ofthe United Nations General Assembly on 23 February 2023 and at the2Estonia Page 13United Nations Security Council open debate on the Maintenance of peaceand security of Ukraine on 24 February 2023. The Foreign Ministers ofEstonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden carried outa joint visit to Kyiv on 28 November 2022 and issued a joint statement withUkraine. On 28 April 2023, new Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahknavisited Odesa in Ukraine with other Nordic-Baltic foreign ministers to showsupport for Ukraine on its path to NATO and the European Union andhighlight the importance of providing continued military and humanitarianaid to Ukraine.Estonia has provided extensive practical assistance to Ukraine, frommilitary aid to humanitarian assistance and early recovery. Estonia's overallbilateral assistance to Ukraine amounts to more than 1 per cent of GDP,one of the highest ratios among the countries that support Ukraine. Estoniawas one of the first countries to provide Ukraine with some defenceassistance even before Russia's full-scale war activities began on 24February 2022. We have allocated weapons, equipment, and training, bothbilateral and under the EU's military assistance mission to Ukraine(EUMAM), altogether worth close to 400 million euros. We have cooperatedwith Germany, the Netherlands and Norway to send field hospitals toUkraine – an excellent example of cooperation between allies. We havecontributed to launching the EU's military support from the European PeaceFacility, including joint ammunition procurement.During the visit to Ukraine on 28 April 2023, Estonian Minister of ForeignAffairs Margus Tsahkna said it is crucial for the West not to become tired ofsupporting Ukraine and not view the fight of Ukrainians against Russia,which has continued for more than a year, as something routine. He said:"Every minute, Ukrainians are shedding blood for the freedom of us all, andwe must offer Ukraine every assistance. Ukraine is in urgent need ofammunition. On Estonia's initiative, the EU decided to donate 1 millionrounds of 155 mm ammunition to Ukraine. The Government of Estoniaadopted a decision on the Estonian share of this programme last week, and Icall on all other member states to do the same."According to estimates, Estonia's people, state, private sector and civilsociety organizations have donated 23.1 million euros of humanitarian aidto Ukraine. This aid includes assistance to refugees, shelter, essentialgoods, rescue and firefighting equipment, IT equipment, generators,financial assistance for fuel and demining equipment.Estonia has offered refuge from the war for the Ukrainian people. Tens ofthousands have applied for temporary protection in Estonia, making upmore than 3 per cent of our population; this is one of the highest ratios3Estonia Page 14among the EU countries. Ukrainian refugees can enjoy the opportunities ofEstonia's labour market, social protection, healthcare and education. (Thelast part of this document presents a more detailed overview of the supportto refugees.) in August 2022, a special school was established in Tallinn for570 Ukrainian students – the Freedom School.Ukraine's recovery from the war must go hand in hand with reforms. Thecentral idea of Estonia's development cooperation with Ukraine is tosupport its reform process and, thus, the country's further integration withthe EU and NATO. In 2022, Estonia continued implementing 25 projects inUkraine in areas such as digital transition, education, good governance andentrepreneurship. The projects were worth more than 3 million euros intotal. Estonia has provided expert advice in fighting against moneylaundering and agricultural reforms and legislation. We have supported thereform of Ukraine's law enforcement structures to increase credibility andstrengthen transparent governance principles. Estonia has paid particularattention to strengthening Ukraine's capacities to tackle disinformation andstrengthen Ukraine's societal resilience through building regional expertiseand analytical ability in civil security issues. The project, successfullyimplemented since 2016, establishes cross-sector connections amongvarious agencies in civil, public and private sectors, as well as lawenforcement and media communities in 8 regions of Ukraine.Estonia's reconstruction efforts are concentrated on the Zhytomyr Oblast.During her visit to Ukraine, Prime Minister Kaja Kallas informed in moredetail during the press conference on 24 April: "The first phase of thekindergarten we're building in Ovrutch will be finalized by 1 June. Today Iam glad to announce that Estonia will build a second part of thekindergarten for 80 more children. It goes hand in hand with sharingEstonia's experience with quality child care. We are also supporting thereconstruction of a bridge in Malyn and participating in children's homeprojects, including with the Olena Zelenska Foundation."Ukraine's EU and NATO membership is essential to the future European andinternational security architecture. As Ukraine progresses with reforms, itslink to the European Union and NATO must become increasingly solid.Estonia's diplomacy is making efforts for Ukraine to achieve this. TheCoalition agreement declares support for Ukraine's NATO membership andsupports the beginning of the EU membership negotiations soon.Third, Estonia's policy in the face of Russia's brutal aggression againstUkraine concentrates on the adequate and fair judgement of the acts of theaggressor. Russia must be held accountable for all atrocity crimesperpetrated in Ukraine. Estonia has contributed to the work of the ICC with4Estonia Page 15four experts. Estonia is committed to examining all possible ways to ensurethat the persons responsible for the crime of aggression committed inUkraine are held accountable and brought to justice. Estonia and manyother states are ready to find a solution to ensure accountability of Russia'spolitical and military leadership for the crime of aggression. In May, theCore Group on the special tribunal for the crime of aggression againstUkraine will be invited to meet in Tallinn.Estonia has been vocal in calling on the international community to counterimpunity and bring the perpetrators of atrocity crimes before internationaltribunals. On 31 March 2023, the President of Estonia, Alar Karis, made astatement at the Bucha Summit. Estonia has joined the Bucha Declarationon accountability for the most serious crimes under international lawcommitted on the territory of Ukraine. On 22 February 2023, Estonia co-sponsored the high-level event on grave human rights violations, warcrimes, and crimes against humanity at the UN headquarters in New York.The Minister of Foreign Affairs delivered a statement on behalf of the Groupof Friends of Accountability, consisting of 49 Member States and theEuropean Union. The Coalition agreement of 10 April 2023 confirms that"Estonia will continue to pursue international cooperation with the aim ofbringing Russia and key figures in Putin's regime to justice for their crimesof aggression. It must also be ensured that confiscated Russian assets canbe put towards the rebuilding of Ukraine."Russia's aggression against Ukraine is not merely a question of Ukraine'ssecurity. The rules-based international order and the foundation of Europe'ssecurity are under attack. In his annual policy report to the Riigikogu on 14February 2023 Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs presented six mainpostulates for future peace in Europe:First, this peace must reinforce an international order centred on theprinciples of territorial integrity and sovereignty, an international orderwhere there is no room for using force to redraw national borders andwhere differences are resolved by peaceful means.Second, aggression as an instrument of international relations must becompletely discredited. It must be clear to national leaders harbouringideas of aggression that the cost of aggression is always higher than theexpected profit and will always end in defeat.Third, spheres of influence must be thrown into the dustbin of history. Theidea that some countries have a privileged interest over others must haveno place in international relations. Every nation must have the right andopportunity to choose its security arrangements and allies; everyone must5Estonia Page 16understand and respect this. Any suggestions of the opposite would bringback the politics of spheres of influence, and we cannot accept that.Fourth, there must be an end to the grey areas in European security. Theydo not work. Today we can see that the expansion of NATO and theEuropean Union has increased stability. Grey areas, conversely, are abreeding ground for wars and instability. It's why the doors of theseorganizations must remain open, credibly open, and our goal must be thatall states willing and ready to do so are engaged in Euro-Atlantic securityarrangements.Fifth, a European Union and NATO based on common values must remainthe cornerstone of security in Europe. They include countries that cherishdemocracy, the rule of law, the free market and human rights andfreedoms. They are convinced that these are the main sources ofdevelopment and prosperity for societies. The ability of Europe to have asay in global politics requires a strong, geopolitical European Union and aNATO that can defend Europe militarily.Sixth, the precondition for relations with Russia must include restoring trustand ruling out an automatic reset. Russia has voluntarily taken on all thecommitments Russia is violating with its aggression. This way, Russia isdestroying all confidence that any agreement concluded with it would last.Normalizing relations requires regaining trust; it is only possible graduallyand only if Russia proves with its actions that it will respect thesecommitments in the future. We do not want a future without Russia, but wecan only restore relations with a Russia whose tools are not threats anddeceit, war and fear.SECURITY OF OUR PEOPLE AND THE DEFENCE OF OUR VALUES ANDDEMOCRACIESThe Coalition agreement declares the continuation of the priority ofdeveloping Estonia's defence capability in cooperation with the allies. Thedocument states: "Estonia's security is guaranteed by our obligations asallies in NATO, by the principle of collective defence accompanying ourmembership of said alliance and by the strength of our independentcapability to defend ourselves." The Coalition agreement confirms: "we willguarantee national defence spending of 3 per cent of GDP for the next fouryears, with the cost of receiving allies in addition to this." Defenceexpenditure as a share of GDP was in Estonia in 2022, 2.12 per cent.Estonia has been now for several years among NATO countries with adefence expenditure level of more than 2 per cent. The Coalitionagreement promises: "The main directions to be taken in the development6Estonia Page 17of the Defence Forces will be enhancing multilayered air defencecapabilities (including against drones), bolstering land forces and indirectfire support and stockpiling ammunition." More sophisticated and expensivedefence capabilities are developed with the support and cooperation of ourallies. Estonia has increased the frequency of the Defence Forces reserveexercises to ensure even higher defence preparedness.The Government continues to invest in comprehensive national defenceand civil protection and advance our people's awareness and capacity todeal with crises. It improved the flexibility of Government and publicauthorities to deal with emergencies. The weapons licences of the RussianFederation and Belarus citizens were revoked, and Estonia terminated theirfurther issuance.Estonian Government is committed to democratic values, the Rule of theLaw, human rights, free media, a strong civil society and robust NGOs. It isagain confirmed in the 10 April 2023 Coalition agreement. Thesefundamental values and principles also are the basis for Baltic Sea regionalcooperation.The period after February 2022 has been full of political and diplomaticefforts to act and react unified in strengthening peace and security in theBaltic Sea Region based on democracy, human rights, the rule of law,peaceful neighbourliness and international law. As a small and open societywith an economy highly integrated with other countries of the Region,Estonia is profoundly interested in advancing the Baltic Sea regionalcooperation.Estonia has a special responsibility and opportunity to contribute toregional cooperation formats during its chairmanships. In 2023 Estoniacoordinates the cooperation of the three Baltic States. We also startedpreparations for the Estonian CBSS Presidency in 2024-25 and EstonianChairmanship in the EUSBSR National Coordinators Group.Several important guiding documents were adopted by the BSRcooperation formats during the last years, including CBSS, EUSBSR andHELCOM. Estonian standpoint is that different structures in the Baltic SeaRegion must cooperate, have an efficient division of labour and avoidduplication in their activities.The Covid-19 crisis was challenging for the BSR regional cooperation duringthe last few years. Now different formats progress with post-crisis activities,especially restoring person-to-person contacts, which absence negativelyinfluenced many BSR regional cooperation projects and networks. With7Estonia Page 18satisfaction, we witness the intensification of the work of differentcooperation formats, including numerous working groups, expert groups,and Policy Areas, which are the core part of the cooperation network in theBSR. Previously Estonia participated in coordinating one EUSBSR PolicyArea, now three (Lead-PAC in PA Transport, co-PAC in PA Innovation and PAEnergy, all Estonian Ministry of Economy and Communications).The Baltic Sea States Summits of the Heads of Government have played asignificant role in the development of the BSR cooperation. The Summitstake place when the Member States consider such political discussionsopportune. The CBSS Presidency is responsible for the substantivepreparation of the Summit meetings. There has been any discussion aboutthe Summit during the current German CBSS Presidency.Russian aggression against Ukraine and the role of Belarus led differentBaltic Sea Region cooperation formats to the decisions to ceasecooperation with them. Russia left in May 2022 CBSS. Its aggression againstUkraine violates the principle of peaceful and close neighbourliness statedin the BSPC Conference Resolutions and CBSS documents, including theDeclaration of the 19th CBSS Ministerial Session, Kristiansand, Norway, 25May 2022.In the new situation, it is essential to look at the agendas of all regionalcooperation formats in complex, as now the areas where we haveduplication are even more visible. CBSS has progressed with its overview ofthe work in the new situation, and the process will be concluded before theend of the German Presidency. There are ongoing discussions about thefuture of Northern Dimension partnerships. As a small state, Estonia is veryinterested in the rational division of labour between the cooperationformats as we have limited human and financial resources.Energy security has become a strategic issue globally, in Europe and theBaltic Sea Region. Estonia strongly supports green transition, as this is notonly a question of climate but also state security and resilience of oursocieties. The green transition is prominent in the Coalition agreement andis characterized as "a fundamental change". Our dependence on fossil fuelsand our dependencies on undemocratic and unreliable sources have to bereduced to zero. We have to change our energy systems permanently andensure that ongoing green and digital transition is not leading us to newharmful dependencies. Energy security has become a strategic andgeopolitical issue. The Coalition agreement states that the energy areasituation demands decisive actions to create new renewable energycapacities and increase the security of the energy supply. The documentpromises to make strategic decisions about the security of the energy8Estonia Page 19supply during this year. The Coalition agreement considers it vital to"reassure energy market participants by making new investments whichare technology- and capital-intensive."Estonia has been and continues to support people-to-people contacts in theBaltic Sea Region. These contacts were seriously reduced in physicalpresence formats because of Covid-19. Estonia is happy to see therestoration of person-to-person (physical) meetings, as virtual meetings arelimited to efficiency. Estonia has traditionally been a meeting place formany Baltic Sea Region cooperation events and large internationalconferences. We also support the rational use of video meetings; both CBSSand EUSBSR have found a good balance between the two forms ofmeetings. We value EUSBSR Annual Forums as the main people-to-peoplecontacts event of the Baltic Sea Regional cooperation.Estonia has supported different Baltic Sea Region initiatives in the area ofYouth cooperation and participation of the Estonian Youth Council and otherNGOs. We welcome the establishment of the Baltic Sea Region Youth Forumby the CBSS, which serves as a principal Youth partner for several regionalformats. We will cooperate with the Forum when preparing Estonian CBSS(2024-25) and EUSBSR NCG presidencies (2025-26). Estonia will again hostEUSBSR Annual Forum in 2026, and we will cooperate with the Forum tohave Youth views well represented at the Forum.Estonia has adopted the National Youth Field Development Plan 2021-2035.It includes concrete measures to ensure that young people can expresstheir opinions on all governance levels and empower them to be activecitizens. The state supports Youth participation with a local and regionalYouth councils programme. Nearly all 79 local municipalities have createdopportunities for young people to participate in decision-making processes.Additionally, there is a support scheme for Youth organizations. Youngpeople in learning also are active in pupils and student councils.The Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of the Environment,the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications, and the Ministry ofCulture have established Youth Councils in their respective ministries. Themembers of the Youth Councils are from various Youth organizations.Support to the Estonian Youth Council and other NGOs enables their activeparticipation in Youth and Youth workers exchanges, most often with theBSR countries.The state-financed National Foundation of Civil Society (NFCS) significantlysupports NGOs. It assists non-governmental organizations, including Youth9Estonia Page 20organizations, in developing their different capacities to consciously andpurposefully pursue their objectives. Foundation also mediates internationalfunding programmes.Young people often participate in exchange and cooperation projects inculture, science and research. Estonian artists and cultural workers activelyparticipate in the open calls of the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme forCulture, both as applicants and as project partners. Cultural heritageexperts actively participate in the work of the Baltic Region HeritageCommittee and its working groups. Estonian Universities are very activeproject partners in Baltic Sea Region projects.The Baltic Sea Region countries are the most important partners for Estoniawhen we consider incoming tourists. The numbers of foreign visitors werelast year still far below the figures of pre-Covid 2019 level. Finland, Latviaand Germany led in 2022 in the statistics of overnights in accommodationestablishments in Estonia.The main objective of Estonian tourism policy is to make Estonia viable andto support our businesses to be resilient to changes. Sustainability is one ofour three strategic principles in tourism product development. Visit Estoniahas been a Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) member since 2021.Three Baltic countries, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, have revived the workof the Joint Baltic Tourism Committee, having joint meetings, exchange ofinformation and cooperation discussions in Vilnius in January 2023.Estonia participates actively in the work of EUBSR Policy Area Tourism. InOctober 2023 Baltic Sea Tourism Forum will be held in the EU Green Capital2023 Tallinn in collaboration with Green Destinations Conference 2023.DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS AND FREEDOM OF EXPRESSIONDemocracy, human rights and freedom of expression are guaranteed inEstonia by the Constitution and legislation, abiding Rule of the Law,development of democratic institutions, a vibrant non-governmental sectorand maintaining adherence to the democratic principles mindset of thesociety. Democracy, human rights and freedom of expression needcontinuous efforts to progress in particular issues, and the Coalitionagreement of the new Government's parties includes several steps.Estonia is part of many reporting mechanisms about the development ofthe Rule of Law, human rights, media freedom and so on. Estonian standing10Estonia Page 21in different international indexes of democratic development continues tobe high.Estonia has been promoting human rights, democracy and freedom ofexpression in its foreign policy. In 2022-2023, Estonia took a significant rolein the Summit for Democracy initiative by leading one of the cohorts ontechnology and democracy, contributing to the increase in technology usefor advancing democracy and accessibility. Estonia also continues to bringattention to gross violations of human rights across the world in multilateralfora, including the rights of indigenous peoples, freedom of expression andinformation online, the rights of women and children, as well as the need toensure the protection of human rights defenders and journalists and mediaworkers.Estonia has also been advocating to fight against impunity by supportingthe special international tribunal with cross-regional support for the crimeof aggression against Ukraine. Estonia also continues implementing theWoman, Peace and Security agenda by implementing the third NAP 2020-2025.In 2022 and 2023, our priority has been protecting women and childrenonline by encouraging digital literacy and helping develop tools to fightchild exploitation. We also aspire to promote human rights online to ensurethat the same rules and principles apply online and offline. In this light,Estonia has joined WeProtect Global Taskforce on Child Sexual AbuseOnline and the newly established Children Online Protection Lab.Regarding cross-country collaboration, Estonia has contributed tostrengthening cooperation among regional groups, including the Nordic-Baltic 8 countries. For instance, NB8 joint statements at the UN have beena valuable tool to synchronize human rights language, advance relevanthuman rights topics collectively and bring attention to global human rightsabuses.Estonia highly values and protects the freedom of journalists and theirwork. The Constitution guarantees freedom of speech and the press. Mediaoutlets in Estonia are free to express various positions and are not subjectto political interference. Estonia has been among the top ten in ReportersWithout Borders' Press Freedom Index for many years.We acknowledge the importance of freedom of the press for democracyand democratic development. Free and independent media is essential forinforming the public, holding authorities accountable, and fosteringpluralism and diversity of opinions. At the European Union level, the new11Estonia Page 22media freedom regulation is currently being negotiated to ensure thesustainability of independent and pluralistic media.Estonia strongly supports journalists and media workers worldwide,including in Russia and Belarus. For example, Estonia has been issuingunlimited humanitarian visas to journalists at risk from Belarus and Russia.The Government has agreed to allocate 35 residency permits to journalistsat risk worldwide each year.Estonia has been actively countering disinformation and war propagandaby restricting information manipulations, exposing influence activities incooperation with the Government, academia, media, NGOs andinternational partners, and educating audiences to improve media literacy.Since February 2022, when Russia started its large-scale aggressionagainst Ukraine, Estonia has restricted 50 Russian TV channels and 155websites agitating for the war. To support independent Estonian media increating and enhancing content in the Russian language, EstonianGovernment allocated 1.4 million euros to National Public Broadcaster(ERR) and 1.3 million euros in 2022 and 1 million euros in 2023 to privatemedia. This support mechanism aimed to ensure that after restrictingRussian propaganda channels, the local Russian speakers could accessfactful information of their interest and have a space for democraticdebate.Estonia continues systematic work to educate society on media literacy andincrease resilience. The "Media and Manipulation" course in high schoolscovers the TTP of information manipulations. There are also on-site andonline lectures regarding media literacy topics for school children and NGOsthat organize camps for teachers and students on media literacy.Last year, the University of Tartu launched a micro degree with foursubjects on information resilience. In February 2024, the University of Tartuwill launch a complete one-year international MA program, "Disinformationand Societal Resilience", covering information manipulations. It will be anexcellent program for strategic communications experts worldwide to learnmore about influence activities and how to tackle them, including strategicnarratives used, social cohesion and political polarization, security politicsand foreign policy.Estonian media outlets and NGOs also research disinformation and raisepublic awareness by regularly publishing fact-checks and articles.12Estonia Page 23International cooperation in the fight against disinformation is also vital forEstonia: the Digital Services Act will play a central role in engaging withsocial media platforms. Through European Digital Media Observatory(EDMO), Estonia and the European Commission support the BalticEngagement Centre for Combating Information Disorders (BECID). It bringstogether experts in fact-checking, media literacy, media practice, andacademic research to detect and analyze disinformation campaigns andproduce content to support media and public authorities in exposingdisinformation campaigns. The Estonian University of Tartu coordinatesBECID.The new Welfare Development Plan for 2023-2030 was approved inFebruary 2023 and set out priorities in social welfare to support victims andprotect the rights of vulnerable groups. Additional measures in thatdirection are also presented in the Coalition agreement of the parties of thenew Government.In protecting the rights of refugees and also preventing them frombecoming victims of trafficking in human beings (THB), the Ministry ofJustice, together with the Social Insurance Board, has published severalawareness-raising materials. The Police and Social Insurance Board haveheld several thematic information days online and in person to raiseawareness of THB among refugees and businesses. Targeted awareness-raising activities were launched immediately after the start of the newphase of the Russian war against Ukraine in February 2022, including thepublication of leaflets for the refugee reception centres and videos inEstonian and Russian for volunteers who deal with refugees to be able tonotice indications of THB and react to them.For two years, the Ministry of Justice has held cooperation seminars formedia students at Tallinn University on preventing THB. This cooperationbegan with the CBSS project THALIA in 2021. In 2023, the TH-THB TaskForce of the CBSS is planning for the ongoing project.Estonian Sexual Health Association, the partner of the Ministry of SocialAffairs, has carried out several projects and other initiatives, including: sexual education training and anonymous and free online counsellingon the www.seksualtervis.ee and free sexual education training for general education schools inTallinn.In 2021-2022, within the framework of an international project, theEstonian Sexual Health Association conducted 60 participation theatreperformances of gender roles for young people. The focus of the13Estonia Page 24performances has been to teach young people to notice and be aware ofgender stereotypes and to know sexual and reproductive rights.CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION, PRESERVING BIODIVERSITY AND ADAPTINGTO CLIMATE CHANGEThe Coalition agreement considers green reform as one of the principaldirections. The document stresses: "We will implement green reforms incooperation with the public, private and third sectors." The Coalitionagreement underlines: "Working with entrepreneurs, we will reshapeEstonia's economic model to make it sustainable and climate-neutral."Participants of the agreement promise to adopt the Climate Act and"establish legal clarity and investment assurance for the achievement ofclimate objectives." The document includes several measures to step up theprotection of the Baltic Sea and rivers. It also pays attention to thedevelopment of the Blue Economy.Estonia, a party to the HELCOM Convention, adopted the new Baltic SeaAction Plan (BSAP) in autumn 2021 and is fully committed to taking on allthe agreed 199 actions and implementing the other relevant thematic plansadopted together with the BSAP. Estonia has been involved in all theHELCOM working group's informal consultation meetings, which have drawnup detailed work plans for implementing the BSAP actions. While updatingour national Marine Strategy's Programme of Measures (adopted inFebruary 2023), Estonia reflected the BSAP actions in our nationalmeasures to be sure that we will wholly follow our shared goals for a cleanBaltic Sea.One of the most fruitful ways to implement the BSAP is through regionalcooperation through designated projects. Estonia participates in activitiesof several EUSBSR Policy Areas related to the aim of a clean Baltic Sea, forexample, PA Nutri, PA Hazards and PA Ship. Thus, Estonia has activelyparticipated in several project applications, which have proved successfuland granted funding.One of the most significant projects, launched in mid-2023 and lasting untilmid-2028, is a Horizon Europe supported project PROTECT BALTIC, led byHELCOM and with 17 partners from Estonia, Finland, Germany, Finland,Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia and Sweden. The main goal is to develop,demonstrate and leverage the implementation of protection and restorationsolutions in the Baltic Sea. In the frames of this project, the participants willfully or partially implement 32 of 199 BSAP actions altogether and facilitatemany others.14Estonia Page 25The "HELCOM 2021 Climate Change in the Baltic Sea Fact Sheet", with itsclear overview of vital parameters and related policy-relevant suggestions,has been an overall background information document for Estonia whileplanning and implementing our programmes of measures. We fully agreeand acknowledge that the best climate change adaptation response is toreduce environmental pressure on the Baltic Sea.Furthermore, we see that there are always ways to improve our scientificknowledge base regarding interactions of pressures and climate changeparameters. Thus we are currently engaged in HELCOM discussions on howthe following Baltic Sea CC Fact Sheet should be developed further.The most urgent and essential measures for Estonia need to address theeutrophication of the Sea. Anthropogenic activities, such as agriculture andindustrialization in the Baltic Sea catchment area, have caused a significantincrease in inputs of nitrogen and phosphorus over the past 150 years. In2022, Estonia conducted a pilot project to identify, via modelling exercise,national maximum allowable nutrient inputs, based on the availablenutrient influx information. That pilot project concentrated on only one areaof Estonian waters (Soela strait) and, as a result, revealed possible nextsteps and recommendations on how to monitor nutrient input. If the site orarea-specific eutrophication reduction measures are effective, we willcontinue our national research projects in this field. In addition, in 2023-2025, we are conducting a research project to evaluate the inner load ofPhosphorus compounds from bottom sediments in the Estonian marinearea.Regarding limiting further eutrophication impacts, nutrient recycling hasgreat potential, especially in the agriculture and wastewater treatmentsectors. In the Estonian Common Agricultural Policy Strategic Plan 2023–2027, several activities which help to improve nutrient management orreduce nutrient use or the losses of nutrients into the environment areincluded:• Support for environmentally friendly management.• Soil and water protection support.• Support for maintaining valuable permanent grassland.• Support for organic production.• Investments for better management of manure and precisionfarming techniques (precision fertilization equipment, construction andrenovation of manure storage facilities and feeding and watering sites).• Investment support for the construction of land improvementenvironmental protection facilities.15Estonia Page 26In 2022, Estonia prepared a white paper on the circular economy. It nowserves as the basis for planning further steps in nutrient recycling andsupports policy-making to create a holistic view when developing a circulareconomy in Estonia. The Coalition agreement of the parties of the newGovernment foresees the adoption of the circular economy Road Maptogether with the municipalities, businesses and civil society.In addition to national activities, Estonia is also a partner in a regionalFinBaltRecycling project (2022-2023), and it will contribute to implementingthe Regional Nutrient Recycling Strategy. Furthermore, Estonia is currentlya partner in the Interreg Baltic Sea region CiNURGI project applicationrelated to nutrient recycling.Estonia works towards reducing the pollution of the Baltic Sea with differentkinds of marine litter, including plastics. Estonia is a partner in the HorizonEurope project application LITTERGAPS which tackles marine litter issues.Several public awareness campaigns were conducted to pay attention todifferent aspects of the problem, for example, cigarette waste.Another example of our dedication to the timely implementation of theBSAP was an online HELCOM workshop hosted by Estonia in autumn 2022and dedicated to the BSAP activities E13 and E14, where the main task wasto identify and share knowledge on Best Available Technology (BAT) andBest Environmental Practice (BEP) to reduce ammonia and greenhouse gasemissions from livestock housing, manure storage and spreading. Arelevant HELCOM recommendation for the Baltic Sea area will be developedbased on the workshop results, and diligent compilation is ongoing.Estonia is fully committed to achieving the climate goals of the ParisAgreement that the Glasgow Pact further strengthened. Estonia has set abinding target to become climate neutral by 2050. As the Coalitionagreement points out, a climate law is envisaged to be developed in 2023to appoint interim targets for a smooth transition to a net-zero economy.Furthermore, the Estonian Parliament adopted 2022 amendments to theEnergy Sector Organisation Act about the goals for renewable energy for2030. According to this Law, the national renewable energy target by 2030is at least 65 per cent of gross domestic final energy consumption. The lawalso stipulates that renewable energy accounts in 2030 for at least 100 percent of the gross final electricity consumption and at least 63 per cent ofthe gross final thermal energy consumption. The law also sets the goal thatrenewable energy used in road and rail transport will account for at least 14per cent of total energy consumed in the transport sector.16Estonia Page 27The administrative procedures for participating in tenders and permittingnew renewable energy production objects are simplified and speedied. Inaddition, with the latest amendment to Electricity Market Act, Estonia alsoplans to remove around 1 GW 'ghost' grid users, making the grid moreavailable for rural areas and their renewable energy production.Estonia adopted the Hydrogen Strategy in March 2022. Hydrogen strategiesare one of the seven focal areas for applied research within the nationalcompetitive industry framework (TAIE and RUP). Estonia is addressing theavailability of green hydrogen by developing affordable renewableelectricity to the point of regular surplus. We handle the demand forhydrogen by seeking off-takers and developing value chains. In 2023,Estonia also developed a Hydrogen Roadmap that will steer theGovernment and stakeholders alike to create and take up new hydrogentechnologies to facilitate decarbonization in sectors that are hard todecrease. The scope of the Liquid Fuel Law is broadened to support, forinstance, the use of hydrogen in transport. Estonia participates in theBattery IPCEI (one project) and Hydrogen IPCEI (three projects) to developtechnologies to help decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors.Estonia supports using locally produced renewable energy, especiallybiomethane, to reduce emissions and phase out fossil fuels. In 2021, therewere 12 biogas plants and 5 biomethane plants, producing 17 GWh ofbiogas and 152 GWh of biomethane. Estonia aims to stimulate biogasproduction, continue the ongoing support measures and assess theeconomically usable resources of biogas in the mid-to-long term. To thatend, Estonia will audit the potential resources and requirements to developrenewable energy production in local communities and its uptake indifferent sectors, including transport and industry.Estonia contributes to the efforts of the Baltic Sea Region countries in theirstrengthening of energy sovereignty, including through energy efficiency,decentralized energy generation and storage, demand-side flexibility,increased use of locally available energy sources and technologies, use ofrenewable and low-carbon energy sources and interconnections todemocratic and reliable neighbours.Significant investments in new energy infrastructure and respective ITsystems are ongoing. Estonia works with Latvia and Lithuania to implementthe plan to desynchronize its electricity network from the Russian-ledBRELL and join the Central-European synchronization area as soon aspossible in 2025, but by the end of 2025, as agreed between Latvia,Lithuania, Poland and the European Commission. The Coalition agreementstates: "We will connect Estonia to the synchronous grid of Continental17Estonia Page 28Europe by 2025." The expansion of grids and storage facilities for thatpurpose continues. Estonia has signed contracts covering most of thecritical infrastructure and IT projects, and they are on schedule. The thirdEstonia-Latvia interconnection through the Latvian-Estonian joint off-shorewind project ELWIND will contribute to that plan. The war in Ukraine hasimpacted this project, including risk assessments and the technical capacityof companies to produce relevant materials to build/renovate electricityinfrastructure.We also build important objects to strengthen the resilience of the Estonianelectricity network. There is a clear need for new connections to othercountries and a grid strengthening. ESTLINK3 interconnector betweenFinland and Estonia would be a much-needed contribution, especiallyconsidering the anticipated electricity demand growth in the future. It isnow in the development phase. We are preparing to construct theSaaremaa 330kV line to support off-shore wind park developments andstrengthen the energy resilience of our islands. The Coalition agreementconfirms: "We will support the establishment of an electricity network foroff-shore wind farms on the Baltic Sea and its addition to the list ofEuropean projects."Estonia saw a significant drop in natural gas and fossil fuel imports in 2022,which had previously primarily originated from the Commonwealth ofIndependent States. In the future, Estonia intends to continue itsintegration with democratic and reliable partners. We built our first LNGterminal in Paldiski, and it works in a complex with the Finnish Inkoo LNGterminal and BalticConnector gas pipeline and further the Latvian LNGstorage.Estonia also sees energy efficiency as the first consideration for energyresilience and sustainability, particularly in the heating and cooling sector.Today, buildings account for half of the energy use in Estonia. On the onehand, much progress has been made in decarbonizing the heating sectorand installing ground and air heat pumps. On the other hand, an intelligentenergy policy targets energy consumption. Increasing the energy efficiencyof buildings has a central role in reaching climate neutrality in Estonia. Forus, the key is to reconstruct the old houses with prefabricated elementsand monitor real-time energy consumption. For example, in Estonia'sexperience, the reconstruction of an apartment building with energy labelclass C can save heating energy by 65 per cent and reduce heating energyand electricity costs by 50 per cent. More than half of Estonia's buildingstock was completed during the Soviet era, which means we have a large-scale reconstruction ahead of us.18Estonia Page 29In 2020, the Government approved a long-term reconstruction strategy,with the primary goal of completely renovating all buildings built before2000 in Estonia in 2050. The strategy's goal is to completely reconstructthe building stock to energy performance class C by 2050, so it isnecessary to rebuild 100 000 detached houses, 14 000 apartment buildingsand 27 000 non-residential buildings in the following decades.Housing Reconstruction is one of the principal priorities of using EU funds inEstonia during the 2021-2027 MFF period. Foundation KredEx implementssubsidies, guarantees and loans in the housing sector. The support rate is30-50 per cent of the project's costs.The underwater munitions from World Wars influence the ecological stateof the Baltic Sea, transport and infrastructure projects, including sea-basedwind parks. In HELCOM, Estonia is actively participating in SUBMERGEexpert group, where one of its tasks from the BSAP is to develop BestEnvironmental Practice (BEP) for comprehensive risk assessment ofmunitions, wrecks, and hazardous submerged objects by 2025. However,we must admit that there needs to be a scientific-based understanding ofthe risks and effects of the remediation and removal of warfare material tothe environment, industry and broader society. Thus further regionalcooperation is needed. Estonia welcomes the search for collaborationbetween HELCOM and CBSS to strengthen efforts exploring, identifying,recovering, and neutralizing explosive ordnance in the Baltic Sea.Regular cleaning from warfare munitions (from both WW I and WW II) iscarried out in the Estonian marine area by our Navy vessels. According tothe Navy data, over the last twenty years, more than 1300 explosives werelocalized and neutralized in Estonian waters.Additionally, shipwrecks' environmental safety is assessed regularly, andclean-up works are carried out when needed.Estonia continues activities for the development of sustainable mobility.We will continue to build the main bicycle paths networks and improvebicycle parking facilities in Tallinn, Pärnu and Tartu and their surroundingareas. The existence of complete/coherent networks is the most criticalprerequisite for daily bicycle use, which is why the proposed measurefocuses on constructing missing links of the main bicycle path networks inthe city centre areas. The action encourages the use of active forms ofmovement, increases the competitiveness of the bicycle as a form ofmovement, and allows people of different ages and social groups tocomfortably and safely navigate by bike and carry out daily errands.19Estonia Page 30Estonia also continues the development of various public transport hubs.The focus of the proposed measures is to promote smoother integration ofdifferent modes of transport and modes of movement than today, whichwill increase the service area of public transport and improve connectionsbetween city centres and surrounding areas. The result is safer and fasterjourneys and more efficient connections between people's homes andworkplaces, thereby enhancing the competitiveness of environmentallyfriendly modes of transport and helping to reduce car dependency.Estonian continues the development of tram traffic in the Tallinn city regionwith EU support of 40 million euros. The focus is to improve theaccessibility of the tram service, increase its competitiveness and reduceconnection times. Currently, construction of the new tram line to thepassenger Port of Tallinn is on the way. It will connect the Port with thefuture Rail Baltic Ülemiste Terminal.Rail Baltic is strategically important to the European railway network as itestablishes a cross-border railway connection with the Baltic countries thatare not connected with the main European network today. It will contributeto better and speedier links, has a significant positive environmental impactand contributes to regional development. The Coalition agreementconfirms: "We will continue with the construction of Rail Baltic." The projectis in an active construction phase at present. Seven bridges and ecoductswere accepted in Estonia last year, and nine are currently in construction orprocurement. We have started three procurements for the Rail Balticrailway's longer (approximately 10 km) sections, with one similar to followthis spring. Two public procurements for constructing the Ülemiste terminalin Tallinn and surrounding areas are ongoing. The three Baltic transportMinisters concluded during the January 2023 meeting that Rail Balticcannot be completed to its planned and agreed extent by 2026. Ourcommon goal is to complete the project and start full-scale operations onthe new railway in 2030, the TEN-T core network completion deadline.Estonia has an ambitious goal to electrify the railways and, at the sametime, increase driving speeds to 160 km/h. The electrification works of theTallinn-Tartu and Tallinn-Narva railways will start in 2023 and last until2027. The cost of the entire project is approximately 280 million euros. Inaddition, Estonia acquired an additional 16 electric trains, which will startoperating as early as 2025. The aim is to make railway traffic more andmore environmentally friendly.The Government aims to promote electric transport and reduce carbondioxide emissions in the transport sector through the broader adoption of20Estonia Page 31electric cars. The Center for Environmental Investments (KIK) supportspurchasing electric vehicles.Estonia has adopted a strategy for Maritime Economy for 2022-2035, whichsets priorities for developing its shipping to be sustainable, efficient, andsafe. The goal is to reduce emissions and transition the sector towardsclimate neutrality. To that end, Estonia will be fully committed toimplementing the EU ETS for maritime activities and is looking into ways toreduce its emissions.Estonia supports the reuse of construction products and a sustainableapproach to construction activities. The reuse of construction products isdiscussed in a broad-based strategy document called "Long-Term View onConstruction 2035" (2021). This strategy deals with the introduction ofcircular economy principles: Introduction of circular economy principles,i.e., mapping of the reuse of buildings and typical construction materials inconstruction and demolition waste, assessment and harmonization of wasterecyclability through pilot projects; establishment of national wasterecovery rules and practices; encouraging the reuse of valuable buildings,including information campaigns based on success stories to promoteopportunities and best practices and to raise awareness at all levels.Piloting a construction and demolition waste recycling plant should beconsidered. Cooperation with other sectors should be achieved to get thebest results for recovering construction and demolition waste, includingmaterial recycling. We are looking for opportunities to use or reuseadditional local raw materials. In addition, Estonia reviews the regulation onthe length of the building life cycle, and if necessary, we will amend it- forexample, the construction design requirements.Estonia strongly supports engaging the broader public through knowledgeexchange and awareness raising, which are crucial to permanent changetowards more sustainable and environmentally sound lifestyle decisions.Only through communication on environment and climate change,including the state of the Baltic Sea and threats to its environment, can wecount on individual behaviour changes. Throughout the compilation ofvarious programmes of measures or scientific projects, we have providedopportunities for the public to be engaged via seminars, conferences ormedia coverage. The Coalition agreement promises to increasecommunication, information and involvement activities to explainenvironmental challenges and find common ground in society.The Estonian Ministry of the Environment has a climate communicationstrategy for 2021-2023. An action plan has been drawn up forimplementation, the aim of which is to increase communication and21Estonia Page 32influence the formation of opinions in society during the period 2021-2023,which would ensure the growth of the involvement and awareness ofrepresentatives of organizations as well as individuals from mitigating andadapting to the impacts of climate change.DEMOGRAPHIC CHALLENGES IN THE LIGHT OF THE RUSSIAN INVASION OFUKRAINE; MIGRATION, LABOR MARKET AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE MODELEstonian population has been very welcoming towards the Ukrainianrefugees, and it has been confirmed during several opinion polls. Estoniangovernmental authorities and local municipalities have a consistent policyto support the refugees and integrate them into society. Numerous existingand new NGOs actively support the refugees in Estonia and people in needin Ukraine.Since February 2022, Estonia has registered 127 945 entries of Ukrainianwar refugees, of which, in 58 392 cases, Estonia was used as a transitcountry. As of 11 April 2023, 69 616 war refugees (incl 16 505 minors) havedeclared their stay in Estonia. Estonia has registered 44 588 temporaryprotection applications, which forms approximately 3 per cent of thepopulation. 17 567 requests for extension of temporary protection havebeen submitted by April 2023, as the initial status was offered for one year.All refugees are entitled to accommodation assistance. As emergencyassistance, the state provides a maximum of 72 hours of accommodationfor all Ukrainian refugees who require it. Longer Short-term housingaccommodation, procured by the Social Insurance Board, is only offered toapplicants or recipients of temporary or international protection. EstonianSocial Insurance Board has carried out public procurement for Ukrainianwar refugees and concluded agreements with accommodation providers. Asof 24 April 2023, there are 575 people in accommodation, of which 140 arechildren.War refugees who stay in Estonia longer are encouraged to find theirhousing on the rental market. To settle down independently, war refugeescan apply for a rent subsidy from municipalities to cover the costs of long-term living space (for example, rent, broker's fee, security deposit, andfurnishing costs). The subsidy is paid only once according to actual costsbut at most six times the subsistence level, which is currently 200 euros,making the maximum rent subsidy amount 1200 euros. The rent subsidyhas been paid in 6241 cases. Reimbursement of housing rental costs canbe applied for by a Ukrainian war refugee who receives temporaryprotection, who has left Ukraine since the start of the war on 24 February2022 and is registered as a resident by a local government.22Estonia Page 33People under temporary protection are treated equally and have the rightto the same benefits (for example, family benefits, parental benefit,unemployment benefit, and disability benefit if the degree of disability isdetermined in Estonia) and social services as all residents of Estonia. AllUkrainian refugees, who need financial support for coping, are entitled tothe subsistence benefit under the same conditions and identical amountsas all residents of Estonia.Estonia has created favourable conditions for the employment andintegration of refugees. We offer labour market services, social guarantees,and flexible opportunities for work. People under temporary protection havethe same working conditions as all Estonian residents. As a temporaryexception, Ukrainians can work without applying for temporary protectionor a residence permit and have the right to work without registering for ashort-term job at the Police and Border Guard, as overwise required fromshort-term foreign workers. Adjusted wage criteria and all common labourlaws apply. However, the exemption does not give access to benefits andallowances (for example, family allowances).For smoother integration, refugees can participate in a one-day adaptationprogram and must complete A1-level Estonian language course.At the beginning of April 2023, 10 975 war refugees were employed. Theemployment rate of war refugees aged 20-64 was 43.9 per cent (incl 39.6per cent for women and 56.2 per cent for men). Also, 6 099 people (incl4720 women and 1379 men) were registered as unemployed and lookingfor employment. Registered unemployed form 25 per cent of all receiversof temporary protection and 11.2 per cent of all registered unemployed.71.2 per cent of registered unemployed have received labour marketbenefits. 9 930 (73.8 per cent) persons formerly registered as unemployedhave moved to employment.When hiring, the employer may apply for payment of a one-time mentorfee and reimbursement for professional training, translation service, andexpenses related to obtaining a qualification.As a particular approach, the employment of Ukrainian health professionalsis facilitated as much as possible. There is a simplified procedure forregistration at the National Register of Health Care Professionals; forexample, they are exempted from paying the state fee for registration.Special training and educational programmes have been organized. At theend of September 2022, a formal education program for Ukrainian nurseswas launched, allowing them to continue their professional work in Estonia.23Estonia Page 34Eighty per cent of war refugees who have applied for temporary protectionhave health insurance. Medical aid has been provided to 29 060 persons.Estonia has provided access to several health services to all Ukrainian warrefugees:• free of charge health examination, including a general medical andinfectious disease examination, vaccination if necessary, and prescriptionissues. Vaccination against Covid-19 is available to all war refugees.