20 Years This Publication Is Dedicated to Anna Lindh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sweden - a Post Which She Held Between 7 October 1998 – 11 September 2003

Multi-level Governance and Regional Cohesion

The Council of the Baltic Sea States - 20 years This publication is dedicated to Anna Lindh, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sweden - a post which she held between 7 October 1998 – 11 September 2003

2 The Baltic Sea Region is not a new idea, a concept born in the late 20th Century. The Baltic Sea Region is 1000 years old. As early as four thousand years ago there was a distinct, well-defined Baltic culture – the so called “boat-axe-culture”. Over the centuries, the Baltic has been the Sea of Communication for the inhabitants in the regions close to it – Viking ships, Hansa koggs, tall sailing ships and steamers have all plied the Sea around Visby and Gotland.

The Baltic has helped people on its southern, northern, western and eastern shores to meet each other, and to trade with each other. We are all neighbours around this Sea … We have been, we still are, and we continue to be – neighbours.

- Welcome Address by the Swedish Prime Minister Göran Persson at the 1st Baltic Sea States Summit in Visby, May 3rd, 1996

3 4 5

7 8 9 Commissioned and edited by Anthony Jay, Egle Obcarskaite, Jacek Smolicki Layout and design: Jacek Smolicki © CBSS Secretariat

10 11 12 Index

Presidium 17 Foundation 25

Strategies for Sustainable and Innovative Future 51

Multi-level Governance and Regional Cohesion 57

Resilience and Inclusion in times of austerity 67

The Machine Room 79

13 14 The Council of the Baltic Sea States was It is fitting that currently Germany founded in a completely different politi- holds the Presidency of the CBSS for cal, cultural and technological landscape. a year alongside Denmark just having In the last 20 years the population of taken over the rotating Presidency of the Baltic Sea Region has become more the European Union for six months. diverse and more urbanized. The Council The Presidium of current Foreign was founded primarily to build a sense of Ministers is thus “mirrored” by reflections confidence, cohesion and commonality from the two founders and former after years of dislocation. The Govern- Foreign Ministers, Mr. Uffe Ellemann- ments and individuals involved in those Jensen and Mr. Hans Dietrich Gensher. first tentative steps needed to familiarize themselves with one another and forge The archives were also trawled for some relationships that would enable trust. facts and figures about the development of the Council (nowhere near ex- This publication is a humble com- haustive) which were illustrated in a pendium of thoughts and ideas from lighter fashion to complete our com- some of those involved in the process. memoration of the 20th Anniversary Ten women and men from across the of the Council of the Baltic Sea States. region share their impressions on 20 years under three thematic subjects:

Strategies for Sustainable and Innovative Future

Multi-Level Governance and Regional Cohesion

Resilience and Inclusion in Times of Austerity

15 16 Presidium

17 Dr. Guido Westerwelle Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany since 2009

No other forum is placed better to foster cooperation among “ all Baltic Sea countries

18 As current President of the Council of community around the Baltic Sea”. the Baltic Sea States, I am delighted to Today eight Baltic Sea countries are be part of the celebrations marking EU members, two belong to the Eu- its 20th anniversary. I felt honoured ropean Economic Area and Russia that so many of you from all over the is linked to the EU in a variety of ways, Baltic joined us at Plön Castle for in particular through a comprehensive a truly memorable and festive modernization partnership. Baltic Sea occasion. I was particularly honoured by cooperation has become an attractive the presence of our “founding model also for other regions. People fathers”, Hans-Dietrich Genscher and living along the Danube, around the Uffe Ellemann-Jensen, to whom we owe Black Sea or the Mediterranean see the success of a visionary political the Baltic Sea region as an impressive project. example of what regional cooperation can achieve. For years up to 1989, the Baltic Sea had been a theatre of East-West Many new challenges lay ahead: mod- confrontation. Following the watershed ernization of the south-east Baltic Sea changes in Central and Eastern Europe, area with a particular focus on the the fall of the Berlin Wall and German Kaliningrad region, for example, unification, this is now history. With the protecting the Baltic Sea ecosystem, disappearance of the Iron Curtain - or and energy cooperation. Our co- the Icy Curtain, as the Baltic Sea operation with the EU and other coun- Region was once known - the Baltic Sea tries can be intensified to make further Region has become a bastion of progress in these fields. freedom and opportunity. The region now connects – economically, politically, The Council of the Baltic Sea States culturally and in human terms – all has played a key role in encouraging the countries on the shores of the close partnership and enhanced Baltic Sea. cooperation throughout the region. No other forum is placed better to It was in Rostock in October 1991 that foster cooperation among all Baltic the then Danish and German Foreign Sea countries, strengthen the Baltic Sea Ministers Uffe Ellemann-Jensen and region´s shared identity and increase Hans-Dietrich Genscher first spelt out people’s identification with the region their vision for a new forum for closer and its common history and culture. cooperation around the Baltic Sea. It is a great pleasure for me to con- Thanks to their inspiration and initiative, gratulate the Council of the Baltic Sea the Council of the Baltic Sea States States on its achievements and to pledge was founded in Copenhagen in March our wholehearted support as it takes 1992. What the two men hoped for was to its work forward over the years ahead. see the Baltic Sea region prosper once again as in the days of the Hanseatic League and become, in the words of the Copenhagen Declaration, “a genuine democratic

19 Villy Søvndal, MP Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark since 2011

The EU Baltic Sea Strategy represents a unique opportunity to “ create momentum in regional cooperation and to exploit its economic potential Our organisation has demonstrated The Danish Presidency aims to do its an impressive evolution since early 1992, utmost to show that the EU is still capable when far-sighted politicians launched it and ready to take the decisions needed “to serve as an overall regional forum to move beyond the crisis and to focus on needs for intensified demonstrate the value and necessity cooperation and coordination among the of European cooperation. To achieve this, Baltic Sea States”. the Danish Presidency has focussed its program on Europe that is responsible, The Council of the Baltic Sea States dynamic, green and safe. These basic has stood the test of time. Today, it priorities have also been reflected in the offers a model of regional cooperation, cross-border cooperation within the which may serve other organisations Baltic Sea Region, in such fields as civil as a source of inspiration. It has security, environment and sustainable weathered the momentous political, development. It is thus no coincidence economic and other changes that that this established cooperation was have swept our region during these instrumental in drafting and imple- two decades – to mention but one: menting the EU Baltic Sea Strategy. the EU enlargement decided upon in This Strategy represents a unique Copenhagen in December 2002. And it opportunity to create momentum in has successfully managed to accom- regional cooperation and to exploit modate the recurrent need for its economic potential. After only two adaptation to changing requirements years of its implementation, in which it and challenges: Whereas during the is gratifying to see the CBSS appearing first years general matters of high as an actor, it is evident that the political profile tended to top the Strategy has served as a catalyst agenda, today efforts have grown visibly for closer cooperation in our region. in fields as diverse as fighting traffick- Today, several CBSS Member States have ing in human beings, protecting our been hit by an economic crisis, which is vulnerable environment or looking after arguably the most severe for nuclear safety. However, political dial- a generation, if not longer. In tackling ogue continues to take centre stage. this challenge, also the CBSS will have a role to play. At the same time, a trend towards ever greater involvement in down-to-earth I trust the current and future CBSS projects is visible, even if they sometimes Presidencies to chart a course of action seem to grow out of the limelight of public with that in mind, whilst not losing sight attention. Among them, a number of of the overall, long-term objectives so-called EuroFaculty projects in the field that the “founding fathers” set for the of higher education may take pride of organisation 20 years ago: to further place. democracy, prosperity, stability and unity in our region. Denmark, currently holding the EU Presidency, has a clear vision of how to cope with contemporary challenges.

21 This graph illustrates and lists important conclusions, decisions and reforms taken under the presidencies rotating on annual basis. For the full reference, please consult the declarations and documents on www.cbss.org/Summits-and-Council-Ministerials

CHAIRS OF THE CBSS, 1992-2012 CHAIRS OF THE CBSS’ GOVERNING BODY, THE COMMITTEE OF SENIOR OFFICIALS, 1992-2012

FINLAND FINLAND Ministers of Foreign Affairs: Mr Paavo Matti Väyrynen & Mr Heikki Johannes Haavisto (from May 1993) Ambassador Arto Tanner

ESTONIA ESTONIA Ministers of Foreign Affairs Mr Trivimi Velliste & Mr Jüri Luik (from January 1994) Ambassador Alar Olljum POLAND POLAND Ministers of Foreign Affairs: Mr Andrzej Olechowski & Mr Wladyslaw Bartoszewski (from March 1995) Ambassador-at-large Józef Wiejacz SWEDEN SWEDEN 1st Baltic Sea States Summit, Visby, Sweden Minister of Foreign Affairs: Ms Lena Hjelm-Wallen Ambassador Ingemar Stjernberg Göran Persson, Prime Minister LATVIA LATVIA Minister of Foreign Affairs: Mr Valdis Birkavs Ambassador Jānis Ritenis

