Conference Report

nitnempoleveDelbaniatsuS:noigeRaeScitlaBehtemitiraM,erafleWlaicoSytiruceSygrenE,yciloPecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61ehTsoordniLikkiviäP:txeT.7002,tsuguA82–72·nilreBSpeeches at the Conferencecan be found at www.bspc.netForewordThe 16th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (bspc) was held inBerlin, Germany, in August 2007. I had the great pleasure of wel- 3coming the participants to two days of topical debates andexchanges of opinions. The Conference attracted a diverse rangeof parliamentarians, ministers, officials and experts, numberingover 200 persons from the Baltic Sea Region and beyond. Thusthe Berlin conference was the biggest bspc so far. The conferencecontinued the collaborative spirit of the bspc and confirmed thepivotal role of the Baltic Sea Region – a region that, despite itssignificant accomplishments, has not exhausted its potential.The Baltic Sea Region will play an essential role in the futuredevelopment of Europe. Yet its degree of future success dependslargely on the closeness and intensity of co-operative efforts inthe region. The agenda of the conference addressed sustainableSustainable Development in the Baltic Sea The Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference is development, energy safety, social welfare and maritime policy.Region: Social Welfare, Maritime Policy, an annually organised conference where par-Such issues cannot be solved separately or confronted independ-Energy Security liamentarians from both national and regionalparliaments in the Baltic Sea Region partici- ently, whether by national governments, the Council of Baltic Sea© Nordic Council, Copenhagen 2007Print: Arco Grafisk A/S, Skive 2007 pate. According to its objectives bspc shall aim States, the European Union or ngos, but by regional co-opera-Text: Päivikki Lindroos at strengthening the common identity of the tion. We wished not only to explore possible answers to the chal-Design: Kjell Olsson Baltic Sea Region by close co-operation betweenlenges of the region, but also to provide political initiatives and toFoto: Stefan Müller parliaments. bspc shall initiate and guide politi-Copies: 700 cal activities in the region and further regionalPrinted on environmentally-friendly paper co-operation especially towards the Council ofBaltic Sea States. The Conference is a forum forPrinted in Denmarkdebate and information exchange between par-liaments and other organisations in the region.www.bspc.netThe Nordic Council was formed in 1952 topromote cooperation between the parliamentsand governments of Denmark, Iceland, Norwayand Sweden. Finland joined in 1955. At theThe Nordic Council Secretariat sessions held by the Council, representativesin Copenhagen functions as secretariat from the Faroe Islands and Greenland formfor the bspc. part of the Danish delegation, while Åland isrepresented on the Finnish delegation. TheNordic Council Council consists of 87 elected members – all ofStore Strandstræde 18 whom are members of parliament. The Nordicdk-1255 Copenhagen K Council takes initiatives, acts in a consultativePhone (+45) 33 96 04 00 capacity and monitors cooperation measures.Fax (+45) 33 11 18 70 The Council operates via its institutions: thePlenary Assembly, the Presidium and standingwww.norden.org committees. Mr Franz Thönnes, MP, Chair of the BSPC Standing CommitteenoigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuScontribute to the elaboration of comprehensive regional solutionsto the challenges.I have had the privilege of chairing the bspc Standing Com-mittee and Extended Standing Committee since the bspc in Rey-kjavik in 2006. By sharing their experiences, expertise and initia-tives, the members of these committees made invaluable contri-butions to the 16th bspc. I would like to extend my heartfeltContentsthanks to the members of the committees for all their efforts inthe work leading up to the 16th bspc, and for their commitmentto the continued progress and well-being of the Baltic Sea4 Region. 5My thanks also go to the keynote speakers and the delegates,to our observers and guests, all of whom, in various ways, con- i. Sustainable Development in the Baltic Sea Region:tributed to the success of the conference. Social Welfare, Maritime Policy, Energy Security 7ii. Opening of the Conference 8Franz Thönnes, MdB, iii. Co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region includingParliamentary State Secretary, Energy Issues – opening and first session 11Chairman of the Standing Committee of the bspc 2006-2007, iv. Labour and Social Welfare in the Baltic SeaHead of the German Delegation to the bspc Region– second session 22v. Integrated Maritime Policy in the Baltic Sea Region– third session 29vi. Adoption of the Resolution and Closing ofthe Conference 39vii. Resolution 40viii. List of Participants 44ix. Programme 53ecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSThe 16th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conferencei.Sustainable Development in the7Baltic Sea Region: Social Welfare,Maritime Policy, Energy SecurityThe 16th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (bspc) took placeon 27–28 August 2007 in Berlin, the booming yet charming capi-tal of Germany. It was the first time that the Bundestag hadorganized the conference. It has been held in Germany twicebefore, having been hosted by the Schleswig-Holstein Landtag in1998 and the Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Landtag in 2001. Thisyear’s conference was the biggest so far, gathering over 200 par-ticipants. Hospitality and a welcoming atmosphere met themduring the busy deliberations at the conference.The conference addressed issues such as energy security andsustainable development, the labour market and social welfare,and eutrophication and maritime safety, with particular focus onthe Baltic Sea Region. The first session of the conference dealtwith co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region, including energyissues. During the session, Mr Artis Pabriks, Foreign Minister ofthe Republic of Latvia and Chairman of the cbss in 2007-2008,presented a report from the cbss.Over the two days, the conference area at the Reichstagformed an open forum for dialogue between all the participants,Mr Trivimi Velliste, MP, Estonia parliamentarians, observers and guests, presenting numerousopportunities for networking and exchanges of experiences.The objective of the bspc is to strengthen the common iden-tity of the Baltic Sea Region by forging co-operation betweennational and regional parliaments. It initiates and guides politi-cal activities in the region. All national and regional parliamentsin the Baltic Sea Region send delegates to the annual conference,as do a wide range of invited organisations.noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSii.Opening of the Conference8 9In his welcoming address to the participants of the 16th bspc,Dr Norbert Lammert, President of the German Bundestag,described how Berlin has fundamentally changed over the lasttwo last decades. The situation is the same for the Baltic SeaRegion, which has always been an area of trade networks but alsoa battlefield. During the years of the Cold War, it was a somewhatmarginalized region in Europe in economic terms. In political Mr Artis Pabriks, Latvian Foreign Minister, Chairman of the CBSSterms it was on the periphery. Only when the separation of thecontinent ended did the region return to the centre stage ofEurope. Today the Baltic Sea Region is a kind of role model for Ms Diana Wallis MEP, Vice-President of the Europeanovercoming dividing lines and for future development and joint Parliament, described the development of Europe and the Euro-opportunities. pean Union over the last 50 years. The European Parliament hasDr Lammert noted that the bspc is now an established insti- become very keen on a Baltic Sea Strategy within the new North-tution in Europe with the mission of bringing people together ern Dimension. An exhaustive report has been produced ininformally and solving problems. The sea now links all stake- recent months which is being followed up by the Commission.holders and has become a sea of opportunities. With so many Policy in the Baltic Sea Region should also take account of devel-committed members of parliaments, it could turn into something opments further north. The Arctic region should not be forgot-more. ten.Franz Thönnes, MP, Germany, Parliamentary State Secre- Referring to the themes of the conference, Ms Wallis notedtary and Chairman of the BSPC, referring to the recent history that the European Union is in a position to achieve much, bothof Germany, the unification of the country and the move of the within its borders and with its new neighbours, and the Euro-capital and the parliament from Bonn to Berlin, noted that the pean Parliament has unique experience and perspectives to bringpolitical centre of gravity has moved north and closer to the to these developments.Baltic Sea. That is positive for Germany and for the Baltic Sea Ms Berit Brørby, MP, Norway, Vice-President of the Nor-Region. dic Council, pointed out the necessity of cooperation in dealingHe noted that the participating parliamentarians are seriously with the challenges of today, not only with our closest neighbourscommitted to working on Baltic Sea issues. He also expressed his but also within and between regions. The Nordic Council hasgratitude to the bspc Standing Committee, the bspc Extended close co-operation with the bspc, the Baltic parliaments andStanding Committee, the participating German parliaments, and regional and national politicians in Russia on a wide range ofthe personnel both at the Bundestag and at the bspc Interna- issues. This co-operation will be continued and deepened.tional Secretariat in Copenhagen. Ms Brørby wished to strengthen the structures for parliamen-Mr Thönnes declared the conference open and hoped that it tary co-operation. The new Northern Dimension should be awould stimulate discussions and new contacts between partici- strong instrument for dealing with changes in the far north.pants. Establishing a Northern Dimension Parliamentary Forum will bean important meeting place to monitor government actions inecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSresponse to changes and developments in the Arctic region, MsBrørby stated.Ms Hill-Marta Solberg, MP, Norway, Chairman of theStanding Committee of Parliamentarians of the ArcticRegion, also referred to the recent history of Berlin and the iii.November days of 1989 as a point of departure for a new era ofco-operation in the Baltic Sea Region, as well as in the ArcticCo-operation in the Baltic Searegion. Ms Solberg pointed to the melting of the Arctic ice sheet.This fact is influencing most topics in Arctic co-operation. The Region including Energy Issuesrise in sea temperature will have dramatic consequences for the– First Session10 Arctic region and the Baltic Sea. The melting ice will also make 11the Arctic more accessible to marine