• address their health concerns (renewing prescriptions, chronicillnesses, other issues) at family health centres.• pharmacies sell medicinal products, except narcotic andpsychotropic medicines, based on physical prescriptions issued in Ukraine.• Estonia funds the treatment of HIV, tuberculosis, or the treatmentrelated to narcotic drug consumption by Ukrainian refugees.• psychosocial crisis support is available at the information pointsand in the accommodation places. The crisis support helpline offers mentalsupport 24/7 in Estonian, English and Russian, and at certain times, also inUkrainian. Local governments can apply for funding to hire Ukrainianpsychologists.Estonia will ensure that children and young people from Ukraine cancontinue their education at all levels of education (pre-primary, primary,upper-secondary, vocational and higher education) in Estonia safely andsecurely.Estonia has received more than 17 000 Ukrainian war refugees aged up to19 who have remained in Estonia, and more than 8 400 Ukrainian childrenand Youth are registered in the Estonian education system. TheGovernment of Estonia has created 800 additional school places in Tallinnin general (600) and vocational (200) education for Ukrainian refugeechildren to continue their education. 200 Ukrainian war refugees work in118 Estonian general education institutions and vocational schools.A separate study place - The Freedom School - started on 1 September2022. The school follows Estonia's national curriculum but continuesteaching the Ukrainian language and culture. One-third of the teachersthere are Ukrainian refugees.In cooperation with the Ukrainian Exam Centre, Estonia is one of thecountries that provide an opportunity to take admission tests for Ukrainianstudents looking to enter higher education in Ukrainian universities.24Estonia Page 35NGOs have been strong partners for state and local authorities insupporting the adaptation and settlement in Estonia of refugees of the warin Ukraine.25GERMANYGermany Page 3714 06 2022, 12.00Conference ResolutionAdopted by the 31st Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC)The participants, elected representatives from theParliament of DenmarkParliament of EstoniaParliament of FinlandParliament of the Federal Republic of GermanyParliament of IcelandParliament of LatviaParliament of LithuaniaParliament of NorwayParliament of PolandParliament of SwedenParliament of ÅlandParliament of the Hanseatic City of BremenParliament of the Free and Hanseatic City of HamburgParliament of Mecklenburg-VorpommernParliament of Schleswig-HolsteinBaltic AssemblyEuropean ParliamentNordic Council,assembling in Stockholm on 14 June 2022- reiterate in the strongest possible terms our condemnation of the completelyunjustified, unprovoked and full-scale brutal military attack and invasion by theRussian Federation against the sovereignty, independence and people of Ukraineas expressed in the statement of the BSPC Presidents and Heads of Delegations;condemning in the strongest possible way Belarus’ participation in the Russianaggression;- state that day by day, the cruel and inhuman war of aggression against Ukraineis posing an ever more dangerous threat to peace, stability and democracy acrossEurope and the world and underline that Ukrainian citizens are defending theirrights and freedom and the common values that Europe stands for;- take note with pain that every day innocent people are being killed in a despicable1Germany Page 38manner, many are being forcibly deported and others are being forced to flee theirhomeland in fear for the lives of their families, friends and other fellow citizens;- restate that these attacks are contrary to both international law and Europeansecurity; they violate the principles enshrined in the Charter of the United Nationsand the basic principles of International and Humanitarian Law;- strongly condemn any violation of international law and human rights;- support the continuation of a decisive and united response of our countries in theform of the toughest possible restrictive measures against the Russian Federationand its representatives, including embargos on fossil fuels, in order to preventfurther escalation and aggression;- expect an immediate establishment of an international commission of inquiry todocument and verify facts, accounts and opinions, and an urgent trial of warcriminals and call on the international community to bring the guilty parties beforeinternational tribunals;- renew and underline again that democratic values, the rule of law, respect forinternational law, media freedom, a strong civil society and robust NGOs, equalopportunities for all as well as peaceful and close neighbourliness are the foundationof our cooperation and the fundamental principles of the BSPC;- declare that only state or supranational parliaments, regional parliaments withlegislative powers, parliamentary bodies and organisations which ensure and fightfor the guarantee of human rights, peace and democracy as fundamental values ofthe Baltic Sea Region and Europe can be actors in and partners of the BSPC;- consider adherence to and advocacy for compliance with the recognised rules ofinternational law as a sine qua non for participation and cooperation in the BalticSea Parliamentary Conference and its work;- freeze all parliamentary cooperation with the Russian parliaments and Russianobserver institutions within the framework of the BSPC as long as thesefundamental principles and goals are dramatically violated by the unprovoked,illegal and brutal military attack and aggression by the Russian Federation againstsovereign and democratic Ukraine which was initiated by parliamentary decisionsregarding Donetsk and Luhansk;- confirm the suspension of the Russian parliaments and Russian observerorganisations from the Annual Conference, the meetings of our working bodies,proceedings, work and projects of the BSPC and freeze any joint activities with themuntil cooperation under the fundamental principles of international law will onceagain become possible;- stipulate that any amendment to this decision requires* careful consideration by the BSPC Standing Committeeas to whether there is a prospect of taking account of theprinciples of international law and the principles of the BSPC,* a recommendation of the Standing Committee to the Annual Conference and* a final decision by the Annual Conference;- reaffirm our strong wish and intention to continue the crucial and successful workof the BSPC for the benefit of the entire Baltic Sea Region;- warmly welcome Finland’s and Sweden’s decisions to apply for NATO membership;2Germany Page 39- point out once more that close and intensive people-to-people contacts on all levels– parliaments, governments and civil society – are the backbone for peace,prosperity and protection of the environment in the Region;- highlight again that the exchange among and the inclusion of the youth and youngpeople are the prerequisite for guaranteeing and securing these foundations of theBaltic Sea Region for future generations as well;- wish to establish the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Youth Forum further in closecooperation with the CBSS and the Baltic Sea Youth Platform regularly as back-to-back event to its annual conferences to include the concerns of the younggeneration in the work of the BSPC;- welcome the results and support the goals of the CBSS Ministerial Meeting on 25May 2022;Preliminary remarksThe Federal Government welcomes the resolution of the 31st annual meeting of theBaltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) of 14 June 2022. The Baltic SeaParliamentary Conference continues to make an important contribution to promotingclose cooperation between governments, national and regional parliaments and civilsociety and strengthens democratic institutions. The Federal Government also stressesthe importance of the CBSS and other regional forums as pillars of cooperation in theBaltic Sea Region.call on the Governments in the Baltic Sea Region, the CBSS and the EU,Regarding Cooperation in the Region to1. adopt and initiate all necessary measures ensuring the security of our peoplesand the defence of our values and democracies;Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has highlighted the importance of our unityin defending our values and security as well as the rules-based international order.Germany contributes significantly to strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defence inorder to protect every inch of Alliance members’ territory and as laid out in NATO’sStrategic Concept of June 2022. In particular, Germany contributes to strengtheningNATO’s eastern defences across all domains and along the whole eastern flank, e.g.with Patriot air defence systems to strengthen NATO’s air defence in Poland andSlovakia, with Eurofighter jets for air policing in Estonia, as the framework nationleading the enhanced Forward Presence battle group in Lithuania and with adesignated combat-ready brigade in Germany for the defence of Lithuania if necessary,with a Forward Command Element in place. The forthcoming NATO accession ofFinland and Sweden will further strengthen the Alliance.Within the EU, Germany actively supports a strong and united European CommonForeign and Security Policy to strengthen the EU’s capacity to act and to enhance theresilience of the EU against any potential threat. In this connection, Germany considers3Germany Page 40the implementation of the Strategic Compass essential and works towards enhancingthe resilience of the EU through the resilience roadmap and the Directive on theResilience of Critical Entities (CER Directive). With regard to Ukraine, the capacity ofthe EU to deliver military support has been reinforced by the assistance providedthrough the European Peace Facility and the establishment of the EU MilitaryAssistance Mission Ukraine, to which Germany makes a substantial contribution,including the Special Training Command as one of its headquarters.Germany stands by its commitment to the OSCE, including the organisation’s principlesand values, as a participating State. Dialogue, trust and transparency remain the pathfor solving conflicts. We firmly support the OSCE’s institutions, field presences andprojects, which aim to establish and ensure peace and security as well as democracyand human rights in the whole region. Germany supported two expert reports, publishedlast year under the OSCE’s Moscow Mechanism in April and July, on human rights andinternational humanitarian law violations committed in the course of the full-scaleRussian war of aggression against Ukraine. Moreover, Germany continues to supportthe ongoing monitoring by the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and HumanRights (ODIHR) of serious human rights violations committed in Ukraine since24 February 2022.Furthermore, Germany has actively supported several UN Resolutions condemning theRussian aggression against Ukraine and the detrimental consequences for Europeanpeace and security. Germany has equally supported the establishment of a Commissionof Inquiry by the UN Human Rights Council and was one of the first States Parties thatsubmitted the situation in Ukraine to the International Criminal Court.2. continue with all efforts supporting Ukraine in defence of their people anddemocratic values to the maximum extent possible;[As of Feb.16, 2023] Since the start of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine,Germany has committed more than USD 12 billion in support to Ukraine and Ukrainianrefugees. Germany is thus the largest EU donor to Ukraine. Taking into account ourshare of EU support, we are also Ukraine’s second largest donor after the U.S.EU institutions have mobilized over USD 35 billion since the start of the war inFebruary, including budget aid for 2023 that was adopted in December 2022. Some ofthe funds will be provided through highly concessional loans, to be repaid in the courseof maximum 35 years, starting in 2033. Germany contributes about one quarter of thefinancing for the EU budget. In total, the European Union and its member states havemobilized up to USD 73 billion in support for Ukraine.In 2022, as a contribution to alleviating humanitarian needs, Germany made a total ofEUR 468.5 million available for humanitarian aid in Ukraine and neighboringcountries. We are the second largest humanitarian donor after the US. With our funds,we consciously support international organizations in order to achieve a broaderimpact with the funds collected from donors and to enable the fastest and most effectiveimplementation of the aid. At the same time, numerous NGOs also receive funding.For the urgently needed winter aid, we have made EUR 100 million available from thispackage to our humanitarian partners (UNHCR, IOM, WFP, ICRC, UNICEF, WHO,UN Humanitarian Country Fund Ukraine). With this, the UN and its partners distribute,4Germany Page 41among other things, blankets, mattresses, winterproof clothing and equip householdswith heating systems and solid fuels such as coal. Our funding makes a significantcontribution to this.We will continue our support in 2023. Already ongoing projects with Doctors of theWorld, Malteser, Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund, Caritas, Help e.V., ADRA, action medeor,NRC, Hoffnungszeichen, Deutsche Welthungerhilfe and Help Age in the areas of healthcare and medicine. In 2023, we will continue to promote support, covering basic needs,multi-purpose cash, food security, hygiene, winter aid and psychosocial support. So far,we have around €40 million in funds for humanitarian. Aid in UKR and neighboringcountries promised for 2023.The reconstruction and modernisation process in Ukraine is of the utmost importanceand must be considered at an early stage. It will be vital to follow up on the high-levelexpert conference on recovery, reconstruction and modernisation which took place inBerlin on 25 October 2022. We welcome the recent decision by the G7 to establish amulti-agency Donor Coordination Platform. . The donor platform should contribute toimplementing and safeguarding the Lugano principles, which we all have committed toas a basis for the recovery and reconstruction process of Ukraine. It requires strongUkrainian ownership, central roles for the EU and international partners (G7+), thesupport of international financial institutions and the inclusion of civil societyorganisations and business representatives. From a German perspective,reconstruction shall be committed to ecological transformation of the economy andsustainable reconstruction of the infrastructure.Germany is implementing the three following measures to further support thestabilisation process in Ukraine:(1) Strengthening Ukraine’s defence capabilities (increase of 41.8 million euro)through non-lethal equipment. Additionally, arms deliveries will be maintained, inparticular for air defence. Germany has delivered Gepard anti-aircraft tanks andan IRIS-T air defence system; it is preparing the delivery of additional Gepard anti-aircraft tanks and will ensure the supply of missiles for IRIS-T. Germany announcedthe delivery of one PATRIOT air defence system, 40 MARDER infantry fightingvehicles and is currently working on its goal to equip - together with its internationalpartners - UKR with Leopard 2 and 1 main battle tanks.(2) Germany will continue to support the thorough investigation and documentation ofhuman rights violations and war crimes, e.g. by supplying forensic equipment toUkraine’s investigative authorities.(3) Supporting civil society: Compared to 2021, additional funds of 55 million eurowere channelled. Germany set up a coordination and procurement platform inWarsaw (Integrated Response Hub for Ukraine), co-financed by the EU, to providesupport to areas close to the front, in particular to Ukrainian civil protectionauthorities.3. intensify even more all efforts - particularly in these times of war - to act and reactunified in strengthening safety, security, peace and regional identity based ondemocracy, human rights, the rule of law, peaceful neighbourliness andinternational law;5Germany Page 42See statement on action call no. 14. work together closely, decisively and unitedly in light of the most serious securitycrisis in the region in years, in order to strengthen the cooperation of our democraticnations in the Baltic Sea Region and to counter the threats to European resilienceand security architecture caused by Russia’s policy and actions;See statement on action call no. 15. in all currently necessary measures in the energy policies of our countries takenecessary decisions in such a way that all measures continue to be directed towardsfocussing on energy security, sustainability in its smart and inclusive economicgrowth, development and innovation and to reach a good ecological status of theBaltic Sea and a sound and sustainable status for the environment of the Baltic SeaRegion;The acute and to some extent probably permanent increases in energy prices, as well asconcerns about energy supply security, are a consequence of the Russian war ofaggression against Ukraine and present a major challenge for the entire EuropeanUnion. The Federal Government is consistently pursuing a three-pronged approach:a. The Federal Government is taking extensive measures to replace Russian gas withfuels from other sources. It is enabling the diversification of supply sources through theconstruction of new infrastructure for liquefied natural gas (LNG), including on thecoast of the Baltic Sea.b. Germany is massively accelerating the energy transition and the expansion ofrenewable energies, for example by further developing energy law and cutting red tapeat a pace not seen for many years. This will counteract medium-term energy shortagesand create the basis for climate-neutral prosperity. The market ramp-up of hydrogenwill also be further accelerated by an ambitious continuation of the National HydrogenStrategy.c. With regard to both the short and the medium term, the Federal Government is alsofocusing on increasing energy savings and improving energy efficiency.6. tackle current and future challenges and crises through increased unified and jointactions, and reject the notion of “might makes right” in accordance withinternational law;See statement on action call no. 17. even more intensify cooperation in education, science, research and culture alsounder the aspect of promoting elements of a common identity by shared values;6Germany Page 43Germany continuously supports cooperation in the above-mentioned field throughvarious channels. Within the framework of its cultural relations and education policy,the German Federal Foreign Office has continued its funding of the Baltic Sea YouthDialogue (BSYD) as a tool for supporting the stated common identity. Cooperation inthe field of science and education mainly consists in participation in Europeanprogrammes such as ERASMUS+ or the European research framework programmeHorizon Europe. The Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Mediasupports the Baltic Sea Philharmonic, which consists of young musicians from the BalticSea Region.8. place particular emphasis on intensifying youth and youth workers exchanges, withthe aim to reach out and mobilize young people to address issues that are mostrelevant to them, particularly in these difficult times;Exchanges for young people and youth workers have been one of the key factors inpromoting intercultural learning and mutual understanding between young people fordecades. Therefore, on a national level, the Federal Ministry for Family Affairs, SeniorCitizens, Women and Youth supports youth and youth worker exchanges with theFederal Children and Youth Plan (KJP). International exchanges for young people andyouth workers in this context mean exchanges for young people and youth workersparticipating in out-of-school activities and are therefore different to student exchanges,which are mainly supported by the German Länder (federal states).On a European level, two EU youth programmes, Erasmus+ Youth and the EuropeanSolidarity Corps, promote exchanges for young people and youth workers with differentformats and funding schemes.Following the principle of subsidiarity, it is up to the organisers of these exchanges todecide on the topics which are most relevant to them and to the participants. In the EUprogrammes there are annual priorities which guide applicants to the topics of highestrelevance.9. extend sustainable tourism, and enable more climate-friendly travel based onprogrammes which promote this trend;The Federal Government supports the double new start in tourism after the COVID-19pandemic: firstly, green transformation (making the industry climate-neutral,sustainable and fit for the future), and secondly, preservation/continuation of diversestructures and strengthening of resilience/competitiveness.Climate neutrality, environmental protection and nature conservation are among thecore topics addressed by the National Tourism Strategy (NTS), which will be furtherdeveloped in a strategic process over the entire legislative period in accordance withthe specifications of the coalition agreement. As a first step, the Federal Governmenthas designed a work programme based on planned and existing measures within theministries which have direct or indirect relevance for tourism. The measures areclustered according to the core topics of the NTS (including climate neutrality /7Germany Page 44environmental and nature conservation). To promote the trend of sustainable tourismand to support tourist destinations, these measures include, for example, the third roundof the national competition Sustainable Tourism Destinations in Germany, which waslaunched on 1 October 2022. The competition recognises regions that are particularlycommitted to sustainable tourism. This creates greater public awareness and enablesothers to learn from good examples. The first two rounds have already providedimportant impetus for more sustainable development of the German tourism industry:https://www.bundeswettbewerb-tourismusdestinationen.de/A study on behalf of the German Environment Agency examines the impact of climatechange on German tourist destinations (coastal regions and others) and options foradaptation. To enable tourist destinations to adapt to climate change in a sustainablemanner, funding instruments are analysed and an online climate information systemand guidelines (https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/node/69234) are developed aspractical support for tourism managers.In order to further develop the work programme, the national platform Future ofTourism will coordinate and promote interactions between the various stakeholdersincluding the Länder concerned at all levels from 2023 onwards. The stakeholders willbe invited to modify the work programme with their own measures in order to createsynergies.The division of responsibilities between the Federal Government and the Länder intourism is regulated by the Basic Law. Accordingly, the central goal of the FederalGovernment is the continuous improvement of the conditions affecting tourism and thetourism industry in terms of the three dimensions of sustainability (economic,environmental, social). Selected projects are funded under the innovation programmeInnovative Model Projects to Increase Capacities in the Tourism Sector (LIFT).The development, management and marketing of tourism in Germany is theresponsibility of the Länder. Measures to promote more sustainable andenvironmentally friendly tourism in the Baltic Sea Region are therefore theresponsibility of Land Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the Free Hanseatic City of Bremen,the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg and Land Schleswig-Holstein.10. reconsider as a strong sign of unity particularly in times of war and crisis during theupcoming years a resumption of the Baltic Sea States Summits of our heads ofgovernments;The Federal Government takes note of the BSPC’s recommendation.Regarding Democracy, human rights and freedom of expression to:11. continue implementing with particular vigour the calls for action and demandscontained in the 30th BSPC Resolution in regard to democracy, human rights andfreedom of expression, particularly in times of war and crisis;8Germany Page 45The Federal Government pursues values-based foreign policy that centres the liberaldemocratic order and human rights. The recently published German Government’sfifteenth Human Rights Report provides ample detail on the various activities in thisfield.By way of example: Freedom of expression plays a key role in these endeavours. Assuch, the Federal Government has increased funding for human rights work on theground and commissioned new initiatives. Germany is now the second largest donorworldwide after the United States in the areas of media and journalism. The majority ofGermany’s activities are carried out through a strategic partnership with DW Akademieand various projects with NGOs such as Reporters Without Borders. The FederalGovernment has launched the Hannah Arendt Initiative as a protection programme forjournalists in crises and conflicts. During a pilot year, Germany has funded projectsworth 7 million euro, aimed at strengthening freedom of expression in response toshrinking spaces for liberal democracies.12. consistently and resolutely counter the growing threat to the democratic communityposed by the disinformation campaigns as well as war propaganda initiated by theRussian government and other state and non-state actors;Russian disinformation has gained increasing significance in recent years – andunfortunately, it will remain a highly relevant issue in the future. Russia is very activein spreading false narratives in order to manipulate not only its own people, but otherstates and their citizens as well. Russia is taking advantage of the openness of our liberalinformation society and Western social media to deliberately undermine cohesion inGermany and across Europe and undermine trust in state institutions and democraticprocesses. The Federal Government supports the fight against Russian disinformationworldwide and upholds freedom of the press and freedom of information. It is thereforesupporting the Baltic States as well as the Western Balkan countries as part of itsresilience initiative against Russian disinformation. Moreover, the Federal Governmentfunds projects aiming to professionalise journalistic work and help establish medialiteracy in wider populations in the countries of the Eastern Partnership and Russia.Projects within this initiative are based on cooperation with local project partners aswell as with German partners and intermediaries and comprise a broad spectrum ofmeasures to promote the fight against disinformation in a variety of ways in the mediasector and in civil society. At the European level, the Federal Government is workingin close cooperation with other member states to combat the spread of disinformationand propaganda through different channels and in various areas, such as with the EU’sDigital Services Act.Since the start of Russia’s war against Ukraine, the Federal Government has furtherstrengthened its strategic foreign communications in traditional as well as social media,particularly through the German missions abroad and on the website deutschland.de(and associated social media channels). Furthermore, the Federal Governmentcoordinates closely with its allies, bilaterally as well as in the G7 and NATO.Cooperation within the Federal Government is strengthened via a special workinggroup on Russia and Ukraine. This ensures close and regular liaison between the9Germany Page 46relevant departments of the Federal Government with regard to identifying andcountering hybrid threats, especially disinformation, in connection with the Russianwar of aggression against Ukraine.13. acknowledge the importance of freedom of press for democracy and democraticdevelopment;A free and pluralistic media landscape is a necessary condition for democratic societiesand the security of journalists is in turn essential for this.See also statement on action call no. 12.14. specifically counteract any deterioration of working conditions in media and freereporting; in countries where problems have evolved, to initiate and promotetargeted protective measures for the work of the media, including education andtraining for journalists, to secure safe working conditions for the media;The Federal Government is actively working to protect and support journalists affectedby Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine so that media professionals, especiallyfrom Ukraine, as well as those affected by increased repression in Belarus and Russia,can continue to report critically and independently in safety and security. Now thesecond largest donor worldwide after the United States, Germany offers strong supportin the areas of media and journalism. Our work is conducted through a strategicpartnership with DW Akademie and various projects with NGOs such as ReportersWithout Borders. Since 2014, Germany has been funding a training programme formedia and freedom of information and expression in cooperating countries around theglobe (annual funding of around €30 million). The focal points of this programme aretraining and qualifications for media workers, improving media literacy across agegroups, improving political and legal conditions for media workers, improving accessto information, especially in remote areas and for women, improving professionalismand sustainable practices among media workers, and supporting dialogue and debatein the media. Additional funding was swiftly made available in reaction to the Russianwar of aggression against Ukraine. Further initiatives are being developed to supportmedia, especially local media, in the face of the effects of disinformation in the contextof the pandemic and the Russian war of aggression. The Federal Government hasestablished the Hannah Arendt Initiative as its national programme to support andprotect journalists, media makers and free speech defenders in crises and conflicts.During a pilot phase, journalists from Ukraine, Russia and Belarus as well asAfghanistan are receiving particular support through training courses, capacitybuilding, living stipends and the provision of co-working spaces.15. consider different ways of promoting democracy-building efforts in Russia and inother countries, for example by supporting civil society in exile;Germany works closely with its international partners, e.g. the European Endowmentfor Democracy, to support civil society and foster open and democratic societies in the10Germany Page 47European Neighbourhood and worldwide. Germany continues to support civil societyin Eastern Partnership countries and Russia via our programme ExpandingCooperation with Civil Society. Under this programme, projects supporting democratictransformation processes can also be funded in exile. Additionally, the regionalprogramme Strengthening Civil Society in the Eastern Partnership promotes inclusivelocal development by supporting the institutional capacities of civil society. It alsofosters exchange and learning within the region.16. strengthen particularly in times of war and crisis efforts to increase confidence indemocratic structures and values, promote tolerance and open-mindedness,freedom of the media and expression, and robust NGOs as cornerstones ofdemocracies in the Baltic Sea Region;Germany is dedicated to strengthening national and international efforts to increaseconfidence in democratic structures and values and promote tolerance and open-mindedness, freedom of the media and of expression, and robust NGOs as cornerstonesof democracies in the Baltic Sea Region. Germany is thus supporting the Baltic Statesas part of a resilience initiative against Russian disinformation. Under this programme,Germany provides funding of 1 million euro annually for a large variety of projects inEstonia, Latvia and Lithuania that aim to strengthen media literacy, quality journalism,social cohesion and participation.17. protect the rights and ensure the safety of refugees, ethnic minorities, LGBTQpeople, women, children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups who areparticularly at risk in times of war and threatened by intolerant attitudes;The Federal Government is committed to protecting the rights and ensuring the safetyof refugees, accompanied and unaccompanied children, ethnic minorities, LGBTQI+people, women, especially those affected by human trafficking or violence as well aspregnant women, the elderly and other vulnerable groups who are particularly at riskin times of war and threatened by intolerant attitudes.Refugees / asylum seekers: From January 2022 to December 2022, Germany grantedprotection to 128,463 persons seeking asylum. Since the beginning of the Russian warof aggression against Ukraine on 24 February 2022, Germany has registered more thanone million people who have fled to Germany to escape the war. On 31 December 2022there were 856,587 refugees from Ukraine present in Germany who had receivedresidence permits under section 24 of the German Residence Act (or a provisionalresidence document leading to this residence permit) and thus enjoyed temporaryprotection in accordance with the Temporary Protection Directive (2001/55/EC) of theCouncil of the European Union.Protection from Trafficking in Persons: Refugees are a generally vulnerable group fortrafficking in persons and all forms of exploitation. Regarding the people fleeingUkraine, Germany was able to establish swift and coordinated reception measures as11Germany Page 48well as prevention measures against trafficking in persons. These ranged from promptlydistributing information and awareness leaflets, including in the Russian and Ukrainianlanguages, to raising awareness among refugees, volunteers and stakeholders inregular contact with Ukrainian refugees, as well as raising awareness and providinginformation by text message to all people fleeing Ukraine.Since 1999, the Federal Government has been funding the German NGO Networkagainst Trafficking in Human Beings (KOK), an association of more than 40 non-governmental organisations with a total of about 50 specialised counselling centres fortrafficked persons and other projects related to this issue (migrant projects, women’sshelters, counselling centres for sex workers). A total volume of €1,639,734 is plannedfor the current funding period for KOK from 2022 to 2024. The federal funding for theService Centre against Labour Exploitation, Forced Labour and Human Traffickingwill be extended for another 3 years. The Service Centre is a vital partner for theimplementation of the joint strategy against trafficking for the purpose of labourexploitation and has recently also been active in providing assistance to refugees fromUkraine, through its network as well as through information material.The special legal status of minorities and their languages as well as of the regionallanguage Low German is based on two Council of Europe agreements that are bindingin Germany: the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities andthe European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The protection enshrinedin these agreements is specified and implemented in laws, ordinances, statutes andadministrative action at federal and Land level. Federal, Land and local authoritiessupport the members of national minorities and the speakers of regional and minoritylanguages in preserving their cultural identity.Germany has established governance that ensures protection for minorities. Institutionssuch as the Minority Council, the Round Table on National Minorities at the GermanBundestag and consultative committees help minorities maintain communication withthe Federal Government and the German Bundestag.Unaccompanied minors are exposed to particular dangers and must therefore behoused and cared for in Germany in accordance with the best interests of the child. Alaw has been in force since 2015 that regulates accommodation, care and support forunaccompanied foreign minors and ensures fair regional distribution. The local youthwelfare office is primarily responsible: it must take care of the unaccompanied minorwithout delay and appoint a guardian. The unaccompanied minor has access to socialservices, housing, medical services and education.The Federal Government has adopted the National Action Plan for the Acceptance andProtection of Sexual and Gender Diversity, thus fulfilling a key aim of the coalitionagreement for the 20th legislative period (2021-2025). The action plan containsrecommendations for measures in six fields of action: legal recognition, participation,safety, health, strengthening of counselling and community structures, and internationalaffairs. Furthermore, the action plan includes measures to reform the law on parentage12Germany Page 49and family law, to expand research and data collection on the situation of LGBTQI+people, to protect against violence and to improve healthcare.In January 2022, the Federal Government appointed a Commissioner for theAcceptance of Sexual and Gender Diversity (Queer Commissioner) for the first time.Parliamentary State Secretary Sven Lehmann has held this office since 5 January 2022.18. defend sexual and reproductive autonomy and respect the right to reproductivehealth;The following are key activities that the Federal Government implements through theFederal Centre for Health Education (BZgA) and in close collaboration with theLänder.In cooperation with family counselling facilities, the BZgA develops and disseminatesnationwide measures, approaches and information materials for sexuality educationand family planning. The core tenet is that sexuality is a basic and fundamental humanneed and a central component in the development of individuals’ identity andpersonality. Sexuality education and family planning are therefore not limited to merelyimparting information and knowledge about biological processes such as procreationand pregnancy, but also address relationships between people. Family planning isunderstood as an integral part of overall life planning. The aim is to enable people todeal with sexuality in such a way that they are responsible for their own health and thatof their partners. In the context of sexual health and HIV, the focus is on protectinghuman dignity and safeguarding and promoting sexual and reproductive rights,especially for vulnerable and key populations and for groups at increased risk. TheBZgA provides comprehensive information on its website: https://www.bzga.de/was-wir-tun/sexualaufklaerung-und-familienplanung/As part of comprehensive sexuality education, the BZgA has developed an interactivelearning tool for schools. The Join-In Project is conducted in the form of workshops insecondary schools in Germany and targets students between the ages of 13 and 18. InFebruary 2020, LIEBESLEBEN – Das Mitmach-Projekt (the Join-In Project) waslaunched as a tool for comprehensive sexuality education in schools. Its focus lies onapplying interactive learning methods to address issues around HIV and other STIs,protection and safer sex, the body and feelings, sexuality and media, diversity, respect,friendship and relationships. The Join-In Project consists of six interactive modules(theme stations) with learning materials and teaching instructions each addressing aspecific topic. The goal of the Join-In Project is to empower young people, in an age-appropriate and interactive manner, to adopt safer behaviour through improvedknowledge and skills and to thereby minimise unwanted pregnancies or the risks of STItransmission for themselves and others. Since February 2020, 38 schools in Germanyhave participated and 22 workshops have been conducted, 15 of them in 2022.13Germany Page 50The Federal Government has several aims related to reproductive and sexual rights andhealth, as noted in the coalition agreement of 2021. New regulations on theadvertisement of abortions were adopted in June 2022. Doctors and hospitals are nowallowed to state on their website that they provide abortions. Furthermore, the FederalGovernment plans to establish a commission on the topic of reproductive autonomy andmedicine. The commission will examine regulations for abortion outside of the GermanCriminal Code and possibilities for legalising egg donation and altruistic surrogacy.Regarding climate change mitigation, preserving biodiversity and adapting toclimate change to:19. support the updated Baltic Sea Action Plan and its associated action documentsagreed by the HELCOM Ministerial Meeting on 20 October 2021 under the currentGerman chairmanship and to ensure a more quickly and consistent implementationof the agreed objectives than before in all countries of the Baltic Sea Region in orderto achieve a good ecological status of the Baltic Sea by the end of the decade;regular monitoring of the implementation is essential to support the process;The HELCOM Contracting Parties adopted the Baltic Sea Action Plan for 2021 to 2030on 20 October 2021 in Lübeck under Germany’s chairmanship. The plancomprehensively addresses all challenges and pressures affecting the Baltic Sea marineecosystem in order to achieve a good ecological status for the Baltic Sea and itsenvironment by the end of this decade. A detailed implementation plan has been created.Progress on implementation is regularly reported to HELCOM and analysed. TheFederal Government supports consistent, rapid implementation of the measures.The focus is on activities to combat pollution in the Baltic Sea caused, in particular, bymarine litter and eutrophication (increased algae growth) due to over-fertilisation. Thestatus and protection of marine species and habitats also need to be improved.Objectives include reducing the harm caused to marine biodiversity by underwaternoise, reducing the negative impact of fishing, particularly in marine protected areas,and minimising disturbance of the seabed. The Baltic Sea Action Plan includes ameasure to introduce the Multi-Regional Marine HNS Response Manual, a handbookfor joint responses to chemicals incidents, by 2025 in the entire HELCOM area.The Baltic Stakeholder Conference 2022 – Climate Change in the Baltic Sea (BSC2022)was held online with over 200 participants, hosted jointly by the German EnvironmentAgency, the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation and Baltic Earth. The conferencefocused on the regional impact of climate change and potential paths of action. Link:https://helcom.fi/helcom-at-work/events/helcom-stakeholders-conferences/bsc2022/20. derive and implement further measures from the policy-relevant suggestions forvarious policy areas in the ‘HELCOM 2021 Climate Change in the Baltic Sea FactSheet’ that will enable an even faster and more extensive reduction of climate-relevant emissions to achieve the targeted climate neutrality as early as possible;As a global challenge, climate change is an integral part of the Baltic Sea Action Planadopted by HELCOM in October 2021. HELCOM has also created its first specific14Germany Page 51measures relating to the ocean-climate nexus. Climate action and adaptation will bebenchmarks for all HELCOM decisions in future. The HELCOM Climate Change in theBaltic Sea 2021 Fact Sheet compiled the latest and most prominent scientific findingson climate change and its impact on the Baltic Sea from various authors. The Fact Sheethas the status of a supporting document to the Baltic Sea Action Plan and is intendedto provide scientific support for political decision-making. The same document is,however, also available to the general public. The findings are regularly integrated intodiscussions on implementing the planned measures contained in the Action Plan. Anupdate to the Fact Sheet is envisaged in some years to reflect new knowledge thatbecomes available.21. recognise that anthropogenic activities such as agriculture and industrialization inthe Baltic Sea catchment area have caused large increases in inputs of nitrogen andphosphorus over the past 150 years and underline the importance of continuing thework on reducing outlets of nitrogen and phosphorous into the Baltic Sea, remindingthat an increased water temperature also will increase the effects of overnutrition;The HELCOM Contracting Parties will intensify efforts to address the problem ofeutrophication in the Baltic Sea. The updated Baltic Sea Action Plan sets newquantitative nutrient reduction requirements for the HELCOM Contracting Parties,shipping and third countries and contains a comprehensive portfolio of measures tocounteract this problem. Noncompliance with good agricultural practice can lead toexcessively high nutrient inputs related to agricultural fertiliser use, which mainly enterthe Baltic Sea via groundwater and rivers. This results in increased algal growth, whichdeprives marine life and underwater plants of the oxygen they need. The measures forcomplying with nutrient reduction targets need to be implemented by 2027 at the latest.Due to the specific natural conditions of the Baltic Sea (an inland sea with little waterexchange and deep basins), eutrophication due to excessive nutrient inputs fromagricultural, urban and point sources is a particular problem for Baltic Sea ecosystems.Because eight of the nine Baltic Sea countries are also EU member states, they aresubject to shared legal obligations to combat nutrient pollution, set out in the NitratesDirective, the Water Framework Directive and the Marine Strategy FrameworkDirective. Germany is prioritising efforts to combat eutrophication. In particular, theaim is to further reduce the excessively high nutrient load in the Baltic Sea. Options forreducing nutrient pollution need to be developed, for example by analysing barriers toimplementation, updating the list of nutrient hotspots and reviewing targeted localapproaches.Furthermore, an ambitious nutrient recycling strategy based on innovative technologieshas been adopted. In the coming years, the aim is to establish sustainable nutrientmanagement and minimise nutrient input into the Baltic Sea as much as possiblethrough efficient use of nutrients. Successful management of the eutrophication of theBaltic Sea will increasingly have to take into account the impact of climate change.Rising water temperatures may lead to more frequent and intense algal blooms andintensify oxygen deficiency near the seabed. Nutrient inputs into the Baltic Sea may,however, also decrease due to extended periods of drought. Ultimately, it cannot yet be15Germany Page 52predicted whether climate change will worsen eutrophication in the Baltic Sea overall.The HELCOM Contracting Parties will undertake further efforts in the next few yearsto research the impact of climate change on the Baltic Sea and develop appropriatemitigation strategies. The updated Baltic Sea Action Plan contains a number of effectivemeasures in this area. The impact of climate change will be continuously monitored andtaken into account in the measures to be implemented.In order to implement the EU’s NEC Directive (and other EU requirements), theFederal Government has adopted a series of measures to reduce total reactive nitrogenemissions in Germany by 2030 (e.g. the Climate Action Programme, the FertiliserOrdinance, the national Clean Air Programme). In addition, an update of the nationalClean Air Programme is currently being developed, which aims to further reduceemissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and ammonia (NH3). The Baltic Sea will also benefitfrom this in the medium term.Furthermore, questions concerning an ecologically compatible national maximumvalue for total nitrogen emissions are currently being addressed in a research projectby the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, NuclearSafety and Consumer Protection and the German Environment Agency.22. intensify all efforts and cooperate closely in several fields at the same time to obtainthe chance of limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levelsand pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industriallevels through the rapid, comprehensive expansion of renewable energies and theirtechnologies, by the reduction of emissions, less energy use, increased energyefficiency at the same time as strengthening and increasing natural sinks for CO2and research and development of innovative and sustainable technologies;The Federal Government plans to strengthen and increase natural sinks for CO . The2focus is to protect, strengthen and restore natural ecosystems. Seagrass meadows andalgae forests in the North Sea and Baltic Sea are also natural CO sinks. To improve2their condition, an overarching marine strategy is to be developed. More near-naturaland species-rich forests are to be created by promoting forest protection, conversionand reforestation. Other measures are also planned, such as the renaturation offloodplains, the targeted development of humus-rich soils and the promotion ofprotected and wilderness areas.23. particularly in those countries that are still more dependent on domestic andimported fossil energy sources and uranium imports, push forward the use of zeroand low emission renewable energies from domestic sources and in the long-termthose imported from democratic and reliable partner countries in combination withinnovative applications of hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives on the basis ofrenewable energies in industry and commerce as well as in the heating and mobilitysector, in order to achieve their own, affordable, more independent and resilientenergy security and energy sovereignty and at the same time to contribute to theachievement of the climate goals;16Germany Page 53With regard to support for other countries (cooperation), we refer to the answer tono. 24 below. With regard to the efforts of the Federal Government at national and EUlevel, we refer to the measures listed in the answer to no. 25.24. cooperate with countries that are most dependent on fossil fuels and uraniumimports from Russia in their efforts to switch to more reliable and environmentallyfriendly energy sources;The Federal Government supports the ambitions of countries willing to switch to agreen energy supply in the EU and beyond. By doing so, these countries will find newopportunities to reduce their energy import dependencies on Russia. For example, theBerlin Process with the countries of the Western Balkans in the autumn of 2022, whichGermany hosted, focused on energy issues.25. widely deploy the extensive existing low-cost and efficient renewable energygeneration technologies, and effectively and significantly boost even more intensiveresearch as well as the introduction and deployment of innovative green solutions,particularly in green hydrogen technologies, and develop as fast as possiblehydrogen strategies and road maps to complement the European hydrogen strategyand the new green deal and bring by joint efforts and close cooperation the BalticSea Region in a pole position in green transition;The Federal Government fully supports the goal of widely deploying renewable energygeneration technologies. With the 2023 Renewable Energy Sources Act, amongst otherlegislative and non-legislative measures, it has taken decisive steps towardsaccelerating the deployment of renewables, targeting a share of 80% renewables ingross power consumption in 2030 before moving on to a fully greenhouse gas-neutralpower sector in line with the coal phase-out. On the European level, for example, theFederal Government supports increasing the share of renewables to 45% by 2030 andestablishing the status of overriding public interest for renewable power plants.With the National Hydrogen Strategy, Germany has given a decisive boost to the startof the hydrogen economy. Currently, the strategy is under revision to anchor moreambitious targets. The focus is on creating a dedicated hydrogen market, setting theright incentives, ensuring suitable policies and regulations are in place and using theinstrument of carbon pricing. Germany has already launched a number of majorfunding programmes to support a market ramp-up (IPCEI at national level, H2Globalat international level). Moreover, Carbon Contracts for Difference for large industrialsites will bridge the cost difference between conventional and climate-friendlyproduction methods. In the Baltic Sea Region, funding programmes are planned topromote the onshore and offshore construction of electrolysers. Additionally, Germanyis negotiating bilateral hydrogen partnerships with Denmark, the Netherlands andNorway.Research, education and innovation are crucial requirements to ensure the long-termsuccess of hydrogen technologies. Several research activities have been bundled under17Germany Page 54the umbrella of the cross-ministerial research offensive Hydrogen Technologies 2030.Among other projects, the Hydrogen Technology Campaign enabled the funding of over100 R&D projects between 2021 and 2022. Meanwhile, five pioneer projects focusingon hydrogen technologies and sector coupling were initiated as part of Living Labs forthe Energy Transition, anchored within the 7th Energy Research Programme,.26. concerning sea-dumped munitions, also in the current times of war continueunabated in close cooperation with HELCOM and CBSS to strengthen effortsexploring, identifying, recovering and neutralising explosive ordnance in the BalticSea with concrete measures through multinational cooperation according to the28th, 29th and 30th BSPC Resolutions as well as the interim and final BSPCrapporteur’s reports on sea-dumped munitions and establish the Baltic Sea Regionas a global model region for the environmentally sound, rapid and affordablesalvage and decontamination and removal of explosive ordnance dumped in thesea;The Federal Government has set itself the goal of working to combat excessivepressures on the oceans and improving marine protection, particularly with regard toharm caused by dumped munitions.To achieve this, an immediate action programme has been announced for Germanterritorial waters (see also the response to number 27). The programme requires closeinterdisciplinary cooperation across various fields. Preparatory work on implementingthe programme has begun. The Federal Government will integrate the experience itgains during this phase into the work of the relevant regional cooperation platformssuch as HELCOM and