DENMARK DENMARK 2nd Baltic Sea States Summit, Riga, Latvia Minister of Foreign Affairs: Mr Niels Helveg Petersen Ambassador Dan Nielsen Co-hosted by Poul Nyrup Rasmussen Hosted by Guntars Krasts, Prime Minister LITHUANIA LITHUANIA Minister of Foreign Affairs: Mr Algirdas Saudargas Ambassador Dalius Cekuolis NORWAY NORWAY 3rd Baltic Sea States Summit, Kolding, Denmark Ministers of Foreign Affairs: Mr Knut Vollebæk & Mr Tjorbjørn Jagland (from March 2000) Ambassador Harald Neple Poul Nyrup Rasmussen, Prime Minister

GERMANY GERMANY Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs & Vice-Chancellor: Mr Joschka Fischer Ambassador Hans-Jürgen Heimsoeth

RUSSIAN FEDERATION RUSSIAN FEDERATION 4th Baltic Sea States Summit, St. Petersburg, Russia Minister of Foreign Affairs: Mr Igor Ivanov Ambassador-at-large Alexey A. Obukhov Mikhail Kasyanov, Prime Minister FINLAND FINLAND Minister of Foreign Affairs: Mr Erkki Tuomioja Ambassador-at-large Tauno Pesola ESTONIA ESTONIA 5th Baltic Sea States Summit, Laulasmaa, Estonia Minister of Foreign Affairs: Ms Kristiina Ojuland Ambassador-at-large Tiit Naber Juhan Parts, Prime minister

POLAND POLAND Ministers of Foreign Affairs: Mr Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz & Mr Adam Daniel Rotfeld (from January 2005) Ambassador-at-large Józef Wiejacz

ICELAND ICELAND 6th Baltic Sea States Summit, Reykjiavik, Iceland Ministers of Foreign Affairs: Mr Davíð Oddsson & Mr Geir H. Haarde (from September 2005) Ambassador Kornelius Sigmundsson Halldór Ásgrímsson, Prime Minister

SWEDEN SWEDEN Ministers of Foreign Affairs: Mr Jan Eliasson & Mr Carl Bildt (From October 2006) Ambassador Christer Persson

LATVIA LATVIA 7th Baltic Sea States Summit, Riga, Latvia Ministers of Foreign Affairs: Mr Artis Pabriks & Mr Maris Riekstins (from November 2007) Ambassador Valdis Krastins Ivars Godmanis, Prime Minister

DENMARK DENMARK Minister of Foreign Affairs: Mr Per Stig Møller Ambassador Karsten Petersen

LITHUANIA LITHUANIA 8th Baltic Sea States Summit, Vilnius, Lithuania Ministers of Foreign Affairs: Mr Vygaudas Ušackas & Audronius Azubalis (from February 2010) Ambassador Neris Germanas Andrius Kubilius, Prime Minister

NORWAY NORWAY Minister of Foreign Affairs: Mr Jonas Gahr Støre Ambassador Dag Briseid

GERMANY GERMANY Minister of Foreign Affairs: Mr Guido Westerwelle Ambassador Gerhard Almer 22 This graph illustrates and lists important conclusions, decisions and reforms taken under the presidencies rotating on annual basis. For the full reference, please consult the declarations and documents on www.cbss.org/Summits-and-Council-Ministerials

CHAIRS OF THE CBSS, 1992-2012 CHAIRS OF THE CBSS’ GOVERNING BODY, THE COMMITTEE OF SENIOR OFFICIALS, 1992-2012

FINLAND FINLAND Ministers of Foreign Affairs: Mr Paavo Matti Väyrynen & Mr Heikki Johannes Haavisto (from May 1993) Ambassador Arto Tanner

GERMANY GERMANY Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs & Vice-Chancellor: Mr Joschka Fischer Ambassador Hans-Jürgen Heimsoeth

POLAND POLAND Ministers of Foreign Affairs: Mr Wlodzimierz Cimoszewicz & Mr Adam Daniel Rotfeld (from January 2005) Ambassador-at-large Józef Wiejacz

SWEDEN SWEDEN Ministers of Foreign Affairs: Mr Jan Eliasson & Mr Carl Bildt (From October 2006) Ambassador Christer Persson

DENMARK DENMARK Minister of Foreign Affairs: Mr Per Stig Møller Ambassador Karsten Petersen

NORWAY NORWAY Minister of Foreign Affairs: Mr Jonas Gahr Støre Ambassador Dag Briseid

GERMANY GERMANY Minister of Foreign Affairs: Mr Guido Westerwelle Ambassador Gerhard Almer 24 Foundation

25 Uffe Ellemann-Jensen Minister for Foreign Affairs of Denmark 1982-93

We had to force people that might have ended up at each others “ throats to meet and discuss in a civilized and constructive way. CBSS – born out of enthusiasm and anxiety

Towards the end of 1991, the political We agreed that it was important to map of the Baltic Sea Region was create a new political structure in which finally approaching its new composition: all states in the region should sit down After the peaceful regime change in together and discuss matters of mutual Poland and the German unification, the interest – building upon the old saying three Baltic states finally regained their attributed to Churchill that “jaw-jaw is independence and the Soviet Union was better than war-war”. Therefore it was in an advanced state of disintegration. important to have small as well as big The mood in the region was one of states around the meeting table. And enthusiasm and optimism – but also in order to keep a balance between anxiety because of the fragile nature Russia and the rest of us it was agreed of some of the new political structures. that the German Federal Republic should be a member and not the German My German colleague and friend Hans- states bordering to the Baltic Sea. Dietrich Genscher and I had been in close personal contact throughout the period When we left Rostock, we had also of change. We represented the only two agreed that we should make a joint invi- EC-countries in the Baltic Sea Region, tation to our colleagues in the region to a and shared a vision and a wish to see our meeting in Copenhagen where we should region returned to the strong position discuss the idea. that had characterized much of its past history. This meeting was held as a “Confer- ence of Foreign Ministers of the Baltic Two months after the failed “putch” in Sea States” in Copenhagen on March Moscow and the resulting independence 5-6, 1992. And thanks to a formidable of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, he effort by the German and Danish invited me to a special meeting in officials it was possible to use this Rostock. Here we met on October 22nd opportunity to formally establish the with the German and Danish envoys in Council of Baltic Sea States with the the region to discuss what could be done issue of the “Copenhagen Declaration” to support a peaceful return to freedom setting down the goals and structures and prosperity around the Baltic Sea of the CBSS. that had so long been divided between East and West. Out of this meeting Not everybody was as enthusiastic. came the idea to create the Council I remember an acidulous article in “The of the Baltic Sea States. Economist” calling the new council “the

27 most superfluous internal organization spirit of the new political map of Europe. yet established”… a statement that only The close cooperation between the demonstrated a lack of understanding present German CBSS and the incoming the real raison-d’etre behind the CBSS: Russian CBSS Presidency is testimony We had to force people that might have of this fact. ended up at each others throats to meet and discuss in a civilized and So it is a good thing for our Region that constructive way. Germany has taken over the leadership of the CBSS at this important Well, they did! And over the years – as anniversary – in which we learn from the the organization was strengthened, past in order to deal with the future. We and a permanent secretariat was are “The Top of Europe”! And as we want established in Stockholm – a lot of to stay there we shall also be prepared to substance was also added to what in do the necessary work for a greater unity the beginning was a rather loose and prosperity in our Baltic Sea Region. structure. Today after 20 years of the CBSS, the political map of our region has developed in a positive direction: Most countries in the Region are members of the European Union – and when the EU’s first regional strategy was adopted in 2009 it was a natural thing that is was for our Baltic Sea Region. This presents the political leaders of the region with many opportunities and challenges. There are still many divisions and obstacles to deal with in order to obtain the optimal results from joint efforts in the areas where stronger cooperation is needed: the environment, energy, transport, ICT, infrastructure etc. And it is still a challenge to convince each other that this cooperation is not a zero-sum-game.

Cooperation with Russia remains a special challenge – and here it is obvious that it was a wise decision 20 years ago to take the Federal Republic in as the German member of the CBSS: Because Germany is in a special position to strengthen the ties between Russia and the rest of us in a way that commands mutual respect and recognition of the

28 29 Hans-Dietrich Genscher Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor of Germany, 1974-1992

The Baltic Sea peoples’ shared experience of history over “ the years, over the decades and the centuries, has gradually become more and more of a catalyst for the development of Europe as well. On 22 October 1991, the Danish-German Since the Wall came down and the Ambassadors’ Conference was held in CBSS was founded, the world has Rostock – an international conference undergone some dramatic changes – held in the east of the unified Germany for the better. The principle of working Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor of Germany, 1974-1992 one year after reunification. We were together in our regions has been aware at the time of how historically establishing itself more and more significant both the substance and the strongly around the world. The Baltic location of our meeting were. We were also Sea area displays exemplary levels of aware, at a more immediate level, that opportunity. The confidence conferred the Baltic Sea had again become a unify- by regional cohesion and regional ing element amongst us, the states on its responsibility is a source of additional coasts, after decades of forced division. stability. When the CBSS Foreign The Baltic could be a region again! Seas Ministers meet in Plön on 5 February are not divisions; they are connections. 2012, it will not be simply a meeting of This is especially true of the Baltic Sea. the Foreign Ministers from around the Baltic Sea. Those who will meet there Looking back through European history, are representatives of an ever more we are reminded that the countries cohesive Europe. The fact that EU on the Baltic Sea have always been member states have allied themselves bound together by a common destiny. within the CBSS with others which are Structures have changed, and the not in the EU is a demonstration of the balance of power has changed. The Baltic Sea states’ openness and co- states on the Baltic have seen their operative spirit. And that includes our borders change. But the Baltic Sea great Eastern European neighbour peoples’ shared experience of history Russia. over the years, over the decades and the centuries, has gradually become Twenty years of the CBSS means 20 more and more of a catalyst for the years of policy in Europe fostering development of Europe as well. peace. It also means 20 years of being an example throughout the world. The The Baltic Sea region had never before Baltic is the region to watch! been as open and ready for cooperation as it is now. That attitude opens up tremendous opportunities and realms of possibility. The links and networks connecting the Baltic Sea states are many. We all have membership of the Council of Europe in common. Most of us are members of the European Union, and many are also part of the Western alliance, NATO. As part of the OSCE, all the states around the Baltic are working towards the great common goal of peace prevailing from Vancouver to Vladivostok.