activities.Ms Solberg noted that Arctic and Baltic Sea co-operationcomplement and supplement each other. She praised the North-ern Dimension Parliamentary Conference in Brussels earlier in In his report, Mr. Artis Pabriks, Latvian Foreign Minister and2007, and the establishment of a new Northern Dimension. Chairman of the cbss in 2007–2008, outlined the Latvian pri-Ms Solberg also appreciated the Parliamentary Forum on North- orities under the cbss Presidency in 2007–2008. The two goalsern Dimension which, according to her, will be a valuable arena of the presidency are sustainable development and competitive-for learning, co-ordinating and giving full parliamentary backing ness. To reach these goals, three priorities have been set: energy,to a policy for the far north. education and civil security. Sustainable development very muchIn her greeting to the conference Ms Nino Burjanadze, has to do with energy, maritime policy and the environment, asSpeaker of Parliament, President of the Parliamentary well as with civil security issues like trafficking of human beingsAssembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC) and organized crime. Mr Pabriks saw education as the main toolnoted that the two parliamentary assemblies (pabsec and bspc) for creating a knowledge-based society and developing high-have similar overarching goals, which is to foster co-operation value-added production.and dialogue at parliamentary level between countries and peo- Mr Pabriks spoke in favour of close co-operation, better coor-ples from a wide geographic territory. She stressed that the role dination of actions and regular dialogue among bspc, cbss andof the parliamentary assemblies is to provide effective mecha- other regional organizations. In the 15 years since the foundationnisms for achieving common goals for the establishment of a of the cbss as an umbrella forum, inter-governmental co-opera-truly democratic society. In this context, she voiced concerns over tion has changed dramatically. Besides governments, businesses,one of the major challenges for democracy in our days: the exist- local authorities and universities, non-governmental organiza-ence of unsolved conflicts. tions and independent organizations are other important actorsThe Black Sea region is a big market for other regions, includ- that are co-operating and leading the way.ing the European Union. At the same time it is a very attractive Mr Pabriks referred to the meeting of the foreign ministersarea for investing due to its strategic importance in terms of of Baltic Sea States, which was held in Malmö in June 2007.energy resources, transport infrastructures and shipment routes As an example of the decisions taken at the meeting, Mr Pabriksfor goods and cargos, Ms Burjanadze noted. announced that the meeting had agreed to launch a reform proc-ess of the cbss over the coming year. The objectives and workingmethods will be reviewed in order to promote closer adaptationto the new conditions for co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region.Mr Pabriks also presented one of the Latvian goals – the rec-ognition and strengthening of the regional identity of the BalticSea Region, which could be used in defining the future of theregion. The Latvian presidency of the cbss has launched aproject called Balticness, which is a year-long series of publicevents taking place in 11 Baltic Sea Region cities.ecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSThe bspc is unique in that it is the only parliamentary organi-zation to offer co-operation between the eu, efta and Russia,which is conducive for discussions and joint parliamentaryactions on Baltic Sea Region issues. Mr Thönnes agreed with MrPabriks that relations between the cbss and the bspc have beenstrengthened. He appreciated the possibility for parliamentari-ans to play a role in the cbss reform process. Mr Thönnes alsotouched on the question of developing contacts with Belarus. Ithas not yet been possible to find a politically feasible way ofapproaching this issue.12 Mr Günter Gloser, Minister of State for Europe, Germany, 13sketched out Germany’s Baltic Sea policy, which is based on ashared interest in the region. He noted that the eu has a strongerpresence in the region after its enlargement in 2004, which is apositive thing and which benefits all countries. The region couldbe a role model both for cultural exchange and for the develop-ment of civil society. Mr Gloser also touched on the issue of edu-cation and competitiveness, noting that these are prerequisitesfor the welfare of the region. Investing in young people is of keyNordic participants at the opening ceremony of the conferenceimportance in developing the region.Mr Gloser underlined that preserving the environment in theMr Franz Thönnes pointed out a number of important back- Baltic Sea Region is, literally, a vital task. Although people todayground facts in his report from the bspc Standing Committee. have a much better standard of living, the sea is unwell. GermanyThe region is prosperous and a good place to live. There is a fruit- supports the helcom process as a way to elaborate and adopt anful combination of natural and human resources. Maritime activ- ambitious Baltic Sea Action Plan. Mr Gloser noted that allities are intense. Free movement of labour is a possibility and a coastal countries benefit from both traffic and transport corridorschallenge for the whole region. However, organized crime, traf- in the Baltic Sea. He called for closer contacts with Russia andficking of human beings and drugs, and corruption and lifestyle would like to see Russia more deeply involved in European struc-diseases are issues which must be remedied. Social integration is tures.a task of growing concern. Mr Andris Kesteris, Head of Cabinet of the EuropeanMr Thönnes described the bspc’s new structures and working Energy Commissioner, gave a presentation on the Europeanprogramme, as well as relations between the cbss and the bspc. Commission’s energy policy and prospects for the future. Sustain-He also extended his gratitude to the bspc Working Group on able and efficient energy policy is needed in order to tackle cli-Eutrophication and its chairman Asmund Kristoffersen. He mate change. Mr Kesteris spoke about energy prices and securitynoted that many of the governments in the Baltic Sea Region had of supply. Russia is the largest single supplier to the Europeananswered the questions circulated by the bspc regarding the market. There have been several disputes on prices and contractsimplementation of the 15th bspc resolution. The bspc’s observer and the processes have not always been transparent. Neverthe-status in helcom was mentioned as one of the main avenues for less, it would be unwise to avoid developing energy co-operationparliamentarians to follow up the discussion on maritime poli- with a country controlling the world’s largest energy resources.cies. Mr Thönnes described the work and activities of the stand- Additionally, these resources are close to the European Unioning committee. He was of the opinion that more focus ought to be and the borders of the Baltic Sea Region. Moreover, the Russianput on labour market co-operation, the development of civil soci- Federation has a keen interest in bringing them to the Europeanety, and the fight against organized crime. Coordination with market, and even in becoming an active player in this market.other organizations is also important. All in all, there is clear This is a legitimate interest. But it can become reality only if theevidence of progress on the issues mentioned in earlier bspc res- European-Russian relationship is based on reciprocal access toolutions. This shows that the opinions of parliamentarians and markets and infrastructure, respect for existing investments andtheir work are taken seriously.ecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuStransparency in setting energy policies and in decision-making, Mr Nils Freivalds, Deputy Director of the Energy Depart-as is required of strategic partners. ment, Ministry of Economics, Latvia, Baltic Sea RegionMr Kesteris reminded that it would be a short-sighted Energy Cooperation (BASREC), informed the conferenceapproach to rely only on one dominant supplier. Supply diversifi- about Baltic Sea Region energy co-operation. He noted that incation should be made into a key element of the energy strategies 2009 Baltic countries could face an energy shortage when theof the entire eu and the Member States. Nevertheless, it should Ignalina power plant in Lithuania is decommissioned. The elec-be understood that energy security through supply diversification tricity system in the Baltic States is independent of the eu butdoes not always mean building new pipelines or bringing sup- well integrated with Russia. A long term solution for energy sup-plies from ever more remote regions. Measures that can be ply could be a new nuclear power plant. There are plans to buildimplemented within the eu itself are of equal importance. There such a plant in Latvia in 2010–2015 in order to secure energy14 must be solidarity mechanisms between Member States in case supply to all three Baltic states and to integrate the Baltic energy 15of interruptions. The Nord Stream pipeline is intended to tie markets in the eu network. This would reduce the dependenceRussia firmly to European energy markets. Supply security and on one single supplier.environmental safety considerations are the main reasons for the Mr Freivalds went through the various projects underway inCommission’s careful scrutiny of the project. the Baltic Sea energy markets and hoped that new projects con-Mr Kesteris underlined the need to assess the environmental necting countries across the Baltic Sea could be encouraged. Oneconsequences of energy projects. The Commission is willing to example is the energy grid between Estonia and Finland. He alsofinancially support third countries in energy projects. A new touched on the Nord Stream gas pipeline and said that if thor-draft on renewable energy and energy efficiency has been ough consideration is given to system security, it would benefitlaunched. The European Union has given priority to linking up the integration of energy connections in the Baltic states.the electricity grids of Lithuania and Poland, and those of Poland Latvia supports the introduction of new, efficient and renewa-and Germany. ble energy sources. The government of Latvia has allocatedfinancing from the structural funds for residential buildings toimprove energy efficiency. Mr Freivalds stated that the structuralfunds are not sufficient to meet the needs. Moreover, new andinnovative renewable solutions in energy efficiency are needed.Mr Freivalds also gave a presentation of the basrec intergov-ernmental energy forum. Its aim is to share information, buildcapacity and co-operate for the production and distribution ofenergy in a way which benefits all citizens of the region. MrFreivalds listed the Latvian basrec presidency tasks as