the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS).The retrieval of dumped munitions from the Baltic Sea is also one of the priorities ofGermany’s Presidency of the CBSS. For that reason, an expert round table was heldon 12-13 December 2022 in order to establish a common understanding of the state ofthe art on chemical munitions and UXO and to develop an initial proposal on bestavailable techniques (BAT) for environmentally sound and safe management. Thedebate brought together the different perspectives of toxicologists, environmentalscientists, explosive ordnance clearers and business representatives. The Germanaction programme was explicitly praised. The CBSS and HELCOM secretariats willwork with the European Commission on proposals for how to proceed.Additional information on this point can be found in the Federal Government’s responseto number 47 of the BSPC Resolution of 2021.27. encourage the countries who are responsible for dumped munitions in the BalticSea to start a recovery fund and to lead the recovery effort that would help achievea Baltic Sea free from dumped explosive ordnance; we welcome the efforts of theincoming German CBSS presidency to push this issue;18Germany Page 55With regard to dumped munitions in the sea, in the view of the Federal Government andthe currently most affected coastal federal states (primarily Mecklenburg-Vorpommernand Schleswig-Holstein on the Baltic Sea), there is no existing responsibility in the senseof a general legal obligation for the Federation or the federal states to take action.Based on this, there is also no existing financial obligation. Any action taken will bebased on the precautionary principle in conjunction with competences and mandatesanchored in the German Basic Law (e. g. Articles 20a, 104a para. 1 Basic Law).The Federal Government intends to begin recovery under a national immediate actionprogramme with a focus on conventional munitions in easily accessible locations inGerman territorial waters. The selection process will focus on munitions still inretrievable condition, with a high chance of success and a proportionate impact in termsof protecting the environment and human health. Target areas for locally boundedrecovery need to be identified on the basis of risk assessments which are still to be drawnup.The initial target area is planned for the German territorial waters in the Baltic Sea dueto the hydrodynamic conditions there.Additional information on this point can be found in the Federal Government’s responseto number 47 of the BSPC Resolution of 2021.28. implement methods of nature-friendly farming and actively phase out the use ofsynthetic pesticides and fertilizers by local farmers as well as allocate funds toresearching into less hazardous alternatives, and make sure that the policies arewell connected to science;The Federal Government supports the aim of nature-friendly farming, includingreducing synthetic pesticides and fertilisers. The European Commission’s Farm-to-Fork strategy and Biodiversity Strategy aim to reduce the use of antibiotics andpesticides in agriculture by 50% by the end of the decade. Other objectives are toincrease the share of organic farming areas to 25% across the EU and to reduce theuse of chemical fertilisers by 20% by 2030. The Federal Government supports thesegoals and indeed intends to exceed them with a national objective of 30% organicfarming area by 2030. In order to achieve this goal, a national strategy for organicagriculture is currently being developed. The strategy builds on the existing OrganicFarming – Looking Forwards strategy (ZöL) from 2017. A central financing instrumentof the ZöL is the Federal Scheme for Organic Farming (BÖLN), which was recentlyendowed with 36 million euro per year.The Federal Government promotes the use of innovative technologies in agriculturalbusinesses as part of the Agricultural Investment Programme (InvestitionsprogrammLandwirtschaft). Among other things, certain precision devices that enable aparticularly environmentally friendly application of plant protection products (e.g. loss-reducing plant protection devices, tunnel sprayers) are also eligible for funding. Inaddition, the Federal Government supports numerous other projects to reduce the use19Germany Page 56and risk of pesticides as part of various research programmes. Seventeen million euroare earmarked for these goals in the Federal Scheme for Organic Farming.29. intensively integrate rural areas with their broad potential in the production ofrenewable energies, the expansion of grids and storage facilities, and allow them toparticipate comprehensively in the success, support sustainable innovation in greenenergy, reduce the use of non- renewable sources of energy and support innovationto make urban and rural life more sustainable by enhancing green transportationsolutions, and make sure that the policies are well connected to science;Rural areas are key for enabling the energy transition and are at the same time affectedby it. For example, the grid expansion required to integrate renewables into theelectricity supply inevitably affects rural areas. On the other hand, the deployment ofrenewable energies offers economic opportunities. For example, Germany hasintroduced and subsequently strengthened financial participation by local authoritiesin renewable energy projects. Furthermore, energy cooperatives enjoy certainprivileges in accessing the support scheme for wind and solar projects, rendering iteasier for rural populations to actively participate in the energy transition.With respect to heating and cooling, the Federal Government has launched a fundingprogramme to support efficient new and refurbished district heating and coolingsystems with the aim of integrating locally available renewable energy sources andwaste heat. The Federal Government has also launched a competence centre to assistregional and local authorities in heat planning and is currently developing a legalframework to provide the necessary legal basis and tools for local heat planning.30. develop and implement policies and regulations around fishing, shipping and otherindustries, together with all relevant stakeholders, that harm the biodiversity in theBaltic Sea and the global climate, that aligns with the needs and challenges fromthe IPCC report and the internationally binding targets of the Paris Agreement;The HELCOM Contracting Parties adopted the Baltic Sea Action Plan for 2021 to 2030on 20 October 2021 in Lübeck under Germany’s chairmanship (see also the statementon action call no. 19). As a global challenge, climate change is an integral part of theBaltic Sea Action Plan. HELCOM has also created its first specific measures relatingto the ocean-climate nexus. Climate action and adaptation will be benchmarks for allHELCOM decisions in future.Fish stocks are managed in accordance with the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) of theEuropean Union. The annual decisions on catch quotas are based on the most recentscientific reports from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES),which look at the impact of fisheries, environmental conditions and climate change onstocks and marine ecosystems. Due to the poor status of specific stocks, the EUAGRIFISH Council extended the conservation measures for 2023 to allow the stocks torecover. Technical measures for fisheries in the Baltic Sea are prepared by BALTFISH,a regional group of EU member states, and implemented by the European Commissionas delegated acts.20Germany Page 57In view of the particular hydrological features and sensitive environmental assets of theBaltic Sea, Germany is taking ambitious measures at international, regional andnational level to minimise the impact of shipping on climate change, biodiversity lossand pollution in the Baltic Sea.The Baltic Sea is a designated Emission Control Area (ECA) in accordance withAnnex VI of the 1973 International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution fromShips (MARPOL). This means that extremely stringent limit values apply to the sulphurcontent of marine fuels and nitrogen oxide emissions. In addition, the Baltic Sea is thefirst special area worldwide with set limits on sewage discharge from passenger vessels.In the negotiations on climate action in the International Maritime Organization (IMO),Germany supports a zero-emission target for maritime transport by 2050 at the latest,as well as the most rapid possible development and implementation of medium- andlong-term measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ships in line with thistarget.At EU level, the Federal Government supports the legislative proposal on maritimetransport in the Fit for 55 package, particularly the FuelEU Maritime regulation andthe proposal for including maritime transport in the EU ETS. The Federal Governmentwill continue to push for ambitious design in both dossiers in the upcoming triloguenegotiations.The planned measures in the IMO and at EU level need to ensure the introduction ofsustainably produced fuels and low- and zero-emission drives as quickly as possible,thus reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and hazardous air pollutants in shipping.At HELCOM level, the Federal Government is also involved in developing additionalconservation measures such as the implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan thatalso pursue the target of additional emissions reductions.At national level, Germany has already taken measures to expand infrastructure andimprove competitive conditions for providing ships in port with shore power instead ofon-board power.31. promote the building of facilities from recycled materials to develop regulationsregarding the re-use of construction materials, establish plans for the re-use ofmaterials as a requisite for demolition permits as part of the effort of findingsustainable supply lines along the Baltic Sea and to introduce public bail systemsfor plastic bottles in the Baltic Sea Region and furthermore support cascading usein every possible field;The Federal Government is currently developing a national circular economy strategyas stipulated in the 2021 coalition agreement. The Federal Government interprets thescope of the term “circular economy” in the same way as described by the EuropeanCommission in the EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan, i.e. measures addressing thewhole life-cycle of products including the increased use of recycled materials andcascading utilisation.The strategy is set to comprise a vision and targets, indicators and key measures totransform the still predominantly linear economy to a circular one.21Germany Page 58A position paper listing key issues is currently being discussed within the FederalGovernment. In 2023 a stakeholder process with a dialogue forum will be initiated,complemented by expert groups (round tables) addressing specific areas that areimportant for a transition to a circular economy. One of these areas will be theconstruction industry and buildings. The strategy will be developed in parallel to thestakeholder process and is set to be submitted to the cabinet in the second quarter of2024.Furthermore, the Federal Government is planning to develop regulations on end-of-waste status for certain mineral construction wastes.The Federal Government supports the initiative of introducing deposit systems for allsingle-use plastic beverage containers. These mandatory deposit systems serve togenerate unmixed waste streams so that the material can be reused for food-contactplastic packaging. This firstly conserves valuable resources by using recycled materialand secondly reduces littering of the oceans and public spaces. Ideally, these will becross-border deposit systems around the Baltic Sea.Among other measures, the mandatory deposit was extended to almost all single-useplastic beverage bottles and to all beverage cans from 2022 with an amendment to theGerman Packaging Act. To promote reusable packaging, the new obligation to offerreusable packaging for the sale of takeaway food and beverages will apply from1 January 2023.32. communicating and developing strategies to implementing a new innovativelifestyle to make the difference by intensive communication about the fact that eachindividual making a change for themselves made a difference overall;The Federal Government is committed to promoting sustainable consumption. TheNational Programme on Sustainable Consumption bundles relevant measures and isconstantly being developed further. It describes how sustainable consumption can besystematically strengthened and expanded. These measures are an importantcontribution to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda (Sustainable DevelopmentGoals), in particular the Sustainable Development Goal SDG 12, “Ensure sustainableconsumption and production patterns”, and focus, among other things, on the aspectsof food, housing and mobility.Additionally, the Federal Government’s German Resource Efficiency Programme(ProgRess III) includes measures to promote resource-efficient lifestyles. Informationand education services on sustainable consumption, such as consumer advice centresand the Federal Environment Agency’s consumer portal(https://www.umweltbundesamt.de/umwelttipps-fuer-den-alltag), are constantly beingexpanded and coordinated. This supports sustainable, resource-conserving lifestylesand communicates them positively through multipliers.22Germany Page 59Regarding demographic challenges in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine;migration, labour market and the social welfare model to33. with the highest appreciation of all decisions and actions taken so far to addressthe refugee flows from Ukraine, in particular in the most affected countries, ensure,through further comprehensive systemic and financial measures and policies, thatrelated demographic structural changes and challenges related to housing,education, child and health protection, labour market and attitudes towardsincoming refugees are optimally addressed and best possible support for temporarystayers and inclusion for permanent stayers is guaranteed;As the future course of the war and its effect on the migration of refugees from Ukraineto Germany as well as the possibility of their return to Ukraine are unknown, potentialstructural demographic changes for Germany are being constantly monitored. It is asocial, political and legal mission to ensure integration by offering integrationmeasures (see chapter 3, sections 43 et seq. of the German Residence Act). Since June2022 Ukrainian refugees have had access to all measures offered by the GermanJobcenters for integration into the labour market (see chapter 3, sections 14 et seqq. ofBook II of the German Social Code).Since August 2022, the German NGO Network against Trafficking in Human Beings(KOK) has been conducting a special project funded by the Federal Government toraise awareness, promote prevention and strengthen cooperation structures fortrafficked persons in Germany, especially with regard to refugees from Ukraine. Theaim of the project is to map the status quo and identify challenges and possible needsin order to identify necessary medium- and long-term measures to protect againsthuman trafficking. For this purpose, specialised counselling centres were interviewedabout their experiences in the past months and information about the needs of refugeeswas compiled to a report that is also available on English on the KOK-Website.Furthermore, the Conference Decides to34. welcome with gratitude the kind offer by the German Bundestag to host the32nd Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference in Berlin on 27-29 August 2023.Additional question as decided by the BSPC Working Group on Climate Changeand BiodiversityTo what extent are the war in Ukraine and the associated changes to politicalpriorities affecting climate goals and their implementation?Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine constitutes a severe violation of international lawand has, among other things, caused serious repercussions for international energy marketsand other commodity markets. In Germany and in many other countries, the war has led to asteep rise in already high energy prices and created risks for the security of the energy supply.The Federal Government has implemented several measures to respond to these challenges andcontinues to work towards ensuring energy affordability and security of supply.23Germany Page 60In the short term, some of these measures could lead to a rise in greenhouse gas emissionsthrough, for instance, more coal-based electricity generation. At the same time, in light of theexistential threat posed by climate change, climate protection remains a central priority of theFederal Government. Germany remains committed to its ambitious transformation agenda onits path to becoming greenhouse gas neutral by 2045 at the latest, including a phase-out of coalideally by 2030. The Federal Government is therefore ensuring, for example, that permanentnew LNG infrastructure built as a response to the war can be converted for use with greenhydrogen in the future.Moreover, the war in Ukraine is revealing the vulnerabilities and dependencies which go handin hand with a fossil energy supply. Consequently, an accelerated and comprehensive energytransition is key to fighting the climate and energy crises at the same time: moving away fromfossil fuels and towards renewable energy, coupled with a clear improvement in energyefficiency. To this end, in July 2022, the German Bundestag and Bundesrat adopted the largestpackage of energy legislation for decades. Various laws on energy were thoroughly revised andnew laws were enacted in order to give a significant boost to the energy transition and theexpansion of renewable energy.Due to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, Germany’s Federal Government has frozencooperation with state or state-related institutions in Russia in every field, including the fieldof climate change and biodiversity, to the extent legally possible until further notice. Even ifprevious partnerships, especially with state or state-related institutions in Russia, have beendiscontinued or frozen, this does not diminish the Federal Government’s interest in and supportfor civil-society cooperation and civilian research projects, including on the topics of climatechange and biodiversity. Where possible, formats are therefore being adapted to the newsituation and partnerships are being established at civil-society level.24HAMBURGHamburg Page 62Statementby the Senate of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburgon implementing the Resolution of the31st Baltic Sea Parliamentary ConferenceThe Senate welcomes the goals formulated in the Resolution. To the extent that the pointslisted fall within the remit of the Senate, they are in many respects already current practice.In the following statement, the Senate takes a position on the measures that are standardadministrative practice in Hamburg and are in line with the concerns of the Baltic Seaparliamentarians.Regarding Cooperation in the Region to (paragraphs 1-10)re adopt and initiate all necessary measures ensuring the security of our peoplesand the defence of our values and democracies;para. 1The Senate is in favour of the federal states’ cooperation with the security and law enforcementauthorities of other states in order to ensure security in the Baltic Sea Region. There is noregion with which Hamburg is more interwoven than the Baltic Sea Region. A joint approachis very welcome also and particularly with regard to the defence of common values andprinciples such as democracy, the rule of law, respect for international law and freedom of themedia. This applies all the more at a time when security in the region and our commondemocratic values are under threat due to the policies and actions of Russia.Welcoming people who have fled the war is of considerable importance. Hamburg is makingan important contribution here. The Ministry for Justice and Consumer Protection has also setup a website to support refugees from Ukraine, including information on reporting andprosecuting war crimes. Hamburg also advocates sending more judges to the European Courtof Human Rights.re continue with all efforts supporting Ukraine in defence of their people anddemocratic values to the maximum extent possible;para. 2On 24 April 2022, the mayors of the cities of Hamburg and Kyiv signed the “Pact for Solidarityand Future”. The initial focus was and still is on acute emergency aid for the greater Kyiv area,which the City of Hamburg is coordinating jointly with its partners #WeAreAllUkrainians,Hamburg Chamber of Commerce and Hanseatic Help.Within the framework of the city pact, more than 150 pallets of aid from Hamburg companiesand institutions have been sent to Kyiv. Additionally, almost €120,000 in donations has beenreceived on the account set up for the purpose. The money has been used, for example, topurchase window insulation foil to enable damaged buildings to withstand the winter weather.In addition, the Hamburg fire brigade and police have sent municipal equipment (such as fiveambulances) to Kyiv. The “Pact for Solidarity and Future” is also a contributor to municipal1Hamburg Page 63direct aid (Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development) and has sentnumerous first-aid kits to Kyiv by this method.In addition to emergency aid, the Mayors of Hamburg and Kyiv have agreed to put the focusin future on reconstruction and longer-term cooperative relations. For instance, HamburgWasser is helping the Kyiv water utility company “Kyiv Vodokanal” to improve the performanceof the main water treatment plant in Kyiv.Besides this, the Port of Hamburg has founded the “Port Bridge Hamburg-Odessa” initiative.Occasional aid deliveries are also going to other places in Ukraine. In spring 2022, Hamburgalso supported Warsaw by delivering camp beds for use by displaced Ukrainians.re intensify even more all efforts - particularly in these times of war - to act andreact unified in strengthening safety, security, peace and regional identity basedpara. 3on democracy, human rights, the rule of law, peaceful neighbourliness andinternational law;The Senate is striving hard for a peaceful, secure and democratic Baltic Sea Region in whichall countries bordering on the Baltic Sea respect international law. Following the Russian attackon Ukraine, the Senate suspended all official relations with its twin city, St Petersburg.Please see also the answers regarding paragraphs 4 and 6.re work together closely, decisively and unitedly in light of the most serious securitycrisis in the region in years, in order to strengthen the cooperation of ourpara. 4democratic nations in the Baltic Sea Region and to counter the threats toEuropean resilience and security architecture caused by Russia’s policy andactions;Hamburg works closely, resolutely and collectively with the democratic Baltic states, thusstrengthening Baltic cooperation as a whole. Since 1 October 2022, Hamburg has, incooperation with the Turku-based Centrum Balticum Foundation, hosted the Baltic SeaStrategy Point, in other words the secretariat of the EU Baltic Sea Strategy. Together with theNorden Association in Sweden, Hamburg also coordinates the education policy area in the EUBaltic Sea Strategy. Additionally, Hamburg is active in the STRING Network and is workinghere with 16 regions and cities in a corridor stretching from Hamburg to Oslo on theimplementation of a green mega-region. Hamburg participates in numerous EU projects withpartners in the Baltic Sea Region and is a member of the Union of the Baltic Cities. The cityalso maintains close bilateral relations with all EU Baltic Sea countries plus Norway.re in all currently necessary measures in the energy policies of our countries takenecessary decisions in such a way that all measures continue to be directedpara. 5towards focusing on energy security, sustainability in its smart and inclusiveeconomic growth, development and innovation and to reach a good ecologicalstatus of the Baltic Sea and a sound and sustainable status for the environmentof the Baltic Sea Region;The Senate is committed to the goal of contributing what is required of a city at the centre of ametropolitan region to securing life’s essentials and to combining this with economic and2Hamburg Page 64technical progress. This includes transforming energy production as well as mobility and otherenergy-intensive areas, thus generating future resilience and energy security.re tackle current and future challenges and crises through increased unified andjoint actions, and reject the notion of “might makes right” in accordance withpara. 6international law;The Senate supports the approach of tackling current and future challenges and crises throughincreased unified and joint actions, and rejecting the notion of “might makes right” inaccordance with international law. In particular, the cultivation and strengthening of the rule oflaw and the preservation of social cohesion counteract the idea of “might makes right”. TheSenate thus supports the consistent prosecution of breaches of international law, such as bydrawing on information gathered from people fleeing Ukraine when reporting war crimes andby strengthening institutions under international law such as the European Court for HumanRights.A further important goal of the Senate is combating hate in social media as well as so-called“fake news”. The Senate has set up its own coordination unit focusing on hate and abuse insocial media (OHNe Hass: Offensiv gegen Hass im Netz – konsequent anzeigen, effektivverfolgen = On the offensive against hate on the net – consistently report, effectivelyprosecute), which is now based at the public prosecutor’s office. The goal of the project is toincrease the reporting rate of offences: media companies, advice centres, NGOs, interestgroups and the Media Authority Hamburg/Schleswig-Holstein (MA HSH), which areincreasingly confronted with hate comments, are to be sensitised to report possible criminaloffences. Thereby we promote freedom of the media and freedom of expression andstrengthen NGOs that are committed to these issues. The effectiveness of criminal prosecutionin the area of digital hate speech is also to be strengthened. With regard to fake news, theSenate is committed to curbing so-called “social bots”. Since closer examination of the topichas shown that fake news can best be contained by tackling the way in which it is disseminated(largely through computer programmes – so-called social bots), the focus has turned to thesesocial bots.re even more intensify cooperation in education, science, research and culture alsounder the aspect of promoting elements of a common identity by shared values;para. 7Within the EU Baltic Sea Strategy, the Senate is co-coordinator with the Norden Associationin Sweden of the education policy area. An important sub-topic in this policy area is scientificcooperation. The Senate has strategically promoted science cooperation in the Baltic SeaRegion in recent years: Building on the “Baltic Sea Strategy for Hamburg as a ScienceLocation” (publication 20/10410) adopted by the Senate and Parliament in January 2014, ithas succeeded in significantly expanding science cooperation with the Baltic Sea region. Inrecent years, the Senate has strategically promoted science cooperation in the Baltic SeaRegion: Building on the “Baltic Sea Strategy for Hamburg as a Centre of Science” (publication20/10410) adopted by the Senate and Hamburg Parliament in January 2014, it has beenpossible to considerably expand scientific cooperation with the Baltic Sea Region.Hamburg’s Ministry for Science, Research, Equality and Districts (BWFGB) has succeeded insecuring funding in this area from EU Interreg programmes. The Baltic Science Network (incl.BSN Powerhouse, two EU INTERREG projects totalling approx. €4 million) has developed intothe leading science policy forum in the Baltic Sea Region. The Baltic Science Network is a3Hamburg Page 65flagship in the EU Baltic Sea Strategy. The BWFGB has now assumed the lead here. It is alsothe most important project in the Baltic Sea Council’s “Science, Research and InnovationAgenda”.A further project was “HALOS – Hanseatic League of Sciences” (EU INTERREG project €36million) that intensified scientific cooperation in the life sciences in the Öresund Region. Thegoal was to establish an international “Life Science Hub”. The programme ended in July 2022.A follow-up project led by Lund University will begin soon (period 2023–2026). In the future,cluster agencies such as Life Science North will also be involved and supported to increasethe participation of industry.Yet another project is HELIOS – Helmholtz–Lund International Graduate School (fundingvolume: €8 million): Within the scope of the HELIOS project, DESY is working with theUniversities of Hamburg and Lund to establish an international graduate school in the “Photonand Nano Science” area, to run for six years. This is the first institutional cooperation betweenHamburg and Lund.repara. 8 place particular emphasis on intensifying youth and youth workers exchanges,with the aim to reach out and mobilize young people to address issues that aremost relevant to them, particularly in these difficult times;International exchange makes an important contribution to understanding by and between(young) people. International exchange, characterised by direct interaction with the people,culture and environment of another country, promotes personal development and theacquisition by (young) people of individual and intercultural skills. International exchange alsoenables people to better orient themselves in a globalised world. The establishment anddevelopment of numerous exchange programmes can thus facilitate and support a readinessto be mobile within the Baltic Sea Region. Intercultural exchange and an understanding ofother ways of life facilitates a positive approach to diversity, thus strengthening social cohesion.Through international experiences, values such as tolerance and awareness of diversity canbe strengthened and prejudices and racism counteracted, thereby indirectly contributing topeaceful coexistence.International cooperation gives specialists and teachers as well as organisers of exchangesnew stimuli for methodological and practical youth and education work, they enter into an equalexchange with their respective international partners and thus have the opportunity to questiontheir own approaches and practices. Further training on international cooperation supports thequality of national youth and education work.International exchange lays the foundations on a daily basis for the establishment andmaintenance of virtually countless long-term partnerships between organisations in therespective partner countries in the Baltic Sea Region. People make a huge contribution, mostlyon a voluntary basis, to make cross-border encounters between (young) people possible.These resilient international cooperation networks strengthen the unity of civil society as wellas the exchange of information and experience between the relevant state administrations inthe Baltic Sea Region as a whole. Cooperation and concrete meetings between peopleengender trust and mutual understanding. International exchange is thus an important tool,firstly in strengthening contact between civil societies in difficult political situations andsecondly in general to bring societies closer together.The EU Youth Dialogue is a youth participation instrument within the EU Youth Strategy. Youngpeople can exert political influence through the EU Youth Dialogue, which also enables4Hamburg Page 66participation by young people at the EU level and in the EU Member States. One of the majorconsultation and participation processes in the European Union, the EU Youth Dialogue offersyoung people and youth organisations an opportunity to exert a structural influence on politicaldecision-making processes. For instance, as part of the “Take V” project, a network of youthorganisations and the state youth authorities from Bremen, Lower Saxony, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Hamburg and Schleswig-Holstein, youth conferences have beenorganised since 2010 to bring young people and politicians together. The participants have theopportunity to express their opinions and thus help shape political processes. The results arerecorded so that, during later events, new participants can find out how the proposals havebeen followed-up. The “TAKE FIVE for Europe” project is ongoing. In 2022 the Youth Dialoguewas successfully hosted by Schleswig-Holstein as its own contribution to the “European Yearof Youth 2022” under the banner Take 5 - #CreateyourEurope.re extend sustainable tourism, and enable more climate-friendly travel based onprogrammes which promote this trendpara. 9Sustainability in all three dimensions (ecological, social and economic) plays an important rolein tourism in Hamburg. Through its activities, Hamburg Tourismus GmbH strengthens theawareness of Hamburg as a sustainable tourist destination and supports tourism businessesin the process of increasing their sustainability. On the website, in brochures, campaigns or onthe app, tips are given on sustainable arrival/departure, retail, catering, accommodation andleisure facilities. The “Hamburg CARD Green” city card brings together sustainable offerings,thus making it possible to experience sustainability in Hamburg.Through our marketing and sales cooperation with Deutsche Bahn (German railways), touristsare motivated to use the train as a climate-friendly way to travel to Hamburg. In addition to theexisting direct rail connections between Hamburg and Copenhagen, there will be a daily directsleeper service between Hamburg and Stockholm, operated all year by Swedish railways. Inbusiness tourism, Hamburg is an increasingly attractive conference location for Scandinavians,also due to its good accessibility by environmentally friendly means of transport.As a multiplier for the tourism industry, Hamburg Tourismus GmbH is also in close contact withtourism businesses and, in cooperation with a network of sustainable players in the City ofHamburg, works towards a stronger commitment to sustainability on the part of the businessesconcerned.re reconsider as a strong sign of unity particularly in times of war and crisis duringthe upcoming years a resumption of the Baltic Sea States Summits of our headspara. 10of governments;The Senate supports a resumption of summits by the heads of government of the Baltic Seastates.5Hamburg Page 67Regarding Democracy, human rights and freedom of expression to (paragraphs 11-18)re continue implementing with particular vigour the calls for action and demandscontained in the 30th BSPC Resolution in regard to democracy, human rightspara. 11and freedom of expression, particularly in times of war and crisis;The Senate is clearly committed to the calls for action contained in the 30th BSPC Resolutionwith regard to democracy, human rights and freedom of expression. This applies in particularto measures to counter hate and abuse on social media, the targeted promotion of medialiteracy among school pupils, and support for independent, pluralistic media in the digitaltransformation.re consistently and resolutely counter the growing threat to the democraticcommunity posed by the disinformation campaigns as well as war propagandapara. 12initiated by the Russian government and other state and non-state actors;Disinformation is false or misleading information that is deliberately spread. This can bedisseminated by a foreign power in order to bring illegitimate influence to bear on another stateor states. Its aims may be to confuse the public about the factual situation, fostering socialtension and stirring up mistrust in state institutions, for example. Responsibility for clarifyingdisinformation used for the aforementioned purposes by a foreign state lies with the Office forthe Protection of the Constitution, but not the combating of such disinformation. Combatingdisinformation must be a broad-based effort by other bodies that destroys the basis of the falsenarratives effectively and factually, labels them as systematic falsehoods and in additionclassifies the disinformation campaign in an explanatory way for the target audience.Recognising disinformation is among the skills that the “#UseTheNews” initiative is designedto foster. The City of Hamburg supports the undertaking by the news agency Deutsche PressAgentur and many respected media businesses. Producing suitable teaching materials andrunning training for teachers are among its activities.Disinformation campaigns by the Russian government and other state and non-state players –especially via social media – pose a significant threat to the democratic community. TheSenate is therefore clearly committed to combating such disinformation campaigns. Anexample of this is the commitment to curbing so-called “social bots”. Since closer examinationof the topic has shown that fake news can best be contained by tackling the way in which it isdisseminated (largely through computer programmes – so-called social bots), the focus hasturned to these social bots. Hamburg has also participated actively in the development of theNetwork Enforcement Act (Netzwerkdurchsetzungsgesetz), which obliges website operatorsto have an effective and transparent procedure for dealing with complaints that is easilyrecognisable, directly accessible and permanently available to users. Content, which isobviously illegal, must as a rule be removed within 24 hours of a complaint being received.Additionally, the Senate supports local media companies in the digital transformation in avariety of ways and fosters media literacy among school pupils as part of the “Education in thedigital world” strategy. These measures also work to counter the success of disinformationcampaigns.re acknowledge the importance of freedom of press for democracy and democraticdevelopment;para. 136Hamburg Page 68The freedom of the press, broadcasting and other media is of paramount importance fordemocracy and democratic development. Creating and maintaining a productive workingenvironment for independent, pluralistic media is essential for Hamburg as one of the leadingmedia centres in Germany.The Senate therefore supports local media companies in the digital transformation in a varietyof ways. These include the promotion of new business models at the interface of content andtechnology as well as support for education and training institutions.The Senate also supports the Germany-wide “#UseTheNews” initiative. Leading players fromthe media, academia and the education system have come together here to respond to thethreat of a digital split with regard to news and information skills.Recognising that freedom of the press and freedom of expression are essential for freecommunication and democratic discourse, the Senate regularly works to ensure that thesefreedoms are not endangered and that their special importance is generally recognised.Hamburg is one of the places in Germany where this is particularly visible.Among other things, high-profile events are held here, such as the annual conference of the“Netzwerk Recherche”, the “Exile Media Forum” and the “Free Media Awards”. The Senatesupported the “Global Investigative Journalism Conference”, which was held in Hamburg in2019, with a poster campaign on the value of a free press. These and other measures areongoing in order to consolidate Hamburg’s role in the battle for freedom of the press.re specifically counteract any deterioration of working conditions in media and freereporting; in countries where problems have evolved, to initiate and promotepara. 14targeted protective measures for the work of the media, including education andtraining for journalists, to secure safe working conditions for the media;Hamburg is one of Germany’s leading media centres with numerous media companies andjournalistic training institutions. These play a significant role in fostering the high standard ofjournalism in Germany.re consider different ways of promoting democracy-building efforts in Russia andin other countries, for example by supporting civil society in exile;para. 15The Senate has suspended all official relations with St Petersburg. Nevertheless, the criticismexpressed is not directed against that part of Russian civil society that opposes the war. Thus,the Senate continues to support civil society cooperations such as the “Rainbow Exchange”between The Hamburg Lesbian and Gay Association and Russian partner organisations nowin exile.re strengthen particularly in times of war and crisis efforts to increase confidencein democratic structures and values, promote tolerance and open-mindedness,para. 16freedom of the media and expression, and robust NGOs as cornerstones ofdemocracies in the Baltic Sea Region;Public trust in democratic structures and values is indispensable for living together in ademocratic community. The rule of law, exhaustive legal protection and a functioning,independent judiciary promote trust in democratic structures. Hamburg therefore advocates an7Hamburg Page 69extension of the scope of legal protection by enabling class actions in labour and consumerprotection law.Standing up for democratic structures and values in keeping with the free and democraticconstitutional system is a fundamental part of policing. The police, as the executors of thestate’s monopoly on the use of force, are under a special obligation to uphold the principles ofequality and tolerance.Regarding the requested information on measures to strengthen public confidence indemocracy and promote tolerance and open-mindedness, freedom of the media andexpression, the main focuses in the remit of the Hamburg police include the following: Guaranteeing the right of assembly as a cornerstone of freedom of expression andopen democracy Combating and preventing politically motivated criminality and hate crime Participating in the Germany-wide intensification of combating online hate (BKA CentralReporting Office Internet) Local prevention of online hate and incitement through police press and public affairswork, especially on social media Participation in local, interdepartmental measures and concepts to combat all forms ofextremism and, finally, Measures to continue to increase public trust in the security authorities (incl. trainingand continuing training of new recruits with the aim of democratic resilience, a newconcept for police complaint management with the goal of improved handling of policemisconduct as well as corresponding analysis and early warning with regard to possibleundesirable developments).The Senate is pursuing the goal of strengthening social cohesion, fostering trust in democraticstructures, mutual respect and the recognition of diversity with various interlocking strategiesfor action.1In its regional programme to promote democratic culture, and prevent and combat right-wingextremism – “Hamburg – City of Courage” (publication 20/9849) and its 2019 update(publication 21/18643), the Senate thus emphasises the widely held fundamentalunderstanding of preserving and promoting tolerance and democratic coexistence as a taskfor society as a whole.2The Senate regards the prevention and combating of an ideology of inequality and group-related misanthropy in all its forms to be a permanent task for the state and civil society andexplicitly supports the existing commitment by civil society to democratic coexistence andagainst misanthropy, racism and discrimination.The central goals of Hamburg’s regional programme are:• Strengthening awareness of the threat posed by right-wing extremist attitudes andviolence• Fostering willingness to take a public stand in favour of a democratic society andhuman rights, and• Fostering solidarity with disadvantaged groups and in particular for groups affectedby marginalisation and denigration.1 See Zusammenhalt in Hamburg stärken - Strategien für Vielfalt, Respekt und ein gutesZusammenleben - hamburg.de.2 See Hamburg - Stadt mit Courage. Landesprogramm gegen Rechtsextremismus Hamburg -hamburg.de8Hamburg Page 70The regional programme forms the interdepartmental basis for action for this cross-sectionaltask for all the Hamburg ministries and also lists the specialised and advisory centres itsupports, which complement the state’s regular structures. These are organised by civil societyand support institutions, organisations and individuals in countering and dismantling right-wingextremism, racism and anti-Semitism. They have been considerably expanded and refinedover the past 10 years and will continue to be developed further in line with demand.3In addition to advising those affected, the funded projects use their public relations work toprovide information on various forms of racism, such as anti-Muslim racism, anti-Black racism,and racism against Roma and Sinti, and raise awareness of the various forms of structural(everyday) racism as part of their training and education work.re protect the rights and ensure the safety of refugees, ethnic minorities, LGBTQpeople, women, children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups who arepara. 17particularly at risk in times of war and threatened by intolerant attitudes;The Senate ensures protection and support for the listed groups in Hamburg. Based on theconcept for combating violence against women and girls, human trafficking and violence incare, various violence prevention, support, protection and counselling services are providedfor all those affected by violence in Hamburg, regardless of their residence status or sexualidentity or orientation. Since 2016, protection concepts have been mandatory for all state-runrefugee accommodation that also take into account the needs of children living there. Forrefugees affected by violence there are additional sheltered accommodation options in state-run accommodation. Refugees from the LGBTQI communities who are in danger of or subjectto violence in state-run accommodation on account of their sexual orientation or identity canbe placed in private accommodation through the Abrigo project supported by the Senate.re defend sexual and reproductive autonomy and respect the right to reproductivehealth;para. 18In Hamburg, publicly funded independent and denominational advice centres offer acomprehensive, low-threshold, culturally sensitive counselling service on all questions relatingto sexuality, pregnancy and reproductive health. This provision also includes treatmentopportunities for specific target groups who are insufficiently covered by the regular system(e.g. people with no health insurance or women with disabilities). Women on low incomes canobtain free contraception from certain advice centre.In addition, as part of the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, the Hamburg Senatesupports facilities for various target groups, such as men who have sex with other men, andprostitutes. Encouraging self-determination and empowerment is the determining basis of thework of the facilities and a basic prerequisite for successful prevention at the behavioural andrelationship level.3 See Hamburg gegen Rechtsextremismus, Rassismus und Antisemitismus - hamburg.de9Hamburg Page 71Regarding climate change mitigation, preserving biodiversity and adapting to climatechange to (paragraphs 19-32)With regard to paragraphs 19–21: No statement due to the fact that the issue is not relevantto Hamburg or that the national level is responsible.re intensify all efforts and cooperate closely in several fields at the same time toobtain the chance of limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-para. 22-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C25above pre-industrial levels through the rapid, comprehensive expansion ofrenewable energies and their technologies, by the reduction of emissions, lessenergy use, increased energy efficiency at the same time as strengthening andincreasing natural sinks for CO2 and research and development of innovativeand sustainable technologies;particularly in those countries that are still more dependent on domestic andimported fossil energy sources and uranium imports, push forward the use ofzero and low emission renewable energies from domestic sources and in thelong-term those imported from democratic and reliable partner countries incombination with innovative applications of hydrogen and hydrogen derivativeson the basis of renewable energies in industry and commerce as well as in theheating and mobility sector, in order to achieve their own, affordable, moreindependent and resilient energy security and energy sovereignty and at thesame time to contribute to the achievement of the climate goals;cooperate with countries that are most dependent on fossil fuels and uraniumimports from Russia in their efforts to switch to more reliable and environmentallyfriendly energy sources;widely deploy the extensive existing low-cost and efficient renewable energygeneration technologies, and effectively and significantly boost even moreintensive research as well as the introduction and deployment of innovativegreen solutions, particularly in green hydrogen technologies, and develop as fastas possible hydrogen strategies and road maps to complement the Europeanhydrogen strategy and the new green deal and bring by joint efforts and closecooperation the Baltic Sea Region in a pole position in green transition;The Senate is making huge efforts to reduce CO2 emissions and bring about the energytransition. Measured against the 1990 baseline, a reduction in CO2 emissions by about 35%has already been achieved.With the Hamburg Climate Plan, the Senate has an overall CO2 reduction goal and sector-specific goals for industry, commerce, trade, services, private households and transport,tasking the ministries responsible with implementing the necessary measures. In the ClimateAct adopted in 1990, consideration of mitigating and adapting to climate change is amainstream responsibility.The Hamburg Climate Plan and the Hamburg Climate Act are currently being revised in orderto redouble efforts on the climate. Among planned changes to the Hamburg Climate Act arefurther regulatory standards on the use of renewable energy. Subject to further expertconsultation and the approval of the Hamburg Parliament, the goal of Hamburg’s climate policywill be to achieve CO2 neutrality by 2045 at the latest in line with federal guidelines. This willentail considerable heavy lifting for the city and a fundamental transformation of society andbusiness. The development of consistent climate policy monitoring is important here so as tobe able to make adjustments quickly enough.10Hamburg Page 72Climate neutrality is to be achieved by applying the following levers in particular: More energy-efficient refurbishment and increased heat supply via renewableenergies in Hamburg‘s building stock Far-reaching decarbonisation of grid-based heat supply and the phase-out of coal-fired generation by 2030 at the latest Expansion of public transport and strengthening of the environmental alliance. By2030 the “Hamburg-Takt” (Hamburg frequency) should enable every Hamburgresident to reach a mobility service within five minutes. Electrification of private vehicle traffic and expansion of charging infrastructure Decarbonisation of industry and establishment of a hydrogen economy Expansion of renewable energy generation, especially through more wind turbinesand photovoltaics. Remaining residual emissions to be offset by technical and natural sinks.re concerning sea-dumped munitions, also in the current times of war continueunabated in close cooperation with HELCOM and CBSS to strengthen effortspara. 26exploring, identifying, recovering and neutralising explosive ordnance in theBaltic Sea with concrete measures through multinational cooperation accordingto the 28th, 29th and 30th BSPC Resolutions as well as the interim and final BSPCrapporteur’s reports on sea-dumped munitions and establish the Baltic SeaRegion as a global model region for the environmentally sound, rapid andaffordable salvage and decontamination and removal of explosive ordnancedumped in the sea;The Senate supports the “screening” of ordnance-typical pollutants and the site-specific surveyof the state of preservation of sea-dumped munitions envisaged on the basis of the resolutionsof the Conference of Environment Ministers. This will provide all stakeholders with thenecessary technical basis for starting environmentally sound salvage and final destruction.Research and technological developments in recent years have provided many insights intothe interdisciplinary understanding of the overall topic. In addition, new analytical and technicalmethods have been developed and are ready for testing and application.With regard to paragraph 27: No statement due to the fact that the issue is not relevant toHamburg or that the national level is responsible.re implement methods of nature-friendly farming and actively phase out the use ofsynthetic pesticides and fertilizers by local farmers as well as allocate funds topara. 28researching into less hazardous alternatives, and make sure that the policies arewell connected to science;The City of Hamburg has an utilisable agricultural area of about 14,600 ha. Approx. 1,583 hawere farmed organically in 2021. That corresponds to an organic share of 10.8%.It is the ambition of the Hamburg Senate to continue to promote organic farming within theframework of the Organic Action Plan and the Agricultural Policy Concept 2025. Moreover, thecoalition partners in the Hamburg Parliament have resolved to achieve a share of 20–25% ofecologically managed agricultural land within the current legislative period.11Hamburg Page 73With regard to paragraphs 29 and 30: No statement due to the fact that the issue is not relevantto Hamburg or that the national level is responsible.re promote the building of facilities from recycled materials to develop regulationsregarding the re-use of construction materials, establish plans for the re-use ofpara. 