31 From left to right: Henning Christophersen, Paavo Väyrynen, Andrey Kozyrev, Hans Dietrich Genscher, Thorvald Stoltenberg, Uffe Ellemann-Jensen, Algirdas Saudargas, Krzysztof Skubiszewski, Lennart Meri, Margaretha af Ugglas, Janis Jurkans

32 From left to right: Henning Christophersen, Paavo Väyrynen, Andrey Kozyrev, Hans Dietrich Genscher, Thorvald Stoltenberg, Uffe Ellemann-Jensen, Algirdas Saudargas, Krzysztof Skubiszewski, Lennart Meri, Margaretha af Ugglas, Janis Jurkans

33 Name Surname - Head of Government HEADS OF GOVERNMENTS AND FOREIGN MINISTERS Name Surname - Foreign Minister OF THE BALTIC SEA STATES BETWEEN 1992-2012 * Name Surname* - Acting Head of Government

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Lars Løkke Helle Thorning- Poul Nyrup Rasmussen Anders Fogh Rasmussen Rasmussen Schmidt Uffe Ellemann- Mogens Lykketoft Jensen Niels Helveg Petersen Per Stig Møller Lene Villy Søvndal Denmark (1982-1993) Espersen

Siim Juhan Parts Tiit Vähi Mart Siimann Mart Laar Kallas Andrus Ansip Lennart Meri Riivo Sinijärv Jaak Jõerüüt (1990-1992) Trivimi Jüri Luik Toomas Hendrik Ilves Raul Mälk Toomas Hendrik Ilves Kristiina Ojuland Rein Lang Urmas Paet Estonia Jaan Manitski Velliste Siim Kallas

Anneli Mari Kiviniemi Paavo Lipponen Jäätteenmäki Matti Vanhanen Jyrki Katainen Paavo Paavo Rantanen Ilkka Alexander Stubb Erkki Tuomioja Finland Väyrynen Heikki Haavisto Tarja Halonen Erkki Tuomioja Kanerva

Helmut Kohl Gerhard Schröder Angela Merkel Hans-Dietrich Germany Genscher (1974-1992) Klaus Kinkel Joschka Fischer Frank-Walter Steinmeier Guido Westerwelle

Davíð Oddsson Halldór Ásgrímsson Geir Haarde Jóhanna Sigurðardóttir Davíð Geir H. Valgerður Ingibjörg Sólrún Össur Skarphéðinsson Iceland Jón Baldvin Hannibalsson Halldór Ásgrímsson Oddsson Haarde Sverrisdóttir Gísladóttir

Guntars Vilis Andris Andris Berzinš Indulis Emsis Andris Škele Krasts Krištopans Škele Einars Repše Ivars Godmanis Valdis Dombrovskis Janis Aivis Ronis Jurkans Georgs Andrejevs Valdis Birkavs Indulis Berzinš Sandra Kalniete Artis Pabriks Maris Riekstinš Girts Valdis Latvia (1990-1992) Kristovskis

Laurynas Irena Degutiene* Rolandas Eugenijus Gentvilas* Zigmantas Mindaugas Gediminas Vagnorius Rolandas Paksas Algirdas Brazauskas Balcytis* Gediminas Andrius Kubilius Stankevicius Andrius Kubilius Paksas Kirkilas Algirdas * Saudargas Povilas Gylys Algirdas Saudargas Antanas Valionis Petras Vaitiekunas Vygaudas Ušackas Lithuania (1990-1992) Audronius Azubalis

Wlodzimierz Jerzy Buzek Leszek Miller Marek Kazimierz Jaroslaw Cimoszewicz Belka Marcinkiewicz Kaczynski Donald Tusk Krzysztof Wladyslaw Wladyslaw Adam Daniel Andrzej Olechowski Bartoszewski Dariusz Rosati Bronislaw Geremek Wlodzimierz Rotfeld Anna Fotyga Radoslaw Sikorski Poland Skubiszewski Bartoszewski Cimoszewicz Stefan Meller

Thorbjørn Jens Gro Harlem Brundtland Jagland Kjell Magne Bondevik Stoltenberg Kjell Magne Bondevik Jens Stoltenberg Thorvald Johan Jørgen Bjørn Tore Godal Knut Vollebæk Thorbjørn Jan Petersen Jonas Gahr Støre Norway Stoltenberg Holstvald Jagland

Boris Yeltsin* Sergei Stepashin Viktor Khristenko* Viktor Viktor Chernomyrdin Sergei Kiriyenko Vladimir Mikhail Kasyanov Mikhail Fradkov Vladimir Putin Russian Yevgeny Primakov Putin Zubkov Andrey Kozyrev Yevgeny Primakov Igor Ivanov Sergei Lavrov Federation

Ingvar Carlsson Göran Persson Fredrik Reinfeldt

Jan O. Karlsson* Bo Ringholm* Margaretha af Ugglas Lena Hjelm-Wallén Anna Lindh Laila Freivalds Carin Jämtin* Carl Bildt Sweden Jan Eliasson

34 * The graph presents indications of mandates served - broken down by year. The intention is to demonstrate transitions of government over time. Name Surname - Head of Government HEADS OF GOVERNMENTS AND FOREIGN MINISTERS Name Surname - Foreign Minister OF THE BALTIC SEA STATES BETWEEN 1992-2012 * Name Surname* - Acting Head of Government

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Helmut Kohl Gerhard Schröder Angela Merkel Hans-Dietrich Germany Genscher (1974-1992) Klaus Kinkel Joschka Fischer Frank-Walter Steinmeier Guido Westerwelle

Ingvar Carlsson Göran Persson Fredrik Reinfeldt

Jan O. Karlsson* Bo Ringholm* Margaretha af Ugglas Lena Hjelm-Wallén Anna Lindh Laila Freivalds Carin Jämtin* Carl Bildt Sweden Jan Eliasson

* The graph presents indications of mandates served - broken down by year. The intention is to demonstrate transitions of government over time. Tarja Halonen President of the Republic of Finland (2000-2012) and Minister for Foreign Affairs (1995-2000)

“The“ CBSS has now entered its fourth year of activity. To create an increasingly efficient outlook for this regionally-based cooperation, we should more fully involve our Governments in the CBSS work. One way of tackling this question would be to convene a meeting of the Prime Ministers of the CBSS Member States and the President of the European Commission. A meeting at such a level could set goals and provide political backing for ventures of regional interest in longer-term perspective, enhancing by the same token mutual confidence and credibility in the Baltic Sea Region.”

Ms. Tarja Halonen speaking in her capacity at the time as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland at the 4th Council of the Baltic Sea States Ministerial Session, Gdansk, May 19th, 1995. The first Baltic Sea States Summit would be convened the following year in Visby, Gotland by the Swedish Prime Minister at the time Mr Göran Persson. President of the Republic of Finland (2000-2012) and Minister for Foreign Affairs (1995-2000) The Baltic Marine Protection Commission (Helsinki Commission European Union or HELCOM) is the strategy for the governing body of the Baltic Sea Region is Regional cooperation Convention on the launched by the Protection of the European (governmental and non-governmental) Marine Environment of The First Baltic Sea Commission the Baltic Sea Area NGO Forum takes (Helsinki Convention place in Lübeck, The Eastern signed 1974 and Germany Partnership was renewed 1992). A Nordic office inaugurated in EU Northern The Expert Group is opened in Prague on 7 May "Vision and Strategies Dimension policy on Nuclear and Kaliningrad 2009. The first for the Baltic Sea is drawn up Radiation Safety the activities of the meeting of foreign Region 2010" - VASAB (EGNRS) agreement Nordic Industrial Fund The Northern ministers in the is founded at the the Baltic Sea Trade on the exchange of and Nordtest are Dimension is framework of the Ministerial Conference Union Network radiation merged into the relaunched as an Eastern Partnership in Karlskrona BASTUN is monitoring data is Nordic Innovation equal partnership was held on 8 established signed obliging all Centre between the EU, December 2009 in the Baltic Chambers of the CBSS Member Russia, Iceland and Brussels Commerce Association The Conference States to establish ScanBalt is launched Norway, not an EU is created Women and the necessary legal to combine the policy towards its The Eastern Estonia joins the Democracy at the and administrative region’s capabilities in external partners Partnership (EaP) Euro Zone 1 Pro Baltica, non-profit Dawn of the New basis for improved a stronger network, was initially January organization which Millennium is held in exchange of creating a The EGNRS presented by the supports the The Arctic Council Reykjavik, 1999 radiological data meta-region of life agreement was foreign minister of Poland holds the economical , political AC is formally which was followed between the parties science clusters extended in scope to Poland with EU Presidency and cultural Norwegian voters established by the up in Vilnius in 2001, in normal situations around the Region include airborne assistance from from July to co-operation in the reject membership Ottawa Declaration Tallinn in 2003 and and in case of measurements by the Sweden at the EU's December The Nordic Council of Baltic Sea region is of the EEC/EU by St. Petersburg in nuclear or Four CBSS Member Joint Declaration on General Affairs and Ministers added as a The Nordic B7 Baltic Seven founded (renamed as referendum for the Baltic Sea 2005 by the Baltic radiological States: Estonia, Latvia, the Exchange of a External Relations Russia is accepted The Nordic Council platform for the Investment Islands Network is The Baltic Sea Forum second time, the Commission is Sea Women´s accidents or Lithuania and Poland Radiation Monitoring Council in Brussels as a member of is formed governments Bank is created created in 2003) first in 1972 established Conference. incidents join the EU Data 2008 the WTO