follows:to organize a multi-country workshop on best practices in trans-forming the eu Energy Efficiency Directive; to organize a bas-rec intergovernmental conference on the latest developmentswith the Nord Stream pipeline; and to organize seminars onrenewable resources and eu regulations.Mr Rafael Wisniewski, Undersecretary of State, ForeignMinistry, Poland, discussed energy security and energy pros-pects in the Baltic Sea Region. He referred to the cbss structuresand thought that the participating states have a shared responsi-bility and commitment to work jointly in the energy sector. Themember states of the cbss play a key role in European energypolicy. A constructive dialogue on energy issues is decisive forsecurity, the environment, economic growth and people’s well-being.Energy policy is a component of Poland's economic security.Dr Christel Happach-Kasan, MP, Germany Nevertheless, the Baltic Sea states have converging interests asecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuS16 17Mr Franz Müntefering, MP, Minister for Labour and Social Affairs, Germanyregards diversification of gas and electricity supplies. Poland is Liberalization of the energy sector cannot be coupled withbecoming a regional partner by making direct investments in supplier monopolies. It might be highly beneficial to considerneighbouring countries. It will continue to play a constructive boosting co-operation with other suppliers such as those in therole in the regional electricity and gas market. Caspian Sea region and transit countries. It is also essential toMr Wisniewski also saw solidarity between Member States in ensure market transparency; one way to do this is to separatethe eu market as an important step forward to protect and energy producers and network operators.respect the interest of all members of the eu. One of the key chal- A huge long-term challenge is to provide prosperity and eco-lenges for the eu is to ensure stable and secure energy supplies nomic security without at the same time harming the environ-and a competitive market based on sustainable development and ment. Energy co-operation for security and the environment aregrowing use of renewable resources. important. Mr Wisniewski reiterated Poland’s reservationsregarding the Nord Stream pipeline, underlining that each coun-ecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuStry should be given the possibility to express its opinions. Henoted the environmental hazards posed by chemical weapons onthe seabed in the vicinity of the planned pipeline and claimedthat it would be much more advantageous to build a land-basedpipeline.Ms Nino Burjanadze also stressed the importance of energyindependence which, besides diversification of energy resources,is one of the most serious issues in recent developments. Euro-pean countries should support new pipelines and new ways todiversify energy resources. She indicated that no country should18 have a monopoly in the energy field to avoid any possibility of 19using energy resources as a tool for political pressure. The strate-gic importance of the Black Sea region has grown in recent yearswith the prospect of building new pipelines from the energyregion of the Caspian Sea and central Asia to Europe.Mr Ole Stavad, MP, Denmark, pointed out that it is ofutmost importance that the parliamentary side is involved aspart in the reform process of the cbss. All governments in theregion ought to invite parliaments to discuss the reform at homeand the cbss should present the plan at the next bspc ExtendedStanding Committee meeting before any decisions are made. Heunderlined that all reforms should always be made in close co-operation. In the dialogue on restructuring, co-operation withthe Arctic and Barents Seas should also be addressed to enhancea strong northern European regional political cluster.Ms Renata Holznagel, MP, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Prof. Mieczyslav Ostojski, Chairman, HELCOMreported from the Southern Baltic Sea Parliamentary Networkand expressed her satisfaction that parliamentarians and their projects. However, specific projects are needed to develop theopinions are being taken seriously. She welcomed a discussion on Northern Dimension into a fully fledged element of co-operationenergy and climate change. She agreed with the eu target of high with the eu. Mr Yagya suggested that one such possible, specificenergy efficiency and wished that this could be one of the priority and realistic project could be the lifting of munitions from theareas in the work of the proposed bspc working group on energy. Baltic Sea bed. Then they would not pose any danger to the gasIt is necessary to draft joint positions to support renewable forms pipeline, which will be an important line for supplying energy toof energy. Financial mechanisms for funding must be discussed Europe.to find joint guidelines for prompt implementation. She noted Mr Steen Gade, MP, Denmark, spoke in favour of a newthat new energy resources must be discussed and stressed the bspc working group on energy and stressed that it shouldneed for parliamentary discussions. The Baltic Sea Region could address energy saving, among other issues. Exchanges of experi-be a model region on energy issues. The Northern Dimension ence on climate change and sustainable energy consumptionpolicy could serve as a framework. could also be issues for the working group. Mr Gade stressed thatMr Vatanyar Yagya, MP, St Petersburg, expressed satisfac- the working group should not only look at climate change, buttion with the content of the parliamentary dimension. He noted also discuss adaptation to the changes already taking place andthat the fact that so many different organizations can attend the to tighter environmental legislation. As an example he men-bspc is a testimony to the significance of parliamentary co-oper- tioned eutrophication, which will result in continued degrada-ation. He reported that there is widespread interest in the cis tion of the Baltic Sea in the next 60–100 years in spite of all thecountries and saw this, in turn, as a very positive sign for the Bal- measures planned. More of the seabed will be dead because oftic Sea Region. He thought that the new Northern Dimension oxygen deficiency.could be a powerful economic tool and a link for interestingecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSMr Vladimir Nikitin, MP, State Duma, Russia, referred toPresident Vladimir Putin, who has recently said that Russiastands as a guarantor of energy security in the whole Eurasianarea.Mr Josef Motzfeld, MP, Greenland, spoke of the huge inter-est which has been shown by high-level visitors from all over theworld in the climate change and its impact on the nature ofGreenland. He said that this is only positive; those internationalguests see developments with their own eyes, and then returnhome to report about the situation in their home countries.20 Mr Franz Thönnes reminded the conference that the envi- 21ronmental risks of the Nord Stream pipeline had already beenevaluated during the planning phase. The process has been openand transparent and anyone has been able to submit commentson the pipeline. The consortium will now assess the commentsand proceed with discussions and planning. He stated that this isa reliable process which could not be more transparent. MrThönnes noted that there have been a lot of problems in the pipe-line routing. After receiving comments from stakeholders, theNord Stream consortium decided to move the bypass at Born-holm further north than originally planned. As for the risk of ter-rorist attacks, he argued that the same threat applies to land-based pipelines. He noted that there is an existing gas pipelinelinking many countries. Nonetheless, all international obliga-tions and conventions must be followed in the project, and theEspoo Convention is a central tool in this regard.Ms Diana Wallis, Vice-Speaker of the EP, Member of the Standing CommitteeMs Dorota Arciszewska-Mielewczyk, Senator, Poland,expressed her concerns about the Nord Stream pipeline, whichshe described as an unfriendly action towards Poland. Polandstill argues that instead of the Nord Stream pipeline, a secondline of the Jamal pipeline could be built. That would be cheaperand also technologically simpler. Other alternative solutionsshould also be studied. According to Ms Arciszewska-Mielewc-zyk, Poland is not interested in the Nord Stream pipelinealthough it seems to be beneficial for western neighbours. Shealso expressed her worries about the grave ecological conse-quences. No one can predict the ecological impact of the pipeline,but it is already known that both flora and fauna will respondvery sensitively. Environmental problems lead to problems inenergy security and safety, she stressed. Other possible risks aredifficulties in anchoring, the risk of terrorist attacks against thepipeline installations and the risk of increased intelligence activ-ity. She also drew attention to the chemical weapons on the sea-bed. The Baltic Sea should be pleasant, clean and clear.ecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSiv.Labour and Social Welfare inthe Baltic Sea Region22 23Mr Franz Müntefering, Minister for Labour and SocialAffairs, Germany, started his presentation by referring to therecent history of the region and stating that the enlargement ofthe eu in 2004 gave new impetus to the region. The living stand-ard of, for example, Germany today would never have been possi-ble without the eu.Mr Müntefering discussed personal welfare and living condi-tions as a part of a bigger whole depending on co-operation andmutual consideration in a globalized world. Economic, ecologicaland social affairs are equally important and intertwined. Europeis now a major region of peace and stability. Policies ought to beharmonized as far as possible whilst respecting the sovereignty ofthe Member States. Social partners are important actors andhave to come together to exchange arguments. The idea of a Mr Asmund Kristoffersen, MP, Norway, Chairman of the BSPC Working Groupsocial market, and social partnership, should be kept in mind. on EutrophicationMr Müntefering commented that markets are not social bytheir nature. Commercial markets are there to make profits. Decent work must also be family-friendly, which is central forA social market must therefore be regulated by politicians. the social future of Europe. No single country is able to do thisThe question is how to regulate flexicurity, which is supposed to alone. The social perspectives of Europe should be shared incombine social security and change. Solidarity is the key issue. order to harmonize and optimise social welfare. A combinationHow to provide solidarity for people so that all individuals are of economic growth, ecological concerns and social welfare lie atsupported when they need it is an issue for Europe as a whole. the heart of a good society. Energy will play a bigger role in theThe target must be a social welfare state. He wanted to see future in this