31materials as a requisite for demolition permits as part of the effort of findingsustainable supply lines along the Baltic Sea and to introduce public bail systemsfor plastic bottles in the Baltic Sea Region and furthermore support cascadinguse in every possible field;The European Green Deal and the EU Circular Economy Action Plan both have thereorientation and radical transformation of the economy towards greater resource efficiencyand circularity as their goal. The avoidance of waste, long-lasting, reparable products, andclosing gaps in material cycles through high-quality recycling are significant elements on thepath to better protection of the environment and the climate and to conservation of naturalresources.Hamburg is building on the EU’s strategic reorientation. The goal must be to increasinglydecouple economic growth from resource consumption.Considerable potential is offered here by the building industry. The recycling of buildingmaterials could greatly reduce the sector’s carbon footprint. Hamburg aims to set a goodexample here by committing itself, including its municipal enterprises, to increasing the use ofrecycled building materials wherever environmental and constructional considerations do notpreclude this. The “UmweltPartnerschaft Hamburg” (Hamburg partnership for the environment)also supports voluntary measures by the business community towards more circularity in orderto avoid waste, increase recycling rates and further expand the sustainable recycling ofproducts in the future.Since 2003 Germany has imposed a mandatory deposit on single-use packaging. From 1January 2023, there will also be an obligation for final distributors of single-use plastic foodpackaging to offer reusable packaging, thereby incorporating into national law one element ofthe EU Directive on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment.The City of Hamburg is cooperating intensively with associations on informing businessesabout reusable packaging solutions.Regarding demographic challenges in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine;migration, labour market and the social welfare model to (paragraph 33)re with the highest appreciation of all decisions and actions taken so far to addressthe refugee flows from Ukraine, in particular in the most affected countries,para. 33ensure, through further comprehensive systemic and financial measures andpolicies, that related demographic structural changes and challenges related tohousing, education, child and health protection, labour market and attitudestowards incoming refugees are optimally addressed and best possible supportfor temporary stayers and inclusion for permanent stayers is guaranteed;The Senate is making every effort to provide all arriving refugees with the protection and carethey are entitled to. This comprises accommodation, integration into child day care, school andwork, as well as access to the care system, for example healthcare.Making the arrival in Germany, and in Hamburg, easier for all those who come here, asrefugees from many different parts of the world is an important concern for the Hamburg12Hamburg Page 74Senate. According to the 2017 Hamburg Integration Concept (publication 21/10281) “Wir inHamburg!” (We in Hamburg), “everyone [...] shall be able to participate without restriction inall areas of society”. Language support and migration counselling are among the centralaspects of Hamburg’s integration policy. The fundamental responsibility for these issues lieswith the federal government, but insofar as target groups are not reached by the federalgovernment’s offers, Hamburg fills these gaps from its state funds.Moreover, low-threshold advisory services provided by the Hamburg Welcome Center (e.g. aspart of information events), especially on labour market integration, have been available torefugees from Ukraine from the outset and have been frequently used. The Hamburg WelcomeCenter provides support in areas such as skills assessment and qualifications as well as joband training placements. Finally, at federal level, such as via the platform of the conference ofintegration ministers (www.integrationsministerkonferenz.de), Hamburg advocates theimprovement and expansion of existing services for all refugees.13LATVIALatvia Page 76Latvia Page 77Latvia Page 78Latvia Page 79Latvia Page 80Latvia Page 81Latvia Page 82Latvia Page 83Latvia Page 84Latvia Page 85Latvia Page 86Latvia Page 87Latvia Page 88Latvia Page 89Latvia Page 90Latvia Page 91Latvia Page 92Latvia Page 93Latvia Page 94Latvia Page 95Latvia Page 96Latvia Page 97Latvia Page 98LITHUANIALithuania Page 100ŠMSM ministerijos informacija:Cooperation in education, science, and research between the Baltic Sea region countries issupported/strengthened and promoted through a number of bilateral cooperation andmultilateral formats. A number of joint projects is implemented through the EU programmesfor education and research - Erasmus+ and Horizon2020.A special mention should be made on the Interreg Baltic Sea Region programme, where thecountries of the region participate actively. Due to the geopolitical situation and sharedcommon values corrections to the new project period were made to accommodate assistanceto Ukraine related measures. Within the framework of the project, Lithuania together withPoland and Latvia stand out for their activities to support Ukrainian education system. Thesecountries focus on measures aimed at admission of Ukrainian teachers into their nationaleducation systems, organizing tests for students, etc. While other countries, like Germany,Sweden, are more focused on managing flows of migration.Socialinės apsaugos ir darbo ministerijos informacija:Rezoliucijos punktas:Regarding Cooperation in the Region to8. place particular emphasis on intensifying youth and youth workers exchanges, with theaim to reach out and mobilize young people to address issues that are most relevant tothem, particularly in these difficult timesInformacija apie situaciją:In July 2022, Discover EU Meet-up was organised which was attended by 23 youngtravellers. The Meet-up programme focused on the topic of sustainability. The two-day eventhas been organised in a very close coordination with colleagues from Latvia and Estonia.This year, the priority of the Youth Affairs Agency is to strengthen cooperation between thenational agencies and organizations responsible for youth policy in Lithuania, Latvia, andEstonia.Rezoliucijos punktas:Regarding Democracy, human rights and freedom of expression to17. protect the rights and ensure the safety of refugees, ethnic minorities, LGBTQ people,women, children, the elderly and other vulnerable groups who are particularly at risk intimes of war and threatened by intolerant attitudes;Informacija apie situaciją:Increasing income and all kinds of pensions, social benefits, compensation for heating costsfor housing for a wider range of recipients, development and accessibility of social services,changes in the country's employment system, real opportunities for people with disabilitiesto establish themselves in the open labour market, better opportunities for parents toreconcile family and work obligations, and, after having a child, the opportunity to choosethe duration of parental leave and receive a decent allowance – these are the main initiativesperformed by the Lithuanian Government in the past period, which will continue in thefuture. It is planned to fundamentally change the identification of disability and the policy ofsocial inclusion of people with disabilities in the country.Income growth. In 2022, the basic amount of the official salary increased by 4 euros. In2023, the basic amount of the official salary is growing from 181 to 186 euros. This is themost significant increase in the basic salary since 2009.The increase in the basic amount of the official salary affects the salaries of civil servants,employees, politicians, officials, soldiers, judges of state and municipal budgetaryinstitutions, – more than 200 thousand population of the country working in the publicsector.The inclusion of the unemployed in the labour market. Since July 2022, the reform ofthe country's employment system has been implemented. This will help to ensure betterquality services for employers and people looking for a job, while working people will have1Lithuania Page 101more opportunities to strengthen their competences, learn and acquire high value-addedqualifications.The situation of each long-term unemployed person is resolved individually, they areprovided with services that help prepare for the labour market, and for those suffering fromaddictions, caring for loved ones, those with debts or other social problems – in 45municipalities, professional complex assistance is already provided according to a specialemployment model. The aim is to reconcile the provision of employment promotion andmotivation services and monetary social assistance, to increase the social integration ofunemployed persons with many problems – social autonomy, motivation to work,professional competences.The changes in the country's employment system aim to bring the employment rate of thepopulation to reach 78% in 2025 and 80.7% in 2030.Since the beginning of 2023, new preventive measures are helping people withdisabilities to get a job in the open labour market, such as accompanying employmentassistance, support for adapting the workplace and the working environment, and the helpof a work assistant. The aim is to have 39% of people with disabilities working by 2025 and47% by 2030.In preparation for the implementation of the changes, the Employment Service doubled thenumber of case managers providing services to people with disabilities by 107, together withnon-governmental organizations for people with disabilities, trained them.Pensions and social benefits are increasing. From the beginning of 2023, pensions andsocial benefits are increasing. The gross part of the pension is increasing by about 9%, whilethe individual part of the pension is increasing by almost 15%. Compared to 2021, from2023, various social benefits for the most vulnerable residents of the country increase by aquarter (23 per cent), while welfare pensions – by almost a third (30 per cent).Almost one in five Lithuanian households reached compensation for heating andwater costs. In 2022, on average, about 153.6 thousand persons received compensationfor heating and water costs of housing per month, which is 5.5 per cent of the totalpopulation of the country. The total (unique) number of recipients during this periodamounted to about 367.8 thousand persons or 13.2% of the total population of the country.17% of all households in the country benefited from this support. In 2022, compared to2021, the average number of recipients per month increased by about 53%, and the cost ofproviding compensation more than tripled, from almost 20 million to almost 73 million euros.Services for families are being strengthened, preventive social services have beenestablished. Since July 2022, a new type of social services has appeared – preventivesocial services. Preventive social services are provided to all individuals (families,communities) in order to strengthen their ability to independently take care of their livesand participate in society, to promote the social inclusion of the community and tostrengthen the knowledge and skills of the individual (family) in order to avoid theemergence of possible social problems and social risks in the future. The services are freeof charge and are available to all individuals and families and communities.For those who are victims of violence – emergency care, protection and services.Expeditious protection of people experiencing or have experienced domestic violence, high-quality and effective services for them, a protection order against violence, accreditation ofspecialized complex assistance – the Seimas has adopted amendments to the Law onProtection from Domestic Violence, which provide for this, which will come into force from 1July 2023. It is expected that these innovations will reduce crimes against human life andhealth, strengthen the prevention of such criminal acts, and increase society's intoleranceof domestic violence. The aim is that by 2030, as many as 95% of society will not justifyviolence. Nowadays, 89% do not justify domestic violence, and 17% can justify variousforms of violence in certain situations.Rezoliucijos punktas:18. defend sexual and reproductive autonomy and respect the right to reproductive health;Informacija apie situaciją:Recently, Lithuania launched an international campaign "Rape is a war crime", which aimsto raise awareness of sexual violence in war zones and provide support to victims. This is a2Lithuania Page 102partnership between the Ukrainian Women's Lawyers' Association "JurFem", the LithuanianCentre against Trafficking and Exploitation in Human Beings and the Faculty of Law of VilniusUniversity, which aims to encourage women and men who have survived sexual violenceduring the war in Ukraine or people who are aware of these cases to anonymously reportsuch war crimes. Also get professional, free, and confidential help.Representatives of the United Nations have confirmed more than a hundred sexual crimescommitted by the Russian armed forces in Ukraine. In September, 43 criminal cases wereopened, and the age of the victims ranges from 4 to 82 years.Rezoliucijos punktas:Regarding demographic challenges in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine;migration, labour market and the social welfare model to33. with the highest appreciation of all decisions and actions taken so far to address therefugee flows from Ukraine, in particular in the most affected countries, ensure, throughfurther comprehensive systemic and financial measures and policies, that relateddemographic structural changes and challenges related to housing, education, child andhealth protection, labour market and attitudes towards incoming refugees are optimallyaddressed and best possible support for temporary stayers and inclusion for permanentstayers is guaranteed;Informacija apie situaciją:In our country, round-the-clock emergency response services to child violence are currentlyin force. The safety of children is ensured through a timely response to violations ofchildren's rights, rapid decision-making, central management, and coordination of thesystem for the protection of children's rights. The policy on the protection of children's rightsfocuses on the provision of support and services to the family, while the removal of the childfrom the family is applied only in the event of an extremely difficult situation in the familyand the use of other means.In Lithuania, non-governmental organizations that provide services to children and familiesin times of crisis are constantly financially supported. Much attention is paid to informingthe public and encouraging them not to commit violence.We are concerned not only about the children of Lithuania, but also of Ukraine, who havealready suffered from so many deaths, changes of residence, losses. More than 23 thousandUkrainian children have reached our country. We pay special attention to unaccompaniedminors, strive to ensure a safe stay in Lithuania and all the help they need. We haveamended the legislation so that we can more quickly appoint a representative for a childwho has fled the war in Ukraine unaccompanied by his parents, relatives.We take all necessary measures in order to effectively identify children who have come toLithuania, register them, provide children with all the information about their rights andavailable services. For children, support in the form of things, accessories and services wasprovided more than 48 thousand times a year. The organization "Save the Children"provided emotional-psychosocial support to almost 18 thousand children.Together with non-governmental organizations, we provide support and assistance to thepeople of Ukraine to help them build a safe life in Lithuania. Assistance to Ukrainian refugeesis provided by combining assistance and state funds. The state has allocated nearly 11.5million euros in support of things, food products, hygiene products, various utensils. Alsosupported the affected children, pregnant women, provided other necessary assistance.Lithuania was very fortunate to receive unprecedented support from civil society for theintegration of Ukrainian refugees. The people of Lithuania, the Government, municipalities,and non-governmental organizations help the Ukrainians with all their might, provide thenecessary support and assistance. About 10% of the accommodation was provided by stateinstitutions and municipalities, more than 50 percent of Ukrainian refugees settled in privatehomes – they found housing through the civic initiative "Strong Together" (33 thousandpeople), the rest found housing on their own.Currently, about 5 thousand individuals and legal entities in Lithuania receive compensationfor the accommodation of almost 14 thousand Ukrainians. Compensation will be paid untilthe end of 2023. The amount of compensation for providing housing on a lending basis forUkrainians depends on how many people are accommodated. For one Ukrainian3Lithuania Page 103accommodated, 150 euros are paid, for each subsequent one, accommodated in the samedwelling - 50 euros per month. The amount of the payment does not depend on where inLithuania the housing in which Ukrainians are accommodated is located.The number of Ukrainians entering the Lithuanian labour market is growing rapidly. About53% of Ukrainians of working age, i.e. more than 17 thousand people, have already founda job in Lithuania. This is the highest employment rate for Ukrainian refugees among EUmember states. Most employers employ Ukrainians indefinitely. Close cooperation betweenthe Employment Service, municipalities and employers is ensured. The Employment Serviceorganizes work fairs and invites employers from individual sectors and Ukrainians who havejust arrived in Lithuania, thus accelerating the process of their integration.Ukrainian war refugees work in all Lithuanian municipalities, almost one in three – in Vilnius.In total, there are currently about 68 thousand Ukrainians in Lithuania: children, the elderly,people of working age. Since the beginning of the war, the Employment Service has helpedto employ about 11.5 thousand Ukrainians, and another 1.7 thousand jobs are offered forthem.Efforts are being made to ensure that Ukrainians live as close as possible to possible jobsand educational institutions for their children. In order to create opportunities for mothersto look for work, non-governmental organizations additionally organize children's day care.The Ministry of Education, Science and Sports also initiated Sunday schools in Ukrainian.There is no municipality in Lithuania where Ukrainian war refugees have not settled, at leastfor a short time. Although most settled in Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda, all local communitiesfaced new experiences and helped the settlers.The implementation of Lithuania's national plan for responding to the situation ofUkrainian refugees is being launched. It will provide an opportunity for non-governmental organizations operating in Lithuania and representatives of internationalorganizations to attract more funds in order to contribute to the efforts of Lithuanian societyin receiving and integrating Ukrainian refugees.The United Nations refugee agency UNHCR already in 2022 began to coordinate actionsthroughout the region to take care of refugees from Ukraine in Europe. In 2023, Lithuaniaalso joins this common platform.Lithuania is included in the comprehensive Regional Plan for responding to the refugeesituation in Ukraine, covering 10 countries. A total of 10 humanitarian organisations, bothUN agencies and national NGOs and civil society organisations, developed the plan. This planaims to complement the Government's targeted protection and support measures inLithuania in response to the refugee situation due to the situation in Ukraine.In order to complement the response led by the Lithuanian Government, non-governmentaland international organizations in Lithuania will have the opportunity to receive more fundsfor the necessary support in the most important areas, such as basic needs, food security,housing, health, protection and livelihoods. The aim is to provide dignified assistance, toexpand social and economic opportunities and to improve social cohesion, both for therefugees from Ukraine who are already here and for the newcomers.UNHCR and partners are seeking to secure 17.8 million USD (16.8 million EUR) to implementthe activities and response actions set out in the plan.According to the Migration Department, between 20 and 50 war refugees fromUkraine are still arriving in Lithuania today. We can say that this is the smallest influxof arrivals that we have had since the beginning of the war. Some of the Ukrainians arrivingare doing this for the second time, because when they returned to Ukraine, they did notmanage to establish themselves there. Such individuals can receive temporary protectionas war refugees. Currently, temporary protection (as war refugees) has been granted toabout 44 thousand people who came from Ukraine.Up to a thousand Ukrainians who came to Lithuania and received temporary protection, lateralready found an employer, or decided to study and received residence permits on othergrounds, there are also about 3 thousand Ukrainians who could not be recognized as warrefugees, because perhaps earlier, before the war, they arrived, but perhaps cannot returnto Ukraine due to the war.4Lithuania Page 104Vidaus reikalų ministerijos informacija:(Regarding cooperation in the region).Lithuania consistently supports and develops cooperation with the countries of the BalticSea. In the context of the challenges of recent years, we can and must act together,developing the economic and social potential of our countries, improving the infrastructure.In this regard, Lithuania together with other Baltic Sea countries participates in the EuropeanTerritorial Cooperation programmes.1) One the most important and the biggest programme is Interreg Baltic Sea RegionProgramme. This programme has carefully been aligned with the EUSBSR (EuropeanUnion Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region) and its action plan in order to maximise benefitsfor the BSR citizens.In 2014-2020 the main cooperation themes: innovation, sustainable use of natural resourcesincluding clear waters; sustainable transport. The Programme supports 140 transnationalprojects with over than 1 740 partners from all countries of the Baltic Sea Region and beyond(13 countries). 163 Lithuanian partners are involved in the projects.For the 2021-2027 programming period the main aim of Interreg Baltic Sea RegionProgramme: to put into practice innovative, water–smart and climate–neutral solutionsthrough transnational cooperation for the benefit of the citizens across the Baltic Sea region.Programme’s budget is 250 984 823 EUR. The new Programme will focus on the transitiontowards greener and more resilient societies and economies. Thematic Programmeobjectives are the following: Resilient economies and communities; Responsive publicservices; Sustainable waters (including climate change); Blue economy; Circular economy;Energy transition; Smart green mobility. Programme has four priorities: 1) Innovativesocieties (LT partners participate in 13 projects (Small and Core) and receive 3.30mln. EUR of EU support)); 2) Water-smart societies (LT partners participate in 10projects (Small and Core) and receive 3.52 mln. EUR of EU support)) and 3)Climate-neutral societies (LT partners participate in 12 projects (Small and Core)and receive 3.02 mln. EUR of EU support)). More information on Programme’s website:https://interreg-baltic.eu/2) For the new 2021-2027 programming period the main aim of Interreg Lithuania-Poland Programme: improving wellbeing of cross–border communities through cross–border cooperation and sustainable use of cultural and natural heritage of Lithuania andPoland cross-border area. The new Programme will contribute to greener Europe. One of theProgramme‘s selected priorities is promoting environmental wellbeing, selected specificobjective: Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and greeninfrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution. Budget for thispriority is 12.665 mln. EUR. More information on Programme’s website: https://lietuva-polska.eu/3) For the new 2021-2027 programming period the main aim of Interreg South BalticProgramme is “United by the Sea into action for a blue and green future. – Innovative,Sustainable, Attractive and Active South Baltic.” The main cooperation themes: InnovativeSouth Baltic – enhancing the level of innovation and internationalization of local actors;Sustainable South Baltic – promoting sustainable development and blue and greeneconomy; Attractive South Baltic – activate the tourist potential of South Baltic Area;Active South Baltic – improving cooperation governance. More information is onProgramme’s website: https://southbaltic.eu/.4) For the new 2021-2027 programming period the main aim of Interreg Latvia andLithuania Programme supports sustainable and modern/ up–to date solutions for jointgrowth and development, attracting travellers and tourists visiting and observing our natural5Lithuania Page 105and cultural values, making local inhabitants willing to stay as well as welcoming new–comers to come and build their future in the border area. The main cooperation fields: (1)the demographics, territory and governance, (2) the nature and climate, (3) the socialinclusion and (4) tourism. More information is on Programme’s website: https://latlit.eu/.Teisingumo ministerijos informacija:(Regarding Democracy, human rights and freedom of expression)Lithuania acknowledges the importance to strengthen and protect human rights andfreedoms particularly in the current geopolitical context and the Russia’s aggression waragainst Ukraine. Therefore, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania is accelerating itsefforts to increase tolerance within the society through various human rights educationinitiatives. For example, in order to strengthen public respect for human rights and the abilityof marginalised groups to identify discrimination and other human rights violations, theMinistry of Justice of the Republic of Lithuania is funding NGO projects aiming to reduce hatespeech on the basis of nationality or sexual orientation through legal education activities.The Government of the Republic of Lithuania views national and international NGOs andhuman rights institutions as valuable partners. Thus, open discussions on various legislativetopics as well as the implementation of the recommendations from internationalorganisations are organised.Moreover, the Government of the Republic of Lithuania is advancing various actions takento ensure equality through legislation by including the provisions enhancing the rights andfreedoms of ethnic minorities into the laws governing various areas of life (e.g., Law onEducation, Law on Public Administration, Law on the National Radio and Television ofLithuania, Law on Equal Opportunities, etc.).In 2021, the Minister of Justice adopted amendments to the Order “On the Approval of theOrder of the Amendment of the Name and Surname”. These amendments establish aneffective administrative procedure for persons who are diagnosed with gender identitydisorder to change their names and surnames so that they correspond to their chosengender. Therefore, a person who has been diagnosed with transsexuality can change theirname and surname if they want to have it in the form characteristic to another sex,administratively, without medical confirmation of gender reassignment.6MECKLENBURG-VORPOMMERNMecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 107Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 108Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)STATE PARLIAMENT OF MECKLENBURG-VORPOMMERN Printed paper 8/21068th electoral term 26 April 2023STATEMENTby the State Government of Mecklenburg-VorpommernRegarding the Implementation of the Resolution Adopted by the 31st Baltic SeaParliamentary Conference(Stockholm, 12–14 June 2022)In the following statement, the State Government of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern reports on theimplementation status of the resolution adopted by the 31st Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference,which took place on 12–14 June 2022 in Stockholm, Sweden.Herewith the State Government fulfils the request of the State Parliament to submit the respectivereport by 31 March 2023.1The statement only covers those areas, which are within the competence of the State Governmentor are viewed to possess overriding importance for Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.Forwarded together with the letter from the Head of the State Chancellery from 8 April 2022.The Ministry of Science, Culture, Federal and European Affairs is the lead ministry.1 See Landtagsdrucksache 8/1496 from 26 October 2022 in conjunction with Landtagsdrucksache 6/4498from 15 September 2015.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 109Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)The participants, elected representatives from the states of the Baltic Sea Region assembling inStockholm on 14 June 2022 call on the Governments in the Baltic Sea Region, the CBSS andthe EU,Regarding Cooperation in the Region toItem Statement by the State Government ofResolution TextNo. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern1 adopt and initiate all necessary Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is a democratic andmeasures ensuring the security of cosmopolitan federal state that explicitlyour peoples and the defence of represents the values of freedom, solidarity,our values and democracies; equality and respect. All government work isguided by these values and their defencereadiness of freedom, solidarity and respect. Thestate is a key location for the defence of theFederal Republic and NATO. Nowhere inGermany are more Bundeswehr soldiersstationed per inhabitant than in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern ishome to the Naval Command, the highestauthority in the German Navy, and is the locationof another naval arsenal. Bundeswehr membersfrom Mecklenburg-Vorpommern secure NATO'seastern flank in Lithuania and Slovakia.The Minister President visited NATOheadquarters in Brussels on 27 September 2022,accompanied by the Minister of the Interior,Construction and Digitalisation of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, to find out about the accessionstatus of Finland and Sweden, among otherthings. The fact that two more partner countriesin the Council of the Baltic Sea States will nowjoin NATO is welcomed by the State Governmentas a contribution to the stabilisation of thedemocratic Baltic Sea region.2 continue with all efforts supporting In a sign of solidarity with Ukraine, the:Ukraine in defence of their peopleand democratic values to the - the State Chancellery suspended the long-termmaximum extent possible; regional partnership with the Leningrad Region ina letter dated 3 March 2022;- the State Parliament, in cooperation with theState Government, discontinued the financing ofthe German-Russian Partnership Association(Deutsch-Russische Partnerschaft e.V.);- the Finance Committee approved a project for astrategy fund entitled "Development Fund forHumanitarian Support to Ukraine" from theremaining funds of the financing for the German-Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 110Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)Russian Partnership Association in the amount of350,000 euros. The money will be used topromote support services for protection seekersand displaced persons, such as languagecourses, language mediation, psychosocialcounselling services, and services for childrenand young people. Furthermore, the funds will beused to finance aid transports and reconstructionprojects in Ukraine (see below);- the state government will financially support aidtransportation to Greifswald's Ukrainian twin city,Drohobych, organised by the Hanseatic City ofGreifswald in December 2022;- the Federal Council, on the initiative of theMinister President (as Chairperson), initiated awritten inquiry procedure on 31 March 2022 onthe dissolution of the German-RussianFriendship Group of the Federal Council. Themembers approved the motion without anydissenting votes. On the basis of this decision,the German-Russian Friendship Group of theFederal Council was dissolved on 8 April 2022;- the Federal Government suspended theapproval procedure for the Nord Stream 2 gaspipeline in February 2022. The Minister Presidentsupported this without reservation.The Ministry of Science, Culture, Federal andEuropean Affairs (WKM) agreed on a"Framework of Action for Dealing with Ukraine,Russia and Belarus" with the federal state'shigher education institutions as early as 15 March2022. Cooperation with Russian institutions wasreviewed, put on hold and/or terminated by thehigher education institutions. Students andacademics who have fled Ukraine have been andcontinue to be accepted and supported at thestate's higher education institutions. The Ministryprovided 50,000 euros for this purpose in 2022 aspart of a science bridge agreed with the universitymanagements. Further financial support optionsare available to the higher education institutions,e.g. as part of the funds for the integration ofrefugees (100,000 euros p.a.).The Ministry has continued to take the lead forsupport services in Ukraine. A working groupconsisting of all departments of the StateGovernment is developing steps for humanitarianassistance in Ukraine. A total of 175,000 eurosMecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 111Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)from the "Ukraine Humanitarian AssistanceDevelopment Fund" is available for this purpose.An initial total delivery by the state worthapproximately 40,000 euros was made on thebasis of the needs by the Ministry of the Interior,Construction and Digitalisation of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (here: State Office for CentralTasks and Technology of the Police, Fire andDisaster Protection Mecklenburg-Vorpommern(LPBK M-V). The transports to Ukraine werecarried out with the support of the aidorganisation SIC e.V. Schwerin. Relief goodssent on 8 February 2023 and 10 February 2023included camp beds, blankets, sleeping bags,tent ovens, hot plates, hygiene articles, reliefgoods for medical care such as protectiveoveralls and nursing gowns. On 18 February2023, the relief supplies arrived in the targetregion in Eastern Ukraine.Furthermore, the delivery of 2-3 generators worth60,000 euros is planned.The Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Sport ofMecklenburg-Vorpommern has a number ofbudget titles for the care of Ukrainian refugees:- Counselling services to promote the integrationof migrants (budget of 815,000 euros): Promotionof migration social counselling in themunicipalities and in the initial reception centreand psychosocial counselling in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Additional funds of approx.175,000 euros were made available for additionalcounselling services, especially for psychosocialcounselling services as a result of the war inUkraine;- Language and communication support services(135,000 euros): additional funding of 22,000euros to strengthen language mediationstructures for the Ukrainian/Russian languageand supplementary language courses, so-calledstarter courses. These are low-thresholdlanguage courses for initial language acquisitionand orientation for Ukrainian war displacedpersons and other refugees in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern who cannot participate in thecourses offered by the Federal Government in atimely manner. A total of 160,000 euros has beenearmarked for the starter courses in 2022;- Promotion of social integration andcoexistence (budgeted at 1 million euros): SoMecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 112Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)far, twelve additional applications (a total of 54projects) have been approved through theIntegration Fund to initiate services for theintegration of refugees and displaced personsfrom Ukraine. Additional funds amounting to177,907 euros have been approved for thispurpose.All additional funds for further services, inparticular for Ukrainian refugees, will beapproved on the basis of the 9-point package ofthe State Government from 30 March 2022 andfinanced from the additional 1 million eurosallocated for this purpose.The State Government welcomes the six knownmunicipal partnerships. These are:Drohobych - Greifswald since 2017,Truskawez - Barth since 2017,Berezivka - Witzin since 2018,Solonka - Sternberg since 2019,Koblewe - Heringsdorf since 2022,Bilohorodka - Lohmen (Mecklenburg)since 2022.The Hanseatic city of Wismar and the Ukrainiancity of Chornom-orsk have agreed to conclude atown twinning agreement soon.Many municipalities in the country are mobilisingprivate donations and organising aid shipmentsto Ukraine. Municipal partnerships stand for theEuropean idea, for commitment across nationalborders, for democracy and peace.3 intensify even more all efforts - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has traditionallyparticularly in these times of war - maintained good contacts with Poland. Theto act and react unified in regional partnerships between Mecklenburg-strengthening safety, security, Vorpommern and the voivodeships of Westpeace and regional identity based Pomerania and Pomerania are at the forefront ofon democracy, human rights, the these relations.rule of law, peacefulneighbourliness and international The development of the cross-borderlaw; metropolitan region of Stet-tin has been astrategic goal of the State Government for years.Since 2019, the state government has beenoperating the Szczecin Metropolitan Regionoffice in Anklam together with the state ofBrandenburg.On 31 March 2022, the Minister President heldtalks with the acting chargé d'affaires of theEmbassy of the Republic of Poland in Germany.With regard to the Ukrainian refugee situation,Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 113Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)the Minister President expressed great respectfor the achievements of the neighbouringcountry. The Minister President offered the twopartner regions of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern –Pomerania and West Pomerania – concreteassistance in coping with the great challenges.As a result of the Russian attack on Ukraine,integration within the democratic Baltic Searegion has become even more important. At theend of May 2022, the State Governmentestablished the MV Cooperation Council for theDemocratic Baltic Sea Region as an expert bodyto develop recommendations for action for theState Government's Baltic Sea strategy under thechairmanship of the Minister for Science, Culture,Federal and European Affairs. The basis for thework of the Cooperation Council is the commonconviction that peace and respect forinternational law, democracy, the rule of law andfreedom of opinion are the values that unite uswith our partners and form the basis forcooperation in the Baltic Sea Region.Politicians from the Baltic Sea region are alsoinvolved in the work of the Cooperation Council.For example, the fourth meeting of theCooperation Council on 23 January 2023represented an exchange with the President ofthe Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference, thePresident of the Skåne Regional Council, thePresident of the CPMR Baltic Sea Commissionand the Chairman of the Regional ExecutiveBoard of the Southwest Finland Region. Thefocus was on the importance of the regions for ademocratic and resilient Baltic Sea Region.Among other things, the functioning cooperationwith strong regions was emphasised as the basisfor a stable and democratic Baltic Sea Region.With her contribution to the Stakeholder Forum ofthe EU Baltic Sea Strategy in Lappeenranta,Finland, on 28 September 2022, the Minister forScience, Culture, Federal and European Affairsgave a visible sign of the increased importanceMecklenburg-Vorpommern attaches to thedevelopment of Baltic Sea cooperation. In theopening session, which was also attended by theFinnish Foreign Minister and the Finnish Ministerfor the Environment, the Minister for Europeemphasised the need for closer cooperation,especially in the field of energy, and called foreven better cooperation across the variouslevels, taking greater account of the central roleMecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 114Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)of the local and regional level. Furthermore, thepromotion of cooperation must be able to reactbetter to short-term needs.As in 2018, the Minister President held a jointmeeting with the Nordic ambassadors (Denmark,Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland) on 20 June2022. There were also meetings with theambassadors of Lithuania and Estonia. Inaddition to the Ukraine war, the focus and contentof the Baltic Sea Business Day (BSBD) inSeptember 2022 in Rostock were discussed (seepoint 4).With her trip to the Danish capital Copenhagenfrom 10 to 11 October 2022, the MinisterPresident built on the existing networks andactivities of the federal state in the Baltic Searegion. The aim of the trip was to further developand expand these contacts. The talks andmeetings resulted in further important points ofcontact for good cooperation in the fields ofbusiness, energy and science.Any strengthening of cooperation in thedemocratic Baltic Sea region always serves topromote the common defence of democraticvalues and peaceful coexistence.4 work together closely, decisively Although security policy is the responsibility of theand unitedly in light of the most nation-state level, successful cooperation acrossserious security crisis in the the different levels strengthens resilience in theregion in years, in order to democratic Baltic Sea states. Only throughstrengthen the cooperation of our cooperation can the full potential in the Baltic Seademocratic nations in the Baltic region be activated for innovative andSea Region and to counter the sustainable solutions to common challenges. Tothreats to European resilience this end, strong regions are needed to buildand security architecture caused bridges for exchange at the economic, scientific,by Russia’s policy and actions; cultural, and civil society levels and to promotethese activities in a targeted manner.The State Government is gearing its policytowards this task with the support of the MVCooperation Council for the Democratic BalticSea Region and the development of a strategyfor cooperation in the Baltic Sea region.As a concrete measure for strengtheningeconomic exchange, the state government heldthe “Baltic Sea Business Day – Entrepreneurs’Day” in Rostock on 22 September 2022. Themotto of the business conference was “Becomepart of a new network!” Entrepreneurs from allBaltic Sea states (with the exception of Russia)came together to discuss the topics of climate-Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 115Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)neutral business and a CO -free Baltic Sea. In2addition to economic topics, the event served todeepen contacts and political relations in theBaltic Sea region, among other things through theparticipation of embassy representatives from allstates of the democratic Baltic Sea region. Theambassadors of the Kingdom of Norway, theKingdom of Sweden and the Republic ofLithuania as well as the envoys of the Republic ofLatvia, the Republic of Estonia, and the Kingdomof Denmark took part in the event.5 in all currently necessary Securing the energy supply, the significantmeasures in the energy policies of expansion of renewable energies, and theour countries take necessary associated sustainable orientation of energydecisions in such a way that all production is the declared goal of the Statemeasures continue to be directed Government.towards focussing on energysecurity, sustainability in its smartand inclusive economic growth,development and innovation andto reach a good ecological statusof the Baltic Sea and a sound andsustainable status for theenvironment of the Baltic SeaRegion;6 tackle current and future The State Government of Mecklenburg-challenges and crises through Vorpommern strongly condemns the Russianincreased unified and joint war of aggression against Ukraine, which violatesactions, and reject the notion of international law.“might makes right” in accordancewith international law;7 even more intensify cooperation The regional identity in the Baltic Sea region andin education, science, research the shared values are part of the intellectualand culture also under the aspect foundation of the universities in Mecklenburg-of promoting elements of a Vorpommern and also influence their priorities incommon identity by shared teaching and research. The universities in thevalues; Baltic Sea region are very well networked andcooperative. A particularly relevant example ofthis is the IFZO (InterdisziplinäresForschungszentrum Ostseeraum –Interdisciplinary Research Centre Baltic SeaRegion) at the University of Greifswald.In addition, the following research projects andinstitutions deserve to be mentioned:The Fraunhofer project “European InnovationPlatform Sustainable Subsea Solutions (ISSS),”funded by Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, serves thestructured development of marine applicationswith the involvement of science, industry, andpolitics. The long-term goal is the implementationMecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 116Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)of an Important Project of Common EuropeanInterest (IPCEI) in the field of marine technology.Research institutions from Germany, Sweden,Finland, Norway, the Netherlands, and othercountries are involved. In addition to the strategicpotential in various European goals/strategies,e.g. Green Deal, European DigitalTransformation, Blue Growth Strategy, EU BalticSea Strategy, the ISSS makes a significantcontribution to sustainably securing andexpanding the EU’s global technologicalleadership role, guaranteeing resource andenergy sovereignty and – through the importantrole of the oceans in climate protection –safeguarding the security and protection ofEuropean society.The Digital Ocean Lab at the Ocean TechnologyCampus Rostock (OTC) is an underwater testfacility for marine technology in the Baltic Seathat started operations in 2021. In 2022, it wasexpanded to include the underwater test field"UXO-Garten" (UXO = Unexploded Ordnance). Itis used to develop efficient systems for thedetection of sea-dumped munitions.In the humanities, the University of Greifwald iscurrently establishing the project “Manor HouseCentre of the Baltic Sea Region”(„Herrenhauszentrum des Ostseeraumes“),which conducts research into post-medievalmanor houses from 1500 onwards in Baltic Seacountries. In order to raise awareness of thecommon historical cultural landscape of themanor economy in the Baltic Sea states,researchers integrate cultural, functional,sociological, and political aspects with the art-historical and architectural-historical questions.The extensive data collection (imaging data,documents, archival records, plans or oral historydocuments) as linked open data allows exploringsubstantive and formal connections as well astranscultural influences within Europe.The sites of the German Oceanographic MuseumFoundation – the Oceanographic Museum andthe OZEANEUM in Stralsund –combine museumculture with scientific and research projects aswell as educational goals in a cross-border andcrossliniking way. Through annual thematicspecial exhibitions and in numerous naturalscience projects, the museum acts as an initiatorand mediator for the interests of the Baltic Searegion.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 117Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)The Pomeranian State Museum Foundation inGreifswald is funded by the Federal Government,the State Government and the University andHanseatic City of Greifswald. Against thebackdrop of Pomerania's eventful history, it canonly operate in close cooperation with Polish andScandinavian institutions. With this in mind, ascientific advisory board has been appointed forthe creation of the Landesmuseum (FederalState Museum), with representatives fromPoland, Sweden and Denmark. In addition toshowcasing Pomeranian regional and culturalhistory, the new museum also represents ameeting point – as a forum in the Baltic Searegion – for cross-border projects, especially foryouth work.Lively cultural cooperation takes place in thestate-funded Künstlerhaus Lukas in Ahrenshoop,which supports professional artists in the fields ofvisual arts, literature, dance and composition byawarding residency grants. Ahrenshoop invitesguests from partner institutions in NorthernEurope. Up to seven scholarship holders can liveand work here simultaneously. The partners inthe international exchange programme includesuch art and cultural institutions as the BalticCentre for Writers and Translators inVisby/Gotland (Sweden), the Grafische WerkstattOdense (Denmark), or the artists’ centre MoKs(Estonia).In addition, there are numerous long-standinginternational cooperations and diverse tiesbetween cultural associations and institutions inMecklenburg-Vorpommern and the Baltic Searegion, which find public expression in festivals,for example, and are supported by the culturalfunding of the federal state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.- The umbrella brand "Musikland Mecklenburg-Vorpommern" (Music Land Mecklenburg-Vorpommern), which includes the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Festivals (Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) and a number of other festivalsthat are important for the culture of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern;- One example of a successful initiative is theUsedom Music Festival. It is one of the mostimportant and successful yearly projects in theBaltic Sea region. The festival has developed intoa significant economic factor on the island ofMecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 118Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)Usedom. In this context, the joint initiative “BalticYouth Philharmonic” of the Usedom MusicFestival deserves special mention. The orchestrabrings together 70 talented music students fromacross the Baltic Sea region. Since itsestablishment in 2008, the Baltic SeaPhilharmonic has been bringing together themost talented musicians from the Baltic Seastates.- The association “polenmARkT e. V.” organisesthe annual Polish Culture Days in Greifswald andthe surrounding area. This is the largest festivalof Polish culture in Germany. It takes placeregularly in November.- The Greifswald Festival “Nordischer Klang” isorganised by the “Kulturverein Nordischer Klange.V.,” which is associated with the Institute forFinnish and Scandinavian Studies at theUniversity of Greifswald. It is organised since1991 and takes place annually in May. Thecultural festival “Nordischer Klang” is the largestannual festival for Northern European culture inGermany, encompassing a colourful mixture ofinter- and transcultural as well as interdisciplinaryprojects (music, stage art, exhibitions, readings,films, children's programmes, and lectures fromthe five Nordic countries, but also from the otherBaltic Sea countries).