1952 1957 1971 1973 1975 1985 1989 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2004 2005 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012

Final version of the Baltic Sea Action Denmark holds Treaty of Rome is The Nordic Industrial Schengen The Baltic Sea Baltic Sea States the Nordic Council of Baltic Development President Putin BaltMet is the Baltic countries Baltic Sea Action Summit is held in the EU signed. Germany is Fund and Nordtest Agreement signed Parliamentary Subregional Ministers establishes an Forum is created on signs a decree in launched by a become members, Plan, developed by Helsinki Presidency from one of the six are created Conference (BSPC) is Cooperation office in St. Petersburg the initiative of May dividing Russia number of capitals i.e. co-owners, of HELCOM, is January to June founding signatories established former Danish into seven federal and large the Nordic adopted Negotiations of Denmark joins the EC Barents Euro-Arctic Two CBSS Member Minister of Foreign districts replacing metropolitan areas Investment Icelandic Poland and Nordic Council of Council BEAC States Finland and Affairs Uffe the previous from the Baltic Sea Bank Schengen area accession to the Ukraine host the Ministers is the first Sweden join the EU Elleman-Jensen structure of Region, to Land and sea EU formally EURO international institution eighty-nine collaborate on borders (for the 10 begin Championship in to create a formal regions efforts to increase member states football presence in the Baltic innovation, that acceded to countries strengthen and communicate the EU in 2004) North-West were phased out Strategy of the An international cultural regional profiles, from the end of Russian network ARS BALTICA is and build critical 2007 with airports Federation is created on the initiative infrastructure following in spring launched of the Ministries of 2008 Culture of the Baltic Sea Euro banknotes Region and coins are released in 12 EU The Union of Baltic Member States Cities UBC is founded Ministers of Baltic Council is Foreign Affairs in established Tallinn, Estonia, on 26 August 2002 Baltic University decided to appoint Program is launched a Nordic Baltic Task Force against The Commonwealth of Trafficking in Independent States Human Beings (CIS) is formed in Minsk

38 The Baltic Marine Protection Commission (Helsinki Commission European Union or HELCOM) is the strategy for the governing body of the Baltic Sea Region is Regional cooperation Convention on the launched by the Protection of the European (governmental and non-governmental) Marine Environment of The First Baltic Sea Commission the Baltic Sea Area NGO Forum takes (Helsinki Convention place in Lübeck, The Eastern signed 1974 and Germany Partnership was renewed 1992). A Nordic office inaugurated in EU Northern The Expert Group is opened in Prague on 7 May "Vision and Strategies Dimension policy on Nuclear and Kaliningrad 2009. The first for the Baltic Sea is drawn up Radiation Safety the activities of the meeting of foreign Region 2010" - VASAB (EGNRS) agreement Nordic Industrial Fund The Northern ministers in the is founded at the the Baltic Sea Trade on the exchange of and Nordtest are Dimension is framework of the Ministerial Conference Union Network radiation merged into the relaunched as an Eastern Partnership in Karlskrona BASTUN is monitoring data is Nordic Innovation equal partnership was held on 8 established signed obliging all Centre between the EU, December 2009 in the Baltic Chambers of the CBSS Member Russia, Iceland and Brussels Commerce Association The Conference States to establish ScanBalt is launched Norway, not an EU is created Women and the necessary legal to combine the policy towards its The Eastern Estonia joins the Democracy at the and administrative region’s capabilities in external partners Partnership (EaP) Euro Zone 1 Pro Baltica, non-profit Dawn of the New basis for improved a stronger network, was initially January organization which Millennium is held in exchange of creating a The EGNRS presented by the supports the The Arctic Council Reykjavik, 1999 radiological data meta-region of life agreement was foreign minister of Poland holds the economical , political AC is formally which was followed between the parties science clusters extended in scope to Poland with EU Presidency and cultural Norwegian voters established by the up in Vilnius in 2001, in normal situations around the Region include airborne assistance from from July to co-operation in the reject membership Ottawa Declaration Tallinn in 2003 and and in case of measurements by the Sweden at the EU's December The Nordic Council of Baltic Sea region is of the EEC/EU by St. Petersburg in nuclear or Four CBSS Member Joint Declaration on General Affairs and Ministers added as a The Nordic B7 Baltic Seven founded (renamed as referendum for the Baltic Sea 2005 by the Baltic radiological States: Estonia, Latvia, the Exchange of a External Relations Russia is accepted The Nordic Council platform for the Investment Islands Network is The Baltic Sea Forum second time, the Commission is Sea Women´s accidents or Lithuania and Poland Radiation Monitoring Council in Brussels as a member of is formed governments Bank is created created in 2003) first in 1972 established Conference. incidents join the EU Data 2008 the WTO

1952 1957 1971 1973 1975 1985 1989 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2004 2005 2006 2007 2009 2010 2011 2012

The Arab Spring with its insistent calls for renewal as well as “ popular uprisings against ossified, authoritarian regimes, make me think of the ferment that characterized Europe of the late eighties and early nineties My office as the CBSS Commissioner for I saw it as my primary task to ensure a Democratic Development was set up by detailed investigation of, and coupled all the 11 governments, to assist the with an adequate follow-up, concerning Former Minister and CBSS Commissioner member states of the Council of Baltic the principal political institutions of the on Democratic Development (2000-2004) Sea States, in giving concrete expression CBSS states within the context of wider to, and support for the commitments European co-operation. My endeavours they had undertaken right from the in that respect had two closely related establishment of the Council, to respect aspects. On one hand, the task was in and advance the achievements of the the 1990s, to avoid losing the active CSCE, the Conference on Security and participation of our citizens in the Co-operation in Europe, later renamed process of building and consolidating OSCE, notably in the 1975 Helsinki Final pluralist democracy. On the other hand, Act and the 1990 Paris Charter, in the it was to ensure that the institutions of fields of respect for human rights and our countries gained and retained their fundamental freedoms and the growth credibility in the eyes of our publics. and consolidation of democratic institutions. To this end, I strove to promote the follow- up of the Helsinki process, basing myself Taking due account of the fact that issues on the achievements of the OSCE, the concerning the situation of national Council of Europe and the European minorities still tortures the region Union, so as to safeguard the in the 1990s, from the outset the inviolability of the human being, as well Commissioner was given the mandate, as to advance the “European” definition which focused on the need to address of human rights and fundamental and seek solutions to such issues in a freedoms. respectful manner. Moreover, citizen rights and tolerance posed particularly At the same time I also promoted difficult challenges, notably due to the the growth and consolidation of collapse of the Soviet Union, and the accountability and transparency in the ensuing need to find ways to work out work of our democratic institutions. how to transfer citizenship to the In that context I strove to promote successor states, including some of our and consolidate the effectiveness of member states. governmental institutions of member states so as to depoliticize them and To develop and foster tolerance is a further clean government offices. process which takes time – not only in our region – but all over Europe, left In more concrete terms, among other with so many scars after long years things I sought to promote the build-up of violent history. Let me underline and modernization of the ombudsman that tolerance building still continue institutions of all the CBSS member to play an important role for the states. My office also facilitated and healing process also in our region. sought to strengthen trust and co- In keeping with intentions behind the operation among the ombudsmen. In setting-up of CBBS and of my office, this context I look back with pleasure to