context. Unfortunately, newly industrialized coun-Europe as a high performance region with prosperity and decent tries are not so concerned about ecology. That is why coordinatedjobs for its citizens. energy policy is needed worldwide, since the environment, theMr Müntefering elaborated the term of decent work, noting economy and social affairs are irrevocably intertwined.that work as such is important to everyone. Decent work is a cru- Mr Nikolaus van der Pas, Director General of Employ-cial part of human dignity. He listed new questions which socie- ment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Europeanties have to cope with, such as immigrant workers, cross-border Commission, discussed the relevance of labour market issues inworkers, young and elderly people and work-related diseases. the eu Member States and the region. He emphasized that it isMajor priorities in the years to come will include providing important to talk together on employment and welfare policy.decent jobs and to having more qualified workers and knowl- There is rich experience of co-operation, which is the foundationedge. The problem is not a lack of work but adapting the labour of peace, stability and prosperity in Europe. The European Com-market to new conditions. mission adopts legislation on equal opportunities, working con-ditions and social affairs, which is an important element in peo-ecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSapproach. The more competitiveness in society, the more socialinclusion ought to available. The social dimension should bemore visible in the follow-up to the Lisbon strategy.Mr Peter Deutschland, BASTUN, stated that trade unionshave always looked beyond borders. They are international bynature. He gave a presentation on bastun, which is an inter-regional umbrella organisation of Baltic Sea trade unions. It isdesigned to generate visions and ideas for the Baltic Sea Regionwith the aim of providing social justice and welfare, and moreand better jobs. Economic development does not automatically24 lead to better living conditions. He saw it of utmost importance 25that different societies come together to discuss labour marketissues. Russia has great economic dynamism, linked to the eu ineconomic terms, but problems in the social field. Income gapsobviously have repercussions on social welfare. Nevertheless,Mr Deutschland was optimistic that problems will gradually dis-appear.He noted that decent work can only be a reality if there arestrong trade unions and if they are recognized and taken seri-ously in society. He called for compatible policies to improvelabour conditions and unemployment figures. The region couldbe one huge labour market where boundless mobility is not offsetby wage dumping. Transitional provisions are not a good solu-Mr Svend Erik Hovmand and Mr Ole Stavad, MPs, Denmark tion. The labour market will work if people are properly informedabout the conditions.ple’s welfare in Europe. The European Union has common strate- Mr Sverker Rudeberg, BusinessEurope, discussed thegies, such as the Lisbon strategy, to make all Member States com- mobility of workers and international labour market issues, con-petitive. He stressed that responsibility lies with the Member centrating on the status of transitional provisions. He claimedStates to work towards common goals. He agreed very much with that the free movement of workers must be supported in Euro-Mr Müntefering on the issue of a social Europe and the shaping pean working life. Very little has yet been done in terms of mak-of future social priorities. Work to achieve goals and the open ing the necessary structural reforms in the Member States.method of co-coordination will lead to results in the eu. Resolu- Mr Rudeberg stated that only the ordinary, honest workertions, statements, legislation and decisions are made at the eu who wants to work for a decent employer in the white economy,level. Nevertheless the principle of subsidiarity should not be for- is kept out by transitional provisions, to the disadvantage of suchgotten. Sometimes work progresses slowly because there are 27 employers. Transitional provisions should be used for structuralMember States and a number of institutions, but there is evolu- reforms of the labour market, otherwise there is no point in hav-tion in labour market issues. As an example of this Mr van der ing them. He underlined life-long-learning as one of the chal-Pas named the pension system, which is now under discussion – lenges facing Europe’s labour markets and called for measures toa thing that would not have been possible a couple of years ago. improve the business environment to foster innovation and jobHe also mentioned the European Social Fund. Mr van der Pas creation. In order to develop the labour market he suggested thatcould see the Baltic Sea Region as a role model, providing exam- job security could be turned into employment security. Labourples of good practice to neighbouring countries. costs should not restrict labour demand. In many countries inMr van der Pas also praised the model of flexicurity but Europe there is a big shortage of workers, and at the same timewarned that it should not be imported to all countries without no system to manage third country immigration. Mr Rudebergthorough consideration. Various ways should be found to create referred to the report of Mr van der Pas and was of the opinionmore flexibility for entrepreneurs and more security for workers. that the pension systems in many countries should be reformed.There is still tension between an economic and a holistic social Taxes and social protection systems should be designed toecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSimprove work incentives and increase labour supply, social bene-fits, and the possibility to remain longer in the labour market.He also called for a better match of labour market demandthrough life-long-learning and increased mobility, as well as thecreation of inclusive labour markets which integrate disadvan-taged groups and reduce exclusion from the labour market.Society ought to ensure that education and training match labourmarket demand.Mr Trivimi Velliste, MP, Estonia, highlighted labour marketissues in the Baltic countries, stating that these are issues which26 should be discussed both with European partners and with new 27European neighbours. Mr Velliste gave a presentation on theEuropean labour market with its ageing population and shrink-ing labour force. He was of the opinion that all countries in theBaltic Sea Region should pool efforts to solve problems related tostrengthening families, raising the standard of living and improv-ing the quality and efficiency of human resources.Mr Velliste agreed that the accession of the Baltic states to theEuropean Union has created many challenges for the Balticlabour markets, which are strongly influenced by developmentsin the rest of the European Union. He underlined that emigra-tion from the Baltic states has both positive and negative aspects.Ms Doris Barnett, MP, Germany and Ms Aldona Staponkiene, MP, Lithuania,Emigration leads to labour shortages in specific professions and both representing the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europeeconomic sectors. The brain drain is certainly a loss of moneyinvested in human resources. On the other hand there are several should build on the successes of the eu internal market andpositive aspects to emigration. It brings about an increase in ensure that no new borders are created, particularly within whatemployment, improved quality of life, and stimulation of the should be the new cohesive area of the Baltic Sea economy.domestic labour market. Those who return bring back new skills, Ms Anke Spoorendonk, MP, Schleswig-Holstein, high-experience, new knowledge and new contacts, which can be ben- lighted the situation of the minorities in the region. She was ofeficial for the native country. the opinion that understanding minorities brings added value toEmployers play an important role in keeping the labour force the whole region. She described the situation of cross-borderat home. If wages and working conditions are satisfactory then minorities on the Danish-German border where the minoritiespeople will not have a reason to leave. Apart from political tools function as bridge-builders. She praised the governments of Den-such as efficient and sustainable labour force migration policies, mark and Germany for fully supporting these minorities, whichincreases in social security and a comprehensive education sys- receive special attention in the form of networks to foster cross-tem are needed in order to facilitate stable and secure labour border co-operation. She also welcomed the thought of a workingmarket development in the Baltic states, Mr Velliste said. group on labour issues and argued that soft aspects should alsoMr Thönnes agreed with Mr Müntefering, stating that the be reflected on.labour force is a cornerstone of a functioning civil society, in Ms Berit Brørby noted that some of the Baltic Sea countrieswhich social security must be secured for all. He also underlined are experiencing a shortage of labour, while others have unem-the need to establish a parliamentary working group on this ployment. Co-operation in this field is to the benefit of all parties;issue. individuals, families and countries. Ensuring that migrant work-Ms Wallis noted that the labour market and social welfare are ers earn a decent wage is crucial to fighting social dumping andcentral to the whole issue of freedom of movement of people and all its consequences. She called for more co-operation in order tolabour, two of the basic four freedoms in the eu. She felt that the secure stability in the region.eu should be searching for ways forward, especially with its new Mr Svend Erik Hovmand, MP, Denmark referred to theneighbours or Northern Dimension policy partners. These experiences of the Danish labour market and the Danish workersecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSwho went to Poland and Germany. He highlighted the new chal-lenges for the labour market in Baltic Sea Region, mentioningthe projected new bridge from Denmark to Germany, which isone of the largest infrastructure constructions in the Baltic SeaRegion in coming years. It will be a very labour-intensive project v.requiring workers from all over the region. Cross-border co-oper-ation will increase as some 7,000–8,000 workers will be neededIntegrated Maritime Policyfor several years in the construction of the bridge. Mr Hovmandlooked forward to a functioning cross-border labour market. Healso called for growing respect for labour market legislation and28 rules to strengthen the situation of cross-border workers. 