- The FiSH Short Film Festival has been takingplace as a spring event in Rostock's city harboursince 2004. Since 2005, FiSH has been taking alook at the young film scene of various Baltic Seastates, presenting the artistic diversity of youngfilm cultures and cooperating with partnerfestivals such as Novemberfestivalen (Sweden),the Next Film Festival (Denmark), and the NordicYouth Film Festival (Norway).The cross-border programmes of Europeanterritorial cooperation (INTERREG) also promotecultural diversity and exchange in the Baltic Searegion.The Rostock Art Gallery (Kunsthalle Rostock)possesses special symbolic significance forcultural cooperation with the countries of theBaltic region. Established in 1969 in the contextof the Baltic Sea Weeks, which had beenorganised by the GDR since 1958 as anexhibition venue for the biennials of the BalticSea countries, the Kunsthalle continues thistradition. On the occasion of the reopening of theMecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 119Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)Kunsthalle Rostock after extensive renovation insummer 2023, the project titled “Review BalticSea Biennale. The Democratic Space" will revivethis format of international artistic exchange withthe financial support of the federal state.Increasing prosperity requires access to goodeducation and training for all, an effective andinclusive welfare system, and a well-functioninglabour market. The latter supports geographical,occupational, and socio-economic mobility. In theBaltic Sea region, there are two particular relatedconsiderations:The labour markets of some EU member statesin the Baltic Sea region suffer in particular fromhigh youth unemployment. At the same time,many sectors, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises, are experiencing a shortage ofqualified workers. This indicates that education isnot adapted to the needs of the regional labourmarkets in all countries. At the same time, youngpeople without formal secondary education facelong-term unemployment as well as socialexclusion or poverty.In addition, it is crucial for improving sciencecooperation that new jobs are created primarilyby new or young companies, start-ups andSMEs. Talented people with entrepreneurialmindsets need to be recruited early on in schooland university, and their interest and businessskills need to be supported throughout theireducation. Entrepreneurial skills need to bepromoted at all levels of education. Here, BalticSea cooperation, the exchange of ideas andexperiences of the different models of promotinginnovation and technology transfer, or theestablishment of think tanks and clusters canprovide important impulses.Educational cooperation with a focus onpromoting common values and identity was mostrecently evident at the 13th meeting of theCommittee for Educational Cooperation of theGerman-Polish Intergovernmental Commissionfor Regional and Cross-border Cooperation.During the discussion of current challenges ofmigration in the field of education in Germany andPoland, support measures for refugees fromUkraine were presented and commonalitiesbetween the two countries in their implementationwere identified. The common values shared byboth countries are decisive here. In addition toMecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 120Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)taking stock of existing measures, new ideas andopportunities for exchange are constantly beingexplored at the committee meetings. German-Polish cooperation in the field of education is adriving force for development.8 place particular emphasis on The State Government welcomes the aim ofintensifying youth and youth exchanging young workers. Their perspectiveworkers exchanges, with the aim should also be included in the framework ofto reach out and mobilize young labour market policy – especially with regard topeople to address issues that are current and future shortages of skilled workers.most relevant to them, particularlyin these difficult times; The aim of the European Union is to promoteEurope-wide cooperation in all areas ofeducation – higher education, school education,vocational education, adult education, youth, andsport. The successful Erasmus+ fundingprogramme has a total budget of 26 billion eurosfor the funding period 2021–2027.All education and training measures inMecklenburg-Vorpommern with Europeanpartners are eligible for funding through theErasmus+ funding programme.All of the federal state's higher educationinstitutions maintain cooperation and contactswith higher education institutions in other BalticSea states within the framework of the Europeanmobility and cooperation programme Erasmus+.This programme promotes mobility andexchange of both students and university staff.The current programme period 2021–2027 iseven more open, flexible, and inclusive to enableas many interested parties as possible toparticipate in the programme.In vocational education and training, theErasmus+ programme supports educationalmobility, cooperation between organisations andinstitutions as well as policy development andpolitical cooperation. The European Union thusenables foreign visits for various target groups.For example, trainees and vocational schoolstudents can complete an internship abroad inEurope as part of their initial training. Teachersand educators in vocational education andtraining have the opportunity to undergo furthertraining in other European countries, for examplein the form of guest visits or teaching and trainingactivities.The programme helps people in Europe toacquire intercultural competences and toincrease their chances on the labour market.Although the National Agency on Education forEurope at the Federal Institute for VocationalMecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 121Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)Education and Training is responsible for allprojects and initiatives in the field of vocationaleducation and training, the Ministry of Educationand Daycare Support of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is partly responsible for theadministration of the funding. In addition to theadvisory services offered by the National Agencyof the Federal Institute for Vocational Educationand Training, the federal state’s vocationalschools are advised by the Ministry.Erasmus+ cooperation partners of the localvocational schools include Poland, Lithuania,Denmark, and Sweden.The Ministry of Social Affairs, Health and Sportspromotes inter-national youth encounters inaccordance with the “Guideline for the promotionof child and youth welfare in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Landesjugendplan Mecklenburg-Vorpommern - P M-V)”.In particular, meetings and exchanges incooperation with the states of the EuropeanUnion and Baltic Sea states are supported inorder to promote the European idea and toemphasise the importance of the common livingspace of the Baltic Sea for children and youngpeople. Funding can be provided for projectsfocusing on young people from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and from abroad.In order to further promote and expandinternational youth work, it is of decisiveimportance to deepen and expand cooperation inexisting partnerships and to open up newnetworks, to ensure sufficient ongoing fundingand to recruit and train appropriately qualifiedexperts to implement the programmes.Important parameters for the intensification ofinternational offers are therefore the promotion ofstructures, networks and cooperation,counselling, training and exchange, funding aswell as political and social support andrecognition of the activity of international youthwork in its entirety.9 extend sustainable tourism, and Sustainable tourism is a focus of theenable more climate-friendly Mecklenburg-Vorpommern state tourismtravel based on programmes concept, the action plan of the EU Strategy for thewhich promote this trend; Baltic Sea Region and the 2021–2026 coalitionagreement of the State Gover Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 122Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)11 continue implementing with The State Government refers to its Statement onparticular vigour the calls for the implementation of the 30th Baltic Seaaction and demands contained in Parliamentary Conference (items 25–28).the 30th BSPC Resolution inregard to democracy, humanrights and freedom of expression,particularly in times of war andcrisis;12 consistently and resolutely The State Government strongly opposes thecounter the growing threat to the spreading of disinformation, hatred and agitationdemocratic community posed by by the Russian government with the aim ofthe disinformation campaigns as influencing public opinion in Western societieswell as war propaganda initiated and destabilising democratic societies.by the Russian government andother state and non-state actors;13 acknowledge the importance of The importance is of press freedom is recognisedfreedom of press for democracy by all state governments and the Federaland democratic development; Government. For the Federal and Stategovernments, this recognition stems from Article5 of the national constitution and in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern it is further underpinned by theState Press Act, the Mecklenburg-VorpommernBroadcasting Act and the State Media Treatyapplicable to all German federal states.The Mecklenburg-Vorpommern State Agency forCivic Education provides information on the topicof media and democracy through events,publications and materials and via thewww.politik-mv.de portal, thus supporting theformation of public opinion.The support of projects to promote mediacompetence, school newspaper and communitynewspaper projects also contributes to raisingawareness of the importance of free media fordemocracy.14 specifically counteract any There are no adverse effects on the workingdeterioration of working conditions for media and free reporting inconditions in media and free Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.reporting; in countries whereproblems have evolved, to initiateand promote targeted protectivemeasures for the work of themedia, including education andtraining for journalists, to securesafe working conditions for themedia;15 consider different ways of The state policy is currently focused on thepromoting democracy-building support of Ukrainian refugees in Mecklenburg-efforts in Russia and in other Vorpommern and the creation of language andintegration offers.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 123Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)countries, for example bysupporting civil society in exile; In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, there are manyprivate volunteer initiatives to help Ukrainianrefugees or organise aid transports to Ukraine. Inmany of these associations, native Russians whocame to Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in the 1990sare also involved.The promotion of democracy-building in foreignstates is the responsibility of the FederalGovernment. To this end, the Federal Ministry forEconomic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)and the Federal Foreign Office (AA) provideextensive funds to political foundations, the GIZ,the DW Academy, and various non-governmentalorganisations, which they manage according to anarrow set of guidelines. The state expertise forthis sensitive work lies with the BMZ (and in someareas with the Foreign Office). It would neithermake sense nor be affordable to duplicate thiswork at the country level.16 strengthen particularly in times of Closer cooperation in the Baltic Sea regionwar and crisis efforts to increase contributes to finding innovative and sustainableconfidence in democratic solutions to common challenges. The Statestructures and values, promote Government is committed to making thetolerance and open-mindedness, cooperation itself, as well as its results, evenfreedom of the media and better known to the public.expression, and robust NGOs ascornerstones of democracies in Meetings of civil society actors from thethe Baltic Sea Region; democratic Baltic Sea riparian states within theframework of municipal cooperation, sports andcultural events, as well as formats for meetingsand participation of young people is seen asimportant building blocks to strengthen trust incooperation and the common democratic valuesystem.Within the framework of the state's culturalproject funding, the Ministry of Science, Culture,Federal and European Affairs continues toprovide the opportunity for funding projects topromote cultural cooperation and understanding.For example, the Mecklenburg-VorpommernCultural Funding Guideline includes funding forcultural projects with the participation of foreignartists in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern or with theparticipation of artists from Mecklenburg-Vorpommern abroad, for cultural exchange andthe promotion of relations between partnerregions.The State Agency for Civic Education inMecklenburg-Vorpommern (Landeszentrale fürpolitische Bildung Mecklenburg-Vorpommern)Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 124Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)implements the state program “StrengtheningDemocracy and Tolerance Together!” and offersfinancial support for a large number of projectswithin this framework. In particular, it supportsassociations, initiatives and institutions (e.g. inthe area of sports, culture, fire department anddisaster control, equality, migration andintegration, church) that are committed todemocratic coexistence. In addition, competentand well-networked advisory and supportstructures are available to all citizens, publicinstitutions such as schools, police andmunicipalities, if required, in the form of the state-wide advisory network “Democracy andTolerance”.Promoting democracy and tolerance is part of thesocial mission of the federal state's universities.Their role as places of political and democraticlearning as well as living diversity andheterogeneity, their participation in theimplementation of the state program“Strengthening Democracy and ToleranceTogether!” and their task of counteractingintolerance, extremism of any kind or contemptfor democracy are explicitly defined in the 2021–2025 target agreements concluded with theuniversities.17 protect the rights and ensure the Child and youth welfare support offers manysafety of refugees, ethnic good services that assist young people and theirminorities, LGBTQ people, families in growing up in a healthy and safewomen, children, the elderly and environment (early help, day care for children,other vulnerable groups who are youth work, help with upbringing, KipsFam, etc.).particularly at risk in times of war These structures are indispensable and shouldand threatened by intolerant be further opened and strengthened for youngattitudes; refugees. In this way, their rights can beguaranteed and realized from the start.Unaccompanied minors should beaccommodated, cared for, looked after andprotected in the same way as any other child inGermany who does not live with his or her family.Youth welfare organisations, together with thepublic administration and civil society, haverepeatedly committed themselves to this goal.However, this commitment has reached its limitsin view of the existing accommodation capacitiesand the increasing shortage of skilled workers.The EU Reception Directive, the HagueConvention on the Protection of Children and theUN Convention on the Rights of the Childestablish the special need for protection ofrefugee children – regardless of whether theyarrive with or without parents. The responsibilityMecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 125Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)of child and youth welfare support services forunaccompanied minors is laid down in the SocialCode VIII.Refugees have unhindered access tocounselling, care and education services in familycentres (e.g. family centres, multigenerationalhouses), to pregnancy and pregnancy conflictcounselling, and to early intervention services.Counselling, care and education services areoffered in several languages, including Ukrainian.In response to Russia's attack on Ukraine inMarch 2022, which violated international law, theState Government adopted a 9-point package.The package provides for humanitarian aid andintegration measures for war-displaced personsand refugees by doubling the integration fund to2 million euros annually by 2026. The resourcesprovided by the Integration Fund will be used toprovide additional support for migration socialcounselling and psychosocial counselling forwar-displaced persons and refugees (not onlyfrom Ukraine). This year, special attention willagain be given to counselling services fordisplaced women, ethnic minorities such asRoma and Romany, LGBTQ people, olderpeople, and other vulnerable groups. The rangeof psychosocial counselling services will befurther expanded.In the federal state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern,the distribution and accommodation of refugeepersons (groups) with disabilities and theiraccompanying persons was conducted in regularand close coordination with responsible federaland state authorities.In implementing the coalition agreement, theState Government is also planning to develop theQuality of Facilities Act into a modern Housingand Participation Act. In this context, particularattention will be given to the protection andparticipation of older people in need of care. Forexample, it is important to discuss the extent towhich concepts for the protection againstviolence are to be made obligatory or anentitlement to culturally sensitive care is to beincluded in the law. The regional committee oncare has decided to launch a correspondingdialogue process.18 defend sexual and reproductive The State Government of Mecklenburg-autonomy and respect the right to Vorpommern supports this demand.reproductive health;Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 126Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)Regarding climate change mitigation, preserving biodiversity and adapting to climatechange to:Item Statement by the State Government ofResolution TextNo. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern19 support the updated Baltic Sea Action The State Government will continuePlan and its associated action documents contributing to the Federal Government’sagreed by the HELCOM Ministerial implementation of the HELCOM BalticMeeting on 20 October 2021 under the Sea Action Plan (BSAP) – within thecurrent German chairmanship and to scope of its competences andensure a more quickly and consistent possibilities. However, it can currently beimplementation of the agreed objectives assumed that implementation will bethan before in all countries of the Baltic delayed due to the suspension of theSea Region in order to achieve a good Russian Federation from the work ofecological status of the Baltic Sea by the HELCOM.end of the decade; regular monitoring ofthe implementation is essential to supportthe process;20 derive and implement further measures Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has set thefrom the policy-relevant suggestions for goal of achieving net greenhouse gasvarious policy areas in the ‘HELCOM neutrality by 2040 and is developing a2021 Climate Change in the Baltic Sea Climate Protection Law with greenhouseFact Sheet’ that will enable an even faster gas reduction paths for this purpose. Theand more extensive reduction of climate- law will anchor framework conditions andrelevant emissions to achieve the concrete measures for active climatetargeted climate neutrality as early as protection in the federal state.possible;A significant expansion of solar and windenergy and the increased use ofrenewable energies to cover the primaryenergy demand in the federal state willfurther significantly reduce energy-relatedCO emissions.221 recognise that anthropogenic activities Measures to reduce nutrient inputs intosuch as agriculture and industrialization the Baltic Sea from land-based sourcesin the Baltic Sea catchment area have will be implemented further. This appliescaused large increases in inputs of equally to diffuse inputs from landnitrogen and phosphorus over the past management as well as to point inputs150 years and underline the importance from the industry (e.g. sewage treatmentof continuing the work on reducing outlets plants). The EU Water Frameworkof nitrogen and phosphorous into the Directive and the Nitrates Directive areBaltic Sea, reminding that an increased the most important instruments in thiswater temperature also will increase the regard.effects of overnutrition;22 intensify all efforts and cooperate closely With the coalition agreement for thein several fields at the same time to legislative period 2021–2026, the Stateobtain the chance of limiting global Government of Mecklenburg-Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 127Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)warming to well below 2°C above pre- Vorpommern has set itself the goal ofindustrial levels and pursuing efforts to reaching climate neutrality by 2040. Tolimit the temperature increase to 1.5 °C achieve this goal, a Climate Protectionabove pre-industrial levels through the Law and an associated Climate Protectionrapid, comprehensive expansion of Action Plan are currently being drafted.renewable energies and theirtechnologies, by the reduction of Furthermore, the State Government isemissions, less energy use, increased working on the implementation of theenergy efficiency at the same time as Federal Government's requirements forstrengthening and increasing natural the accelerated expansion of renewablesinks for CO2 and research and energies through the Renewable Energydevelopment of innovative and Resources Act (EEG), the Wind on Landsustainable technologies; Act and the Wind at Sea Act, among otherthings by setting up a RenewableEnergies Project Group. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is working intensivelytowards the realisation of offshore windfarms in the coastal sea. The WindEnergy Cluster Mecklenburg-Vorpommern works on connectingindustrial companies in the state with theaim of strengthening and expandingrenewable energies and sector coupling.23 particularly in those countries that are still The significant expansion of wind energymore dependent on domestic and and photovoltaics in the state should alsoimported fossil energy sources and provide energy for Power-to-Xuranium imports, push forward the use of technologies in particular, especially forzero and low emission renewable the production of hydrogen and its manyenergies from domestic sources and in derivatives. However, to meet the energythe long-term those imported from demand in Mecklenburg-Vorpommerndemocratic and reliable partner countries and Germany, it will be necessary toin combination with innovative import renewable energy sources for aapplications of hydrogen and hydrogen certain period of time. To import thesederivatives on the basis of renewable these from so-called democratic andenergies in industry and commerce as reliable countries is a goal, which howeverwell as in the heating and mobility sector, cannot be fully guaranteed.in order to achieve their own, affordable, Resilience in energy supply is in any casemore independent and resilient energy a declared goal of current and futuresecurity and energy sovereignty and at energy policy in Germany.the same time to contribute to theachievement of the climate goals;24 cooperate with countries that are most This is in line with the European idea anddependent on fossil fuels and uranium should be practised by all member states.imports from Russia in their efforts toswitch to more reliable andenvironmentally friendly energy sources;25 widely deploy the extensive existing low- In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, this is donecost and efficient renewable energy through the promotion of industry-relatedgeneration technologies, and effectively research and development as part of theand significantly boost even more implementation of the Regionalintensive research as well as the Innovation Strategy for Smartintroduction and deployment ofMecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 128Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)innovative green solutions, particularly in Specialisation 2021–2027 in the field ofgreen hydrogen technologies, and action “Renewable Energies – Hydrogen.”develop as fast as possible hydrogenstrategies and road maps to complement Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is involved inthe European hydrogen strategy and the the Northern German Hydrogen Strategynew green deal and bring by joint efforts in the association of the Northern Germanand close cooperation the Baltic Sea federal states. In addition, the ramp-up ofRegion in a pole position in green hydrogen technologies in the state istransition; accompanied by Important Projects ofCommon European Interest (IPCEI),among others. A prerequisite for asuccessful market ramp-up is the veryconsistent and significant expansion ofsolar and wind energy in the state.26 concerning sea-dumped munitions, also The State Government welcomes effortsin the current times of war continue aiming at the location and neutralisation ofunabated in close cooperation with explosive ordnance in the Baltic Sea andHELCOM and CBSS to strengthen efforts will contribute toward this aim within theexploring, identifying, recovering and scope of its competences and possibilitiesneutralising explosive ordnance in the alongside the Federal Government.Baltic Sea with concrete measuresthrough multinational cooperation In principle, reference is made to theaccording to the 28th, 29th and 30th Federal Government's responsibility inBSPC Resolutions as well as the interim this matter. The responsibility of the stateand final BSPC rapporteur’s reports on of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern extends onsea-dumped munitions and establish the the one hand to the prevention andBaltic Sea Region as a global model defence against explosive ordnance-region for the environmentally sound, specific hazards that exist in detonation,rapid and affordable salvage and which in the case of unexploded ordnancedecontamination and removal of may also occur subsequently. This is alsoexplosive ordnance dumped in the sea; made clear by the Ordinance onExplosive Ordnance issued on the basisof the Security and Public Order Law ofMecklenburg-Vorpommern.On the other hand, the state also hascompetences and responsibility for thecoastal waters of the Baltic Sea inMecklenburg-Vorpommern, which isexercised by the respective State Officesfor Agriculture and the Environment.According to the due diligence obligationsunder the Water Law, adverse changes inthe properties of water bodies are to beavoided and the efficiency of the waterbalance is to be maintained (Water Law §5 para. 1 nos. 1 and 3).Water authorities are obliged to managewater bodies in a sustainable manner inorder to, among other things, maintainand improve their functional capacity andefficiency as a component of the naturalbalance and as a habitat for animals andplants, and to contribute to the protectionMecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 129Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)of the marine environment (Water Law §6 para. 1 sentence 1 nos. 1 and 7). Inparticular, protection against adversechanges in the properties of water bodiesmay require hazard prevention measuresto be taken by the water authorities. Thiswould regularly address the owner of thefederal waterway Baltic Sea, the FederalGovernment or the Federal Waterwaysand Shipping Administration, as the partyresponsible for hazard prevention.With the Fraunhofer Ocean TechnologyCampus (OTC) in Rostock, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has an outstanding cluster-based platform that is co-financed by theFederal Government and internationallyrecognised in science and industry. Itcreates a platform for connectingapplication-oriented research with theprovision of AI-based technological andtechnical solutions for commercial,governmental and scientific users toreduce the problem of sea-dumpedmunitions especially in the Baltic Sea.The Fraunhofer OTC is also a member ofthe German Alliance for Marine Research(DAM), whose scientific partners andstakeholders have built up extensiveknow-how through years of practicalexperience, their own research anddevelopment, and their involvement injoint projects at national and Europeanlevel. Companies benefit fromcomprehensive national fundamentalresearch on the topic of sea-dumpedammunition, which is currentlycoordinated at the national level in theDAM.27 encourage the countries who are For further information, please refer toresponsible for dumped munitions in the item no. 26.Baltic Sea to start a recovery fund and tolead the recovery effort that would helpachieve a Baltic Sea free from dumpedexplosive ordnance; we welcome theefforts of the incoming German CBSSpresidency to push this issue;28 implement methods of nature-friendly Organic farming is of great importance tofarming and actively phase out the use of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.synthetic pesticides and fertilizers by The goal of the current State Governmentlocal farmers as well as allocate funds to is to achieve at least 20 percent organicresearching into less hazardous farming by 2026.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 130Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)alternatives, and make sure that the The organic cultivation area inpolicies are well connected to science; Mecklenburg-Vorpommern increased by13,283 ha from 176,791 ha to 190,074 hain the period from 1 January 2021 to 31January 2021. From 1 January 2022 to 5August 2022, there was a further increasein area of 7,616 ha (total 197,690 ha) and57 conversion farms. This means thatabout 14.5 percent of the agricultural areais now managed organically by 1,231certified organic farms. More than 25percent of the farms in the state areorganic.As a result of the revision of the state'sfertiliser ordinance, restrictions oncultivation will apply to about one third ofthe agricultural land in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern starting in 2023. Therequirements will contribute to a reductionin the use of fertilisers.The State Government supports the EUCommission's Green Deal, which aims toreduce the use and risk of chemicalpesticides in the EU by half by 2030. TheState Government has committed itself tominimising the use of plant protectionproducts in its coalition agreement.29 intensively integrate rural areas with their The energy transition to the use ofbroad potential in the production of renewable energies is largely taking placerenewable energies, the expansion of in rural areas. The expansion ofgrids and storage facilities, and allow alternative energy sources is a declaredthem to participate comprehensively in goal of the State Government. For thethe success, support sustainable construction of ground-mounted PVinnovation in green energy, reduce the plants, up to 5,000 ha of agricultural landuse of non- renewable sources of energy will be taken up and converted to otherand support innovation to make urban uses by means of a deviation procedure.and rural life more sustainable byenhancing green transportation In addition to the consistent expansion ofsolutions, and make sure that the policies renewable energies, the energy transitionare well connected to science; also includes the expansion of electricityand gas grids and the construction ofvarious storage technologies.In Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the energypolicy concept (time horizon 2040 /climate neutrality) is being updated withthe definition of renewable energyexpansion targets and targets for theprovision of land for wind energy andphotovoltaics. The regional value chains,especially in rural areas, should be furtherstrengthened through a more intensivefinancial participation of citizens andmunicipalities in wind and solar parks inMecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 131Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)the Renewable Energy Sources Act andthe Citizens’ and Municipalities’Participation Act.30 develop and implement policies and The State Government works closely withregulations around fishing, shipping and the Federal Government and theother industries, together with all relevant governments of the other Baltic Seastakeholders, that harm the biodiversity states on HELCOM recommendationsin the Baltic Sea and the global climate, and BALTFISH recommendations andthat aligns with the needs and challenges proposals as a basis for EU legislation tofrom the IPCC report and the ensure sustainable fisheries in the Balticinternationally binding targets of the Paris Sea.Agreement; The state participates in a long-termtransnational Baltic sturgeonreintroduction project and supportsprojects for the management ofendangered fish species such as eel andsea trout, as well as Western Balticherring in its main spawning area.31 promote the building of facilities from Germany introduced a deposit system forrecycled materials to develop regulations disposable beverage containers as earlyregarding the re-use of construction as 2003 on the basis of Section 9 of thematerials, establish plans for the re-use Packaging Ordinance (replaced byof materials as a requisite for demolition Section 31 of the Packaging Act sincepermits as part of the effort of finding 2019). With the amendment of thesustainable supply lines along the Baltic Packaging Act 2021, the depositSea and to introduce public bail systems obligation was extended to almost allfor plastic bottles in the Baltic Sea Region disposable plastic beverage bottles andand furthermore support cascading use all beverage cans. In addition, as of 3 Julyin every possible field; 2024, plastic beverage containers with acapacity of up to three litres may only beplaced on the market if their plasticclosures are firmly bonded to thebeverage container. This new rule isintended to prevent the detached closuresfrom ending up in the environment due tocarelessness.Communication and exchange betweenactors along the entire value chain play animportant role for targeted cooperationwith a common understanding of existingchallenges and the creation of effectivewaste prevention measures. The state ofMecklenburg-Vorpommern, representedby the State Office for the Environment,Nature Conservation and Geology, is amember of the “Round Table on MarineLitter” platform, which, among otherthings, is responsible for the measure“Reduction of inputs of plastic waste, e.g.plastic packaging, into the marineenvironment” in the German programmeof measures to implement the MSFD. Inthis context, the further development ofMecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 132Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)deposit systems to reduce waste inputsinto the oceans as a material flowmanagement instrument was alsoevaluated and the results summarised ina corresponding report (2021). Theresults also contribute to the work onimplementing the Regional Action PlansAgainst Marine Litter within the frameworkof the OSPAR and HELCOM marineprotection conventions.32 communicating and developing The state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommernstrategies to implementing a new supports measures to informinnovative lifestyle to make the difference municipalities and companies in the stateby intensive communication about the about energy saving, energy efficiency,fact that each individual making a change and intelligent energy use in local gridsfor themselves made a difference overall; and to encourage investments. The aim isto achieve direct and indirect greenhousegas savings locally through measures,which are also supported through ERDF-VI funds.Regarding demographic challenges in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine;migration, labour market and the social welfare model toNummer Resolutionsinhalt Stellungnahme der Landesregierung33 33. with the highest appreciation of The Russian attack has brought greatall decisions and actions taken so far to suffering to Ukraine. Many people haveaddress the refugee flows from Ukraine, fled war and violence. Mecklenburg-in particular in the most affected Vorpommern has taken in around twocountries, ensure, through further percent of all Ukrainian war refugeescomprehensive systemic and financial who have entered Germany. Since themeasures and policies, that related outbreak of the war on 24 Februarydemographic structural changes and 2022, up to 26,230 Ukrainian warchallenges related to housing, refugees has been admitted to the state,education, child and health protection, of whom 21,955 remain in the federallabour market and attitudes towards state as of 8 January 2023.incoming refugees are optimallyaddressed and best possible support for The state provides various refugeeshelters and accommodations with aMecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 133Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)temporary stayers and inclusion for total capacity of 16,434 places (as of 4permanent stayers is guaranteed. January 2023) for Ukrainian wardisplaced persons, of which 12,210places are currently occupied. In closecooperation between the state and themunicipalities, 9,747 persons have beenaccommodated in flats, 2,281 – inrefugee shelters and 182 – inemergency shelters. In addition, 9,745persons were accommodated in privatehouseholds – a great sign of solidarity.In view of the further influx of refugees,3,429 places are still available as aprecautionary measure.Refugees have unhindered access tocounselling, care and educationservices in facilities for families (e.g.family centres, multi-generationhouses), to pregnancy counselling andcounselling for pregnancy conflicts, aswell as to early support services.Counselling, care, and educationservices are offered in severallanguages, including Ukrainian. Inaddition, the EU Reception Directive,the Hague Convention on the Protectionof Children and the UN Convention onthe Rights of the Child establish thespecial need for protection of refugeechildren – regardless of whether theyarrive with or without parents.With its 9-point package, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has also created a labourmarket programme for refugees fromUkraine. For the fair labour marketintegration of the refugees, 5 millioneuros were made available for theduration of two years (until 30 June2024). The aim of the programme is tosupport the best possible integration ofrefugees into the labour market and totap into the skilled labour potential ofrefugees for companies in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The aim is to avoidsubstandard employment and labourexploitation, as well as to facilitateintegration and educate people aboutgood work and fair working conditions.In the 2022/2023 school year, all school-age children and young people whowere already admitted to school in theMecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 134Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)2021/2022 school year will continuetheir education in their attended schools.Depending on their language level, theywill receive additional intensive supportor further support in German as asecond language.The basic principles for the education ofnon-German native language schoolchildren from the school year 2022/2023onwards are described in theeducational concept for the education ofnon-German native language schoolchildren. The aim is for all schoolchildren to be able to learn German firstso that they can then participate inmainstream education in a well-integrated manner.Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Page 135Unofficial translation by the Landtag Mecklenburg-Vorpommern – International Affairs (PD4)Mecklenburg-VorpommernState ChancelleryHead of the State ChancellerySchwerin, April 3, 2023Dear Madam Vice President Beate Schlupp,Dear Mr. Philipp da Cunha,I thank you for your letter of January 18, 2023. In this letter, you address asupplementary question in connection with the intergovernmental survey of theWorking Group on Climate Change and Biodiversity of the Baltic Sea ParliamentaryConference to the State Government.In this regard, I would like to inform you that the State Government will continue toadhere to the climate policy goals set in 2022, even in light of current international andpolitical developments, and that these continue to be a political priority. Even the warin Ukraine did not lead to a different assessment.I hope that this sufficiently answers the additional question posed and remainYours sincerely,Patrick DahlemannNORWAYNorway Page 137UtenriksministerenStortingsrepresentant Himanshu GulatiStortingetOslo, 15.05.2023Jeg viser til ditt brev av 29. mars d.å. om resolusjonen fra den 31. parlamentariskeøstersjøkonferansen (BSPC) som ble avholdt i Stockholm 12. - 14. juni 2022.Som før tillegger Norge samarbeidet i Østersjøregionen stor betydning. Under norskledelse av Østersjørådet i fjor ble det raskt bestemt å suspendere Russland fra videredeltakelse i rådets arbeid. Senere har Russland trukket seg fra rådet. Det betyr atRussland verken vil eller kan overholde de grunnleggende prinsippene for samarbeidsom har ligget til grunn for Østersjørådet siden oppstarten i 1992. Det er i seg selvalvorlig og beklagelig, men betyr også at samarbeidet de andre landene imellom iØstersjøregionen for å forsvare felles verdier, styrke våre samfunnsmotstandsdyktighet, sikre trygghet og velferd, og få til en rask og vellykket grønn ogdigital omstilling, er blitt enda viktigere.De vektlegginger BSPC gjør i sin resolusjon fra juni 2022 samsvarer godt med norskesyn og prioriteringer, både i regional sammenheng og bredere internasjonalt. Vedlagtekommentarrapport på engelsk oppsummerer vår tilnærming og støtte til viktige sakersom framheves i resolusjonen.Med vennlig hilsenAnniken HuitfeldtPostadresse: Postboks 8114 Dep, 0032 Oslo,Kontoradresse: 7. juni plassen 1 Telefon: 23 95 00 00 Telefaks: 23 95 00 99Org. nr.:972417920Norway Page 138(cid:523)(cid:151)(cid:144)(cid:145)(cid:136)(cid:136)(cid:139)(cid:133)(cid:139)(cid:131)(cid:142)(cid:3)(cid:150)(cid:148)(cid:131)(cid:144)(cid:149)(cid:142)(cid:131)(cid:150)(cid:139)(cid:145)(cid:144)(cid:3)(cid:136)(cid:148)(cid:145)(cid:143)(cid:3)(cid:17)(cid:145)(cid:148)(cid:153)(cid:135)(cid:137)(cid:139)(cid:131)(cid:144)(cid:524)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:3)(cid:16)(cid:3)(cid:3) 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Page 139Norwegian comments to the resolution adopted bythe 31st Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC)on 14 June 2022Key observationsThe Baltic Sea Region is Norway’s closest neighbourhood, and includes many of our mostimportant political, economic and military partners. The region’s security and sustainabledevelopment are crucial to Norway’s freedom and well-being.Russia’s illegal and brutal attack on Ukraine and the devastating impacts of the war have notonly dramatically highlighted the region’s vulnerability, but also its ability to respond quickly,remain united and implement effective measures to protect itself and support Ukraine’slegitimate self-defence. Russia’s actions are a blatant breach of the principles of cooperationand inclusion which have been a cornerstone of Western policies in relation to Russia sincethe collapse of the Soviet Union. Russia has knowingly and deliberately moved away frompartnership.Given that Russia and Belarus have now excluded themselves from the Baltic Sea Regioncooperation family, Norway considers it even more important to strengthen and deepencooperation with the other partners. Norway participates in virtually all regional cooperationplatforms, - including the Northern Dimension, Interreg and in projects under the EUStrategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR). Norway – in cooperation with Iceland andLiechtenstein – promotes economic and social cohesion and development in the regionthrough the EEA and Norway Grants scheme.The success of regional and European cooperation is evident in the ability of our countries todeliver freedom, prosperity and the rule of law to our citizens.The Norwegian Government attaches great importance to interparliamentary cooperation invarious formats, including the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference. The annual BSPCsessions are a key forum for discussing opportunities and challenges facing the region. Weappreciate the opportunity to consider and comment on the resolutions that are issuedannually.Additional commentsThe Norwegian Government notes and supports the premises and recommendations of the31st BSPC Resolution. Norway welcomes the actions taken to suspend the participation ofRussian parliaments, delegations and observer institutions from the work of the BSPC. Wetake note of the conditions outlined for a possible amendment to this decision.1Norway Page 140We believe that relevant regional cooperation formats should remain open to renewedRussian participation, if and when the conditions are met, i.e. when there is a fundamentalchange in Russian policy, attitudes and action.We support the emphasis placed by the BSPC on democracy, the rule of law, human rights,free media, a strong civil society and robust NGOs, equal opportunities, inclusion of youth,and close contact and cooperation at all levels. In our view, the Vilnius II Declarationoutlining a vision for the Baltic Sea Region by 2030 accurately expresses our collectiveambition for safe, equitable development of the region.The Norwegian Government welcomes the Conference’s focus on young people. We lookforward to the work of the strengthened Baltic Sea Region Youth Forum (BSRYF), which willoperate with direct support from the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS).We also fully endorse the other priorities highlighted in the resolution, including the cross-cutting focus on energy security and sustainability. We note the emphasis on the need forcooperation to achieve rapid and comprehensive expansion of renewable energy and theintroduction and deployment of innovative green solutions. We also recognise theimportance of supporting the European hydrogen strategy and the European Green Deal,and, through joint efforts and close cooperation, placing ‘the Baltic Sea Region in a poleposition in green transition.’In this context Norway would like to reiterate a passage in the Declaration adopted on 25May 2022 in Kristiansand by the 19th CBSS Ministerial Session:Climate neutrality by 2050 at the latest is our collective goal. We will scale up actions toensure a green transition of the global economy, including accelerating green energydevelopment, and decarbonising the heavy industry, transport and construction sectors.We strive to reduce emissions from agriculture and ensure a healthy marine environmentin the Baltic Sea and our other ocean areas. We will enhance collaboration on thecircular economy and renewable energies, diversify our energy supplies and rapidlyreduce our dependency on fossil fuels. We will increase cooperation to phase out our useof Russian gas, oil and coal as soon as possible. The European Green Deal andRePowerEU will ensure speed and direction. We will continue the close cooperation onthese and other priority issues in the European Economic Area.We believe that these and other aims can be promoted effectively by mobilising the wholerange of cooperation platforms in the Baltic Sea Region. In this regard, we see merit inestablishing a more integrated and mutually supportive cooperation framework betweenthe CBSS, the Baltic Sea States Sub-Regional Cooperation (BSSSC), the Union of the BalticCities (UBC) and the Conference of Peripheral and Maritime Regions – Baltic Sea Commission(CPMR-BSC). These four organisations bring together ten governments, the European Unionand more than 160 cities, counties, regions, länder etc. of the region. Regional cooperationcould also benefit from more synergy and a clearer distribution of tasks between the CBSS,the Northern Dimension and the EUSBSR.2Norway Page 141Norway supports the BSPC’s continued focus on underwater munitions, including chemicalwarfare agents dumped in the Baltic Sea. Norway faces similar challenges in its adjacent seaareas and strongly supports enhanced international cooperation to address safety andenvironmental issues. We note the progress made in raising awareness of these issues andincreasing collaboration, at national level, in an EU context and under the CBSS andHELCOM.As regards Ukraine, we fully support the emphasis on aid and assistance to Ukraine in itslegitimate fight to defend its people, and its freedom and democracy. It will be essential tocontinue to provide the highest possible level of aid and assistance in the years to come. Intime this will hopefully be targeted increasingly towards the country's enormousreconstruction needs.The Norwegian Parliament has agreed on the five-year Nansen Support Programme forUkraine, worth 7 billion euros. In 2023, half of the funds are allocated for weapons andmilitary training. The other half will be used to provide humanitarian assistance, and to helpthe Ukrainian Government provide critical functions and maintain civilian infrastructure.When reconstruction moves higher on Ukraine’s list of priorities, the Nansen SupportProgramme will help Ukraine build back better: Towards a prosperous, greener, EuropeanUkraine – based on democracy, pluralism, and the rule of law.In its struggles with a powerful and aggressive neighbour Ukraine has gained a wide array ofskills and methods that may prove useful in efforts to strengthen civil protection, resilienceand preparedness in our own societies as well.----------------3POLANDPoland Page 143Information on activities carried out by Polish institutionsin order to implement Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) ResolutionAdopted by the 31th BSPC on 12-14 June 2022 in StockholmMinistry of Interior and AdministrationRegarding Cooperation in the Region:Civil protectionThe year 2022 was rich in international and inter-sectoral cooperation aiming to strengthen thesense of security of the population, better coordination, prevention and response to emergenciescaused by nature and man.Representatives of the National Headquarters of the State Fire Service (KG PSP) participated in themeetings of the Senior Experts Group of the Civil Protection Network of the Council of the Baltic SeaStates (CBSS) and the Steering Group of the Policy Area SECURE under the European Union Strategyfor the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) as well as the flagship projects.In May 2022, within the framework of the Council of the Baltic Sea States, Poland hosted a three-daystudy visit organized by the State Fire Service for civil protection and healthcare experts fromEstonia, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Norway, Sweden and the Permanent International Secretariat ofCBSS presenting Poland's practical experience in assisting Ukraine and its citizens. The experience-based visit helped to intensify people-to-people contacts on all levels. The down – top approachtaken also allowed to internationally observe, discuss and learn from the frontliners of all civilprotection stakeholders taking part in the migration influx. At the end of May last year in Oslo, ameeting of the CBSS Civil Protection Network was held, where the study visit, workshops andscientific research projects were summarized. The experience based, exchange of experts value ofthe visit was noticed and appreciated.On June 1st the Deputy Chief Commandant of the State Fire Service, heads of emergency services,departments in ministries and agencies responsible for civil protection in other BSR countriesadopted the Oslo Declaration containing updated priorities for regional cooperation. It highlights theissues of combining national efforts to implement the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction,managing risks from climate change, strengthening the Baltic Sea region's resilience to disasters byenhancing a systemic multi-risk approach, improving awareness of hazards and enhancingprevention, preparedness and response capacity, improving cross-sectoral cooperation andincreasing community partnerships, building civil security capacity in member states and fosteringmutually beneficial relationships between the research community and civil protection practitioners.Through the whole year the Baltic countries expressed their willingness to benefit from the Polishexperience related to the refugee crisis, pointing out the importance of cooperation at all levels ofpublic administration and as well with the non-governmental sector.In January 2023 the KG PSP (the State Fire Service), together with the Main School of Fire Service(SGSP) and the CBSS Secretariat held BALTinnoSEC Pilot Forum – first Baltic Sea Region risk andsolution oriented, international, cross-sectoral civil protection forum. The leading theme of the pilotforum were challenges and innovations in the area of crisis and risk communication in the context ofwar and migration influx, natural disasters and CBRN. All but one hosting our civil protectioncounterparts from Ukraine. The forum gathered civil protection authorities, institutions, practitionersand experts as well as non-governmental organizations, start-ups and businesses.1Poland Page 144Immigration ServicesFollowing the outbreak of war in Ukraine and the subsequent massive influx of Ukrainians fleeing toPoland, the Office for Foreigners (OFF) was invited to join the Nordic Network of ImmigrationServices in May 2022. The Network includes representatives of immigration services, border guardsand police from eight countries: Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Norway, Sweden andPoland. Its main purpose is to cooperate in information exchange and forecasting with regard to legaland irregular immigration: temporary protection, international protection, border crossing,secondary movements, etc. An expert representing OFF attended the Network meeting in Helsinki inSeptember 2022. The agenda of the gathering covered the situation in Ukraine, exchange of data ontemporary protection beneficiaries, and presentation of current trends in international protectionand migration proceedings. The next meeting is scheduled to take place in Copenhagen in March2023.Border servicesIn the face of hostilities on the territory of Ukraine, the cooperation of the Border Guard with theUkrainian partner focuses on the development of the infrastructure of border crossings and theimprovement of border traffic at the Polish-Ukrainian state border (through numerous organizationaland infrastructural changes at border crossings as well as the creation of new border crossings).Regarding Democracy, human rights and freedom of expressionIn Poland, any person who is a victim or witness in pre-trial proceedings shall be informed of theirrights, including the right to receive free assistance as part of the Assistance Network for Victims ofCriminal Acts which results from Art. 43 of the Act of 6 June 1997 - Executive Penal Code. TheAssistance Network for Victims of Criminal Acts offers free psychological, legal and materialassistance to all victims of armed aggression in Ukraine (list of facilities where refugees can receiveassistance www.funduszsprawiedliwosci.gov.pl/pl/znajdz-osrodek-pomocy). For those in need ofassistance, a 24-hour hotline 'Helpline for Victims' in Ukrainian, Russian and English is available. Thehotline offers not only legal, psychological and medical assistance, but also material support to covercosts such as medical treatment, food, clothing, etc.It must be noted that facilitating the provision of important information to foreigners, includingthose of Ukrainian origin, has been one of the areas of Police activity for many years. An example ofsuch an action was the development of a Ukrainian version of the form called Instruction of a PersonAffected by Domestic Violence, which can be used within the framework of the national "Blue Cards"procedure aimed at preventing and combating domestic violence when the victim does not speakPolish. In September 2022, a Ukrainian language version of the 'Blue Card' forms were developed.Under the Polish criminal code, the procedure for filing a criminal report is uniform for all persons(including foreigners) who become aware of the possibility of committing a crime, regardless of age,gender, race or nationality. It should be added, however, that at present, due to the military attackand invasion being carried out by the Russian Federation, special attention is being given toUkrainian citizens and assistance to them. Where a person does not speak Polish, they shall beprovided with the free assistance of an interpreter or other specialised assistance if it is required. Thevictim shall be served with a written statement of their rights and obligations in a language they canunderstand.In connection with the aggression war launched by the Russian Federation against Ukraine, theCriminal Bureau of the Police Headquarters is continuously monitoring cases of crimes committedagainst Ukrainian citizens who crossed the border after 24 February 2022. It should be noted that themajority of incidents involved crimes against property. Since the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, 68suspects of the most serious crimes, such as involvement in terrorist groups such as ISIS, support forterrorist groups, attempted murder and attempted sexual homicide, have been identified from hitsin Interpol and SIS databases.2Poland Page 145As of 1 March 2022 the Polish Police has launched emergency 24/7 hotlines and e-mail addresses forpeople who want to provide the Police with information about cases of human trafficking, sex crimesand missing refugees and their families. In addition, police officers speaking Ukrainian and Russianwere delegated to operate the hotline. National Police Headquarters' Missing Persons Search Centremonitors, on an ongoing basis, the activities carried out by police units across the country