41 A CBSS initiative with lasting impact, the Euro-Faculty, which “ was set up to modernise the teaching in the social and legal sciences in Baltic universities. It started in Tartu, Riga and Vilnius. During my term of office, I had the opportunity to follow its implementation at the university in Kaliningrad, where it lead to an important reform of the study of law. The Euro-Faculty idea is now being implemented in Pskov 42 photo © Soren Osterlund, DK the active participation of the Russian Finally, I recall with great pleasure my co- ombudsman Sergei Kovalyov and his operation with leading representatives Nordic colleagues in these efforts. of member states. Notably, I remember Moreover, the Commissioner´s office my close and confident collaboration produced many surveys – one of the with the then Russian Foreign Minister most important ones issued in the course Igor Ivanov as contacts taking place in of my time dealt with pre-trial detention the CBSS, in the Council of Europe and practices in all our member states. the OSCE with their respective tasks. And it is with great pleasure that And I´m sorry to say, that this subject I remember the window of opportuni- even today still gives all of us reason to ties then existing as to further develop- act and strive to achieve reform. Many ing Russian democratic structures. The of our citizens still lack the most basic same goes for my meetings for example rights and fundamental human rights – so with the present Deputy Prime Minister in this area, there is still room for major Mr. Kozak and with the former Chairman improvements in more of the CBSS of the Russian State Duma, Mr. Seleznev. member states. Moreover I recall my co-operation with a couple of Nordic colleagues, notably I also look back with pleasure to my the former President of the Swedish co-operation with the state prosecutors of Riksdagen, Birgitta Dahl, the present Finn- the member states, including the holding ish President Ms. Tarja Halonen and her of several conferences on the practices, predecessor, President Martti Ahtisaari. mandate and development of the office of the public state prosecutors. The personalities that I have just mentioned all made a dedicated Moreover, I remember that my office and contribution to the process of transition I spent a lot of time and effort on three taking place at the time. This only major conferences on good governance to mention a few personalities – many – and to analyse and write a book others could as well be named in all named: “ Powers in transition” – which respect and thankfulness. Commissioner Chris Patten commented as most relevant and timely. In this book For obvious reasons, as a woman, I paid we describe the constitutional changes particular attention to gender equality. taking place – from sovereign presiden- I endeavoured to promote the full and tial rule to European parliamentarism. effective participation of women on all Major changes took place in the set-up levels of society, including all the leading of powers between the offices of the posts of the setup of our member states. Presidents and the Governments and In the same vein, I did my utmost to fight the Parliaments and in their relationship international trafficking in women and to the European institutions and girls. In this context my office collected cooperation. In this book we also information from all CBSS states, on the describe how differently the parlia- legal status of women, including the mentary committees of the parlia- legal rights and status of trafficked ments of the member states were women. In the process of producing this organised in these years.

43 survey I showed the need to address that we would all be well-advised to major shortcomings in existing laws, take close account of developments now rules, regulations and norms. On a taking place in the immediate vicinity of practical level I promoted co-operation Europe. The Arab Spring with its insistent between our police forces in fighting calls for renewal as well as popular this scourge, which transcends all of our uprisings against ossified, authoritarian frontiers. Today I´m so happy to see, regimes, make me think of the ferment the continuation and strengthening that characterized Europe of the of this cooperation, in the CBSS Task late eighties and early nineties, and Force against Trafficking in Human underlay the establishment of the Beings. This is a success story. CBSS. Seen in that perspective, the Arab Spring may also be a wake-up And let me mention one more CBSS call for countries in our part of Europe. initiative with lasting impact, the Euro- Now as before, it is essential to maintain Faculty, which was set up to modernise widespread popular support for the the teaching in the social and legal work of CBSS. In that context vibrant sciences in Baltic universities. It started and unfettered co-operation among the in Tartu, Riga and Vilnius. During my term non-governmental organizations, the of office, I had the opportunity to follow NGO´s inside and between our countries its implementation at the university in is of decisive importance for the growth Kaliningrad, where it lead to an important and further development of the CBSS reform of the study of law. The EuroFa- – so the growth of also this important culty idea is now being implemented in work done by the confederation of the Pskov. national NGO`s still need to be strongly supported and further advanced. Today, my office is a thing of the past. The tasks that I worked with, and have With great satisfaction we have all outlined above remain, however, also witnessed how the CBSS - with due now not only topical, but of crucial respect and in accordance with the importance to the governments, and the historic change from a highly relevant peoples, of the CBSS member states. political body for cooperation to facilitate I trust that the governments of the transition of powers and the historic member countries and the institutions change of our region to become an of the CBSS will continue to address area of intense European co-operation - these tasks vigorously, and with full transformed itself by adopting a cognizance of their responsibility more “handy-man“ like project-driven towards upholding the fundamental co-operation in our region between our principles that 20 years ago under- democratic institutions, our NGO`s and lay the establishment of the Council. civil society.

It stands to reason that if this responsi- With these words I just want to express bility were to be neglected or ignored, my congratulations and further our institutions will quickly become expectations to the work done, in the irrelevant. In this context I certainly think years to come for the CBSS.

44 45 Former President of the Republic of Latvia (1999-2007)

At“ the moment, the Baltic Sea Region is made up of a checkerboard of nations at different stages of development. I believe that ultimately, we must work together to fashion a more integrated region all around the Baltic seaboard, a region comprised of nations closely compara- ble in status, all of them closely compatible in their mode of governance and tempo of development

Address at the 5th Stockholm Conference on Baltic Sea Region Security and Cooperation, October 19, 2000

46 Former President of the Republic of Latvia (1999-2007)

50 Strategies for Sustainable and Innovative Future

51 Dalia Grybauskaite President of the Republic of Lithuania

I have no doubt that even small, but meaningful, projects “ and initiatives can create as much value as the big ones. Strategies for Sustainable Twenty years ago, when the Ministers of and financial mechanisms to implement Foreign Affairs of Germany and Denmark what was agreed upon. Hans-Dietrich Genscher and Uffe Ellemann-Jensen launched the project In this view, the priorities for Lithuania of regional cooperation in the Baltic are the following: Sea region, it was easy to be sceptical. But the Council of Baltic Sea States, First, enhance regional market, especially which now embraces eleven countries in the energy sector, by strict and as member states, ten countries as comprehensive implementation of anti- observers, and the European Commission, monopolistic legislation and abolishing turned out to be a success, resulting in regulations that harm competition. wide ranging intensive cooperation and Electricity bridges from Lithuania to engagement of people across the region. Sweden and Poland as well as from Estonia to Finland, development of and Innovative Future European Union first recognized the regional power generation capacities will importance of closer cooperation attract investment, substantially increase between the Nordic, Baltic countries its competitiveness by creating an and Russia more than a decade ago, alternative for the energy supply, and and the first Commission Communication promote the use of renewable energy. to foster this cooperation was produced in 1998. Ten years later, in acknowledge- Second, nurture an entrepreneurial ment of the special value that the Baltic climate by eliminating restrictions to Sea regional cooperation has generated establishment and expansion of small-to- over these years for the region and way medium size businesses; improve labor beyond its geographic boundaries, in force competencies through education 2009 EU launched its first ever macro- and on-the-job training systems. regional strategy, aimed not only at the Maintaining and supporting a partnership more intense integration and develop- network that involves businesses, ment of the Baltic Sea region, but also at researchers and non-governmental making this regional approach a model organizations will transform the region for the other regions to find inspiration in. into a vibrant knowledge and innovation- based community. The Baltic Sea Action I am convinced that the future of the Baltic Plan is a perfect example of joint Sea region is founded on a faster and commitment by public, private and deeper integration. In the Declaration NGOs sectors to solve the outstanding “A Vision for the Baltic Sea Region by problems together. That’s the path we 2020” adopted at the Baltic Sea States should continue pursuing. Summit in Vilnius, 2010, leaders of the Baltic Sea States agreed on a set of Third, treat environmental protection guidelines to promote prosperity, as a priority. It is only by complying innovation and competitiveness of our very precisely with international region. It seems we have all elements environmental requirements that we will to succeed: political will, popular earn the confidence of our partners and support and appropriate institutions investors with and help ensure public

53 Strategies for Sustainable support and sustainability of any of the projects that we have undertaken.

Lithuania’s lasting commitment to the cause is not least demonstrated by the successful launching of a UN resolution concerning the chemical munitions at sea last December, as well as the Lithuanian-Russian initiative, agreed upon in Helsinki in February 2010, to promote regional disaster-response related cooperation. I have no doubt that even small, but meaningful, and Innovative Future projects and initiatives can create as much value as the big ones.

Thus, the upcoming meeting of the Heads of Governments of Baltic Sea States in Germany offers us with a good opportunity to take stock of the progress achieved in implementing the guidelines set at the Vilnius meeting, but also reaffirm our commitment to deliver on the long-term vision of the prosperous, innovative and competitive Baltic Sea Region that we all share. ,

54 Vilnius Declaration A Vision for the Baltic Sea Region by 2020

The Heads of Government and other high- Using the potential of public-private level representatives of Denmark, Estonia, partnerships and driven by a common Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithua- understanding, the public sector nia, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden and and the business community take the President of the European Commis- a shared responsibility for sustainable sion gathered in Vilnius on 1-2 June 2010 development. for the 8th Baltic Sea States Summit. Regional economic growth benefits The Summit stated its conviction that from an integrated maritime policy and the Baltic Sea Region, on the basis of well-interconnected transport networks.

- respect for democratic principles, All countries in the Region enjoy the human rights and the rule of law, results of integrated energy markets, improved energy efficiency and extend- - active civil societies, ed use of clean and renewable energy.