29Mr Sigmar Gabriel, MP, Minister for the Environment,Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, discussed maritimepolicy and maritime protection as an integrated part of the devel-opment of environmental issues in Europe. He highlighted theconsultation process of the Green Paper on Integrated EuropeanMaritime Policy and the endeavours in Germany. He, like MrGloser and Mr Thönnes, considered the upcoming ministerial-level helcom conference in Krakow in November as a veryimportant milestone where results must be achieved.Mr Gabriel stated that the Baltic Sea Region must dedicateitself to confronting the problems ahead in order to find mean-ingful solutions. For too long, the sea has been used far too inten-sively and has been under-protected. Now there is an urgentneed to act. He identified commercial fishery as a particularproblem. Fighting maritime pollution at source is not enough.New technologies and new processes must be found. Differentscenarios of the use of the seas can contribute to awareness-rais-ing and could lead to sustainable use and proper protection ofthe sea.Environmental policy must take into account the economicimpact as well as climate change. Maritime policy spans severalpolicy sectors. The eu’s Member States are the environmentalpillars of the future as pending documents on environmentalprotection contain instruments on maritime protection.Mr Gabriel said that the full potential of the Baltic Sea Regionmust be utilized in order to strengthen co-operation in a Euro-pean context. Use of existing structures can save resources, andexisting knowledge and experience can be used support Euro-pean policy. When it came to biodiversity, including fishing anddifferent uses of the seas, Mr Gabriel also emphasized that pro-tection entails personal responsibility.Mr Gabriel expressed his concern about the current state ofnegotiations in helcom, with a number of reservations blockingeach other. Germany supports the Baltic Sea Action Plan and willdo its utmost to get it adopted. A failure would be the start of theecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSend of regional maritime co-operation, which would be disas- co-operation will not suffice and co-operation at the level of thetrous. imo and the eu is a prerequisite to make sure that rules areMr Paul Nemitz, Policy Coordinator, European Commis- implemented.sion, discussed European maritime policy and described the As one example of the suggestions in European Maritime Pol-process of preparing the policy document. The next meeting of icy, Mr Nemitz reported on plans to integrate different sources ofstakeholders will be held in October 2007 when the Commission surveillance into one common system within Member States.will report on the results of its consultations. The Baltic Sea He described the situation today, where several authoritiesRegion has been particularly active in submitting written com- from one national state act in parallel in surveillance. An integra-ments and organizing events for stakeholders. The Commission tion of all surveillance activities into one authority would reducehas received broad support from a variety of organizations, which costs and investments and increase efficiency.30 makes the progress easier. Mr Nemitz predicted that the Baltic In terms of economic growth, efforts are needed to coordinate 31Sea Region will be a model region for integrated regional co- maritime spatial planning and strengthen co-operation for sus-operation in Europe. tainability. Protection of the marine environment is a precondi-Mr Nemitz elaborated on economic growth, maritime eco- tion for coastal tourism, which totally depends on a clean envi-nomic growth and growth in terms of population in the coastal ronment. Mr Nemitz also touched on the problem of fishery. Bet-regions, and stated that these are inter-linked and beneficial for ter implementation of the Common Fishery Policy is a crucial tothe coastal regions. At the same time he pointed out that ecologi- avoid a collapse in fish stocks, especially in the Baltic Sea Regioncally sound and sustainable growth should be the guiding princi- where non-legal (iuu) fishing is still very frequent. Implementa-ple. tion rests with the eu Member States. Mr Nemitz stated thatMr Nemitz drew attention to ship security and the safety of there has been a move from resolutions to actions in this regard.maritime transport, and referred to the helcom Action Plan, Legal sanctions are now used and as an example he pointed towhich will be welcomed as it supports European endeavours. the penalty payments which France has recently been ordered toOne of the main concerns is ship security. On this issue, regional pay.Mr Kurt Bodewig, MP, Federal Republic of Germany,spoke about maritime safety in heavily navigated sea routes andthe role of national supervision in the new European MaritimePolicy. He also pointed to the Galileo Global Satellite NavigationSystem as a venture to be further developed. Ms Diana Wallisinformed that the issues of maritime policy and energy securityare also areas where the bspc both should and has contributed.The European Union can do a lot, both within its borders andtogether with its new neighbours. The eu has legislative powerwith the Member States on maritime policy and indeed on manyother policies with a bearing on climate change and thereforeenergy policy. Mr Pabriks said that the Latvian presidency of thecbss agrees with the bspc on devoting more attention to the fieldof maritime policy. Latvia has decided to establish a new ad-hoctask force on maritime safety. He stated that the cbss would tryto move ahead and launch a more reliable mechanism for con-trolling the cleanliness and reliability of shipping in the mosttrafficked sea area of Europe. He also called for co-operation withparliamentarians on these issues.Dr Christel Happach-Kasan, MP, Federal Republic of Ger-many, coupled fisheries to the tourism industry, noting that cleanwater is important for both. She voiced her worries about illegalfisheries and called for action from the eu to implement the quo-Mr Sigmar Gabriel, MP, Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation andNuclear Safety, Germany tas which have been jointly agreed. Mr Ivar Kristiansen, MP,ecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSNorway expressed his worry about the failure to pursue a com- that regional solutions in shipping only apply that particularmon maritime policy, which has compounded the situation region. He also replied to Dr Happach-Kasan and Mr Kristensen,where mody fish stocks have collapsed. He agreed with Dr Hap- saying that policy-making in this area is slow. He described thepach-Kasan in urging more active implementation from the eu work of the European Maritime Agency as successful andin order to remove illegal fishing, which is an economic and envi- thought that there is further scope for co-operation on technicalronmental crime. means. Russia is one of the few third countries with full access toMr Paul Nemitz noted that besides Galileo there are many the data of the European Maritime Agency.projects in the private sector to help shipping. He pointed out32 33Conference participants at Sans Souci in PotsdamecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSMr Nemitz noted that the Member States are responsible for tion process. There is a common legal framework for the use ofimplementing measures. The Commission bolsters its activities the seabed, Mr Nemitz pointed out.through legislation. Mr Nemitz said the eu’s Structural Fund is Mr Ingbert Liebing, Federal Republic of Germany, raisedan effective means to make Member States adhere to the rules. the issue of the problems of port cities which incur a lot of costsHe also mentioned the example of the penalty payments recently related to discharges. Although shipping also mostly means eco-levied on France for not implementing the quotas. eu inspectors nomic growth in coastal cities, these costs are heavy. Environ-check whether Member States comply with what is jointly mentally friendly measures are needed and therefore electricityagreed. Normally, Member States obey the law. However, the could be used instead of fuel. He also touched upon the issue ofCommission is able to take drastic measures and stop fisheries if taxes in this connection. Mr Nemitz noted that the Commissionneeded. A strong community can use strong measures but such considers introducing a system in which a reduction in the tax on34 measures should avoid side-effects on others. He also noted that fuel for ships would also oblige Member States to reduce the tax 35there is a common responsibility for the socio-economic conse- on electricity from the quayside. This would also be a step toquences of measures. reduce the use of fuel.Mr Jeppe Kofoed, MP, Denmark was concerned that so Mr Rolf Harlinghausen, MP, Hamburg City Parliament,many Member States have not ratified the imo conventions. Mr noted that many measures have been taken in sustainable mari-Nemitz noted that the Commission has no legal power in the rat- time policy but co-ordination and co-operation are needed inification process. Nevertheless, the Commission is considering a order to join forces, and to overcome financial problems. Hescoreboard of ratification of the imo convention and thus is asked how the proposals can be carried out as the financial bur-appealing politically to Member States. dens are going to be big for coastal states. Mr Nemitz agreed thatMr Manfred Rizek, MP, Schleswig-Holstein, referred to there is a need to coordinate maritime policy and work hasfishery policy not only as an eu quota policy but also as an invest- already started at the Commission. Ms Dorota Arciszewska-ment policy, noting that fleets are built for fisheries. Can some- Mielewczyk noted that fisheries and quotas are a problem. Com-thing be done about the building of fishery vessels so that they munity law obliges Member States to control fisheries but this isare not over-dimensioned, he asked. A targeted investment pol- not done. The situation of fishermen is difficult. Mr Nemitz saidicy would make sure that boats of the right size are built. that since Member States have agreed on restrictions they mustMr Manuel Sarrazin, MP, Hamburg, raised concerns about adhere to them. He agreed on the situation of fishermen and saidagriculture, noting that half of all the nutrient input into the Bal- that the Commission is aware of the socio-economic differencestic Sea comes from agriculture. Farmers are thus polluting the in fisheries between countries. Employment in fishing is declin-Baltic Sea whilst at the same time half of the eu’s budget goes to ing in all countries and the Commission supports fishermen inagriculture. He also expressed his worries about the munitions obtaining compensation and employment in other sectors.on the seabed. The need for a coastal development fund should be examined.Mr Nemitz said that as part of an overall package the Com- It might give new opportunities for those who now work in fish-mission will present two communications for transmission to the eries.European council and parliament. The first of them will analyse Ms Lisbeth Grönfeldt-Bergman, MP, Sweden, spoke inthe results of the consultation process. The second – called a blue favour of a