in thesearch for missing persons.At the same time, it continuously cooperates in this regard with governmental and publicadministration units and non-governmental organisations that are involved in supporting the Policein the search for missing persons. Information about the operation of the refugee hotline is availablein the mass media, including governmental websites and NGOs involved in refugee assistance. Also,this information is posted on public transportation.The Police have distributed leaflets (in Polish and Ukrainian) on the issue of human trafficking andmissing persons. A guide/information book on diverse issues, including security in the broadestsense, addressed to refugees from Ukraine is also being developed. This publication is intended tofacilitate the stay of Ukrainian refugees in our country and to address issues relevant and useful fromthe point of view of the Police.In addition, to the email address: handelludzmibsk@policja.gov.pl, any information on cases ofhuman trafficking can be sent. This 24/7 hotline is operated by Ukrainian and Russian speaking policeofficers. Any information obtained via the hotline is verified on an ongoing basis. The calls received atthe refugee hotline concerned not only issues related to missing persons or notifications ofsuspected human trafficking, but also all other problems faced by refugees, their family members orfriends residing in Poland or calling from abroad. Among others: issues related to crossing the Polish-Ukrainian border, legalization of stay in Poland, obtaining a passport or PESEL number, pre-schoolcare or willingness to continue education, as well as difficulties in reporting crimes or offencescommitted against Ukrainian citizens (theft, fraud, embezzlement, misappropriation of property,traffic collisions), communication rules for refugees, contacts to reception desks in different parts ofthe country, rules on medical care in Poland offered to refugees, accommodation and workopportunities in Poland or notification of the loss of documents.In March 2022, recognising the need to verify entities wishing to provide assistance to refugees, the'Procedure on proceedings for verification of the legality of the operation of foreign entities andsecurity checks of individuals declaring their willingness to provide assistance to refugees fromUkraine' was introduced. It defines the scope and means of verification of individuals/entities whoexpress their willingness to assist Ukrainians. However, with regard to unsupervised childrenremaining in the Republic of Poland, the 'Procedure for dealing with unaccompanied minors whencrossing the border' has been in place since March 2022, which defines the scope and manner ofdealing with children who are alone or accompanied by individuals who do not have custody rightsover them. These procedures contribute significantly to reducing the scope of human traffickingcrimes.It should be mentioned that, in order to prevent crimes and protect the rights and provide securityfor refugees, criminal police officers were deployed for duty in the cross-border area, including atreception locations, stations, border crossings in 2022, and their tasks included paying specialattention to individuals who could be potential victims of, among other things, human trafficking, aswell as to possible individuals/groups of individuals who are involved in this type of criminal activity.Regarding demographic challenges in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine; migration, labourmarket and the social welfare modelPolish services make every effort to ensure that everyone can enter our territory efficiently andquickly. All people fleeing Ukraine from the armed conflict are admitted to Poland. PL providesshelter to every person whose life is in danger - regardless of their nationality. Since the beginning ofthe war in Ukraine, we have been involved in the implementation of tasks related to the assistance of3Poland Page 146Ukrainian refugees. Therefore, with the involvement of many government and local governmentunits, actions are being taken to ensure adequate living conditions for Ukrainian citizens.Ministry of Family and Social PolicySocial PolicyThe main legal basis of temporary protection for persons fleeing from Ukraine in Poland is dedicatedAct on assistance to Ukrainian citizens in relation with an armed conflict on the territory of that state(otherwise called Special Act), which refers to Ukrainian citizens and their non-Ukrainian immediatefamily members. Beneficiaries of the above-mentioned act are entitled to: one-off cash benefit in the amount of 300 PLN per person intended in particular, to coverexpenses for food, clothing, footwear, personal hygiene products and housing fees. Grantinga one-off cash benefit is possible only in the case of a citizen of Ukraine entered in the PESELregister. This allows municipalities to verify the legality of stay of a citizen of Ukraine in theterritory of Poland. An application for payment of a one-off cash benefit is submitted by aperson entitled, his/her legal representative, temporary guardian or the person taking actualcustody of a child. The payment of a one-off cash benefit is an assigned task in the field ofgovernment administration, implemented by municipalities. A one-off cash benefit and thecosts of its service are financed from the state budget. possibility of providing free psychological assistance by the mayor of the village, town or cityin the municipality competent for the place of stay of a citizen of Ukraine. The provision ofpsychological assistance is an assigned task of the municipality in the field of governmentadministration and is financed in the form of a targeted subsidy from the state budget. providing food aid in the form of food parcels or meals is given under the Fund for EuropeanAid to the Most Deprived. The above-mentioned aid is granted if a citizen of Ukraine meetsthe criteria for qualifying for food aid under the Food Aid Operational Programme 2014-2020pursuant to separate regulations.A citizen of Ukraine or his/her family may apply for social assistance benefits (cash and non-cash)within social assistance system in case of need for support in difficult life situations. For this purposehe/ she should go to the social assistance centre at the place of his/her stay (centres are located ineach municipality). Granting social assistance benefits is possible only in the case of a citizen ofUkraine entered in the PESEL register. Citizens of Ukraine are able to apply for, inter alia, a temporaryallowance, including a purpose allowance, meal, shelter, crisis intervention, care services. A citizen ofUkraine applying for social assistance benefits submits a statement on his/her personal, family,income and financial situation. In the procedure for granting the above-mentioned benefits, nofamily background interview carried out by social worker is required, unless there are doubts as tothe content of the statement.Labour Market“Regarding demographic challenges in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine; migration, labourmarket and the social welfare model”1. Poland has very quickly opened its labour market to Ukrainian citizens – the war refugees.Ministry of Family and Social Policy has undertaken the following activities:- appropriate provisions had been prepared enabling Ukrainian citizens to access the labour marketwithout any conditions and formalities,- special sections in Ukrainian with information for Ukrainian citizens had been launched on theportal of public employment services,4Poland Page 147- information for websites had been prepared,- information leaflets and held a number of meetings with employees of poviat and voivodship labouroffices and employers had been done in the field of assistance for Ukrainian citizens,- the submission of job offers to employment offices, for Ukrainians citizens, had been enabled foremployers - these offers are marked with the Ukrainian flag and available in Ukrainian in the CentralJob Offers Database (www.oferty.praca.gov.pl),- 4 Ukrainian-speaking consultants in the Green Line had been employed (no. 19524) and theextension of its operating hours until 20,- the hotline 22 245 61 05 had been launched and the following contact e-mail address:pracaua@mrips.gov.pl especially for employers who have questions about submitting job offers forUkrainian citizens.2. The necessary systemic changes has been done:a) Accordingly to special regulatory act, Citizens of Ukraine can legally work in Poland for anyemployer without any additional permits. Every citizen of Ukraine may register with theemployment office as unemployed or job seeker on the same terms as a citizen of the Republic ofPoland. The employer is obliged to report to the local labour office the fact of starting work by acitizen of Ukraine within 14 days of starting work. The number of notifications about entrusting workto a citizen of Ukraine has been constantly growing over last year and by mid of March 2023exceeded 1 million.b) At the level of self-governmental institutions ( including public employment services - PES):- prepared special workstations for the registration of Ukrainian citizens and leaflets for refugees onthe assistance of labour offices and legal work,- separate points have been created where employees provide information,- larger cities have created special centers for Ukrainians, where comprehensive assistance isavailable: social, medical and job offers, employees go with information to railway and bus stations where refugees arrive.c) It should be emphasized that we constantly monitor the situation and create new solutions ifnecessary. The Act on Assistance to Ukrainian Citizens in Connection with the Armed Conflict onthe Territory of Ukraine introduced several instruments aimed at facilitating the entry of Ukrainiancitizens to the Polish labour market, increasing their professional activation, integration and socialactivity, namely:- financing from the Labour Fund of Polish language training for Ukrainian citizens practicing medicalprofessions. Citizens of Ukraine who have permission to practice the profession of a doctor, nurse ormidwife in the territory of the Republic of Poland (these professions are scarce) will be entitled tobenefit from such measures;- simplified mode of organization by local labour offices of group trainings in Polish for theunemployed and foreigners looking for a job in order to facilitate finding a job by foreigners;- making it easier for Ukrainian citizens to take up work in nursing homes facing staffing problems, byintroducing a new instrument to enable the entity running a social welfare home to reimburse partor all of the costs of remuneration and social security contributions for full-time or part-timeemployment of the unemployed or job seekers.3. “Together we can more”. Already on February 25th, 2022 a special activation programme waslaunched for foreigners for the years 2022-2025. The call for offers was announced on February25th, 2022, with the deadline for submitting offers on March 21st, 2022. As part of the call, local5Poland Page 148government units, non-governmental organizations and labour market institutions could apply forco-financing for the implementation of projects (from PLN 300,000 to PLN 1.5 PLN million). As aresult, 112 projects are being implemented (for the value of appr. EUR 22 mil). The purpose isprofessional activation as well as integration and social activity of foreigners who reside legally inPoland and who encounter difficulties.4. The aim of the ministry's activities is also to implement solutions enabling the best matching ofskills and professional qualifications of candidates from Ukraine to job offers submitted byemployers. One of such solutions, supplementing the help of employment offices, is the onlineplatform "PracawPolsce" (meaning „WorkinPolnad”), launched in May 2022. Registration in thesystem takes place using a simple online form, also available in Ukrainian, through which citizens ofUkraine create a professional profile including information about their professional qualifications.Based on the created profile, a citizen of Ukraine may automatically receive information about joboffers matched to his qualifications in the Central Database of Job Offers, as well as on otherwebsites.5. It is also necessary to emphasize the huge role and efforts of Polish NGO’s, self-governments andPolish citizens in time of war crisis in Ukraine. Polish organizations and society immediately startedto help Ukrainian refugees.Family PolicyIn order to provide material support to families and persons who entered the territory of theRepublic of Poland directly from the territory of Ukraine in connection with hostilities, specialstatutory regulations were introduced to provide refugees with adequate support. It should beremembered that nearly 95% of refugees from Ukraine are women and children. Therefore, one ofthe key areas was to provide support for families with dependent children. Pursuant to theintroduced special regulations, war refugees from Ukraine gained the right to the same benefits forchildren as Polish citizens. Families - citizens of Ukraine are entitled to:- family care capital (PLN 500/month for 24 months for children aged 12-35 months);- childcare benefit from the government program "Rodzina 500+" (PLN 500/month up to the age of18, regardless of the number of children in the family and income);- good start benefit from the government program "Good Start" (PLN 300 for children attendingschool, paid once a year - the so-called school starter kit)- family benefits:- family allowance for a child - depending on the age of the child, it is payable in the amount fromPLN 95 to PLN 135 per month per child, and several types of additions to the family allowance - dueafter meeting additional conditions;- parental benefit (PLN 1,000 monthly, as a rule, for a period of 52 weeks from childbirth, is payableto mothers who have given birth to a child (in exceptional cases to fathers) and who do not receivematernity benefit or maternity pay);- nursing allowance (addressed to people with disabilities in the amount of PLN 215.84 per month),- nursing benefit (granted to a parent who does not take up employment in connection with the careof a disabled child in the amount of PLN 2,458 per month),- special care allowance (granted to carers of disabled people who do not meet the conditions forreceiving a care benefit in the amount of PLN 620 per month),- co-financing the reduction of the parent's fee for the child's stay in a nursery, children's club or daycare provider (in the amount of PLN 400 per month for a child attending a nursery, children's club orunder the care of a daily caregiver, for whom family care capital has not been granted, will be6Poland Page 149transferred directly to the entity running the care institution for the purpose of reducing the parent'sfee for the child's stay).In addition, the above The law on assistance to Ukrainian citizens in connection with the armedconflict on the territory of this state introduced significant changes to the system of care for childrenunder the age of three. These changes are intended to facilitate the creation of new places innurseries, children's clubs and day carers, and also provide for the possibility of creating them in newlocations. They can be created by both local governments and all other entities that are permitted bythe Act of 4 February 2011 on the care of children under the age of 3. Communes and private entitiescan therefore launch additional places of care for Ukrainian children in nurseries and children's clubson simpler terms. Pursuant to the Act of the above provisions, excluding specific standards containedin the Act of 4 February 2011 on the care of children under the age of 3, 1,600 care places werecreated, including: care places created by communes: 812, care places created by other entities thanmunicipalities: 788Ministry of Economic Development and TechnologyPoland is open to tackle current and future challenges and crises through increased unified and jointactions for the common good of the Baltic Sea Region in accordance with international law.Under the national Regulations implementing the Frame Water Directive obligations Polandundertakes actions in order to reduce environmental pollution in water ecosystems by monitoringand reducing excretion of nitrogen and phosphorus resulting from fertilizers. Improvement of thewater quality in the respect of amount hazardous substances reduction is one of the key goals of theHELCOM Convention for the Protection of the Baltic Sea, of which Poland is an active member.Article 5 of the Polish Construction Law indicates that buildings should be designed and built in a waythat ensures sustainable use of natural resources. This should be carried out by, for example: reuseor recycling of buildings and their materials and parts after demolition, and the use ofenvironmentally friendly raw materials and recycled materials in buildings.However, due to the significant market share of construction products covered by EU legislation, it isnecessary to cooperate in the development of European legislation supporting the re-use ofproducts. One of the tools supporting the discussed changes is the revision of the provisions ofRegulation (EU) No. 305/2011 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 9 March 2011 layingdown harmonized conditions for the marketing of construction products and repealing CouncilDirective 89/106/EEC.We confirm the involvement of Polish representatives in the work on the draft regulation layingdown harmonised conditions for the marketing of construction products, amending Regulation (EU)2019/1020 and repealing Regulation (EU) 305/2011. The draft in question contains regulationspromoting the reuse, regeneration and recycling of products. However, we must bear in mind thatreuse requires action to be taken by the manufacturer at the product design stage, namelyfacilitating the separation of components and materials at a later recycling stage and avoiding mixed,blended or complex materials.Poland continues to work towards the goals enshrined in the Conference Resolution especially in thechapter regarding climate change mitigation, preserving biodiversity and adapting to climate change(points 19-32).With Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a number of threats have emerged to ensure the security of bothPoland and Ukraine, including energy security. They have resulted in the need to quickly move awayfrom fuels imported from Russia and replace them with other carriers or completely transform theenergy system. There is a growing need to ensure Poland's energy security. A path in this directionmay be the development of distributed energy based on renewable energy sources. In this direction7Poland Page 150we have prepared several proposals as draft law amending the law on investments in wind powerplants or development of concept of tenant self-consumer.By the act on the promotion of electricity generation in offshore wind farms Poland steps a milestonefor the energy transformation. The Act sets the legal framework for the construction of the firstoffshore wind farms in the country. It will allow for the full use of the potential of the Baltic Sea interms of electricity generation in a non-conventional way.However, it should be emphasized that the most important thing for Poland is to ensure a fair energytransition. It is a fundamental task and challenge, important for society as a whole, the governmentand businesses from the point of view of achieving climate goals, achieving energy security,stimulating economic development and developing new technologies. The Polish economy facesenergy transition challenges arising from the implementation of the climate and energy policies ofPoland and the European Union, including the European Green Deal and the Fit for 55 package.Ministry of JusticeI. The Ministry of Justice undertakes activities related to the prosecution of war crimes’perpetrators and cooperates in this field with the International Criminal Court (ICC):1. Poland is intending to second its expert to the International Criminal Court in order to supportthe ICC’s investigations on international crimes. The negotiations of a relevant bilateralMemorandum are at the advanced stage at the moment.2. Poland has intervened in the proceedings before the International Court of Justice in TheHague in Ukraine v. the Russian Federation case concerning alleged violations of the GenocideConvention. On 26 February 2022, Ukraine filed an application with the International Court ofJustice in Hague against the Russian Federation that concerned a dispute between the twostates over alleged violations of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of theCrime of Genocide by Ukraine. Poland’s intervention was submitted to the Court on 22September.II. The Justice Ministry and the National Public Prosecutor's Office also participate in otherinternational initiatives to support Ukraine:1. Initiative to create a Compensation FundUkraine has put forward an initiative to create an international mechanism to repair the damagecaused by Russia in connection with the armed aggression against Ukraine ("compensation fund").Compensation for damages would - in Ukraine's intention - be made from the property of Russia andRussian citizens.Poland fully supports the idea that Russia, as a violator of international law (in connection with theaggression against Ukraine), should bear international responsibility, in particular liability fordamages, which, however, may not be an easy solution to implement in practice. Poland is open todiscussion on the detailed rules of operation of the mechanism and the sources of its financing, sothat it operates in full respect of international law, human rights and the rule of law. In this spirit, itwill support Ukrainian steps to prepare the establishment of the indicated mechanism, as well assupport this initiative in connection with Ukraine's planned consultations with other interested statesand international organizations.On the international forum, on November 14, 2022, Poland voted in favour of the UN GeneralAssembly Resolution, which i.e. recognizes that the Russian Federation must be held to account forany violations of international law in or against Ukraine and that it must bear the legal consequencesof all of its internationally wrongful acts, including making reparation for the injury, including anydamage, caused by such acts. It recognizes also the need for the establishment, in cooperation with8Poland Page 151Ukraine, of an international mechanism for reparation for damage, loss or injury, and arising fromthe internationally wrongful acts of the Russian Federation in or against Ukraine and it recommendsthe creation by Member States, in cooperation with Ukraine, of an international register of damageto serve as a record, in documentary form, of evidence and claims information on damage, loss orinjury to all natural and legal persons concerned, as well as the State of Ukraine, caused byinternationally wrongful acts of the Russian Federation in or against Ukraine, as well as to promoteand coordinate evidence-gathering.2. Initiative to establish a special international criminal tribunal for UkraineOn several international forums, Ukraine has put forward the proposal of creating a specialinternational criminal tribunal to prosecute and punish the perpetrators of crime of aggressioncommitted in Ukraine. Poland has declared its openness to the discussion on the issue provided thatit is fully consistent with the international law standards. Poland has received a Ukrainian draft of amultilateral international agreement on the establishment of such a tribunal. The draft is beinganalysed by relevant authorities.3. Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on international crimes committed in UkraineThe JIT was set up on 25 March 2022 by Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine with Eurojust’s support inorder to facilitate investigations and prosecutions on core international crimes committed in Ukraine.At the end of May 2022, the judicial authorities of Estonia, Latvia and Slovakia joined the JIT.III. The Minister of Justice acts as the administrator of the Victims and Post-release AssistanceFund (Justice Fund) Justice Fund is a special purpose fund aimed at helping victims and witnesses,preventing crime and post-release assistance.The Justice Fund was established pursuant to Art. 43 of the Executive Penal Code Act of 6 June 1997(OJ 2018, item 652, as amended). Detailed rules for granting aid and subsidies under the Fund wereset out in the Regulation of the Minister of Justice of 13 September 2017 on the Victims and Post-release Assistance Fund - the Justice Fund (OJ 2017, item 683, as amended). The regulation definesthe rules and modes for granting subsidies to public sector bodies, as well non-governmentalorganizations.Currently, there are 305 aid centers throughout Poland, where victims can obtain professional help,e.g. help in finding safe refuge, legal support (help in writing an official letter), psychological therapy,material aid (food vouchers, covering food costs, purchase of clothing, underwear, footwear,cleaning and personal hygiene products), assistance in covering costs of childcare in a nursery, club,kindergarten or school.Also the Justice Fund runs a nationwide Victim's Assistance Line: +48 222 309 900. The Line operates24 hours a day. Employees provide legal and psychological assistance in Polish, English, Russian andUkrainian.Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the Justice Fund has been involved in helping victims ofwar crimes or crimes. Almost 10,000 refugees fleeing from Ukraine received free assistance from theJustice Fund. An application for assistance in Ukrainian was also prepared. Information provided byinstitutions financed by the Justice Fund shows that free legal and psychological assistance as well asmaterial support (goods and food vouchers and covering the costs of temporary accommodation) aremost often provided. If a person is qualified for assistance, he/she receives it immediately, as soon aspossible. Each facility employs a group of specialists whose task is to provide assistance to thevictims.The Victim's Assistance Line provides legal and psychological assistance, also in Ukrainian. The totalnumber of reports of hostilities from the start of the war to the end of December 2022 was 25,286.9Poland Page 152Ministry of Climate and EnvironmentEnergy security in the context of the Russian’s aggression against UkraineThe enduring strategic partnership between Baltic States has acquired a new significance in the faceof the ongoing war in our continent. Security of our region has become a central point in ourcooperation.The Baltic States condemned in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiedinvasion and its brutal war against Ukraine.Concerted action has been taken to maintain pressure, through further individual and sectoral EUrestrictive measures, on Russia and Belarus limiting their ability to continue the war in Ukraine.In the face of the energy prices crisis due to Russia’s war there was a lot of consultations. Thecommon aim was to mitigate the rising energy prices and reduce the financial burden on householdsand industries. We worked together to pursue a common EU level approach aimed at mitigating highenergy prices, establishing an efficient EU ETS allowances price regulation mechanism and preparefor the winter season while preserving the integrity of the EU single energy market, maintainingincentives for the energy transition, and keeping up the security of supply.The Baltic States have intensified energy cooperation and eliminated dependence on Russian energyresources. Cooperation continues to diversify supply routes and sources, accelerate thesynchronisation of the Baltic electricity grids with the continental grid through Poland and the timelydevelopment of zero-emission energy projects.After Russian aggression against Ukraine, Poland become the most important fuel supplier forUkraine. It is possible because of transshipments of crude oil and refined oil products in the Port ofGdansk. The terminal is crucial element of the crude oil supply and fuel logistics for Poland andanother countries in the region.Poland works on deploying nuclear power. It will be a vital part of the Polish energy mix as a reliablesource of electricity generation. It will help to replace old coal-fired power plants. The deployment ofnuclear energy in Poland will ensure increased energy security of the country, including stable energysupplies at costs acceptable to consumers.Renewable energy sourcesAccording to the Energy policy of Poland until 2040 (EPP2040) the installed capacity in offshore windenergy will reach 5.9 GW in 2030 and up to 11 GW by 2040, which is well over 10% of Baltic’s overallprojected potential of offshore wind capacity until 2050, estimated at 93 GW. By 2030, offshore windfarms will be responsible in total for 13% of generated electricity in Poland, and by 2040 - 19%.We continue the cooperation with other EU countries of the region in the framework of the BalticEnergy Market Interconnection Plan (BEMIP) Offshore Wind Group to fully make use of the potentialof the sea we share.Poland, together with Sweden, Finland, Germany, Denmark, Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia, committedto a combined ambition for offshore wind in the Baltic Sea region of at least 19.6 GW by 2030 – asevenfold increase compared to the current 2.8 GW. This was the goal of the Marienborg Declarationpresented after the Baltic Sea Energy Security Summit on 30th August 2022.Building upon the Declaration, on 19 January 2023, Poland and the above-mentioned countriesconcluded regional non-binding agreement to cooperate on goals for offshore renewable generationto be deployed within Baltic Sea by 2050 (46,8 GW) with intermediate steps in 2030 (22,5 GW) and2040 (34,6 GW) in accordance with the EU regulation on trans-European networks in energy (TEN-E).It outlines our joint path to achieving climate neutrality and minimising the reliance on Russian fossilfuels.10Poland Page 153Plastic pollutionThe main stream of land-based marine litter is drinking related items, such as cups, caps, lids, bagswrappers, packets, bags cutlery and straws. Poland is committed to ambitious actions against plasticpollution. We are currently working on reducing the amount of the waste generated from single useproduct of plastic in the environment, in particular in the marine environment as this poses a seriousthreat to the environment and human health. Poland is working on introducing the deposit systemthat will cover the entire country. Another action concern a ban on the use of certain disposableplastic products (cotton buds, cutlery, plates, straws, polystyrene food and drink containers) andproducts made of oxo-degradable plastics, in order to further reduce the harmful impact of certainplastic products on the environment.HELCOMAs one of the HELCOM countries we participated in its work regarding the protection of species anddeveloping management plans for marine sites of Natura 2000.Last year the protection plan for the area of Zalew Wiślany and Mierzeja Wiślana PLH280007 wasestablished, the report form in Recommendation 17-2 on the conservation of harbour porpoises inthe Baltic Sea area was developed and the Action B8 of The Baltic Sea Action Plan to defineknowledge gaps regarding threats to the harbour porpoise population was launched.Ministry of Foreign AffairsOver the last year Poland has undertaken a series of steps aimed at strengthening our security, bothin national and regional aspect. These are of particular importance in view of the unprecedented,illegal aggression of Russia against Ukraine.OSCE ChairmanshipThe Russian Federation’s aggression against Ukraine constitutes the biggest security threat to theEuropean security architecture after World War 2 and the largest security crisis in the OSCE’s history.As Poland was chairing OSCE over the 2022, the situation required special measures to beundertaken in its context. It demanded the change of the traditional role of the OSCE Chairmanshipfrom that of a facilitator to that of guarding and defending Organisation’s fundamental principles andparticipating States’ adopted commitments.Supported by the overwhelming majority of participating States, we have reformulated the agenda,ensured that Russia’s non-compliance, actively supported by Belarus, was the focus of all ourdeliberations and Ukraine remained the main theme of all events and activities. As achievingconsensual decisions was no longer possible without agreeing to shameful compromises with Russia,we decided not to present any documents for the Ministerial Council, that we hosted on December 1and 2 2022 in Łódź, Poland. Still, the Polish OSCE Chairmanship used the opportunity to issue aPolitical Declaration, which reflected on the main challenges to the security on the Europeancontinent and the Organization’s coherence. With participation of more than 1000 participants,including around 40 Foreign Ministers, we succeeded in consolidating a unified and strong stanceagainst Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.Regional dimension of cooperation in the sphere of securityPoland is one of the top donors of military support for Ukraine, and also acts as a logistics hub for thetransfer of aid to Ukraine by other countries. Polish military aid to Ukraine amounted to approx. EUR3 billion.As one of the coordinators, together with Romania, of the “Bucharest Nine” format, that gatherscountries of the NATO’s Eastern Flank, Poland undertakes steps necessary in order to increasesecurity of the region, also in the wider context, as well of the whole NATO area.11Poland Page 154In terms of security of the Baltic Sea, Poland welcomed decision of Finland and Sweden to join NATO.Polish Parliament swiftly proceeded with the ratification of the accession protocols of both countries.With Finland’s and Sweden’s membership in the Alliance the security of the Baltic Sea, as well assecurity of the whole NATO area will increase.In the EU context it is important to mention the establishment of the EU Military Assistance Missionin support of Ukraine (EUMAM Ukraine). The Mission is aimed at strengthening the capacity of theUkrainian Armed Forces to defend Ukraine’s territorial integrity within its internationally recognizedborders and to deter and respond to possible future military offensives by Russia and other potentialaggressors. Poland is pleased to host a mission’s multinational command structure on operationallevel in the city of Żagań.Poland is determined to continue its support for Ukraine, a country that defends its sovereignty andintegrity against brutal, illegal and unprovoked aggression of the Russian Federation. Support forUkraine is crucial for maintaining peace and stability in Europe.Ministry of Sport and TourismWithin the Thematic Area of Tourism in the Strategy EU Baltic Sea Region, the Ministry of Sport andTourism carried out the following activities aimed at implementing sustainable tourism in the BalticSea Region.• Participation in the works concerning the selection of the Coordinator of the Priority Area ofTourism. The efforts of the Pomeranian Regional Tourist Organization to obtain the above-mentioned function. As a result of the support of the candidacy by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs andthe Ministry of Sport and Tourism, PROT was elected PA Tourism Coordinator. This function isperformed jointly by PROT with the Region of Oulu in Finland (with a lead function of PROT).• Online participation in the 13th Annual Strategy UE Baltic Sea Region Forum in Lappeenranta,Finland on September 28-29, 2022.• Participation in the information meeting organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on theStrategy EU for the Baltic Sea Region (SUERMB) - November 9, 2022.• On-line participation in the meeting of the Steering Committee of the Priority Area Tourismin the Strategy EU BSR on November 21, 2022.• Participation in the 14th Baltic Sea Tourist Forum, organized by the PAT Coordinator in theEUS BSR in a remote formula on December 1, 2022.• Participation in the works of the Consultative Group for Interreg South Baltic ProgramProjects and the Consultative Committee for Transnational and Interregional Projects of InterregCentral Europe, Interreg Baltic Sea Region Program and Interreg Europe Programme. At themeetings, a representative of the Ministry of Sport and Tourism sought to secure funding forecological projects implemented in the tourism sector.Bearing in mind the Russian aggression against Ukraine and the war started by Russia, which affectedthe situation in the Baltic Sea region, the following actions were taken: Andrzej Gut-Mostowy, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Sport and Tourism, asked UNWorld Tourism Organization for information on planned actions in connection with Russia'saggression against Ukraine, which resulted with Russia's suspension in UNWTO. At the meeting on 29 of April 2022, Minister Andrzej Gut-Mostowy with Maryana Oleskiv,President of the State Agency for Tourism Development of Ukraine, minister declaredsupport in providing accommodation for needy Ukrainian citizens and declared that Ukrainehas the full support of the Polish nation and the tourism industry.12Poland Page 155 As a result, as part of the activities supported by the Ministry of Sport and Tourism:Polish Airlines LOT has prepared a special offer with a 30% discount for adults and 50% forchildren for economy class travel from Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia, valid fromFebruary 25 to May 31, 2022. The offer made it easier to get to a safe place. In addition, LOToffered free-of-charge rebookings and the possibility of refunds with a deduction for previouslynon-refundable tickets.Polish Railways PKP provided space at railway stations for running information and receptiondesks. In total, at the height of the refugee crisis, there were 26 such points in operation. PKPIntecity and other carriers offered free travel to 2.3 million people in Poland.Flixbus bus line with regular lines from Ukraine to other European countries transported 130,000.people. In addition, FlixBus transported over 500 children from orphanages from the border inUkraine to Warsaw and about 20 tons of gifts to those in need and to the war front. More than6,000 vouchers have been donated for free rides on FlixBus to allow people to evacuate thecountry.Polski Holding Hotelowy Group has provided 300,000 accommodation for people from Ukraine inhotels and facilities of the PHH Group. Airbnb has provided temporary housing for approx.130,000 people fleeing the war from Ukraine. These stays were funded by Airbnb, other Airbnbdonors, and hosts.Wizz Air has offered 100,000 free seats on all European flights from countries bordering Ukraine(i.e. Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania). The airline helped refugees get to their destinationsnot only in border countries, but also in other offered destinations. The Ministry of Sport and Tourism also supported Ukraine in implementing solutions for thedevelopment of tourism, e.g. during online meetings. Recently, such a meeting was held withthe participation of Minister Andrzej Gut-Mostowy. During the meeting, the implementedinstitutions were informed about the financial security system introduced in Poland in theevent of insolvency, the Tourist Guarantee Fund and the Tourist Aid Fund, which may be amodel for other countries. One of such country is Ukraine. On the initiative of the Secretary of State Andrzej Gut-Mostowy, a working team wasestablished for ongoing cooperation and support in the implementation of solutions by theUkrainian side.Ministry of Agriculture and Rural DevelopmentPoland has consistently been implementing the National Action Plan to reduce the risk related to theuse of plant protection products for 2018-2022, announced in the Official Journal of the Republicof Poland "Monitor Polski" (Monitor Polski, item 723).This document is a continuation of the National Action Plan for 2013-2017 and, like the previousplan, does not impose obligations on farmers or entrepreneurs, but defines tasks for publicadministration units in the field of reducing risks related to chemical plant protection treatments.The document assumes that the key objective for Poland will be, as in 2013-2017, the disseminationof general principles of integrated pest management.As in the National Action Plan for 2013-2017, the new document places great emphasis on theprotection of pollinating insects and the aquatic environment. Monitoring of the presence of plantprotection products in surface waters was also developed.The pest signalling platform www.agrofagi.com.pl was developed and improved as the basic tool forknowledge transfer to practice. Current plant protection programs are made available on the13Poland Page 156Platform, taking into account non-chemical methods of protection, methodologies of integratedplant protection and decision support systems in plant protection. Communications presenting up-to-date, relevant information in the field of plant protection are also published.Detailed reports on the implementation of the national action plan are available on the website:https://www.gov.pl/web/rolnictwo/krajowy-plan-dzialania-na-rzecz-ograniczenia-ryzyka-zwiazanego-ze-stosowanie-srodkow-ochrony-roslin.In Poland, action programs are also implemented to reduce water pollution with nitrates fromagricultural sources and to prevent further pollution:The nitrate program and the set of recommendations of good agricultural practice for voluntary useare packages of measures that should be implemented on a farm in order to minimize waterpollution with nitrates. They have been developed to show the farmer what to do and how to applyfertilizers.Appropriate and sustainable use of fertilizers allows minimizing water pollution with nitrates ofagricultural origin, thanks to which water eutrophication is reduced, which has a positive impact onhuman health and quality of life and will improve the condition of the natural environment.Detailed information on the Programs is available on the website:https://dziennikustaw.gov.pl/DU/2023/244 and https://www.gov.pl/web/rolnictwo/zbior-zalecen-dobrej-praktyki-rolniczej-do-dobrowolnego-stosowaniaUnder the Rural Development Program 2014-2020, since 2015, the Agri-environment-climatemeasure (AECM) has been implemented, which aims to promote agricultural practices contributingto the protection of soils, waters, climate, valuable natural habitats and endangered species of birds,endangered genetic resources of crops and livestock, and the protection of landscape diversity.AECM creates a financial incentive for beneficiaries who voluntarily decide to conduct agriculturalactivity in a way that is conducive to various elements of the natural environment and fulfil theobligations consisting in meeting the detailed requirements specified for the relevant package orvariant within 5 years. The RDP payments compensate for the lost profits and additional costs relatedto the fulfilment of the relevant requirements.Detailed information on the Program is available on the website:https://www.gov.pl/web/rolnictwo/-program-rozwoju-obszarow-wiejskich-2014-2020-prow-2014-2020The institutes supervised by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development carry out variousactivities. An example of such a unit is The Institute of Technology and Life Sciences - NationalResearch Institute.The Institute of Technology and Life Sciences - National Research Institute actively supports theUkrainian nation in the areas listed in the resolution: from February 24, 2022, the Institute suspended scientific cooperation with Russian andBelarusian institutions; from the first days of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the Institute took care of transporting refugeesfrom the Polish-Ukrainian border and providing them with first support and accommodation;families with small children were taken by the Institute's cars from the reception points at theborder crossings to the institute's quarters and accommodation places indicated by the voivodes; The Institute invited Ukrainian scientists to cooperate, planning to start joint projects: The use of biomass for energy purposes in terms of biogas and bio-hydrogen, Protection of surface waters against pollution from agriculture,14Poland Page 157 Innovative methods of water quality improvement in multifunctional retention reservoirs. Under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRP), implemented between 2020 and2025, in Component A “Resilience and Competitiveness of the Economy” under Investment A1.4.1. The NRP provided investment support to diversify and shorten the supply chain ofagricultural and food products and build the resilience of entities participating in the chain,for which funds amounting to over PLN 4.5 billion have been secured. Support was granted, inter alia, to projects in the field of processing and marketing ofagricultural, fisheries or aquaculture products, carried out by micro, small and medium-sizedenterprises in the agri-food processing sector and farmers processing and selling their ownproducts in short supply chains as part of activities such as Agricultural Retail Trade, marginalactivity, local and limited activities, direct sales of products of animal origin or directdeliveries of products of plant origin. In addition, under Investment A 1.4.1. The NRP provides support for the establishment anddevelopment of storage and distribution centres for agricultural, fisheries and aquacultureproducts and agricultural wholesale markets, addressed to operators engaged in economicactivities related to the warehousing and wholesale of agricultural, fisheries or aquacultureproducts. In addition to investments in infrastructure, machinery and equipment directly linked to theactivities of processing and marketing of agricultural, fisheries or aquaculture products,funding is also provided for projects related to the above-mentioned waste storage andmanagement activities (biomass boilers and furnaces, biogas plants, sewage treatmentplants), the use of renewable energy (RES) systems, including photovoltaic systems, solarheating systems, heat recovery installations, heat pumps, and the use of refrigerants withreduced or neutral effects on the environment. According to the provisions of the NRP, investments in specialised means of internal andexternal transport, with zero or low CO2 emissions or being biogas/biomethane LNG/CNGvehicles, are also co-financed. In the calls, which took place at the turn of October and November 2022, processingcompanies (the SME sector) submitted more than 2,000 applications for an amountexceeding PLN 6 billion, while farmers and fishermen wishing to carry out agri-foodprocessing or to dispose of their own agricultural raw materials and products, submitted over670 applications for the amount of nearly PLN 217 million. The announcement of the recruitment for investments in the creation and development ofstorage and distribution centres is planned in Q2. 