- increasingly integrated and The people of the Region benefit from interdependent economies, positive dynamics of socio-economic development, ensuring good public - developed social dialogue health and social well-being. and social cohesion, The countries of the Region are effec- has the potential to become one of tively reducing unemployment, social the most prosperous, innovative and exclusion and inequality in the labour competitive regions in the world, using market. the strengths of the Council of the Bal- tic Sea States and other existing Baltic The Region benefits from advanced Sea regional cooperation frameworks. regional networks built on active application of information technologies. The Summit made a strong political commitment to turn into reality the following The people of the Region are experi- Vision for the Baltic Sea Region by 2020: encing a steady progress in combating terrorism, in enhancing the protection The Region has a well-balanced inter- and resilience of critical infrastructure governmental structure for political and in fighting organized crime, espe- dialogue and practical cooperation. cially trafficking in human beings, including children, and in illegal drugs. The Baltic Sea is regaining its ecological health, with its littoral States playing A strong regional identity is emerging, a leading and exemplary role in deal- fostered by research, education, culture, ing with the environmental challenges. and the common heritage of the region.

Marked progress has been achieved in The Region benefits from promotion fostering investment-friendly economies of tolerance and extended people-to- and innovation driven production. people contacts.

55 56 Multi-level Governance and Regional Cohesion

57 Prof. Danuta Hübner Chair, Committee on Regional Development of the European Parliament

The Baltic Region, thanks to its differentiations, is a laboratory “ case for testing multi-level governance. Baltic Sea Region has a potential of for exchange of good practices is a Multi-level Governance and Regional Cohesion becoming a standard- bearer for modern embodiment of the old idea of innovation and a leader for cooperation subsidiarity. in Europe within the framework of a multi-level governance. I am happy Europe’s strength in the decades to that this attitude is reflected in the come will be the growing empowerment Baltic Sea Strategy, a macro-regional of the regions as the next step in the approach that addresses in compre- development of democracy. But it cannot hensive way the challenges and the mean closing regions off from the wider possible venues of regional cooperation. world. They can thrive and survive only as elements of “deep networking” Especially when applied in growth- of world-wide exchange of knowledge, oriented regions, it is quite clear to capital, information and ideas. me that Europe has actually the most fantastic, innovation- oriented and – what The Baltic Region, thanks to its is important - easy to reproduce in other differentiations, is a laboratory case for parts of the world model of governance. testing multi-level governance. Existing disparities of wealth but at the same Multi-level model of government and time exceptional expertise in information decision–making is a European and knowledge-based industries is innovation of first order. It has been something that characterizes the region. tried and tested in a multi-cultural Heterogeneity can breed problems, but condition. As such it can become a point it also can be source of dynamism in of reference for other continents. growth. The key is finding the strategy for development based on complemen- It is based on traits that are present tarity of particular strenghts. Important in all cultures: a people’s desire of full challenge is to distribute more widely participation in public life and having the skills and resources needed a say in their own affairs. This desire for establishing the region as a model is similar in Europe, in India, in the Arab of smart specialization. world, in China and in Russia. Baltic states area is but one example Properly working multi-level system of of the fact that multilevel governance governance is in a sense a measure of is a necessary instrument in global excellence of the day to day performance facilitating of not only economic of the democratic procedure. The more growth but also political and cultural citizens are motivated to be involved participation as well as universal at various levels of public activity, emancipation. Multilevel governance the more robust is our democracy. is certainly one of the Europe’s best export products, a most valuable capital I would venture to say that multi-level that Europe can freely share with the governance model is the most suited rest of the world. way of organizational behavior to the “flat world” in which we live. This is the world in which the growth of number of citizen-led communication platforms

59 Valentina Pivnenko Chairman of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Deputy of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation

North-West Russia, for instance, is home to over 13 million “ people and innumerable enterprises, and has great potential to contribute substantially to the further growth and strength of the Region Multi-level Governance and Regional Cohesion The Baltic Sea Region has undergone platform for a candid political debate, a remarkable, profound and ultimately which is a prerequisite for the pursuit positive development over the past 20 of pragmatic approaches and compro- years. What was once a region charged mises to complex issues. Hence, BSPC with potential confrontations and divided contributes to a transparent, democratic by forbidding barriers has evolved into and rewarding political process, as well a region of peace, democracy, good- as to practical solutions, in the Baltic Sea neighborliness, and cooperation. Social, Region. economic and technological advances have brought along major, and some- The future path of the Region holds times unforeseen, positive changes to all numerous opportunities and potentials, the countries of the Region, raising their but also challenges: environmental actual and prospective level of inter- threats, economic disparities, imbalances dependence. Consequently, further in social welfare, pockets of poor health progress will be achieved only if all and social well-being, infrastructural the countries work even more closely deficiencies. To realize the potentials together and make sure that no-one of the Region and continue to benefit is sidestepped. from its opportunities, we must improve our joint abilities to manage the strains A large number of collaborative organi- brought on by development. The perhaps zations and institutions have pro- pivotal task for the Region at present is liferated, embodying and fostering joint to find a sustainable balance between endeavours for the benefit of the Region future economic growth and ecological and its citizens: Council of the Baltic Sea care. So how can we proceed from here? States (CBSS), Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC), Baltic Marine To begin with, I think it is of decisive Environment Protection Commission importance to acknowledge that there is (HELCOM), Baltic Sea States Sub-regional a multitude of potentials to be harvested co-operation (BSSSC), Baltic Develop- from a more integrated Region, both ment Forum (BDF), Union of the Baltic internally and externally. A stronger Cities (UBC) – to name a few. The track cooperation in the fields of economy, record of cooperation so far is indeed energy, infrastructure and many others, satisfactory, yet there is still a long road and the promotion of a common labour to travel before we can talk about the market with fair conditions for industry Baltic Sea Region as a fully cohesive and labour, will strengthen the Region’s region. In my opinion, an open and competitiveness in a wider European all-embracing political dialogue is an and also global scale. North-West Russia, inherent component of the overall for instance, is home to over 13 million development of the Region. The BSPC, people and innumerable enterprises, for instance, with Russian Chairmanship and has great potential to contribute in 2011-2012, gathers parliamentarians substantially to the further growth and from altogether 27 parliaments and strength of the Region. parliamentary organizations around the Baltic Sea. BSPC constitutes an important

61 Multi-level Governance and Regional Cohesion Cooperation on health and social and action plans. It would, however, be welfare issues will doubtless reinforce advantageous from an overall regional social well-being throughout the Region, point of view if national plans were more which is a basic precondition for an explicitly attuned to comprehensive inclusive democracy and economic regional concerns and considerations. growth; cooperation on education and research helps boosting the intellectual It is fundamentally important to realize excellence of the whole Region; fighting that all major stakeholders in the Region crime and corruption makes the Region must be on board in order to tackle the a safer home for its citizens. Frequent challenges of the Region. No credible personal encounters and tourism cure to any of the Region’s ailments can promotes an understanding of the be found if some stakeholders are left common cultural heritage and nurtures outside the decision-making, resource- a sense of togetherness. Therefore, it is mobilizing and implementing processes. necessary to facilitate mobility within The EU- and non-EU- countries of the the Region as much as possible and to Region must be able to cooperate on an tear down administrative and physical equal footing. The further development hurdles, such as visa restrictions, for an of the Baltic Sea Region must become unimpeded movement of people and the common course. From this perspec- enterprises. This is especially pertinent tive, it might also be prudent to consider in border regions with a coherent econo- possible modes for the gradual involve- mic-geographic character which may ment of stakeholders in the immediate even share family ties. The facilitation vicinity of the Baltic Sea Region which of visa procedures between Norway and can contribute to the solution of the Russia for citizens of the Barents Region – common problems. so-called Pomor visas and the Agreement on the facilitation of mutual travel by I am also of the opinion that a successful residents of border territories – enhance management of the challenges of the people-to-people contacts and trade in Region requires an innovative mode of that region. Similar arrangements have regional governance. Governance here proven successful in border regions refers to a flexible and pragmatic pattern straddling Russia and Finland, and of interaction for information exchange recently Russia and Poland signed an and cooperation between stakeholders, agreement to facilitate travel between which can contribute to clarity and an Kaliningrad and its adjacent Polish overview over activities and resources, territories. and boost their individual and collective impact - in accordance with the venerable Moreover, we must recognize that formula that the whole is greater than challenges, as well as opportunities, trans- the sum of its parts. Such a structure or cend borders. Therefore, it is imperative pattern must also be transparent and to apply a cross-border perspective in allow for the inclusion of those ultimately our dealings with them. This does not affected by development: the citizens. by any means contradict or serve as a replacement for national strategies