common and joint maritime policy for all eu Memberpaper – will outline the aims and framework of a future maritime States, although there might be differences in focusing on areaspolicy, and include a detailed action plan. He referred to the next of interest. Shipping and navigation are important. She spokestage of the process, commenting that the Commission is not in about competitive neutrality between ports as an important pre-favour of building new vessels, as the fishing fleet is already too requisite for shipping. She expressed her concern about oil emis-large and capacity actually needs to be removed. He also noted sions and was in favour of stronger sanctions. Mr Nemitz agreedthat agricultural policy has a significant role in terms of pollution and noted that the Commission supports fair competition. Mem-of the sea from the land. He said that there is good progress in ber States can take measures in terms of guidelines to encouragethe Community on environmental issues in the Common Agri- re-flagging fleets back to Europe. He cautioned against new sub-cultural Policy. In the first blue paper, however, the agricultural sidies for shipping, noting that shipping is the most subsidisedaspect will not be addressed. Regarding ammunitions on the sea- industry sector in Europe.bed, only very little inputs had been received during the consulta- Prof Mieczyslaw Ostojski, helcom, discussed maritime pol-icy from a helcom perspective, telling what helcom is doing toecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSnecessary information to identify additional measures needed.New technologies and tools have been and continue to be devel-oped in the Baltic Sea Region.Mr Ostojski gave a detailed description of the actions in themaritime field that are about to be finalized and agreed upon bythe contracting parties, e.g. navigation safety and voluntary pilot-age under ice conditions and strengthening of emergency andresponse capabilities within the specified timeframe. Differentseas often require tailor-made solutions and it is very importantthat global, European and regional policies complement each36 other. It is also important to realize that integrated management 37of human activities in the Baltic Sea area requires due considera-tion of environmental aspects when developing and implement-ing various policies and programmes in our region. helcom’srole is to shape and implement integrated maritime policy in theMs Sinikka Bohlin, MP, Sweden, taking over the chairmanship from Mr Franz Baltic Sea Region and will continue to serve as an environmentalThönnes. focal point for the region.Mr Asmund Kristoffersen, MP, Norway and Chairman ofachieve a healthy marine environment. From helcom’s point of the bspc Working Group on Eutrophication, presented theview, maritime activities should be managed in ways that secure work of the bspc Working Group on Eutrophication, underlininga sound and healthy marine environment. Maritime policy must some of the suggestions of the group, such as more environmen-be set within the framework of sustainable development with tally friendly agricultural production regimes; more efficientequal regard for economic, environmental and social aspects. cleaning of municipal and industrial waste water and wasteEnvironmental concerns should not have a lower status than eco- water from ships; a ban on phosphorous in washing detergentsnomic aspects. The main tasks of helcom are to provide timely and international initiatives to reduce the airborne nitrogen loadinformation about environmental trends and the state of the in the Baltic Sea; and ongoing regional collaboration. The reportfragile marine ecosystem. It also develops common objectives and its recommendations were unanimously adopted by the con-and actions, which the governments of the Baltic Sea states must ference.implement through their national environmental programmes Mr Mats Perämaa, MP, Åland Islands, spoke in favour ofand legislation. binding legislation on emissions. Emissions ought to beMr Ostojski presented the Baltic Sea Action Plan, which is a decreased from all types of ships. Mr Claes Andersson, MP, Fin-major recent initiative by helcom. It aims to achieve the ulti- land, noted that activities always have costs. He suggested a kindmate target of having a healthy marine environment with bal- of a “Stern Report” for the Baltic Sea Region, calculating the costsanced ecosystems that can support a wide range of sustainable of not doing anything to protect the environment. Mr Ole Sta-human activities, including shipping. It covers all key environ- vad thanked participants for the discussion and noted that it hadmental problems of the Baltic: eutrophication, input of hazard- set an agenda for the future. He also urged participants to act atous substances, loss of biodiversity and the effects of maritime home before the decisive Krakow meeting of helcom in Novem-activities, and identifies where and how to take most cost-effec- ber.tive actions. He pleaded for parliamentary support for the action Mr Steen Gade was optimistic regarding the agenda andplan. urged everyone to work to combat climate change. Follow-up ofMr Ostojski also presented helcom’s activities in the ship- the eutrophication report is important and should be done in co-ping area. In order to cope with the problem of ship-generated operation with governments and organizations in the Baltic Seawaste, the contracting parties to the Helsinki Convention devel- Region. Ms Christel Happach-Kasan praised the bspc and theoped and agreed on a set of measures known as the strategy for new working methods as benefiting the people and the water inport reception facilities for ship-generated waste. There is still a the region. The Baltic Sea is in urgent need of waste water clean-need to both improve the implementation of existing regulations ing. Ms Renate Holznagel stated that parliamentarians mustand to adopt new ones. helcom monitoring systems provide the closely follow both scientific findings and biological changes inecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSthe Baltic Sea Region. She proposed that political objectivescould be derived from the upcoming helcom Action Plan.vi.Adoption of the Resolution andClosing of the Conference39Ms Sinikka Bohlin, MP, Sweden, expressed her delight that thedeliberations at the 16th conference had been positive and con-ducive to further progress. She referred to the upcoming hel-com meeting in Krakow and underlined that the citizens in ourcountries need results. Although parliamentarians in the regionhave different ways of approaching their governments, it is cru-cial that their messages are forwarded and pressure exerted.Mr Thönnes presented the draft 16th bspc Resolution,thanking the many contributors to the document. The resolutionwill be the directive for forthcoming work in the bspc StandingCommittee and Extended Standing Committee. The resolution,which also comprises the amended Rules of Procedure for thebspc, was adopted unanimously by the conference.Mr Thönnes announced that the bspc had appointed MsSinikka Bohlin as Chairman of the Standing Committee for2007–2008. As a token of the transfer of chairmanship, hehanded over the baton to Ms Bohlin.Ms Bohlin thanked Mr Thönnes for his diligent leadership ofthe bspc Standing Committee in 2006–2007. She then closedthe conference by wishing the participants welcome to the 17thbspc, which will be held in Visby, on the island of Gotland in themiddle of the Baltic Sea.noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSnation in order to reach an efficient division of labour andavoid duplication among them, and to support the develop-ment of the Baltic Sea Strategy,vii.Regarding Energy Issues and Climate Changein the Baltic Sea Region, toConference Resolution5. conduct in the medium-term research on energy and envi-ronment issues in a joint manner throughout the Baltic Sea40 states, take concrete steps to strengthen the cooperation on 41energy issues in the Baltic Sea Region, including efficiency,Adopted by the 16th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (bspc) supply, security and renewable energy sources, while alsotaking into account measures which are connected with cli-The participants*, elected representatives from the Baltic Sea mate change,States and European Parliament, assembling in Berlin, Germany, 6. significantly enhance citizens' participation in the Baltic Sea27–28 August 2007, Region regarding energy and environmental issues and toexplore new ways for such active participation, to under-Discussing Co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region, Energy Issues, stand natural energy resources as a public responsibility, andLabour Market and Social Welfare, Integrated Maritime Policy to develop the Baltic Sea Region into a model region forand Eutrophication, renewable energy sources in Europe,7. take measures to ensure that information regarding possibleCall on the governments in the Baltic Sea Region, the cbss and economic, environmental and social consequences of infra-the eu, structural projects in and on the Baltic Sea will be sharedamong the riparian states through relevant institutions andalso to ensure that thorough environmental impact assess-Regarding Co-operation in the Region, to ments are conducted for all infrastructural projects (e.g. theNorth European Gas Pipeline and the Baltic Gas Intercon-1. continue and to intensify the exchange of information at all nector) in accordance with international obligations, andlevels, take into account the energy supply security requirements of2. make joint efforts to develop the Baltic Sea Region into a the whole Baltic Sea Region,European model region with special regard to energy issues,integrated maritime policy, labour market and social welfare,3. strengthen the role of interparliamentary and intergovern- Regarding the Labour Market and Social Welfaremental cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region, and promote in the Baltic Sea Region, tothe further development of civil society in the region, includ-ing strengthening of ngo's and supporting the continued 8. remove obstacles for mobility in the labour market, and toactivities of the ngo Forum, provide for decent working conditions in every country,4. urge intergovernmental organizations in the Northern 9. against the background of the growing number of cross-bor-Dimension Policy area to intensify cooperation and coordi- der workers, put the topic of “cross-border labour markets”on the agenda of the Council of the Baltic Sea States and* Parliaments of Free Hanse City of Bremen, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Federal support policies which lead to the establishment of informa-Republic of Germany, Greenland, Free Hanse City of Hamburg, Iceland, Kalinin- tion centres at heavily used border crossings in the region ingrad Region, Republic of Karelia, Latvia, Leningrad Region, Lithuania, Mecklen-order to promote mobility for workers and advise workers onburg-Vorpommern, Murmansk