2023.RYBThe updated HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan, very important strategic document defining activitiesand strategies of the Helsinki Commission and its Contracting Parties for the upcoming years,includes also actions aiming at reduction and mitigation of impact of fisheries on marine nature andmarine resources. Poland in cooperation with other HELCOM Contracting Parties, within theframework of such HELCOM working groups as HELCOM FISH, or HELCOM FISH-M, takes an activerole in discussion and decision making process on the next steps towards the implementation of theHELCOM BSAP actions, and initiatives.In addition, within the implementation of policies and regulations around fisheries andimplementation of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan, Poland takes an active role in discussions onconservation measures for marine fish resources within EU (including further conservation measuresfor cod, salmon or eel), restoration of Baltic sturgeon populations, and implementation of measuresfor protection of Baltic Sea harbour porpoise against incidental catch.15Poland Page 158The actions and investments towards addressing the challenges from the IPCC report and theinternationally binding targets of the Paris Agreement in fisheries (including recycling, investing inmore environmentally and climate friendly technologies on board of the vessels and in the harboursetc. ) are promoted and can be financed from the European Maritime, Fisheries and AquacultureFund (EMFAF) 2021-2027.The Strategic Plan includes many elements that have an impact on reducing emissions, the mostimportant of which in the context of point 22 of the resolution is the eco-scheme: carbon farmingand nutrient management. This intervention includes practices that increase carbon sequestration inthe soil, store CO2 from the atmosphere in plants and reduce its emissions, as well as other benefitsfor ecosystems and biodiversity. By enhancing soil health, it improves crop quality, which in turnresults in income and cost savings.This ecoscheme distinguishes 8 practices: simplified cultivation systems, winter catchcrops/undersown crops, diversified crop structure, extensive use of three-point linkages withlivestock, development and adherence to a fertilization plan, mixing manure on arable land within 12hours of application, use of liquid natural fertilizers methods other than spraying on arable land andpermanent grassland and mixing straw with soil.The use of practices is voluntary and payments for them can provide additional income for thefarmer.Poland in HELCOM AGRI GroupThe HELCOM AGRI Group is working on finding solutions on how the agricultural sector couldcontribute to achieving the good environmental status of the Baltic Sea and implementing anecosystem approach to its protection. The group is a place for exchanging information on agri-environmental policy measures and instruments and for a joint discussion on agriculture in thecontext of protecting the marine environment, taking into consideration, introducing nutrients intowaters and reducing other emissions from agriculture. The achievements of the AGRI group shouldsupport the HELCOM countries that are EU members in the work on the implementation of EUlegislation, taking into account the specific needs of the Baltic Sea.The Polish side is currently actively participating in the following activities of HELCOM AGRI group1. Preparation of a report on economic incentives in the Baltic Sea region to increase therecycling of nutrients and reduce their losses - information was provided on the role of agri-environmental payments in the promotion of sustainable agriculture, which reduce erosion,and nutrient and organic matter losses.2. Preparation of Guidelines on annual nutrient accounting at the farm level - the Polish sidesubmits comments on the substantive content of the document so that it takes into accountthe approach to nutrient management in various countries of the Baltic Sea catchment area,and in particular, reflects the current recommendations used in Poland and their futuredevelopment.3. Baltic Sea Region Nutrient Recycling Strategy - the Polish side participated in thedevelopment of the strategy and participates in regional projects, the results of which willsupport its implementation. IUNG-PIB is a co-author of the project application in the InterregEurope program. The CiNURGi project aims to link the bioeconomy around nutrient recyclingwith the circular economy of the Baltic Sea region. CiNURGi will develop and promotestandards for safe and sustainable nutrient recycling by supporting the New CircularEconomy Action Plan of the European Green Deal and the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan.The project will encourage the creation of new business models and symbiosis with cross-sectoral cooperation to develop solutions, promote knowledge exchange, raise awarenessand conduct policy dialogue. It is expected that the long-term effect will be brought closer tothe implementation of the European Green Deal assumptions - reducing the consumption of16Poland Page 159fertilizers produced with the participation of minerals and fossil fuels by 20%, and reducingthe nutrients losses by 50%.Ministry of Infrastructure - Unit of Marine Protection within the Department of Maritime Economy1. Activities for the protection of the marine environment on the EU forumPoland participates in the work of the EU Council working formations for shipping, during which thedraft regulation on the use of renewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport, the so-calledthe FuelEUMaritime is negotiated. This initiative proposed a common EU regulatory framework toincrease the share of renewable and low-carbon fuels in the energy mix of international maritimetransport without creating barriers to the single market. The regulation provides for reducing theintensity of greenhouse gas emissions from energy consumption on ships entering ports and theobligation to use shore-side electricity (OPS) or zero-emission technology in ports. Theimplementation of this initiative at the EU level is aimed at achieving economies of scale in the use ofrenewable and low-carbon fuels in maritime transport, and is also intended to avoid greenhouse gasleakage and ensure a level playing field for operators calling at EU ports and operating connectionsbetween EU ports themselves.2. Activities for the protection of the marine environment at the IMO forumPoland continued its participation in cyclical meetings of the Marine Environment ProtectionCommittee (MEPC) and the Sub-Committee on Pollution Prevention and Response (PPR) of theInternational Maritime Organization (IMO), during which the following issues were considered:reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from ships; harmful organisms in ballast water; identificationand protection of Special Areas, Emission Control Areas (ECAs) and Particularly Sensitive Sea Areas(PSSAs); preventing air pollution; ship energy efficiency; implementation of the action plan againstmarine pollution caused by plastic waste from ships; pollution prevention and response; safety andenvironmental hazard of chemicals; continuing the review of the 2011 Guidance on the Control andManagement of Vessel Biofouling to minimize the transmission of invasive aquatic species; reducingthe Arctic impact of soot emissions from international shipping.3. Activities within the Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic SeaArea (Helsinki Convention / HELCOM)Poland actively participates in the activities carried out by HELCOM, thus fulfilling its legal obligationsin the field of protection of the marine environment of the Baltic Sea. HELCOM's work was carriedout within 8 working groups (5 - permanent and 3 - temporary) and many expert groups in order tofully use the experts' potential and focus on the overriding goal, which is to achieve goodenvironmental status of the Baltic Sea by 2030.The main work of the HELCOM focuses on starting discussions on implementation, adopted in 2021,the updated Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP), officially adopted with the accompanying MinisterialDeclaration at the Ministerial Conference on October 20, 2021 in Lübeck, Germany. Individual actionsunder the updated BSAP have been envisaged to be implemented at the HELCOM level or byindividual Parties to the Convention (national level). Monitoring and implementation of theseactivities by the Parties to the Convention was entrusted to individual HELCOM working formations(working groups and expert groups).In addition, intensive work continues on the third edition of the holistic assessment of the Baltic Sea,which is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the state of the ecosystem of the entireBaltic Sea (the so-called HOLAS III programme) and to track progress in achieving HELCOM goals.HOLAS III assessment for the period 2016-2021, and its results are expected to be published in 2023.17Poland Page 160a) The Maritime Working Group (Maritime WG)WG works to prevent any pollution from ships – including deliberate operational discharges as wellas accidental pollution.Poland participates in the activities of the Maritime WG, which mainly discussed the implementationof the updated BSAP, ballast water regulations, biofouling and anti-fouling systems, ship gasemissions, discharge of sewage and other ship-generated waste, port waste reception facilities (PRF)and safety shipping.Moreover, Poland participates in the works of subordinated experts groups: Expert Group for MutualExchange and Deliveries of AIS & Data (EG AIS EWG), Expert Group on Safety of Navigation (EG SAFENAV), Sub-group on Green Technology and Alternative Fuels for Shipping (GREN TEAM), The JointHELCOM/OSPAR Task Group on Ballast Water Management Convention (BWMC) and Biofouling (JTGBALLAST & BIOFOULING) and Cooperation Platform on Port Reception Facilities (CP PRF) - the resultsof the work of these expert groups were presented and discussed at Maritime WG.b) The Working Group on the Reduction of Pressures from the Baltic Sea Catchment Area (PressureWG)The main task of the Pressure WG is to coordinate the activities of the Contracting Parties of theHelsinki Convention in the field of reducing the pressures from the catchment area of the Baltic Sea.The group's work focuses on identifying sources of pollution (including terrestrial pollution: point andarea) and proposing actions to be taken to reduce pollution entering the Baltic Sea. The main areasconsidered in terms of their negative impact on the state of the marine environment are: nutrients,hazardous substances, marine waste and underwater noise.Poland participates in the activities of Pressure WG, which mainly deals with the discussion ofactivities under the updated BSAP assigned to WG PRESSURE, work on HOLAS III, issues related tosubordinated expert groups (marine debris, underwater noise, seabed disturbances, hazardoussubstances, eutrophication, hotspots). During the meetings, urgent current issues were alsodiscussed, such as: the disaster on the Oder River, or the situation in the sewage treatment plant inLviv in Ukraine due to the large influx of internal refugees and missile attacks on civilianinfrastructure conducted by the Russian Federation.Moreover, Poland participates in the works of subordinated experts groups, inter alia in the ExpertGroup on Dredging/depositing Operations at Sea (EG DREDS), which deals with the issue of dredgingand depositing of dredged material impacting on the marine environment, especially on the integrityof the seafloor and on benthic communities.The representative of Poland submitted an annual report on spoil dumped in the sea area of theRepublic of Poland within the agreed earlier date in connection with the preparation of contributionsto HOLAS 3 and participated in the discussion of the status of work on the report covering the area ofthe entire Baltic Sea. In addition, work in EG DREDS has begun on updating the guidelines forreporting dumped spoil in order to harmonize the methods used by HELCOM and OSPAR. The groupreceived a mandate for work in 2022-2024 and received approval of the updated terms of reference.c) Response Working Group (Response WG)The Response WG deals with all spill response issues, ensuring that the Baltic Sea region is preparedto respond to various oil and chemical spill incidents.Poland participates in the work of Response, which examines the following topics: risk assessmentand safety of navigation, recent anti-pollution operations, national and regional anti-pollutioncapacity at sea and on the seashore, wrecks and other dangerous submerged objects, aviationsurveillance and pollution detection, recommendations and updates HELCOM Response Manual,scope of tasks of the WILDLIFE expert group, conclusions from the annual BALEX DELTA spill response18Poland Page 161exercises and plans for the future - in 2025 these exercises will take place in the maritime areas ofthe Republic of Poland.Moreover, Poland participates in the works of subordinated experts groups, inter alia in the ExpertGroup on Environmental Risks of Submerged Objects (EG SUBMERGED). The group contributes to theregionally coordinated actions regarding dumped munitions and explosives as well as other sunkenpotentially dangerous objects in terms of their impact on the marine environment of the Baltic Sea.In 2022, the group completed work on a report on conventional and chemical weapons lying at thebottom of the Baltic Sea.4. Legislative actionsAct on port facilities for receiving waste from shipsIn 2022, legislative work was completed on the Act on port facilities for receiving waste from ships(Journal of Laws of 2022, item 1250) and a package of executive regulations to the Act, whichcomprehensively implement requirements set out in Directive (EU) 2019/883 of the EuropeanParliament and of the Council of 17 April 2019 on port reception facilities for the reception of wastefrom ships (the so-called "PRF Directive").The adopted legal instruments, aimed at eliminating the discharge of waste in the Baltic Sea in thelong term, are part of the ambitious environmental policy implemented by the Government of theRepublic of Poland, which is in line with the direction adopted both at the level of the EuropeanUnion and on the international forum, i.e. the International sea. The Act improves the existingmechanisms for managing waste from ships in Polish ports and harbours. Port managers are obligedto ensure appropriate infrastructure enabling the collection of all categories of waste in accordancewith the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL Convention),to develop ship waste management plans taking into account, among others, new port tariffs inaccordance with the "polluter pays" principle, which in essence concentrates the burden of fees forthe management of waste from ships on the shipowners whose activities generate this waste.5. Hazardous materials dumped in the Baltic SeaHaving regard to the protection of the marine environment, Poland appreciates and supports allefforts carried out in regional and international forums, including the Council of the Baltic Sea States(CBSS) and the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM), in the field ofhazardous materials dumped in the sea. It should be emphasized that this is an issue that requirescommon, international solutions, both in terms of management and ensuring a dedicated source offunding for research and neutralization, including possible extraction of dumped hazardousmaterials.On December 13, 2022 Conclusions of the Council of the European Union on International OceanGovernance for safe, secure, clean, healthy and sustainably managed oceans and seas has beenadopted. Poland proposed a paragraph concerning hazardous materials dumped in the Baltic Seastressing the need of:- undertaking scientific exploration and developing Best Environmental Practice (BEP) as wellas Best Available Techniques (BAT) to tackle the issue of conventional, chemical andexplosive munitions dumped at sea,- active cooperation between Member States and international organizations in order toestablish systematic management of dumped hazardous materials that pose a threat to themarine environment,- exploring possible sources of EU funding.19Poland Page 162Order No. 345 of the Prime Minister of 20 October 2022, on the Inter-Ministerial Committee onHazardous Materials Deposited in the Maritime Areas of the Republic of Poland entered into force onNovember 16, 2022.The tasks of the Inter-Ministerial Committee include in particular: coordinating public administration cooperation in the field of dumped hazardous materials; recommending activities for the identification of hazardous material lingering on the seabed; recommending actions aimed at adapting monitoring and manners of neutralization toidentified threats; monitoring existing regulations in terms of their adequacy to the changing state of affairs andpreparing recommendations for possible further changes in the regulations.The first meeting of the Inter-Ministerial Committee was held on January 24, 2023.Ministry of Education and ScienceThe Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Poland acts as a coordinating institutionwithin EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region’s Policy Area Innovation (PA INNO). PA INNO is jointlycoordinated by Finland (The Baltic Institute of Finland – the lead coordinator), Estonia (Ministry ofEconomic Affairs and Communications – co-coordinator), and Poland (Ministry of Education andScience – co-coordinator). The coordinators’ tasks consist primarily in communicating and promotingcommon EUSBSR goals and opportunities, initiating and maintaining stakeholder dialogue in theRegion, and supporting Interreg Baltic Sea Region programme applicants.PA INNO contributes to the strengthening of cooperation in the Region in the area of challenge-driven innovation, digital innovation and transformation, and co-creative innovation, whichcorrespond to the 31st Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Resolution's provisions, especially thoseregarding cooperation in the Region, as well as climate change mitigation, preserving biodiversity andadapting to climate change.Ministry of HealthReproductive health is an important part of the definition of health, as an overall physical, mentaland social wellbeing, not just the absence of disease or reproductive disorders in both sexes in allphases of life.Reproductive health contains such issues as puberty and menopause, fertility and infertility, familyplanning, health during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. The reproductive health determinesthe health of Poles, good health of the next generations and supports measures aimed at improvingthe demographic indicators. In Poland everyone has the right for health protection, Polish citizens,regardless their social or economic situation, have equal access to health care services financed withthe public funds. The range of these services is defined by law. A special state protection is ensuredin Poland to children and women in the period of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. The abovementioned protection is provided both in the national legislation as well as in the internationalagreements ratified by Poland. The fundamental legal act of the Republic of Poland – theConstitution – ensures special protection by the State over pregnant women. Its article 68 (3) statesthat “Public authorities shall ensure special health care to children, pregnant women, disabledpeople and persons of advanced age”.20Poland Page 163The public authorities are obliged to ensure special treatment to women in the period of pregnancy,childbirth and postpartum also by ratified international law acts. The range and terms of providinghealth care services financed by the public funds, as well as the tasks for public authorities to ensurean equal access to these services are defined in the Act of 24 August 2004 on health care servicesfinanced by the public funds. According to this Act the patient has ensured (and financed by thepublic funds) a certain range of services such as i.a. the health care given to women in the period ofpregnancy, childbirth and postpartum, the infant care and the preliminary assessment of the infanthealth status and development. All women in the period of pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum areentitled to those services.The Ministry of Health works with full commitment to respond to the needs of Ukrainians in Polandand Ukraine. Many mechanisms have been developed and implemented in a short time in variousfields.At the beginning of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Poland provided a special train with fullrescue and medical equipment that can transport the wounded from the border with Ukraine. Thetrain can also be used to evacuate oncological and hospice children, pregnant women from theborder area, as well as soldiers.On the territory of Poland, all those in need can count on health care. Ukrainian citizens can receivehealthcare services on the same terms and conditions as Polish citizens. All free of charge. In 2022,Poland spent almost EUR 110 mil on healthcare services for Ukrainian citizens. We pay specialattention to the situation of paediatric patients, because every day children come to Poland whorequire continuation of the treatment started in Ukraine, emergency medical interventions andhighly specialized long-term care.In Poland, every Ukrainian citizen is allowed to get vaccinated against COVID-19 free of charge. It isalso possible to continue vaccination scheme started in Ukraine. Refugees from Ukraine from thefirst day of the armed conflict are allowed to vaccinations in accordance to the Protective VaccinationProgram on the terms set out for Polish citizens.Aware of the impact of the war on mental health, the Ministry of Health has granted refugees fromUkraine the right to all psychiatric care and addiction treatment services – including those providedby psychologists. Help is free of charge and available without referral. There are also helplines forboth children and adults, where everyone can call and find advice.In order to optimally provide the best possible health care to all in need, especially long-term care,and to coordinate the relocation of patients, Minister of Health appointed the Plenipotentiary of theMinister of Health for the transfer of Ukrainian patients staying in the territory of the Republic ofPoland in regard with the armed conflict on the territory of Ukraine. The Plenipotentiary coordinatescooperation between the European Commission and Poland regarding the relocation of Ukrainianpatients from the territory of Poland to the territory of other Member States of the European Unionand the European Economic Area.At the beginning of September 2022, the Medevac Hub Jasionka was opened in Jasionka nearRzeszów – a medical hub for patients from Ukraine who are waiting there for planned relocations toother countries or are returning to Ukraine. In the first period of its activity (09.2022-02.2023), theHub visited a total of 445 people, including 381 patients and 120 accompanying persons.Poland allocated an additional 1 mil EUR to provide further education opportunities in Poland, Polishlanguage training and issuing decisions and work permits for medical staff from UkraineMinistry of Health participates in the Northern Dimension Partnership in Public Health and SocialWell-being (NDPHS).NDPHS as a cooperative effort of nine governments, the European Commission and eightinternational organisations, a unique platform for taking concerted action in the field of health and21Poland Page 164social wellbeing, to strengthen collaboration and coordination of international activities in theNorthern Dimension area by bringing together experts to learn from each other and to develop jointactivities.The new NDPHS Strategy has been adopted. The Strategy is guiding the Partnership’s work from2023 to 2025. The aim of this document is to describe what the Partnership intends to be, how it canchange, and contribute to a better world, and guide the Partnership’s ambition to do meaningful andimpactful work every day, to stand by our values, and to continue sharing knowledge, learning fromeach other, and caring for people.The Steering Group of the EUSBSR Policy Area HealthThe Policy Area “Health” Steering Group within the EUSBSR provides strategic guidance to the PolicyArea Health, holds policy discussions and identifies key ways to achieve the EUSBSR Objectivesthrough different means of actions and determines how to best implement the required solutions.1st Meeting of the EUSBSR Policy Area Health Steering Group was held on 24 November 2022.22SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEINSchleswig-Holstein Page 166Report of the State Government on the Implementation Status of the Resolutionadopted by the 31st Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference in June 2022On November 24, 2022, the Schleswig-Holstein State Parliament called on the StateGovernment (Drs. 20/415) to report on the implementation of the resolution adopted bythe 31st Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference on June 12, 2022 (Drs. 20/210). The StateGovernment was asked to do so as part of its Report on European Affairs for the period2022-2023. In the following report, the respective governmental department responsiblefor submitting the answers is shown.Regarding cooperation in the Region, preamble and paragraphs 1 - 10MLLEV (Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Areas, European Affairs and ConsumerProtection):In numerous Baltic Sea organizations, committees and projects, Schleswig-Holstein iscommitted to strengthening political cooperation in the Baltic Sea region,especially in times of Russia's ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, which is inbreach of international law. It is even more important in times of war, nationalism andpopulism that practical cooperation be maintained and strengthened in order to achievecommon solutions.The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has severely shaken the fabric of BalticSea cooperation. All actors in Baltic Sea cooperation have unanimously suspended Russiafrom institutions and cooperation contexts. This also applies to the long-standingpartnership with the Kaliningrad region, which Schleswig-Holstein has completely put onice. Nonetheless, the Baltic Sea region has always been a "region of opportunity" forSchleswig-Holstein in political, economic and cultural terms and it will remain to be soeven without Russia.Key milestones for Schleswig-Holstein's Baltic Sea policy were the Baltic Sea RegionFuture Forum on Baltic Sea Cooperation in August 2022 attended by top-classinternational participants and the Kiel Declaration that was presented there. Thisdeclaration provided important impetus for the state's future Baltic Sea policy prioritiesand beyond.The Kiel Declaration and the Baltic Sea Cooperation Action Plan 2030, which wasupdated in spring 2022, address topics and projects that are highly relevant toSchleswig-Holstein for intensifying Baltic Sea cooperation, including, inter alia, theexpansion of new technologies as part of the green transformation (hydrogen), thesalvage of munitions waste sites, and the promotion of Baltic Sea-wide projects in thefield of AI. Concrete measures and milestones to be achieved are defined within theframework of the interdepartmental Baltic Sea Cooperation Working Group, which meetsregularly and is supported by the MLLEV.In the future, Schleswig-Holstein will also be even more involved in the Baltic SeaStates Subregional Cooperation (BSSSC). BSSSC is an important network forstrengthening regional cohesion and regional identity as well as for promoting civilsociety structures and resilience in the Baltic Sea region.Schleswig-Holstein's continuous commitment to strengthening youth cooperation inthe Baltic Sea region, which has even greater socio-political relevance in these times,is also of central importance.Together with the other northern German states, Schleswig-Holstein has successfullylobbied for an institutionalization of the "Baltic Sea Youth Platform" at the Secretariat of1Schleswig-Holstein Page 167the Council of the Baltic Sea States (letter of the northern German states to ForeignMinister Ms. Baerbock dated June 8, 2022). In January 2023, the "Baltic Sea RegionYouth Forum" (BSRYF) started its work in Stockholm and is now able to consolidatedyouth cooperation for an unlimited period.Schleswig-Holstein supports the work of the BSRYF through activities geared towardsyoung people. The Baltic Sea-wide Youth AI Hackathon is one very concrete projectwhich is already being planned. Funded by the state, it will be held in Lübeck from July 7-9, 2023 and aims to strengthen democracy, sustainability and resilience in Baltic Sea-wide policy processes.Social cohesion and resilience in the Baltic Sea Region are also the focus of the project"Baltic Sea Region Cultural Pearls". Its aim is to confer a BSR Cultural Pearls awardto smaller and medium-sized cities in the Baltic Sea Region on an annual basis. Theproject is managed by the Council of the Baltic Sea States. Three partners fromSchleswig-Holstein are involved (MLLEV, Heinrich Boell Foundation, Ars Baltica). The EU(Interreg Baltic Sea Program) is funding the project with 2.8 million euros from January2023 to December 2025.Coordination of the policy area of culture as part of the EU Baltic Sea Strategyand support of the Secretariat of the international cultural network ARS BALTICAalso constitute long-standing pillars of Baltic Sea cooperation. The Ars Baltica networkaims to support cultural cooperation in the Baltic Sea region, to promote the importanceof art and culture at the political level, and to promote cultural life around the Baltic Sea.MBWFK (Ministry of Education, Science, Research and Culture), paragraph 7:Education: Baltic Sea Cooperation: As of January 1, 2022, Germany has taken over the generalcoordination of the UNESCO Baltic Sea Project together with Denmark for six years. Ateacher from Schleswig-Holstein is entrusted with the general coordination for Germany.The MBWFK provides a 50% part-time position for this purpose. The UNESCO Baltic SeaProject is a multinational UNESCO lighthouse project with a focus on education forsustainable development, which is jointly supported and implemented by Denmark,Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Germany. More than 200schools in these countries are part of the project. Cooperation with Russia is currently onhold. The focal points of this cooperation are the implementation of a Whole InstitutionApproach, an intensified cooperation between the players in the participating countries,and the further development of education for sustainable development along the lines ofthe 2030 Agenda with emphasis on Global Citizenship Education. Normally, a singlecountry takes over the general coordination for three years. The joint coordination thathas just started is a novel approach. In spring and autumn 2022, two in-person meetingswere held at A. P. Møller Skolen in Schleswig and in Tartu, Estonia. European Schools: There are currently 52 European Schools in Schleswig-Holstein,many of which also maintain school partnerships in the Baltic Sea region (mostly inDenmark). The activities of the European Schools include discussions about commonEuropean values either by way of exchanges or on special Europe Days at their ownschools.Supported by the Association of European Schools SH, e.V., a registered association, andthe Europa-Union SH, 24 classes from European Schools took advantage of theopportunity to participate in a Europe-wide conference on the future. Ideas weredeveloped and a ranking was created by the participating learners, which was alsopublished on the website of the Association of European Schools.2Schleswig-Holstein Page 168 Federal Conference European Schools/European Education: From 28 to 30September 2022, the 6th Federal Conference European Education/European Schools tookplace in cooperation with the Association of European Schools SH. About 130representatives from ministries, universities, schools and Europe-related organizationsfrom all over Germany were welcomed to this event. For three days, the participantsengaged in a lively exchange on issues connected to an attractive European education atschools. The focus was on the question of how the European idea and its common valuescan be communicated at schools in an action- and experience-oriented way.Culture:Schleswig-Holstein's cooperation in the area of culture in the Baltic Sea region focusesprimarily on cooperation with Denmark: The Cultural Agreement 2021-24 between the Danish Minister of Culture and theSønderjylland-Schleswig Cultural Region, which was concluded with the support of theMBWFK of Schleswig-Holstein, aims to strengthen the common cultural area across theGerman-Danish border. This is to be achieved through coordination, further developmentand quality assurance of the joint efforts of the partners in the field of culture. TheDepartment of Culture at the MBWFK supports the project with 35,000 euros per year. The MBWFK has been participating in the Interreg projects managed by theRegionskontor SønderjyllandSchleswig as a network partner since 2004. Currently, theproject KursKultur 2.0 (2019- 2022) is coming to an end. KursKultur aimed to foster andadvance the intercultural understanding of citizens in the entire German-Danish Interregprogram region. This was funded by the Department of Culture at the MBWFK with10,000 euros.A “Fund for the Promotion of Citizen-Oriented Projects / Citizens’ Project Fund"has been launched as part of the Interreg 6A program. This fund is intended to makeintercultural encounters possible that go beyond the Sønderjylland-Schleswig region andreach into the Fehmarnbelt region. In addition, advisory and network structures are to beestablished in order to develop competencies in regional organizations for cross-bordercooperation and German-Danish citizen-oriented project work. The amount of fundingprovided by Schleswig-Holstein from 2023 onward is still to be decided during thedevelopment process of the new program. "Der bewegte Koffer – den bevægede Kuffert"1 is a Danish-German art project runbei the Professional Association of Applied Arts SH (BAK). The aim of the project is tofoster sustainable encounters and cooperation among Danish and German artists fromthe Fehmarnbelt region and to establish sustainable artist partnerships, which alsotranscend the borders between fine and applied arts. The group, comprising 12permanent members, holds an annual one-week symposium and usually realizes anexhibition alternately in Denmark and Germany at different locations. The project hasbeen funded by the MBWFK for several years, most recently in 2022 with an amount of5,000 euros. The Schleswig-Holstein State Archeological Office cooperates closely with theSønderjylland Arkæologi Haderslev Museum, for example in the context of jointexcavations and the conference "Arkæologi i Slesvig / Archeology in Schleswig". Inconnection with the UNESCO World Heritage sites Haithabu and Danewerk, there aremany other forms of cooperation with Danish partners, such as the Slots- ogKulturstyrelsen (Agency for Culture and Palaces) and especially the SSF (SydslesvigskForening/South Schleswigian Association) as the sponsor of the Danevirke Museum.World Heritage education projects have been carried out with schools in Schleswig-Holstein and Denmark. In addition, the Schleswig-Holstein State Archive cooperates with the DanishImperial Archives in Aabenraa.Cultural projects involving cooperation with the entire Baltic Sea region areregularly supported by the MBWFK: Music and film festivals are held in high esteem1 i.e. „The Moving Suitcase”3Schleswig-Holstein Page 169internationally and have been organized successfully in Schleswig-Holstein for severalyears. Music schools in Schleswig-Holstein also maintain contacts in the Baltic Searegion; as does the “Vereinigung Norden” (Northern Association) based in Flensburg. TheNordkolleg Rendsburg, Academy for Cultural Education, focuses on the languages of theBaltic Sea region in its language department. JazzBaltica pursues the goal of being an international festival specifically dedicated tothe promotion and development of jazz music from the Baltic Sea region. For thispurpose, talented young artists as well as internationally renowned figures in art from allover the world and especially from the Scandinavian and Baltic countries are invited.Another component of the concept is to create a place for intensive encounters - bothbetween the artists themselves and between the audience and the musicians. Thisproject is supported by the long-standing media partnership with the broadcasters NDRand ZDFkultur, which distribute the recorded concerts nationally as well asinternationally, thus ensuring a high profile for the festival. In 2022, a total of 40concerts were planned. The MBWFK has supported this festival for several years, mostrecently in 2022 with 140,000 euros. The folkBaltica Festival, a festival in the German-Danish border region, has its focuson folk music from the countries bordering the Baltic Sea.In 2022, 34 concerts were staged at 30 different venues in northern Schleswig-Holsteinand southern Denmark. Thanks to the performing artists (from Denmark, Germany,Sweden, Great Britain, Finland, Scotland and Norway in 2022) and their music, thefolkBaltica festival has a regional and supraregional position also in terms of content.FolkBaltica has been funded by the MBWFK since 2005, most recently in 2022 with anamount of 100, 000 euros. Nordic Film Days: The festival has a long tradition as a place for meeting guests fromthe Nordic countries and the Baltic States. Filmmakers usually present their contributionsin person and value the exchange with the audience. The Lübeck meetings constitute aplatform for professional events and enable national and international professionalaudiences to get an overview of relevant films from the region.The Nordic Film Days represent an important event for the international film industry.The festival focuses on Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway andSweden. The Nordic Film Days have been funded by the MBWFK for several years, mostrecently in 2022 in the amount of 100,000 euros.Science and Higher Education: The Erasmus+ Program was extended for another seven years in 2021 and stands forthe common European idea like no other program. In the field of education, more than10 million people have already been supported. 33 countries are already programcountries. Student exchanges to promote a common identity through universitypartnerships and study visits are a part of Erasmus+. The Erasmus+ Program is animportant element in the internationalization of schools and universities. The universitiesin Schleswig-Holstein form a close network with universities throughout Europe throughErasmus+. They look forward to a continuation of the program. There is an intensiveexchange of students in the Baltic Sea region. University partnerships: The universities and universities of applied sciences inSchleswig-Holstein maintain partnerships and cooperation programs with universities inthe countries of the Baltic Sea region. In addition, there are a large number ofagreements between the departments of individual universities. In some cases,transnational study programs are offered, such as the "DaniSchleswigHolstein-GermanCross Border Engineering Study Program" at Flensburg University of Applied Sciences orthe joint study programs offered by Flensburg European University and SyddanskUniversity in Denmark. CAU (Christian-Albrechts-University) strives to strengtheninternationalization in teacher training by removing existing obstacles to studying abroadwith partner universities in Sweden, Finland and Denmark.4Schleswig-Holstein Page 170 The German-Norwegian Study Center (DNSZ) has been located at CAU since 1986.It is a joint institution of CAU and the Universities of Oslo, Bergen, Tromsø andTrondheim as well as the Norwegian University of Economics in Bergen and is funded bythe Norwegian Ministry of Education. The center serves to maintain and further developGerman-Norwegian cooperation in higher education and offers German language coursesas well as advice for German and Norwegian academics and students. Again and again, Schleswig-Holstein universities are part of Interreg projects and otherresearch projects in the Baltic Sea region.MSJFSIG (Ministry of Social Affairs, Youth, Family, Senior Citizens, Integrationand Equality) paragraph 8:On the basis of the guideline for the promotion of international youth exchange, theMSJFSIG promotes international youth encounters in particular as well as internationalmeasures geared towards youth welfare professionals. An annual budget of 73,000 eurosis available for this purpose.The aim of granting subsidies according to this guideline is to intensify meetings ofyoung people from Schleswig-Holstein, especially with young people from the states ofthe European Union and, due to the geographical location of Schleswig-Holstein, from thestates bordering the Baltic Sea.In addition, the MSJFSIG acts as a central agency for the Youth Offices (German-Polish,Franco-German and German-Greek) as well as for the Federal Child and Youth Plan andits special programs (ConAct, TANDEM, DRJA). In this function, too, international youthencounters as well as international measures with youth welfare professionals arepromoted in particular.International youth exchange is an important area of learning and experience inyouth work, in which young people from different countries contribute to understandingand cooperation across borders through their encounters and joint efforts. The aim is toprovide participants with knowledge about other cultures, social systems and livingconditions, thus helping to reduce existing prejudices. International youth exchangemakes an essential contribution to trans-cultural and international understanding as wellas to peacekeeping. It promotes the European unification process and strengthens youngpeople’s awareness of Europe.Regarding democracy, human rights, and freedom of expression (paragraphs11- 18)MLLEV (Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Areas, European Affairs and ConsumerProtection), paragraphs 15 and 16:The state has frozen all existing contacts with Russian partners at the formal level.However, contacts are maintained with Russian civil society in exile through theregistered association Academia Baltica e.V., which is also financed by state funds.The structure of "multi-level governance" is used as a model for implementing the EU’sBaltic Sea Strategy. Schleswig-Holstein has been co-coordinator of the Baltic SeaStrategy's policy area of culture since 2013. In this context, the state cooperates in anexemplary manner at all levels (national ministries of culture, pan-Baltic organizations,NGOs) on important transnational topics of cultural policy.Furthermore, Schleswig-Holstein is increasingly focusing on expanding youth cooperationin the Baltic Sea region in order to strengthen trust in democratic structures,5Schleswig-Holstein Page 171especially among the younger generation (see detailed feedback on "cooperation in theregion").MSJFSIG (Ministry of Social Affairs, Youth, Family, Senior Citizens, Integration andEquality), paragraphs 17 and 18:The state government is committed to protecting those who are particularly vulnerable intimes of war and threatened by intolerant attitudes. In its coalition agreement, thegovernment committed itself to equal opportunities, the prevention and elimination of allforms of discrimination, and the promotion of a culture that values diversity.An important part of this anti-discrimination policy is queer policy, whose stated goalis "that all people, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender expression, genderidentity, and physical makeup, can live equally and without discrimination." To this end,the state government has implemented and supported numerous initiatives and fundingmeasures, some of which are mentioned below:The action plan "Real Diversity for Acceptance of Diverse Sexual Identities" facilitatesmany events on gender and sexual diversity. The community and the responsibleministry work closely together in planning and implementing such events. In the future,the above action plan is to be developed structurally and financially into the state actionplan "Real Diversity 2.0". The Ministry of Social Affairs supports the "Real Diversity" officerun by the registered association HAKI e. V. Its tasks include coordinating the networkaround the Real Diversity Round Table, representing the interests of experts in the fieldand cooperating in specialist events on gender and sexual diversity. In cooperationbetween the community and the Ministry of Social Affairs, the primer "Echte Vielfalt"(Real Diversity) was designed to provide interested people with more knowledge aboutthe various concepts of sexual and gender diversity. The first edition of the brochure isout of print and is currently being reissued in a revised version with a print run of 10,000copies.The promotion of specific counseling centers for particularly challenging cross-sectionalareas, such as queer refugees, elderly people in need of care, women, inter*, trans* andnon-binary people will be continued and will be expanded.At the federal level, the state government will work to further reduce existing direct andindirect discrimination against queer people.In order to take into account the increased political focus on the topic of anti-discrimination in terms of personnel and organization, a staff unit for anti-discriminationwill be established in the Ministry of Social Affairs.Schleswig-Holstein provided and distributed extensive information material in severallanguages immediately after the first exploitative incidents became known in connectionwith the refugee movement from Ukraine. The women's shelters offer protection andassistance anonymously and free of charge, also for women who have fled.At the same time, Schleswig-Holstein, together with all other federal states, expressed itsconcern in the context of circular resolutions passed by the GFMK (Conference of theMinisters and Senators of the Lander for Gender Equality and Women's Affairs) on thesituation in Afghanistan. These resolutions reminded of the universality of human rights,condemned the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and pointed out the specialneed for protection of women and girls.Together with Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Brandenburg, Hamburg and Sachsen-Anhalt,Schleswig-Holstein is also currently proposing that a resolution be adopted on thesituation in Iran and the violent actions taken by the Iranian regime againstdemonstrators, supporting the demonstrators in their protest against state repression of6Schleswig-Holstein Page 172women's self-determination in Iran and for the observance of women's and humanrights.Children and young people are also particularly vulnerable in times of war and crisisand have the right to protection and care. This is stated in various internationalconventions and agreements including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.Children have the right to life, survival and development, as well as the right toprotection from all forms of violence, exploitation and discrimination.In principle, Article 3 (1) of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child obligesinstitutions, authorities and bodies (courts, administrative authorities, public or privatesocial welfare institutions and legislative bodies) at the federal, state and local levels toconsider the best interests of the child and children as a primary concern in all decisionsand actions.In the context of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine and its consequences,the focus is on the well-being and rights of children and young people who have fled toGermany together with their families, with caregivers or alone. All measures to protectand guarantee children's rights in Germany also apply to children and young people whohave fled. In principle, they are taken into account in all official agreements anddecisions.In Schleswig-Holstein, children's rights have been enshrined in the state constitutionsince 2010. In addition, Article 6 of the state constitution obliges the state of Schleswig-Holstein to take measures to protect and promote young people. The implementation ofcorresponding regulations in the SGB VIII (Social Security Code) or the JuFöG (YouthSupport Act) obligate the above-mentioned authorities and institutions to respect andpromote children's rights and to ensure that children in Germany have a healthy, safeand supportive environment in which to grow and develop.According to the Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk (German Children's Fund), Schleswig-Holstein occupies a top position in a state comparison in Germany when it comes toimplementing children's rights.Regarding climate change mitigation, preserving biodiversity and adapting climatechange (paragraphs 19-32)MEKUN (Ministry of Energy Transition, Climate Protection, Environment andNature):Paragraph 19: In Germany, the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan is implementedmainly through the implementation of the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive andthe program of measures to be submitted pursuant to its Article 13. This program ofmeasures was reported to the EU Commission by the Bund-Länder-ArbeitsgemeinschaftNord- und Ostsee (BLANO, Federal-State Working Group North Sea and Baltic Sea) inmid-2022 in an updated version for the period 2022-2027, see Berichte Art. 13 -Maßnahmen - Umsetzung EU-MSRL in Deutschland (meeres-schutz.info) (i.e. reportsArticle 13 - Measures - Implementation EU MSFD in Germany). In Schleswig-Holstein, thecabinet was involved in this process. Whether this means that the good ecological statusof the Baltic Sea required under HELCOM and MSFD can actually be achieved by 2030 isdoubtful, since many other policies stand in the way of achieving this goal. Monitoring ofimplementation will be carried out within the framework of BLANO.Paragraph 20: Measures relevant to climate protection, including measures forseas and coasts in the sense of the HELCOM Fact Sheet mentioned in the BSPCresolution, are currently being compiled under the leadership of the BMUV (FederalMinistry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and ConsumerProtection) as part of the Natural Climate Protection Action Program. The funding terms7Schleswig-Holstein Page 173governing the action program are not yet known. It is, therefore, not yet possible to saywhether measures to be taken in the Schleswig-Holstein Baltic Sea can be applied for andimplemented under the program.Paragraph 21: As for the goal of reducing the input of fertilizers and phosphorusinto the Baltic Sea, basic measures laid down in agricultural regulatory law must bementioned (the federal and state fertilizing ordinances DüV/LDüV, the reportingregulation MeldeVO, the substance flow balance regulation StoffStrBVO, impactmonitoring DüV). The MLLEV (Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Areas, European Affairs andConsumer Protection is responsible for those laws. In addition, the MEKUN (Unit 42) hascommissioned a state-wide agricultural water protection consultation by qualified expertoffices as a supplementary measure. This consulting service, which is offered free ofcharge to farmers, aims to communicate water-friendly land management methods witha focus on optimizing fertilizer and cultivation management, nitrogen efficiency and theuse of pesticides.Paragraph 22: A lowland strategy is being drafted to lay the foundations for thedevelopment of carbon sinks. Furthermore, monitoring of the climate protection targetsfor the state of Schleswig-Holstein in accordance with Section 5 of the EnergyTurnaround and Climate Protection Act (EWKG) will be carried out, from which furthermeasures will be derived.Paragraph 23: The climate protection goals for the state of Schleswig-Holstein aremonitored in accordance with Section 5 of the EWKG, from which further measures arederived.Paragraph 25: The hydrogen strategy of the state of Schleswig-Holstein will beupdated.Paragraph 26: Munitions in the sea have been and are a priority topic during theHELCOM Presidency 2020-2022 as well as the Council of the Baltic Sea States Presidency2022-2023. The plan is to continue work in the HELCOM expert network SUBMERGED.The topic has also been included in the Baltic Sea Action Plan as Actions S34 and S35. Aroundtable on munitions in the sea was also hosted as part of the Baltic Sea RegionFuture Forum in August 2022. This was followed by another roundtable on munitions inthe sea in Kiel in December 2022 as a joint event of the Council of the Baltic Sea States(CBSS), HELCOM Contracting States that are also members of the EU, the FederalForeign Office, and MEKUN as part of Germany's presidency of the Council of the BalticSea States.Paragraph 27: Possible forms of funding are one of the topics in the discussionsbetween HELCOM, CBSS and EU as well as other experts from the Baltic Sea region.MLLEV (Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Areas, European Affairs and ConsumerProtection):Paragraph 28: Opportunities toward more organic farming are supported with thegoal of doubling the proportion of organic farms. Training in the class on organic farmingand the general 3rd year of training is to be enhanced. To this end, trainees in theconventional and organic tracks are to be offered specialized and joint instruction in the3rd year of training. They should get the best knowledge transfer for each specialty andlearn from each other.The current market study "Regional slaughtering and cutting; maintenance anddevelopment of slaughtering and cutting structures for organic pigs and organiccattle in Schleswig-Holstein - stock survey and recommendations", which wassupported by the state, was processed in a symposium on September 7, 2022. In doingso, the results were brought to the attention of the market participants and activities8Schleswig-Holstein Page 174were initiated. Six starting points were identified, which are to lead to implementation-oriented projects: cooperation for regional slaughtering and cutting with supraregionaland predominantly regional marketing; public initiative - improvement of the costframework meat inspection and bureaucracy for small and medium-sizedslaughterhouses; political framework and law - create uniform procedures for on-farmslaughtering; communication initiative for more appreciation and visibility of the(organic) meat industry; network (organic) meat - players in the value chain form anetwork. A workshop convened in November 2022 fleshed out these concepts in moreconcrete terms.In order to achieve the goals mentioned with regard to fertilizers and pesticides, thetop priority is to systematically implement the specialist legislation, which has beentightened at various levels in recent years and will undergo further changes in thecoming years.In terms of fertilizer law, for example, the fertilizer regulation must be implementedconsistently, as well as other state-specific regulations resulting, for example, from therecently amended state fertilizer ordinance of Schleswig-Holstein. In addition, anationwide monitoring system is currently being set up to assess the measures taken andtheir impact on ground and surface waters. In Schleswig-Holstein, an electronic reportingsystem is currently being established for this purpose so that the requirements of aregionally differentiated monitoring for fertilizer legislation can be met. In addition,advice on climate-efficient and sustainable agriculture in Schleswig-Holstein is beingpromoted.As regards plant protection law, the Plant Protection Application Regulation of September2, 2021 is of particular importance and needs to taken into consideration.Apart from that, the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) plans to combine allmeasures that aim to reduce the quantity and risk of the use of plant protection products(PSM) in a single overall concept "PSM reduction". Sub-aspects of the overall conceptinclude, inter alia, the measures of the National Action Plan for the Sustainable Use ofPlant Protection Products (NAP), such as the crop- and sector-specific guidelines forintegrated pest management (IPS), the state-specific measures formulated in thereduction programs of the individual Länder or measures of a reduction strategy yet tobe drawn up. The latter will include complementary measures, i.e. it will focus on priorityareas and/or address hitherto unaddressed or under-addressed measures. Theoverarching goal of the overall concept is the national reduction target, which is set toreduce the overall amount and risk of PSM use by 50% by 2030. The national reductiontarget follows the EU COM proposal and is taken from the EU’s Farm-to-Fork strategy.The indicator applicable to the national reduction target is the harmonized risk indicatormentioned in the F2F strategy. In addition, an area-related indicator is to be used, whichrecords the areas at federal and state level on which no PSMs are or may be applied forlegal reasons or on the basis of a voluntary commitment. Furthermore, a federal-stateworking group on “PSM reduction” has been set up, in which Schleswig-Holstein alsoparticipates.Moreover, reference needs to be made to an ongoing process at federal level: a "NationalWater Strategy" that has been drawn up is currently in the coordination phase. In thisstrategy, the objective of protecting the Baltic Sea areas more intensively from materialdischarges is explicitly addressed.Paragraph 29: The great potential of rural areas to promote the use of renewableenergies has been recognized. However, rural areas also bear most of the burden, andcompetition for land is on the rise. In this respect, it is right to let rural areas participatefully in the success of renewables and to safeguard that rural areas and their populationalso benefit from part of the added value (citizens' wind farms, energy cooperatives,revenues for municipalities, etc.). Within the framework of the promotion of integratedrural development utilizing funds from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural9Schleswig-Holstein Page 175Development (EAFRD) and the Joint Task for Agricultural and Coastal Protection (GAK),the individual sub-measures attempt to accompany the transformation process towardsclimate neutrality in rural areas, to improve infrastructures and to strengthen regionalvalue creation. These measures, particularly as far as services of general interest areconcerned, back up the specialized policies pertaining to the use of renewables, themobility transition, etc.From an agricultural perspective, however, there is some competition between theexpansion of green infrastructure and the land required for food production, which is why- where possible - synergies with other environmental objectives in the area should betaken into account.Paragraph 30, Fisheries: The regulatory measures addressed here are not withinSchleswig-Holstein’s legislative competence with regard to specific fisheries regulations.Measures related to reducing environmental impacts of fisheries are the subject of theGerman program for the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF, EUfunding period 2021-27). The program was approved by the EU Commission at the endof November. Funding from EMFAF will be implemented in Schleswig-Holstein over thecourse of the next few years by way of the State Program for Fisheries and Aquaculture.The state program focuses on promoting the contribution of fisheries to the protectionand restoration of marine biodiversity.MEKUN (Ministry of Energy Transition, Climate Protection, Environment andNature):Paragraph 30, Biodiversity: Schleswig-Holstein’s measures aiming to protect thebiodiversity of the Baltic Sea are included in its state strategy, in particular. The stategovernment adopted this strategy entitled "on Course for Nature 2030 - Strategy for theConservation of Biodiversity in Schleswig-Holstein" in 2021. The above-mentioned MSFDaction program also contains corresponding measures, e.g. for the creation of resting andrefuge areas for species and habitats.Paragraph 31: Measures to strengthen the recycling of building materials are beingpursued at both federal and state level. They are mainly the responsibility of the Ministryof Transport, the Ministry of Construction and the Ministry of Finance. With regard toother materials, such as plastics, numerous activities at the European and federal levelare referred to. These activities are to be strengthened in Schleswig-Holstein in thefuture through supporting measures.Regarding demographic challenges in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine; migration,labor markets and the social welfare model (paragraph 33)MSJFSIG (Ministry of Social Affairs, Youth, Family, Senior Citizens, Integrationand Equality):The issue has been a focus of activity for the Federal Government and the governmentsof the Länder since February 24, 2022. In Schleswig-Holstein, measures have been takencontinuously since the beginning of the Russian war of aggression to ensure the receptionand integration of war-displaced persons from Ukraine. The measures called for in theresolution are fully covered by this, so that no additional measures are necessary as aresult of the resolution. There is no responsibility on the part of Schleswig-Holstein forassistance to other countries.10SWEDENSweden Page 177Promemoria2023-05-24UD2023/01326UtrikesdepartementetEuroatlantiska och säkerhetspolitiska avdelningen,Enheten för Östeuropa och CentralasienÄmnesrådEva EkmehagEva.ekmehag@gov.seUppföljning av rekommendationer antagna på den 31:aparlamentariska Östersjökonferensen (BSPC) 2022Nedan följer Regeringskansliets samlade återkoppling pårekommendationer antagna på den parlamentariskaÖstersjökonferensen (BSPC) i