62 A basic tenet of enhanced cooperation strategies of Integrated Maritime Poli- Multi-level Governance and Regional Cohesion in the Region, and thus cohesion, is cy and Marine Spatial Planning. What therefore to encourage the evolution of is called for, I would argue, is a deliberate division of labour between therefore a multi-dimensional mode of stakeholders, aiming at strengthening governance in the Region. Commendable their comparative advantages and, by efforts have already been launched to synergies, their combined capacity to support such patterns of interaction manage the challenges of the Region. and the Northern Dimension Parlia- A modest, but hopefully inspiring, mentary Forum is one of them. example is the close collaboration between CBSS and BSPC, in which we They are serving as a kind of Town Hall are attempting to synchronize our po- Meetings, where citizens, experts and litical priorities with those of the CBSS. decision-makers can congregate and A case in point is the close and mutu- exchange opinions and ideas. Perhaps ally beneficial cooperation between the they should also be complemented with CBSS and BSPC working bodies e.g. on a more condensed working meeting Trafficking in Human Beings, on Maritime format, a sort of a recurrent Round Policy, and on Green Economy. Another Table of Chairmen of the organizations such guiding example is the interaction in the Region, in order to pursue hands- between the CBSS, BSSSC and BSPC on discussions on how to complement working groups on Integrated Maritime each other’s competencies, promote Policy, resulting in a Joint Event in con- a division of labour, and synchronize nection with the European Maritime Day agendas and priorities. in 2011, and moving on from there. In a similar fashion, there should be a connec- At the end of the day, though, we should tion and complementarity between the always keep in mind that cooperation, in priorities of the North West Russia whatever format, ultimately will deserve Strategy and other overall policies of the its credibility both from the sense of par- Region. ticipation that citizens experience during its design and its implementation, and Against this background, I see the concept from its ability to deliver tangible and of multi-level governance as constructive. positive effects in people’s everyday life. It implies an interaction between stakeholders on a vertical axis – national, regional, local, and civic. It should also be supplemented by a horizontal dimension, one which embraces multi-sectoral governance in order to integrate various policy sectors into a holistic approach. Challenges are not only transcending territorial borders; they are also spilling over sectoral boundaries. Such a view is intrinsic to the macro- regional concept, as well as to the

63 2007

64 2008

65 66 Resilience and Inclusion in times of austerity

67 Siim Kallas Former Prime Minister of Estonia, European Commissioner for Transport

It is not only a time when we should ‘pull together’, but when “ we should also be reminding ourselves where one of our greatest strengths lies: the ability to show resilience in the face of adversity. Resilience and Inclusion in times of austerity If one word could sum up the character whole region, and the Council continues of the Baltic Region over the past two to carry out a very useful function today. decades, I believe that it would be But it has not all been ‘plain sailing’. transition. For the Baltic Sea States that I know best, the dramatic changes Two decades ago, the strength of those undergone by their societies, economies countries which witnessed the most and cultures during this period have fundamental and rapid changes – my caused an impact that reaches well own included - was demonstrated in their beyond the region. These transformations, ability to adapt, and to bounce back this transition into a completely new era, from adversity. That ability, I believe, have affected Europe itself. emanated from an undercurrent of resilience first learnt at a time when To take my own country: since Estonia the geopolitical circumstances were regained its independence in 1991, very different. Estonia has evolved into a true free- market democracy. It became a member Since then, resilience and stoicism of NATO and the European Union. Its GDP have been invaluable qualities that has increased almost eight times from have helped us cope with today’s the early 1990s – and it has also joined the financial crisis. We are living at a time euro zone. Estonia’s economy is highly of fiscal belt-tightening and budget rated by the World Bank and the Interna- austerity drives across Europe. tional Monetary Fund. All this has taken place over an impressively short period This is not only a time when we should of time. ‘pull together’, but when we should also be reminding ourselves where one of our One aspect which is often forgotten greatest strengths lies: the ability to about Estonia’s transition, and the similar show resilience in the face of adversity. transitions experienced by its neighbours Not merely on an individual or national at the same time, is the region’s mutual basis, but to repeat the mutual support support, solidarity and inclusiveness, the and solidarity that were so successful and overwhelming belief in the future, that necessary in the Baltic region all those were so important to make it all happen. years ago. This shows the value and importance of working together as partners in As Europeans, we still have many common a region. It was a change that was made goals to reach, and many challenges together, and so the success story is the to overcome. story of our success. One of the priorities of my current The new era was also marked by the role as vice-president of the European establishment of the Council of the Commission in charge of transport is Baltic Sea States in 1992. It was one of to oversee building of a strong and the first opportunities for all the Baltic comprehensive network to bring all countries to start working together on Europeans closer together. In transport common goals for the benefit of the policy, we are working hard to complete

69 Resilience and Inclusion in times of austerity the EU’s internal market by focusing on trade for the whole Baltic region. It will the “three I’s” – infrastructure, innovation benefit a wide swathe of Europe as well, and investment – to increase efficiency because Rail Baltic will link the three and the mobility of people and business. Baltic States, Finland and Poland into the planned Adriatic Corridor which stretch- As the foundation of any country’s es down through central Europe as far as economy and heart of the supply chain, Venice. transport drives economic growth and creates employment by enabling the At a time when we are all fighting to movement of people, goods and services. turn the corner out of the economic Networks are, after all, the arteries of gloom, we must be as inclusive as we trade. But transport represents much can. We need to ‘think European’ – more than that. It is also a development because, after all, we are all Europeans. strategy that links together our remoter regions, cities and towns and facilitates access to a huge, and at times physi- cally distant, market: the unified trading space of Europe’s 500 million consumers.

For the Baltic states, given their geographical location on the edge of Europe, nothing could be more important – both politically and economically. Countries on the geographical periphery always benefit from better links to the centre.

One of the primary tasks we have while building Europe’s wider transport network is to fill in the missing links that are hindering the development of a seamless supply chain to benefit all Euro- peans – people and business – by linking them across a vast geographical area. This is especially necessary in the case of periphery countries like the Baltic Sea states, to prevent an increasingly interconnected Western Europe leaving behind a more sparsely populated Eastern Europe. A good example of this kind of project is Rail Baltic, an important transport corridor which, when built, will bring all the major cities along its route into closer collaboration as well as boost

70 71 Baltic facts and figures population-sub-regions.jpg Source: GRID Arendal

Extent: The Baltic Sea covers 415,266 square kilometres, while its catchment area - at 1.7 million km2 - extends over an area about four times as large as the sea itself.

Depth: The average depth of the whole Baltic Sea is around 50 metres. The deepest waters are in the Landsort Deep in the Baltic Proper, where depths of 459 metres have been recorded.

Catchment area: In Germany, Denmark and Poland as much as 60-70% of the Baltic's catchment area consists of farmland. Forests, wetlands and lakes make up between 65% and 90% of the catchment area in Finland, Russia, Sweden and Estonia.

Population: Over 85 million people live in the Baltic catchment area - 26% of them in large metropolitan areas, 45% in smaller urban areas, and 29% in rural areas. Population densities vary from over 500 inhabitants per square kilometre in urbanised regions of Poland, Germany and Denmark to fewer than 10 inhabitants per square kilometre in northern parts of Finland and Sweden. Almost 15 million people live within 10 kilometres of the coast.

Shipping: Around 2,000 sizeable ships are normally at sea at any time in the Baltic, including large oil tankers, ships carrying dangerous and potentially polluting cargoes, and many large passenger ferries. The Baltic Sea has some of the busiest shipping routes in the world.

BALTIC FACTS AND FIGURES

Oulu 130,000

Reykjavik 119,108 Around 2,000 sizeable ships are normally at sea at any time in the Baltic, including large oil tankers, ships carrying dangerous and potentially polluting cargoes, and many large passenger ferries. The Baltic Sea has some of the busiest shipping routes in Turku the world 175,000 The Baltic Sea covers 415,266 www.helcom.fi square kilometres, while its catchment area - at 1.7 million km2 - extends over an area about four times as large as the Helsinki 579,016 sea itself. Oslo 611,491 St.Petersburg www. helcom.fi 4,700,000 Stockholm Espoo 843,139 234,400 Tallinn 401,774

About 85 million people live in the Baltic Copenhagen drainage basin, 15 million within 10 km of 502,204 the coast and 29 million within 50 km of The average depth of the whole Baltic Sea the coast. Around 22 million live in is around 50 metres. The deepest waters are in the Landsort Deep in the Baltic Proper, population centres of over 250,000. 90% Riga where depths of 459 metres have been of these are concentrated in the 10 km 709,000 band around the coast. Of the nations recorded. containing all or part of the basin, Poland includes 45% of the 85 million, Russia 12%, www.helcom.fi Gdynia Sweden 10% and the others less than 6% 255,600 Klaipeda each. Malmö 290,078 194,400 www.baltic.com Kaliningrad 400,000 Kiel 250,000

Gdansk Rostock 462,700 212,700 Szczecin Lübeck 413,600 216,100

CITY POPULATION 72 Baltic facts and figures population-sub-regions.jpg Source: GRID Arendal

Extent: The Baltic Sea covers 415,266 square kilometres, while its catchment area - at 1.7 million km2 - extends over an area about four times as large as the sea itself.

Depth: The average depth of the whole Baltic Sea is around 50 metres. The deepest waters are in the Landsort Deep in the Baltic Proper, where depths of 459 metres have been recorded.