Region, Norway, Poland, Pskov, Federal Assemblysocial-security issues. The aim of such centres would be toof the Russian Federation, City of St. Petersburg, Schleswig-Holstein, Sweden,Åland, Baltic Assembly, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Euro- provide comprehensive information to workers on fiscal andpean Parliament, Nordic Council, Parliamentary Assembly of North-West Russia. social security law matters. Information about job and train-ecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSing opportunities in neighbouring countries in the region Regarding the serious situation of eutrophicationmust also be improved, and other kinds of pollution, to10. foster inclusive labour markets integrating disadvantaged 16. support the final development of a highly ambitious hel-groups as well as young people in order to integrate them com Baltic Sea Action Plan, to be adopted in fall 2007 ininto work and society and to make use of their potential, Krakow, and to implement all decided measures properly,17. adopt the Policy Recommendations of the bspc Working11. promote Corporate Social Responsibililty in enterprises in Group on Eutrophication, to implement all proposed meas-the Baltic Sea states referring to the ilo and oecd standards ures contained therein, and to present a progress report atand not to tolerate double standards of multinational com- the 17th bspc in Visby 2008.42 panies, 43Furthermore the ConferenceRegarding an Integrated Maritime Policy, to18. acknowledges the positive process of dialogue and informa-12. take concrete steps to develop the Baltic Sea Region into tion exchange with cbss, looks forward to a further andEurope’s model maritime region, i.e. into the cleanest and mutual development of this dialogue, and encourages thesafest sea of Europe, by recommending that all Baltic Sea governments of the cbss to present, through the cbss, anStates ratify the existing international conventions on annual report of their implementation of the bspc Resolu-marine environmental protection, e.g. the Anti Fouling Con- tions,vention, the Ballast Water Convention and the hns- and 19. calls upon the governments in the cbss countries to engageBunkers Conventions, as well as continue to develop the in a close dialogue with parliamentarians in all the member“Clean Ship” and “Clean Port” projects, countries in promoting the reform process of the cbss, and13. develop ideas on how the Baltic Sea Region could become a furthermore, urges the cbss presidency to present the over-pilot region demonstrating that a competitive maritime all considerations concerning a new structure to the bspcindustry is compatible with effective protection of marine Standing Committee for its perusal and comments prior toecosystems, the Government's decisions on the matter;14. strengthen measures against illegal (iuu) fishing in the Bal- 20. recognizes its responsibility for initiating and deepening dia-tic Sea Region, according to internationally recognized rules, logue and coordination between regional organizations in15. take concrete and effective steps – considering the rapidly the Baltic Sea Region and in Northern Europe as a whole,increasing amount of oil transports in the Baltic Sea – to 21. asks the Standing Committee to establish a working groupensure a high level of maritime safety and security, for on Energy and Climate Change, to submit a report to theinstance by 17th bspc,– Improving the Baltic Sea coastguard practices by coordina- 22. asks the Standing Committee to establish a working grouption and cooperation on Labour Market and Social Affairs, to submit a report to– promoting innovative navigation technologies, such as the the 17th bspc, within a dialogue and in cooperation with thesatellite navigation system galileo, in combination with social partners,gmes (the Global Monitoring System for Environment and 23. adopts the amended Rules of Procedure, to take effect afterSecurity), the closure of 16th bspc,– introducing the use of pilots in navigationally difficult sea 24. decides to address the issues of energy and climate change atroutes, defined by internationally acknowledged rules and the 17th bspc in Visby 2008,standards, 25. welcomes with gratitude the kind invitation of the Swedish– promoting safe operation of ships in severe and icy winter Riksdag to hold the 17th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Confer-conditions, ence on 1–2 September 2008 in Visby.– applying the principles used in air traffic control to monitorand manage maritime traffic in the entire Baltic Sea,ecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSThönnes, Franz MdB, Parliamentary State Secretary,Chairman of the Standing Committee of thebspc, Head of the German Delegationvan der Pas, Nikolaus Director General of Employment, Social Affairs,and Equal Opportunities, European Commis-viii. sionVelliste, Trivimi m p, Vice President of the Baltic Assembly(Estonia)List of Participants Wallis, Diana m ep, Vice President of the European Parlia-ment and Chairwoman of the ep sineeaDelegationWi ́sniewski, Rafal Undersecretary of State, Ministry of Foreign44 Affairs of the Republic of Poland 45Invited Parliaments and Parliamentary OrganisationsKeynote Speakers and ChairpersonsBaltic AssemblyArciszewska-Mielewczyk, Senator, Head of the Delegation of Poland -Zommere, Erika mp, President of the Baltic Assembly,DorotaMember of the bspc Standing CommitteeBohlin, Sinikka Member of the Presidium of the Nordic Council(Latvia)Burjanadze, Nino President of the Parliament of Georgia,Emsis, Indulis mp, Speaker of the Latvian Parliament, Chair-President of the Parliamentary Assembly of theman of the Environmental Protection andBlack Sea Economic Cooperation (pabsec)Energy Committee of the Baltic AssemblyBrørby, Berit Vice President of the Nordic Council(Latvia)Deutschland, Peter Baltic Sea Trade Union Network (bastun)Kõva, Kalvi mp, Member of the Education, Science andEmsis, Indulis mp, Speaker of the Latvian Parliament, Chair-Culture Committee of the Baltic Assemblyman of the Environmental Protection and(Estonia)Energy Committee of the Baltic Assembly -Reirs, Janis mp, Member of the Baltic Assembly Presidium(Latvia)(Latvia)Freivalds, Nils Deputy Director of the Energy Department,Simulik, Valerijus mp, Vice President of the Baltic AssemblyMinistry of Economics (Latvia), Baltic Sea(Lithuania)Region Energy Cooperation (basrec)Velliste, Trivimi m p, Vice President of the Baltic AssemblyGabriel, Sigmar MdB, Minister for the Environment, Nature(Estonia)Conservation and Nuclear Safety of the FederalBambe, Ug ̆is Advisor of the Speaker of the LatvianRepublic of GermanyParliament (Latvia)Gloser, Günter Minister of State for Europe, German Foreign -Sprice, Kristıne Senior Consultant of the Baltic AssemblyOfficeSecretariat (Latvia)Kayenburg, Martin P resident of the Parliament of Schleswig-HolsteinEuropean ParliamentKesteris, Andris Head of Cabinet of European Energy Commis-Wallis, Diana mep, Vice President of the European Parlia-sioner, European Commissionment and Chairwoman of the ep sineea Kristoffersen, Asmund mp, Chairman of the bspc Working Group onDelegationEutrophicationArnold, Stewart Policy Advisor to Diana WallisLammert, Dr. Norbert MdB, President of the German BundestagOlsen, Henrik Head of SecretariatMüntefering, Franz MdB, Minister of Labour and Social Affairs ofthe Federal Republic of GermanyFederal Assembly of the Russian FederationNemitz, Paul Policy Coordinator of the Maritime Task Force,State DumaEuropean CommissionLeontiev, Georgy mp Ostojski, Prof. Mieczyslaw Chairman, helcomNikitin, Vladimir mpPabriks, Dr. Artis Foreign Minister of LatviaGuskova, Yulia Secretary, International DepartmentChairman-in-Office of the Council ofLizun, Vladimir Head of Secretariat of the Vice-President ofBaltic Sea Statesthe State DumaRudeberg, Sverker b usinesseurope (The Confederation ofEuropean Business)Nordic CouncilSolberg, Hill-Marta mp, Chair of the Standing Committee of theBrørby, Berit Vice President of the Nordic Council, mpParliamentarians of the Arctic Region(Norway)ecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSBohlin, Sinikka Member of the Presidium, MP (Sweden) Sarrazin, Manuel MdHBTuomioja, Erkki Member of the Presidium, MP (Finland) Wagner, Reinhard Director of the Hamburgische BürgerschaftAndersson, Claes Member of the Presidium, MP (Finland)Kristoffersen, Asmund mp, Chairman of the BSPC Working Group on Parliament of GreenlandEutrophication (Norway) Motzfeld, Josef mpZilliacus, Patrick Secretary of the Finnish Delegationto theNordic Council Parliament of IcelandFridleifsdóttir, Siv mpParliament of Åland Gunnarsson, Illugi mpPerãmaa, Mats mpThörnroos, Veronica mp Parliament of the Kaliningrad RegionWinè Göte mp Batalin, Boris mp, Chairman of the Committee for46 Holm-Johansson, Marine Legal Advisor International and Regional Relations 47Songal, Alexander Chief of the Department for International andParliament of Denmark Regional RelationsGade, Steen mpHovmand, Svend Erik mp Parliament of the Karelian RepublicKofoed, Jeppe mp Nechaev, Gennady Vice-Chairman of the LegislatureSindal, Niels mp Dubov, Valery mpStavad, Ole mp Luchin, Alexey mpHagemann, Henrik Secretary of the Delegation Mrykhin, Mikhail mpParliament of Estonia Parliament of LatviaKõva, Kalvi mp, Member of the Education, Science and Emsis, Indulis mp, Speaker of the Latvian Parliament, Chair-Culture Committee of the Baltic Assembly man of the Environmental Protection andVelliste, Trivimi mp, Vice President of the Baltic Assembly Energy Committee of the Baltic Assembly-Reirs, Janis mp, Member of the Baltic Assembly PresidiumParliament of Finland Bambe, Ug ̆is Advisor of the Speaker of the LatvianTiilikainen, Kimmo mp, Leader of the Delegation ParliamentHarkimo, Leena mp Krastins, Valdis Ambassador for Special Assignments toHuovinen, Susanna mp the mfaHissa, Jaakko Secretary of the Delegation Orchard, Anda Deputy Director of DepartmentSaleniece, Inga Press Secretary to the mfaParliament of the Federal Republic of GermanyThönnes, Franz MdB, Parliamentary State Secretary, Parliament of the Leningrad RegionChairman of the Standing Committee of the Kiselev, Nikolay mpbspc, Head of the German Delegation Klimov, Vitaly mpAdam, Ulrich MdB Labutin, Pavel mpBodewig, Kurt MdB Potomsky, Vadim mpHappach-Kasan, Christel MdB Pustotin, Nikolay mpLiebing, Ingbert MdB Shcherbina, Kristina Chief of International and Internal ProtocolHerget, Sabine Assistant to Mr. ThönnesParliament of LithuaniaParliament of the Free and Hanse City of Bremen Simulik, Valerijus mp, Vice President of the Baltic AssemblyMarken, Marlies MdBB, Head of Delegation Jankauskaité, Renata Secretary of the Lithuanian Delegation to theCakici, Sirvan MdBB Baltic AssemblyGünthner, Martin MdBBKastendiek, Jörg MdBB Parliament of Mecklenburg-VorpommernKuhn, Hermann MdBB Holznagel, Renate MdL, Vice President of the ParliamentKrause,Walter Head of Division Müller, Detlef MdLReese, Sigrun MdLParliament of the Free and Hanse City of Hamburg Schwebs, Birgit MdLRöder, Berndt