Stockholm den 14 juni 2022.Regarding Cooperation in the Region to1. adopt and initiate all necessary measures ensuring the securityof our peoples and the defence of our values and democracies;Sweden has intensified work in defence of our values and democracyfollowing Russia’s illegal and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine.The continued democratic recession and the increased threat posed byautocracies represent a threat to global security, economic and socialdevelopment of the work to counter climate change, respect for humanrights, and for the rule of law including respect for international law.Sweden therefore has intensified our efforts to strengthen domesticresilience, increase our security, and enhance global efforts to protectand promote democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.Strengthening of alliances between democracies has been one importanteffort. During Sweden’s Presidency of the European Union, democracyand the rule of law is one of the main priorities. Sweden also workedclosely with other democracies within the framework of the recentlyheld Summit for Democracy, initiated by the USA.Sweden Page 1782. continue with all efforts supporting Ukraine in defence of theirpeople and democratic values to the maximum extent possible;Sweden has collaborated with Ukraine in the framework of the CBSS, forexample on child safety, human trafficking and civil security education.Cooperation with Ukraine has also been enhanced in other regionalformats such as the N5, NB8 and the Nordic Council of Ministers.The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) is divided into threemain objectives: saving the sea, connecting the region, and increasingprosperity. Each objective relates to a wide range of policies.Sweden is currently chairing the rotating one-year Presidency of theEUSBSR (2022-2023). The Presidency has focused on strengthening anddeveloping implementation of the strategy and its action plan, includingdeveloping new forms of cooperation; spreading knowledge on how thestrategy contributes to societal development; and creating theconditions that enable more people to take part in cooperation withinthe strategy. Another focus has been to increase the visibility andimprove the external communication of the strategy. Due to the ongoingRussian aggression against Ukraine, the work has also focused oncollaboration with, and support to, Ukraine within the framework of theEUSBSR.As an example, the Swedish Prime Minister ́s Office, in its capacity ascurrent Presidency of the EUSBSR and in cooperation with the SwedishInstitute, initiated a conference in December 2022 with the purpose toexplore how Macro-Regional strategies can foster new sustainablecooperation with Ukrainian stakeholders, in the light of the Russianaggression and to support future reconstruction of Ukraine. During theconference, the Presidency facilitated workshops with stakeholdersfrom different MS in the EU as well as candidate countries. Workinggroups in separate policy areas were created, and cooperation betweenactors in Ukraine and actors in the Baltic Sea Region and Donau Regionwas launched.The Presidency will organise a final event for EUSBSR stakeholders inVisby, Gotland in June 2023. The agenda includes a workshop to follow-2 (28)Sweden Page 179up and share information on the ongoing projects with Ukrainianstakeholders, among other items.3. intensify even more all efforts - particularly in these times of war- to act and react unified in strengthening safety, security, peaceand regional identity based on democracy, human rights, the rule oflaw, peaceful neighbourliness and international law;Sweden continues to strive for a united response from the globaldemocratic community to the challenges posed by authoritarian regimesincluding the illegal war of aggression by Russia against Ukraine. Theseefforts have been carried out in the framework of intergovernmentaland regional organisations such as the UN, including the Human RightsCouncil, the European Union, the Council of Europe the OSCE, theCommunity of Democracies, International IDEA and many otherinstitutions for the support to and protection of human rights anddemocracy.4. work together closely, decisively and unitedly in light of the mostserious security crisis in the region in years, in order to strengthenthe cooperation of our democratic nations in the Baltic Sea Regionand to counter the threats to European resilience and securityarchitecture caused by Russia’s policy and actions;Support for Ukraine and counteracting the Russian aggression have been akey priority of the cross-border formats in the Baltic Sea region, CBSS, N5,NB8, Nordic Council of Ministers and the EUSBSR, since Russia’s full-scaleinvasion of Ukraine.5. in all currently necessary measures in the energy policies of ourcountries take necessary decisions in such a way that all measurescontinue to be directed towards focusing on energy security,3 (28)Sweden Page 180sustainability in its smart and inclusive economic growth,development and innovation and to reach a good ecological statusof the Baltic Sea and a sound and sustainable status for theenvironment of the Baltic Sea Region;Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the EU has worked intensively onenergy matters, such as sanctions on oil and coal from Russia, councilregulations on measures regarding electricity savings, price cap onnatural gas, security of supply measures for natural gas and deploymentof renewable energy. In the EU, Sweden actively supports ending theEuropean dependency on Russian energy, not least on fossil fuels, assoon as practically possible.The Council has agreed on its general approach on the gas marketpackage, with amendments e.g. on security of supply and low carbongases. The institutions have reached a preliminary political agreement ofthe Renewable Energy Directive, with the inclusion of crisis measures onpermitting.Sweden has also engaged in other international activities on energy,such as the Baltic energy market interconnection plan (BEMIP), offshorewind in the framework on the Council of the Baltic states (CBSS) and theMarienborg Energy Summit and Declaration.The primary objective of BEMIP High-Level Group is to achieve an openand integrated regional electricity and gas market between EU countriesin the Baltic Sea region. The BEMIP members are Denmark, Germany,Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Finland, and Sweden. Norwayparticipates as an observer. A new working group-BEMIP Offshore WindWorking Group was created 2020 to increase the cooperation ondevelopment for offshore wind within the Baltic Sea.At the Berlin Forum the 9th of May 2023 the countries in the CBSS willput forward a new declaration on energy security and offshore wind.On 30 August 2022 the Heads of Governments and Energy Ministers ofthe 8 countries around the Baltic Sea signed the Marienborg Declarationwhich commit new volumes for the build-out of offshore wind in theBaltic Sea and an agreement to cooperate more closely on these issuesand on energy more broadly.4 (28)Sweden Page 181The Swedish Government adopted three distinct marine spatial plans forits territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone in the beginning of2022.In connection to the decision on the marine spatial plans, theGovernment commissioned the Swedish Energy Agency, the SwedishAgency for Marine and Water Management (SwAM) and several othernational authorities to produce planning evidence for additional areasfor offshore wind power. The work is coordinated by the SwedishEnergy Agency.thThe 16 of May 2023 the Government decided to give permit for twooffshore windpower plants, Kattegatt Syd (developer Vattenfall) andGalene (developer OX2). Both are planned outside the west coast ofSweden and are calculated to contribute with approximately 6 TWh peryear.During 2022, several authorities, including SwAM have contributed withupdated information on planning prerequisites and producedcoexistence analyses to identify areas which may be suitable for windpower. Within this work, SwAM together with the Energy Agency, alsohave compiled knowledge on measures for coexistence betweenoffshore wind power, commercial fishing, aquaculture and natureconservation. At the same time, SwAM has initiated the next planninground to produce new proposals for marine spatial plans, and startedwork on preparing proposals due for consultation in 2023, as well asheld scoping consultations for the environmental assessments. Theneighbouring countries have been notified in accordance with the EspooConvention.The marine spatial plans contribute to a sustainable use the sea’sresources and coexistence between different activities and areas of use.The plans provide prerequisite for developing sea-related industries atthe same time as good environmental status can be reached andmaintained in the marine environment. The sea and its use are managedthrough various types of regulations and measures, where marinespatial planning is one of several tools.5 (28)Sweden Page 182The Swedish Government commissioned the transmission systemoperator (Svenska kraftnät) and the Swedish Energy Agency to.strengthen the security of supply in the energy sector in the short andlong term6. tackle current and future challenges and crises throughincreased unified and joint actions, and reject the notion of “mightmakes right” in accordance with international law;In 2024 Sweden will hold the presidency of NB8, N5 and the Nordic Council ofMinisters, which will give us increased possibility to focus on strengtheningcooperation in the Baltic Sea region to counteract threats to European resilienceand the security architecture caused by Russia’s policy and actions.On 18th May 2022 Sweden applied for membership in NATO. Membership ofall the NB states in NATO increases the potential for deepened securitycooperation in the Baltic Sea region.7. even more intensify cooperation in education, science, researchand culture also under the aspect of promoting elements of acommon identity by shared values;In the framework of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region thefollowing initiatives have been taken in 2022 in education, science, andresearch policies: 1) Develop two Baltic Sea Region wide platforms(flagships) for learning and jointly develop measures tackling challengesrelated to ageing population respective integration of migrants.Upskilling and reskilling of competences are central parts of those twoplatforms. To develop vocational programmes tailor made for the needsof the labour market and adjusted to an older work force and migrants.2) The Baltic Sea Region has a long tradition of research cooperation.Still improvements can be made and therefore an initiative was taken tomake better use of existing research infrastructure by increasedcollaboration and furthermore to increase researcher’s mobility in theregion. These two initiatives were taken as parts of an existing platform(flagship), the Baltic Science Network.Moreover, Swedish organisations frequently cooperate withstakeholders in the neighbouring countries through the EU6 (28)Sweden Page 183Commission’s (EC’s) programme for research and innovation, HorizonEurope (HE) (1). A multitude of projects is initiated each year in variousareas of research and innovation along the pillars of HE. Cumulated data,as well as individual projects can be accessed through the EC’s projectdatabase (2) and a yearly report on Sweden’s participation (3).An example for a regional cooperation requiring actions regardingeducation, science, research, and culture, exemplifying shared values, isthe project BlueMissionBanos (4). The project is part of the MissionOcean Lighthouse in the Baltic and North Sea basins under the EUMission ‘Restore our Ocean, Seas and Waters by 2030’ (5), withparticipants from most countries bordering the Baltic Sea (Sweden,Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Germany, Denmark), and North Sea(France, Belgium, and the Netherlands). The project was initiated in2022.8. place particular emphasis on intensifying youth and youthworkers exchanges, with the aim to reach out and mobilize youngpeople to address issues that are most relevant to them,particularly in these difficult times.The NDPHS functions as the Coordinator for Policy Area ‘Health’ in theEU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. In this role, the NDPHS is and hasbeen in active dialogue with the Baltic Sea Youth Forum, taking note ontheir recommendations and contributing to their work as relevant. Animportant part of this work has been following up on the Baltic SeaYouth Declaration 2020.As a response to the youth’s call for action, the NDPHS has been, forexample, intensifying work on mental health and developing closercooperation with other sectors, including arts, culture, and education,during the past year. Sweden’s National Board on Health and Welfarehave invited municipalities, counties/regions, national actors, civilsociety actors, as well as the young civil society and of course youngparticipants from regional youth councils to a workshop in Rovaniemi.41 participants took part in the workshop. The aim of the workshop wasto strengthen the collaboration between all levels and stakeholders andto start defining the next step of CYAR. The outcome of the workshop has7 (28)Sweden Page 184now become the basis for CYAR's further work, and we hope that theoutcome can also be used in the new framework for BEAC. One of themain issues they discussed was which key priorities they should focuson to improve the living conditions of children and youth in the Barentsregion. What the participants kept coming back to, was the importanceof trust, participation and accessibility to health and social care.9. extend sustainable tourism, and enable more climate-friendlytravel based on programmes which promote this trendEUSBSR’s Policy Area Tourism has successfully rebuilt its capacity afterthe pandemic and is focusing on strengthening networks andcommunication capacity in the region. The Baltic Sea Tourism Forumthat was held online on 1st of December 2022 and activities are beingpromoted on social media and via the EUSBSR website. There is also anongoing project where tourism is linked to other policy areas – boatingdestinations and culture (museum/heritage institutions).10. Reconsider as a strong sign of unity particularly in times of warand crisis during the upcoming years a resumption of the Baltic SeaStates Summits of our heads of governments;There are currently no plans to hold a Summit. However, we do notexclude a Summit in the future.Regarding Democracy, human rights, and freedomof expression to:11. continue implementing with particular vigour the calls foraction and demands contained in the 30th BSPC Resolution inregard to democracy, human rights and freedom of expression,particularly in times of war and crisis;Sweden continues to work actively to promote democracy, humanrights, and freedom of expression offline as well as online. During theongoing Swedish presidency of the EU, democracy and the rule of law isone of four main priorities. One initiative has been to present a report8 (28)Sweden Page 185and initiate a discussion on how EU can improve further as an actor fordemocracy in its external relations. Another priority area has been thesupport to human rights defenders. Sweden has for example organised aconference on “Human Rights in times of Crisis”. Freedom of expressionis another important priority that will be highlighted during theStockholm Internet Forum in May. Sweden continues to be part of theFreedom online Coalition together with 33 other countries.Sweden continues to support projects, organisations, and institutions indemocracy, human rights, and rule of law through its developmentcooperation.12. consistently and resolutely counter the growing threat to thedemocratic community posed by the disinformation campaigns aswell as war propaganda initiated by the Russian government andother state and non-state actors;A new Swedish authority, the Agency for Psychological Defence, hasbeen established with the aim to counter disinformation and increaseresilience.13. acknowledge the importance of freedom of press for democracyand democratic development.Sweden is a clear and strong defender of freedom of expression andmedia. Sweden is one of the largest donors to free, independent, andpluralistic media in the world. Supporting independent journalism,ensuring safety for journalists, and promoting freedom of expressiononline and offline are key components in our efforts to defend andpromote democracy and human rights.We provide global, regional, and bilateral support to various mediaactors. Through the global strategy for human rights, democracy and therule of law, the Swedish International Development and CooperationAgency, Sida, are engaged in around twenty initiatives, supportingUNESCO, Internews, APC (Association for Progressive Communications),9 (28)Sweden Page 186WAN-IFRA (World Association of News Publishers), PEN International,Reporters Without Borders and IMS (International Media Support). Thesupport includes strengthening civil society's cooperation, capacity, andability to exercise their freedom of expression and access to information,as well as the capacity of duty bearers to fulfil their obligations underhuman rights and other international standards and commitments.Moreover, Sweden promotes the development of a vibrant andpluralistic civil society that operates from a rights perspective toincrease the respect for human rights and to promote global sustainabledevelopment.For example, Sida provides support for Article 19, an organizationworking with freedom of expression and the right to information in abroad sense. Article 19 conducts advocacy and normative work forpolicies and legislation and their implementation at national, regional,and international level. In terms of support for civil society, the Article19 has as a thematic area in its strategic plan to protect and strengthenthe democratic space for civil society. Among Sida’s partners are alsoReporters Without Borders, OCCPR (Organized Crime and CorruptionReporting Project) and Access Now. We also provide direct assistance topartners through the Government Offices, including to the majorinitiative International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM).In the light of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, we have increasedour support to free and independent media by granting additional fundsto the Prague Centre and Civil Rights Defenders Emergency Fund forHuman Rights Defenders, which includes support to independentjournalists.For 2022 we also increased our support to the European Endowment forDemocracy (EED), who provide support to media actors. EED was ableto approve a flexible mechanism issuing early and rapid grants to mediaactors in Ukraine.Sweden also promotes freedom of expression through political dialogueand other diplomatic means when necessary - both in bilateral talks andthrough the EU and in other relevant multilateral forums. We are alsomembers of the Media Freedom Coalition and the Freedom OnlineCoalition - two key alliances that bring together states and organizations10 (28)Sweden Page 187to promote freedom of expression both online and offline, human rights,support for actors in repressive environments, strengthening thedialogue with the IT-industry on corporate responsibility and promotingcoordination and cooperation within the UN system.The Council of Europe is another important norm-setting body in thefield of human rights and the full enjoyment of human rights on theinternet. The Council of Europe works to define, among other things,users' rights and states' obligations online based on human rights.Sweden works actively to promote human rights and freedom ofexpression both offline and online. Sweden was part of the core groupwhich initiated the United Nations Human Rights Council resolution onthe promotion, protection, and enjoyment of human rights on theinternet which was presented and adopted by consensus during the JuneHuman Rights Council sessions in 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2021.Sweden is also part of the core group which initiated the Freedom ofopinion and expression resolution on digital and media literacy, whichwas presented and adopted at the Human Rights Council session in June2022.14. specifically counteract any deterioration of working conditionsin media and free reporting; in countries where problems haveevolved, to initiate and promote targeted protective measures forthe work of the media, including education and training forjournalists, to secure safe working conditions for the media;Through the strategy for Sweden’s development cooperation in theareas of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law 2018–2022,Sweden supports several projects and organisations working forfreedom of expression and media freedom around the world. Swedensupports actors such as UNESCO, Article 19, and other organisations.Safety for journalists is a key issue on the Swedish agenda.15. consider different ways of promoting democracy-buildingefforts in Russia and in other countries, for example by supportingcivil society in exile;Through the Strategy for Sweden’s support for Democracy, HumanRights and the Environment in Russia 2020–2024, Sweden supports11 (28)Sweden Page 188Russian civil society, human rights defenders and independent media.The support is mainly directed to actors working to promote democracy,human rights, including freedom of expression, and the rule of law.16. strengthen particularly in times of war and crisis efforts toincrease confidence in democratic structures and values, promotetolerance and open-mindedness, freedom of the media andexpression, and robust NGOs as cornerstones of democracies in theBaltic Sea Region;Many of the existing platforms for cooperation between democraticstates provide excellent opportunities for regional cooperation in theBaltic Sea Region regarding democratic values such as tolerance andfreedom of expression. Among these are the Nordic Council of ministersand other regional organisations and global intergovernmentalstructures. Mutual participation in the various Nordic and BalticDemocracy festivals provides one example of how these shared valuesare reinforced. The importance of civic space, freedom of expression,strengthened democracy and tolerance are at the core of these sharedvalues, evidenced by mutual support in intergovernmental structures.17. protect the rights and ensure the safety of refugees, ethnicminorities, LGBTQ people, women, children, the elderly and othervulnerable groups who are particularly at risk in times of war andthreatened by intolerant attitudes;All individuals are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Theprinciples of the equal value of all individuals and of non-discriminationare fundamental in safeguarding and promoting human rights. A societyfree from discrimination is a central objective of Sweden’s work onhuman rights. Sweden is a strong international actor in efforts topromote and increase respect for human rights, democracy, and the ruleof law. Sweden acts bilaterally and regionally, within our Nordic andNordic-Baltic relations and the EU, to maximise the impact of our humanrights commitment. Sweden also raises these issues in bilateral politicaldialogues and in multilateral contexts such as the UN Human RightsCouncil, the UN General Assembly and the OSCE and the Council ofEurope.12 (28)Sweden Page 189Gender equality and the enjoyment of human rights of all women andgirls will continue to be prioritised. For example, Sweden is a member ofthe core group that presented the Human Rights Council resolution onpromoting, protecting, and respecting women’s and girls’ full enjoymentof human rights in humanitarian situations. The resolution was adoptedby the Human Rights Council with consensus in 2020 and contributes todeveloping the normative work on the topic.Sweden consistently stands up for respect for human rights and equalopportunities regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or genderexpression. Sweden is, through our development cooperation one of thelargest donors supporting LGBTQI persons full enjoyment of humanrights by global, regional and local initiatives and organisations. The aimis to strengthen the LGBTQI movement, increase the capacity of LGBTQIactors, promote advocacy against violence and discrimination againstLGBTQI people, and provide emergency support for those under threat.Key partners include ILGA World, the world's largest LGBTI humanrights network, the US State Department/Global Equality Fund (GEF),and the USAID.Sweden supports the Eastern Europe programme and the EasternCoalition for LGBT Equality in cooperation with RFSL. Sweden is also amember of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) which works to counteractviolence and discrimination against LGBTI people worldwide. Sweden isalso a member of the UN LGBTI Core Group, which is an informalcooperation group in the UN that meets in connection with the UNGeneral Assembly in New York and pushes for LGBTI issues to beintegrated into the UN's work. Actively supporting the IndependentExpert on protection against violence and discrimination based onsexual orientation and gender identity mandated by the Human RightsCouncil is another important part of our efforts.18. defend sexual and reproductive autonomy and respect the rightto reproductive health;Sweden has a steady and ongoing work in the field of sexual andreproductive health. This is led by the Public Health Agency of Sweden.Their mission is that everyone has a right to a good sexual andreproductive health. Therefore, Sweden appreciates the decision from13 (28)Sweden Page 190BSPC of further defending sexual and reproductive autonomy. TheSwedish government laid forward their national strategy for SRHR in2022 that extends to 2026. Sweden strives for cooperation bothregionally and internationally. This cooperation intends to alterdiscriminating social norms, attitudes, and behaviours with a focus onthose who provide SRHR related services. It aims to expand theseservices as well as the demand for it.The national strategy aims to incorporate further use of statistics(surveillance) including gender specific data and evidential information.It also aims to prohibit corruption, especially in the care sector. Thesetargets are set with the basis of Team Europe Initiative, where Swedenwill work towards an effective enabling of NDICI/Global Europe. Thenational strategy encapsules the ambition for a relevant and effectiveinternational cooperation.Regarding climate change mitigation, preservingbiodiversity and adapting to climate change to:19. support the updated Baltic Sea Action Plan and its associatedaction documents agreed by the HELCOM Ministerial Meeting on 20October 2021 under the current German chairmanship and toensure a more quickly and consistent implementation of the agreedobjectives than before in all countries of the Baltic Sea Region inorder to achieve a good ecological status of the Baltic Sea by the endof the decade; regular monitoring of the implementation isessential to support the process;The Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management, SwAM haspublished a proposal for a road map on the national implementation ofthe Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP). The road map includes a workdescription and points out responsibilities for different relevantauthorities including a process for regular follow-up of the progress. Italso focusses on taking advantage of the connections between regionaland national marine management, as well as other international marinemanagement processes (eg. under CBD, UN).14 (28)Sweden Page 191There is also a dedicated funding for the implementation of the BSAP inSweden, which is of key importance for actively driving both nationaland joint regional implementation forward.20. derive and implement further measures from the policy-relevant suggestions for various policy areas in the ‘HELCOM 2021Climate Change in the Baltic Sea Fact Sheet’ that will enable an evenfaster and more extensive reduction of climate-relevant emissionsto achieve the targeted climate neutrality as early as possible;In 2022, there was a strong focus on green shipping in the Nordiccooperation and ministers for climate and the environment adopted adeclaration on zero emission shipping routes between the Nordiccountries. The declaration was followed by a concrete project initiativeto enhance cooperation on green shipping between the Nordic countries.Within a Nordic project on Ocean Planning and Climate 2021-24,researchers from the Nordic countries down-scale climate scenarios forthe Nordic Oceans, including the Baltic Sea. The results of the project willfocus on the effects of climate change on the marine environment andthe marine eco-systems.21. recognise that anthropogenic activities such as agriculture andindustrialization in the Baltic Sea catchment area have caused largeincreases in inputs of nitrogen and phosphorus over the past 150years and underline the importance of continuing the work onreducing outlets of nitrogen and phosphorous into the Baltic Sea,reminding that an increased water temperature also will increasethe effects of overnutrition;Sweden continues with the structured work to reduce nutrient loads tothe Baltic Sea, adapting and improving implementation of measuresthrough the frameworks of the EU-related directives for water (WFD)and marine environment (MSFD). More than 50 eutrophied watershedsand coastal areas have engaged catchment officers to facilitate andaccelerate the mitigation of land-based sources and internal loadings oflegacy phosphorus in lakes and coastal waters.A national fund is available for municipalities and NGOs to financeefficient measures to reduce nutrient losses from land based sources andinternal loading. Sweden participates in the agriculture related work15 (28)Sweden Page 192within HELCOM. Sweden’s CAP Strategic plan includes interventions thatsupport environmental and climate-friendly practices. In addition, theSwedish Plan has a strong focus on encouraging upskilling andawareness raising on these topics among farmers. Awareness raising canfocus on things like the nitrogen and carbon cycle on the farm, ormethods for more efficient manure storage and spreadingAlso, the regional authorities have projects to reduce the nutrient load tothe Baltic Sea. The LIFE IP project Rich Waters, partly financed by EU, isalso significantly contributing to the abatement of eutrophication byimproving the management and efficiency of various measures.22. intensify all efforts and cooperate closely in several fields at thesame time to obtain the chance of limiting global warming to wellbelow 2°C above pre-industrial levels and pursuing efforts to limitthe temperature increase to 1.5 °C above pre-industrial levelsthrough the rapid, comprehensive expansion of renewable energiesand their technologies, by the reduction of emissions, less energyuse, increased energy efficiency at the same time as strengtheningand increasing natural sinks for CO2 and research anddevelopment of innovative and sustainable technologies;Sweden has been an advocate for an ambitious EU target to 2030 and arobust legal framework to reach the target. As the acting Presidency ofthe EU Council, Sweden has worked hard with its ambition to finalizenegotiations on the “Fit for 55 package”. So far, several legal acts havebeen formally adopted or preliminary agreed.Within the Nordic cooperation, there are several initiatives to supportthe Nordic countries transition to carbon neutrality in line with thedeclaration adopted the by Prime Ministers in 2019. A special focus fromSweden has been on the transformation of the land-based transportsector, with a focus on sustainable goods transports and acceleratedelectrification.2To strengthen the potential for natural CO -sinks, various grants,support, and compensations are available in Sweden to create new,restore or recreate wetlands. The government has given special focus onpermanently rewetting excavated peatland in the forest with the aim ofreducing greenhouse gas emissions.16 (28)Sweden Page 193Regarding energy efficiency the Swedish government invests 1,2 billionSEK in the state budget between 2023 and 2025 in energy efficiencypolicy measures.The investment involves a financial scheme to single-family houses forenergy efficiency measures as well as information and competence-enhancing efforts to mitigate the effects of high energy prices.Sweden is active in the Nordic cooperation.Within the Nordic Ministerial Council there is a network group withparticipation from the agencies from the Nordic countries cooperating ineco-design (design for increased energy efficiency) and energy labellingregarding products' energy consumption. There are also working groupsdealing with cooperation of the Nordic electricity market and thedevelopment of renewable energies, and a network group dealing withcooperation on the field of carbon capture, use and storage.23. particularly in those countries that are still more dependent ondomestic and imported fossil energy sources and uranium imports,push forward the use of zero and low emission renewable energiesfrom domestic sources and in the long-term those imported fromdemocratic and reliable partner countries in combination withinnovative applications of hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives onthe basis of renewable energies in industry and commerce as wellas in the heating and mobility sector, in order to achieve their own,affordable, more independent and resilient energy security andenergy sovereignty and at the same time to contribute to theachievement of the climate goals;Sweden has two major investment programmes with the aim ofcontributing to achieving its climate targets. The Climate Leap is aninvestment aid for local and regional investment measures to reduceemissions of carbon dioxide and other gases which affect the climate.It was established in 2015 and can be applied for by a wide range oforganisations including, amongst others, companies, regions,municipalities, municipal companies, associations, and foundations.Projects that have been granted investment support include amongstother charging infrastructure, electric agricultural machines, andrecovery of residual heat from industry processes.17 (28)Sweden Page 194The Industrial Leap supports technological advances that can contributeto the transition within three areas:--Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from industry processes-Negative carbon dioxide emissions/BECCSStrategically important initiatives within industry that supportthe net zero emission transition on a societal level.Funding can be given to all type of research and innovation projects aswell as investments.Both the Climate Leap and the Industrial Leap are part of the SwedishRecovery Plan under the Recovery and Resilience Facility.Sweden already has a well-developed district heating network in allmunicipalities providing mostly fossil free heat from sources such asbiomass, industrial waste heat and various waste fractions. Sweden’selectricity production is based on nuclear, hydro, biomass and wind andis close to 100% free from fossil fuels.Before EU sanctions on Russian oil entered into force Swedishcompanies decided to stop imports of oil products and nuclear fuel fromRussia.The Swedish Government has commissioned the Swedish Energy Agencyto coordinate the work with hydrogen in Sweden. The purpose is, amongother things, to strengthen cooperation in fossil-free hydrogen betweennational actors and to identify and remove obstacles so that theproduction, distribution, and storage of hydrogen can be integrated intothe energy system and contribute to achieving the energy and climatepolicy goals.24. cooperate with countries that are most dependent on fossilfuels and uranium imports from Russia in their efforts to switch tomore reliable and environmentally friendly energy sources;As the Presidency of the EU Council, Sweden is working closely withother EU Member States on these issues. Sweden is also engaging withnon-EU countries in other international fora, such as the InternationalEnergy Agency, Clean Energy Ministerial and Mission Innovation.18 (28)Sweden Page 19525. widely deploy the extensive existing low-cost and efficientrenewable energy generation technologies, and effectively andsignificantly boost even more intensive research as well as theintroduction and deployment of innovative green solutions,particularly in green hydrogen technologies, and develop as fast aspossible hydrogen strategies and road maps to complement theEuropean hydrogen strategy and the new green deal and bring byjoint efforts and close cooperation the Baltic Sea Region in a poleposition in green transition;Sweden invests in energy research and innovation to enable a futurecarbon free energy system. Through the Nordic institution NordicEnergy Research, Sweden supports a Joint Baltic-Nordic EnergyResearch Programme.26. concerning sea-dumped munitions, also in the current times ofwar continue unabated in close cooperation with HELCOM and CBSSto strengthen efforts exploring, identifying, recovering andneutralising explosive ordnance in the Baltic Sea with concretemeasures through multinational cooperation according to the 28th,29th and 30th BSPC Resolutions as well as the interim and finalBSPC rapporteur’s reports on sea-dumped munitions and establishthe Baltic Sea Region as a global model region for theenvironmentally sound, rapid and affordable salvage anddecontamination and removal of explosive ordnance dumped in thesea;Sweden works actively with measures to avoid trawling in areas withknown dumped munitions, as this activity results in a wider dispersal oftoxic substances from the munitions.Swedish authorities cooperate with corresponding agencies inneighbouring countries to recover and neutralise explosive ordnance.Several projects have been performed to find sea-dumping sites and tomake risk assessment of those areas. Sweden is also taking part in the19 (28)Sweden Page 196expert group in HELCOM dealing with sea-dumped munition and in thedeveloping cooperation between HELCOM and CBSS.27. encourage the countries who are responsible for dumpedmunitions in the Baltic Sea to start a recovery fund and to lead therecovery effort that would help achieve a Baltic Sea free fromdumped explosive ordnance; we welcome the efforts of theincoming German CBSS presidency to push this issue;The BSAP-fund, managed by the Nordic Investment Bank and NEFCOwas initiated by Sweden and Finland in 2010 as a tool to finance projectsfor the BSAP. Sweden and Finland have contributed with funding and areactively seeking support for the involvement of more countries inHELCOM. Sweden considers that this instrument has served well andwould benefit for the contribution to support the updated BSAP as well.28. implement methods of nature-friendly farming and activelyphase out the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers by localfarmers as well as allocate funds to researching less hazardousalternatives, and make sure that the policies are well connected toscience;The Swedish Government has adopted a revised national action plan forthe sustainable use of plant protection products 2023-2027. The actionplan is focusing on training, information, and advice to improve thesustainable use of plant protection products, and the implementation ofintegrated pest management and to promote sustainable farmingsystems.The EU Commission presented in 2022 a proposal for a new regulationon the sustainable use of plant protection products, as a way toimplement the Farm to fork strategy, with an overall aim to reduce therisks from chemicals plant protection products. Negotiations regardingthis proposal are ongoing in the EU council.Sweden’s CAP Strategic Plan 2023-2027 includes interventions thatsupport environmental and climate-friendly practices. The Swedish Planhas a strong focus on encouraging upskilling and awareness raising,including focus on the nitrogen and carbon cycle on the farm and20 (28)Sweden Page 197methods for more efficient use of fertilisers and manure, as well as moreefficient manure storage and spreading.29. intensively integrate rural areas with their broad potential inthe production of renewable energies, the expansion of grids andstorage facilities, and allow them to participate comprehensively inthe success, support sustainable innovation in green energy, reducethe use of non- renewable sources of energy and supportinnovation to make urban and rural life more sustainable byenhancing green transportation solutions, and make sure that thepolicies are well connected to science;The Swedish national strategy for sustainable regional developmentthroughout the country in 2021–2030, missive 2020/21:133acknowledges the roll of regional policy as a promoter of a betterenvironment, reduced climate impact, and energy transition. Rural areascontribute for example with energy supply, raw materials, and foodsupply as well as innovative solutions to various societal challenges,which are required for sustainable development. Energy efficiency aswell as the expansion, production and the use of fossil free energy issignificant for a sustainable regional development.Furthermore, the national strategy states that spatial planning needs topromote both energy efficiency and transport efficiency. It recognizesthe importance of innovations in the energy field, where for example thedevelopment of solutions for storing electric energy is becomingincreasingly important as a larger part of the production is generated byvariable power.In March 2023, within the frame of the government commission Dir.2022:27 and its addendum Dir. 2022:135, a special investigatorsubmitted policy proposals to strengthening the municipalities'incentives to participate in the expansion of wind power, with the aim ofcoping with climate change and the increased electrification of society.The EU highlights local and citizen ownership as important for theenergy transition. ‘Local ownership in transitions towards sustainableenergy systems’https://nordregio.org/research/local-ownership-in-transitions-towards-sustainable-energy-systems/ is a three-year21 (28)Sweden Page 198research project that will explore the role of local ownership infacilitating successful energy transitions in Sweden.In addition, the project will focus on how local ownership can befacilitated through for instance public participation processes orcommunity energy projects. The Swedish Energy Agency funded projectrun by Uppsala University and Nordregio will increase knowledge on therole of local ownership as a contributor to transitions towardssustainable energy systems.Previous research points to institutional barriers hampering theplanning of cross-border transport infrastructure. The project ‘Nordictransport infrastructure planning – institutional barriers andopportunities for coordination (NORDINFRA)’https://nordregio.org/research/nordic-transport-infrastructure-planning-institutional-barriers-and-opportunities-for-coordination-nordinfra/ aims to increase knowledge of the institutional conditions forthe development of a more coordinated transport planning in the Nordicregion. The project works on identifying obstacles, point outopportunities and propose measures that facilitate coordination oftransport infrastructure planning across national borders. This researchproject is a collaboration between Nordregio and Umeå University,financed by The Swedish Transportation Administration.The Swedish Government also offers investment support for fastchargers along major roads where such infrastructure otherwise wouldnot have been built ensuring basic access to such infrastructurethroughout the country. Sweden also participates in transnationalinitiatives in the region.Acknowledging the current challenges, development and trends and theneed for strong coordinated policies and experience exchange across theBaltic Sea Region and beyond, in the last 2 years VASAB CSPD/BSR hasworked on and elaborated the VASAB Vision 2040. The VASAB vision is aforward-looking document presenting the desirable future for the BalticSea Region. It supports different stakeholders in the Baltic Sea Regioncountries in policy making to cope with challenges across various levels,sectors, and borders, and to better anticipate and prepare for the futuredevelopment paths towards sustainability and territorial cohesionperspective of the Region till 2040.22 (28)Sweden Page 199Particularly, it proposes potential future actions targeted fortransnational and cross-border cooperation and synergies in such fieldsas development of urban settlements, virtual and physical connectivity,carbon neutral energy production and supply, resilient ecosystems, aswell as cooperative planning systems.Working across the sectors is crucial aspect to address the variouschallenges in the best way possible. In the past, VASAB has beeninvolved in or followed up on various cooperation projects that havehelped to bring together spatial planners with transport planners(projects MARA, NSB CoRe – with support of latter project the Jointtransnational spatial vision on regional development, logistics andmobility of NSB CoRe corridor was elaborated), energy sector (BEA APP,Baltic Integrid). Baltic LINes project addressed increasing oftransnational coherence of shipping routes and energy corridors inMaritime Spatial Plans in the Baltic Sea RegionCurrently HELCOM-VASAB MSP Working Group is looking for thepossibilities to establish closer links with BEMIP – the cooperation onBaltic energy market interconnection plan, to foster sustainability andcoherence of the maritime areas and to accommodate the current needsfor sustainable and carbon neutral energy supply.Within the framework of the EU strategy for the Baltic Sea Region,Sweden is participating in the work of policy area Energy and transport.PA Energy is continuing its activities under its priority four on theintegration of renewable electricity into the power system and exploringpossibilities of cooperation in concrete areas, such as the developmentof the region’s offshore wind potential, investment in and managementof the electricity grid, including as regards system services, the use ofstorage and sector integration or coupling. PA Transport aims atdeveloping measures towards climate-neutral and zero pollutiontransport, including sustainable fuels in land transport sector.30. develop and implement policies and regulations around fishing,shipping and other industries, together with all relevantstakeholders, that harm the biodiversity in the Baltic Sea and the23 (28)Sweden Page 200global climate, that aligns with the needs and challenges from theIPCC report and the internationally binding targets of the ParisAgreement.There has been ongoing work within fisheries management and furtherdevelopment and implementation of policies and regulations aroundfishing have been implemented.Sweden works continuously in the IMO and its subgroups to reduce the-environmental- and climate impact from shipping;Sweden has pushed for higher ambitions in the revision of IMO’s-Initial GHG Strategy, to be adopted in July 2023.Working on developing new control instruments in the mediumterm. The EU has jointly proposed a reduction obligation incombination with an economic instrument. A decision on thedirection will be made in July 2023.During the presidency of the European Council, Sweden has made effortsto make negotiations regarding the FuelEUMaritime directive reach itsgoal. An agreement was reached in March 2023 creating betterconditions for reducing shipping emissions in Europe. Sweden hasearlier appointed a special national co-ordinator for inland and short seashipping, whose duties now include facilitating Sweden's compliancewith the Clydebank Declaration. The work is ongoing. Sweden iscontinuously involved in HELCOM and works via e.g. the sub-groupMARITIME, together with the other Baltic Sea countries, to try to reducethe environmental impact from shipping.In 2022-2023, the Swedish Transport Agency and the Swedish Maritimeand Water Authority have carried out a translation of therecommendation for removing boat bottom paint that contains TBT andother hazardous substances, which was published in 2021. Thetranslation will be presented to HELCOM to inspire clean-up in anenvironmentally and health-safe manner in other HELCOM countries aswell. This is also within the obligation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan31. promote the building of facilities from recycled materials to(BSAP).develop regulations regarding the re-use of construction materials,establish plans for the re-use of materials as a requisite for24 (28)Sweden Page 201demolition permits as part of the effort of finding sustainablesupply lines along the Baltic Sea and to introduce public bailsystems for plastic bottles in the Baltic Sea Region and furthermoresupport cascading use in every possible field;The construction sector stands for a significant part of the use ofmaterial and the environmental and climate impact on our societies.Sweden has therefore initiated a circular economy assignment to theSwedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning, to map andanalyse how recycling, reuse, and preparation of reuse of materials,building parts and construction is done today and how to promote it inthe future. This includes analysing possibilities to build sustainable fromthe beginning and how to avoid demolition of existing structures. TheBoard will present its report in December 2024. The results could feedinto the work of the Baltic Sea Region in the future.Sweden has furthermore worked on the implementation of EU'sDirective on single-use plastics and introduced new rules that will makeit easier for households and businesses to sort their packaging waste,including plastic bottles, which will contribute to increased materialrecycling and more resource efficient use of waste.32. communicating and developing strategies to implementing anew innovative lifestyle to make the difference by intensivecommunication about the fact that each individual making a changefor themselves made a difference overall;Within the Nordic cooperation, an ongoing joint program 2021-24 calledSustainable living contains six different projects that aim to make iteasier to live in a climate-friendly way in the Nordic region.Sweden has, through its work in One Planet Network, increased ourknowledge on possibilities to use behavioural insights to reduce marinelitter in the form of single-use plastics.An important part of the work has been to agree on the content of TheGlobal Strategy for Sustainable Consumption & Production 2023-2030.On an EU level, Sweden is actively working on the negotiations of thenewly proposed Green Claims Directive with the aim of addressinggreenwashing, and to protect consumers and the environment.25 (28)Sweden Page 202Regarding demographic challenges in light of theRussian invasion of Ukraine; migration, labourmarket and the social welfare model to:33. with the highest appreciation of all decisions and actions takenso far to address the refugee flows from Ukraine, in particular inthe most affected countries, ensure, through furthercomprehensive systemic and financial measures and policies, thatrelated demographic structural changes and challenges related tohousing, education, child and health protection, labour market andattitudes towards incoming refugees are optimally addressed andbest possible support for temporary stayers and inclusion forpermanent stayers is guaranteed;In Sweden, a series of measures are available to handle the reception oftemporarily displaced persons from Ukraine. These are, for example,language initiatives offered by civil society, municipalities, studyassociations and folk high schools. Measures focusing on the labourmarket, for instance the Swedish Migration Agency's initiative "Right towork in Sweden" and labour market initiatives within "Earlyinterventions for asylum seekers" carried out by civil society. Support isalso offered within the EU initiative "Care" with support from theEuropean Social Fund. So far, SEK 560 million has been granted for“Care” projects aimed at this group and it concerns support such asmatching efforts, mapping, and assessment of competence,supplementing professional skills and language training in Swedish andEnglish. Thereto, civic information and guidance.The Swedish Public Employment Service has been tasked to informabout the Swedish labour market, where there is a shortage of labour.Temporarily displaced persons from Ukraine can register as a job seekerat the Public Employment Service. They can get their skills mapped outand come into question for subsidized employment, such as new startjobs.26 (28)Sweden Page 203Sweden has and will continue to ensure that every child refugee will beoffered the same right towards accessing health care and social support,as every citizen. The refugee and migrant health and well-being, withparticular focus on the Ukrainian refugees, have entered the agenda ofthe NDPHS. During the 35th meeting of the Committee of SeniorRepresentatives (CSR), representing the Ministries of Health, inSeptember 2022, the NDPHS Partner Countries called for collaborationwith Ukraine. The practical dimension of this is currently underdiscussion. Awareness raising and knowledge sharing efforts regardingthe health and wellbeing of the Ukrainian refugees are already ongoing.Alongside the roundtable on the refugee and migrant screening for HIV,tuberculosis, and associated infections, the NDPHS Expert Group on thetopic has produced an episode entitled ‘Ukraine Humanitarian Crisis:People living with HIV/AIDS’ for the NDPHS podcast ‘Tune in Health’.Moreover, a representative from the International Organisation forMigration presented their Mental Health and Psychosocial SupportProgramme’s activities with a case example on emergency supportprovided to Ukraine during the CSR meeting in September 2022.Additional question from the BSPC working group Climate changeand biodiversity in the Baltic Sea Region”:To what extent does the war in Ukraine and related changes inpolitical priorities have an impact on climate policy goals and theirimplementation?”The war in Ukraine has made the EU take on measures aiming at rapidlyreducing the independence of Russian fossil fuels (notably natural gas).27 (28)Sweden Page 204The RePowerEU initiative is an example of a concrete measure in whichthe EU is taking action to diversify its energy supplies and speed up theenergy transition. The agreed measures aim to contribute to theachievement of the EU 2030 climate and energy targets.28 (28)