President of the Hamburgische Bürgerschaft Bahr, Bodo Deputy DirectorHarlinghausen, Rolf MdHB Gutzeit, Gerald Head of Division, International AffairsKlooß, Rolf-Dieter MdHB Tebben, Armin DirectorecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSParliament of Norway Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of EuropeEng, Sigrun mp Barnett, Doris MdB (Germany)Gullvåg, Steinar mp Staponkiene, Aldona MP (Lithuania)Kristiansen, Ivar mpLønning, Inge mp Invited observersReikvan, Rolf mp Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic RegionValksdal, Øyvind mp Solberg, Hill-Marta ChairAndreassen, Björn Secretary of DelegationMyhre-Jensen, Kjell H ead of the Nordic Council Secretariat Baltic Chamber of Commerce Associationat Stortinget Lindberg, Pontus Secretary GeneralOftedal, Eline AdvisorSeip, Marianne Advisor Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation48 Ören, Arne Chairman 49Sejm and Senate of the Republic of Poland Brørs, Inge Secretary GeneralArciszewska-Mielewczyk, Senator, Head of the DelegationDorota Baltic Sea Youth ForumLitwin ́ski, Arkadinsz Deputy Kaleva, Jari-Pekka Finnish Youth Council AllianssiPiekarska, Katarzyna Maria Deputy Ribaciauskaite, Rimante Lithuanian Youth CouncilWiechecki, Rafal Deputy Ehlers, Alexandra Regional Youth Council of Schleswig HolsteinWojtczak, Michal SenatorJanuszewski, Andrzej Secretary of Delegation, Senate Interparliamentary Assembly of the Commonwealth ofIndependent States (cis –ipa)Parliament of the City of St. Petersburg Krotov, Mikhail mp, Secretary General, Head of the DelegationYagya, Vatanyar mp; Plenipotentiary for International Relations Gulyaeva, Ksenia mp, Vice-Head of External relationsTerekhovsky, Sergey Chief of External Relations Department DepartmentYagya, Said Assistant of Mr. YagyaCouncil of Baltic Sea States (cbss)Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein Pabriks, Dr. Artis Chairman-in-Office of the Council ofKayenburg, Martin MdL, President of the Parliament of Schleswig- Baltic Sea StatesHolstein Krastins, Valdis Chairman of Committee of Senior OfficialsHöfs, Astrid MdL Kötschau, Gabriele Director of SecretariatKlug, Dr.Ekkehard MdL Jankevica, Anitra Senior AdvisorMatthiessen, Detlef MdLRitzek, Manfred MdL Federal Union of European Nationalities (fuen/ fuev)Spoorendonk, Anke MdL Hansen, Hans Heinrich PresidentSchöning, Dr. Jürgen DirectorRothe, Marlene Stabstelle Ostsee- und Nordseeangelegenheiten Helsinki Commission – helcomSchmidt-Holländer, Jutta Head of Division Ostojski, Prof. Mieczyslaw ChairmanParliament of Sweden nekonBohlin, Sinikka mp Henningsen, Prof. Dr.Bernd Professor for Scandinavian Studies,Eriksson, Alf mp Humboldt-Universität zu BerlinGrönfeldt Bergman, mpLisbeth North-West Parliamentary Association of RussiaHamilton, Carl B. mp Nikora, Evgeny mp, Speaker, Murmansk Regional DumaKönig Jerlmyr, Anna mp Kalensky, Valentin mp, Vice-Speaker, Pskov Regional AssemblyOlsson, Kent mp of DeputiesTingsgård, Tone mp Shmatkova, Marina Advisor, Murmansk Regional DumaWallmark, Hans mpForsell, Göran Advisor Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (pabsec)Hjelm, Eva Advisor Burjanadze, Nino President of the Parliamentary Assembly of theOdevall, Bengt Michael Swedish Foreign Ministry Black Sea Economic Cooperation (pabsec),Smekal, Eva Head of Secretariat for the Swedish delegation President of the Parliament of Georgiato the Nordic Council Ciopraga, Mircea mp, Head of the Romanian pabsec DelegationGoguadze-Apfel, Tea Advisor of Ms BurjanadzeecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSState Legislative Leaders Foundation Virsis, Martins Ambassador of LatviaSchöps, Alfons Director Walter-Drop, Agnieszka Embassy of PolandWeiss, Gunter Embassy of LatviaUnion of the Baltic CitiesRevsbaek, Søren mp German Foreign OfficeVoss, Jan-Axel Head of Unit, Regional Cooperation inGuests Northern EuropeGerman Bundestag MinistriesBluhm, Heidrun MdB Zuchtriegel, Tobias bmvbsHeilmann, Lutz MdBRehberg, Eckhardt MdB SecretariatsRoth, Karin MdB50 51Wellmann, Karl-Georg MdB Baltic Assembly- -Laizane-Jurkane, Marika Head of the Secretariat of the Baltic AssemblyParliament of Niedersachsen (Latvia)Plaue, Axel MdL Jankauskaité, Renata Secretary of the Lithuanian Delegation to theBaltic AssemblySocial Democratic Party of Norway Putnin‚a, Ingr- ıda Secretary of the Latvian Delegation to the BalticMyrli, Sverre mp AssemblyRõngelep, Ene ecretary of the Estonian Delegation to theCouncil of Nordic Trade Unions Baltic Assembly (Estonia)Häkkinen, Mika Officer of Baltic Sea Affairs Sprice, Krist- ıne Senior Consultant of the Baltic AssemblySecretariatInstitute for Meteorology and Water ManagementLegutko, Lukasz Deputy Director for Communication, Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of EuropeMarketing and International Relations Ramanauskaite, Aiste Secretary of the Committee of Economic AffairsKonsortium Deutsche Meeresforschung Nordic CouncilPeinert, Dr. Rolf Director Aaltonen, Kristina Party Group Secretary, Social DemocraticGroup of Nordic Council, DenmarkNew Hansa Interregio Parliamentary Forum Broman, Kenneth AdvisorMortiers, Ingrid mp (Groningen/ Netherlands) Ekberg, Kenneth AdvisorOostland, Albert Member of the Frisian Parliament Enestam, Jan-Erik Council DirectorNikolajsen, Mads Political Secretary, Left-Socialist-Green GroupNorthern Netherlands Provinces of Nordic CouncilKoole, Elmer Project Manager for the Northeast Corridor Myhre-Jensen, Kjell Head of Nordic Council Secretariat atStortingetFurther Guests Rasmussen, Jens Nytoft AdvisorDonath, Heyko-Peter E.On Ruhrgas ag Smekal, Eva Head of Secretariat for the Swedish delegationEtzhold, Tobias Student, Manchester Metropolitan University to the Nordic CouncilSass, Sebastian Nordstream ag Svinth, Dorthe Elise Special Advisor to the Secretary GeneralTikkala, Terhi Secretary of the Nordic CouncilDiplomatic Corps Wang, Beate AdvisorDakhina, Dr. Evgenia Embassy of the Russian Federation Zilliacus, Patrick Secretary of the Nordic Council, CouncellorDavidsson, Olafur Embassy of Iceland for International AffairsDuchidza, Levan Embassy of GeorgiaGaarder, Andreas Embassy of Norway Conference SecretariatGronow, Pawel Embassy of Poland bspc International SecretariatHakkarainen, Petri Embassy of Finland Widberg, Jan Head of the bspc SecretariatJacoby, Ruth Ambassador of Sweden Lindroos, Päivikki Senior AdvisorPaliani-Dirttich, Inga Embassy of Georgia von Wendt, Johanna Assistant bspc SecretariatLudin, Jan Embassy of SwedenReintamm Benno, Piret Embassy of EstoniaTabatadze, Giorgi Embassy of GeorgiaecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSBundestag Conference SecretariatKrebs, Andrea Head of Division wi 2Weiland, Anna W. Secretary of Delegation, wi 2Stieler, Gabriele Assistant of Delegation, wi 2Reincke, Wibke Secretariat, wi 2Bou-Said, Andrea Secretariat, wi 2 ix.Risto, Lilli Secretariat, wi 2Gula, Anna Katharina Secretariat, wi 2Zador, Katalin Protocol BundestagProgrammeBeckmann, Christine Secretariat, wi 2Brisset, Nicolas Secretariat, wi 2Lotzwig, Claudia Secretariat, wi 2Kagerer, Alexander Secretariat, wi 252 53Roventa, Diana Secretariat, wi 216th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (bspc)PressSustainable Development in the Baltic Sea Region: Social Welfare,Büscher, Rainer Secretariat, wi 2Maritime Policy, Energy Security, Berlin, 27–28 August 2007Rubinowicz-Gründler, Press Officer, PuK 3AnnaSørensen, Torkil Communication Officer, Nordic CouncilMonday, 27 August 2007Translators and Interpretersopening ceremonyAurand, Ralph9:00 Musical opening, “Jazzin’ Kids Revival Band”Bartchenkov, AlexanderFehlberg, WolfgangWelcoming AddressFlumenbaum, ClaudiaDr. Norbert Lammert, MP, President of the GermanGusenbauer, IsabellaBundestagKieninger, GeorgKlinghammer, JanOpening statementPriebe, BirteFranz Thönnes, MP, Head of the German Delegation;Ptuschko, ElisabethChairman of the bspc Standing Committee; and Parliamen-Repin, Alexeitary State SecretaryScharffenberger, MariaSchenk, LindaDiana Wallis, MEP, Vice-President of the European Parlia-Schlaak, Olafment; Chairwoman of the EP SINEEA DelegationYena, NataliyaBerit Brørby, MP, Vice-President of the Nordic CouncilHill-Marta Solberg, MP, Chair of the Standing Committee ofParliamentarians of the Arctic RegionMs Nino Burjanadze, Speaker of Parliament, President ofthe Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Coop-eration (pabsec)first session9:45–12:00 Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region,including Energy IssuesCo-Chairs: Ms Dorota Arciszewska-Mielewczyk, MP, Senator,Poland and High Representative of the Russian Federation(tbc)ecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuSReport Tuesday, 28 August 2007Dr. Artis Pabriks, Chairman-in-Office of the Council of BalticSea States; Foreign Minister of the Republic of Latvia third session9:00 Integrated Maritime Policy in the Baltic Sea RegionReport Co-Chairs: Mr Martin Kayenburg, MP, President of the Sch-Franz Thönnes, MP, Chairman of the Standing Committee of leswig-Holstein State Assembly (Landtag) and Mr Indulisthe bspc Emsis, MP, Speaker of the Latvian Parliament; Representativeof the Baltic AssemblyMrMinister of Foreign Affairs, Federal Republic of Germany Statement: European Maritime Policy andthe Green Book ProcessMr Andris Kesteris, Head of Cabinet of European Energy Mr Paul Nemitz, Policy Coordinator – Adviser, Maritime54 Commissioner Andris Piebalgs Policy Task Force, European Commission 55Mr Freivalds, Baltic Sea Region Energy Cooperation Statement(basrec) Mr Sigmar Gabriel, MP, Minister for the Environment,Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, Federal Republic ofMr Rafal Wisniewski, Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, GermanyRepublic of PolandPresentation: Trans-European networks (transportation11:15 h Plenary debate infrastructures, security)Russian Speaker (tbc)13:30–14:30 Meeting of the Expanded Standing Committee(Drafting Committee) Final ReportAsmund Kristoffersen, MP, Chairman of the bspc WorkingGroup on Eutrophicationsecond session14:30–18:00 Labour and Social Welfare in the Baltic Sea Region 11:00 Plenary debate:Co-Chairs: Franz Thönnes, MP, Head of the German Delega- Administrative matters of the bspction and Chair of the Standing Committee of the bspc Adoption of Resolutionand Sinikka Bohlin, MP, Member of the Nordic Council Pre-sidium 12:00 Presentation of the new host country (Sweden)Franz Müntefering, MP, Minister for Labour and Social 12:30 Press conferenceAffairs, Federal Republic of GermanyNikolaus van der Pas, Director General of Employment, SocialAffairs and Equal Opportunities, European CommissionMr Peter Deutschland, Baltic Sea Trade Union Network(bastun)Mr Sverker Rudeberg, businesseurope (The Confederationof European Business)Mr Trivimi Velliste, Vice President, Baltic Assembly; and Headof the Estonian Delegation to the bspc16:00 Plenary debate17:30–19:00 Meeting of the Expanded Standing Committeeas drafting committeeecnerefnoCyratnemailraPaeScitlaBht61noigeRaeScitlaBehtnitnempoleveDelbaniatsuS