BALTIC FACTS AND FIGURES

Oulu 130,000

Gdansk Rostock 462,700 212,700 Szczecin Lübeck 413,600 216,100

CITY POPULATION 73 2007

2003 2008

74 1996

2010

2008

2011

75 ICELAND DENMARK 1992 2002 2012 5

1992 2002 2012 0,262 0,288 0,329 n/a 816.450 1,746.700 8 5,162 5,368 5,557 3 3.732 4.840 4.506 11 906.595 1,372.737 1,906.208 3,048 2,5 5,966 2 10 2.091 2.402 2.2 -2 -2,27 0,53 10,055 4,777 4,364 POLAND 1 6 2,2 1,99 1,98 SWEDEN 1 2,01 2,41 7 1,7 1,73 1,74 2002 2002 1992 2012 4 9 1992 2012 5 FINLAND LITHUANIA 38,4 38,23 38,073 8,677 8,934 9,383 1 120.925 808.578 1,581.807 1,542.958 2,443.630 3,788.647 1992 2002 2012 1992 2002 2012 43.000 1.900 2.820 4.187 1.928 2.500 13,6 19,942 9,222 5,55 4,917 6,567 5,427 5,055 5,206 n/a 3,469 3,253 -1 -0,49 -0,47 2 2 2 202.128 83.038 143.646 n/a 52.070 112.538 2 1,37 1,3 1,9 0,95 1,65 2.866 2.010 1.997 n/a 0.344 2.562 11,725 9,075 7,588 n/a 13,764 14 NEGL 0,62 0,62 4 0,15 -0,72 9 11 1,7 1,7 1,73 2,1 1,4 1,25

3 7

40 % of the size corresponding to the scale of the rest of the countries

2 6 ESTONIA LATVIA 8 10

1992 2002 2012 1992 2002 2012 NORWAY RUSSIAN FEDERATION

n/a 1,361 1,334 2,677 2,346 2,235 1992 2002 2012 1992 2002 2012 5.758 14.247 n/a 7.776 16.929 1.143 Population / mln n/a 3.563 3.500 n/a 1.955 2.288 4,299 4,547 5,022 148,8 145,2 141,924 n/a 10,25 11,496 3,178 12,084 14,457 797.314 1,532.308 2,759.989 19.010 10,819.200 59,655.065 3 -0,73 -3,31 4 -1,23 -2,33 2.348 1.288 2.171 n/a 15.783 7.282 2,3 1,24 1,44 4 2,1 1,18 1,32 5,915 3,889 3,5 4,768 9 7,1 GDP / national currency, 2 2,1 1,7 1 0,94 0,29 current prices, billions GERMANY 1,8 1,8 1,77 2,1 1,3 1,42 Inflation Rate / % average consumer rates 1992 2002 2012

80,407 82,31 81,277 Unemployment Rate / 1,648.400 2,132.200 2,626.754 % of total labor force 5.046 1.355 1.300 6,575 8,7 6,151 Net migration rate 5 3,99 0,54 migrants/ 1,000 population 1,4 1,39 1,41 Fertility rate children/woman

76 source: CIA World Factbook 1992, 2002, 2011

source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook Database, September 2011 ICELAND DENMARK 1992 2002 2012 5

3 7

40 % of the size corresponding to the scale of the rest of the countries

2 6 ESTONIA LATVIA 8 10

1992 2002 2012 1992 2002 2012 NORWAY RUSSIAN FEDERATION n/a 1,361 1,334 2,677 2,346 2,235 1992 2002 2012 1992 2002 2012 5.758 14.247 n/a 7.776 16.929 1.143 Population / mln n/a 3.563 3.500 n/a 1.955 2.288 4,299 4,547 5,022 148,8 145,2 141,924 n/a 10,25 11,496 3,178 12,084 14,457 797.314 1,532.308 2,759.989 19.010 10,819.200 59,655.065 3 -0,73 -3,31 4 -1,23 -2,33 2.348 1.288 2.171 n/a 15.783 7.282 2,3 1,24 1,44 4 2,1 1,18 1,32 5,915 3,889 3,5 4,768 9 7,1 GDP / national currency, 2 2,1 1,7 1 0,94 0,29 current prices, billions GERMANY 1,8 1,8 1,77 2,1 1,3 1,42 Inflation Rate / % average consumer rates 1992 2002 2012

source: CIA World Factbook 1992, 2002, 2011 77

source: International Monetary Fund, World Economic Outlook Database, September 2011 78 The Machine Room

79 Jan Lundin Director General of the CBSS Secretariat

This region has achieved great things during the last “ twenty years. Still, there is no reason to be complacent.

80 The Machine room He took them out to the Baltic, through that the capitals; I was struck by the ease wonderful labyrinth of islands and water. with which one can now reach Gdansk from Stockholm daily. Gdansk is And those that met on board, and were regaining its historical prominence in carried by the same hull for a few hours, the region, and its role in the coming or a few days, how well did they get to European Football Championship will know each other? hopefully open the eyes of tourists in addition to business travelers for what Talking in misspelled English, understand- this historical business hub has to offer. ing and misunderstanding, but very little conscious lying. The CBSS Secretariat, founded in 1998, is constantly developing. Today, we are 20 How well did they get to know each other? people recruited from the entire region and situated – courtesy by the Swedish Government - in lovely premises in the These lines by Nobel Prize laureate Old Town of Stockholm. The constant Tomas Tranströmer, in “Baltics” (1974) challenge is to balance support to describing his grandfathers life as a the Council and the high-level meet- pilot in the Stockholm archipelago to me ings with a project-oriented approach, catches the “implementing level” of Baltic implementing concrete activities in Sea regional cooperation. Our region is line with CBSS priorities. The project wonderful, and so far I have experienced orientation is chiefly pursued by no conscious lying. As to the English, CBSS “brands” such as the CBSS it may at times still be misspelled, but Expert Group on Sustainable Develop- when I compare the skills I encounter in ment (Baltic 21), the CBSS Task Force this language today with when I travelled against Trafficking in Human Beings 20 years ago in e.g. Poland, Russia and (TF-THB) and the CBSS Expert Group on Lithuania, the improvement is striking. Cooperation on Children at Risk (EGCC). The same obviously goes for the travelling experience. Arriving with a train The CBSS through the Secretariat ferry from Swedish Trelleborg at East participates actively in relevant parts German Sassnitz before the fall of the iron of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea curtain was not a pleasant experience. Region, e.g. civil security cooperation and Today, the north German ferry sustainable development. I dare say the harbours just want you to proceed Strategy has improved transparency onto the Autobahns as soon as pos- and awareness of our regional sible, rather than to subject travelers cooperation thanks to its system of to thorough searches. yearly stakeholder conferences and priority area coordinators. Through Even more important for the CBSS the CBSS, Russian participation can be Secretariat, however, is the inexpensive organized in areas where there is a and extensive air travel network available mutual benefit for both the EU and the to business travelers in the Baltic Sea Russian Federation. region of today. This goes not only for

81 The Machine room The CBSS Secretariat hopes to be dic Council of Ministers on this. similarly useful in support of Baltic The culmination of the Partnership Sea related elements of the recent- would be a Conference at the end of ly enacted Russian Strategy for the the two-year period, at which existing Development of North Western Federal and future regional cooperation efforts District. at modernization would be highlighted.

In a similar vein, The 7 June CBSS We believe cooperation can be expand- Oslo Ministerial declaration “tasked the ed in sectors such as tourism, youth Committee of Senior Officials to set exchange, university cooperation and up and start implementing a program more. This region has achieved great of modernization of the South Eastern things during the last twenty years. Still, Baltic Sea area with special focus on the there is no reason to be complacent. Kaliningrad region and its neighbour- The divide in living standards in the hood, and to report to the 9th Bal- region is still too large. From reading tic Sea States Summit in 2012 as history books, my sense is that we still well as to the 17th Ministerial Session have some way to go before we are back of the CBSS to be held in 2013.” at the level of visa freedom and region- This – modernization through (sub)real interaction prevalent 100 years ago, gional cooperation – represents a new at a time when the word “Baltic” in the and inclusive way of working for the Swedish language actually referred to CBSS. The South Eastern Baltic Area the entire region, and not to the three faces many challenges when trying Baltic States. When this semantic shift to converge economically with more has been re-established, and when “Bal- affluent parts of the Baltic Sea Region. tic Sea Food” is just as common a term as “Nordic Food” or “Nordic Design” The CBSS wishes to address these complacency may be called for, but challenges through what this not before…. organisation stands for – regional cooperation. It wants to bring attention to what this part of the Baltic Sea region has to offer, and to support its efforts to modernize and interact with other parts of the region. It will build on what has already been achieved and on recent developments such as the signing of a Polish-Russian cross-border travel agreement 14 December 2011.

A first step has been employing, thanks to support by the current German CBSS Presidency, locally a project coordinator on site in Kaliningrad, and cooperating closely with the Office of the Nor-

82 83 The CBSS renames CBSS Structural Development The 1st Summit of the institution of Baltic Sea States in Apr: The CBSS “Commissioner on Visby establishes Working democratic Group of Senior institutions and At the 12th meeting of Agenda for Action calls Heritage Experts, the human rights, the Directors General for a reinforced Baltic Sea Monitoring including the rights of on Tax Administration co-operation between Group on Heritage persons belonging to of the Baltic Sea police, border, customs, Cooperation minorities” to simply States held in immigration and coast “Commissioner on Helsingborg, Sweden, guard authorities 22/23 Jun: The CBSS it was decided that The CBSS creates Democratic 7th Ministerial Session the network would be the position of a Development” Baltic Sea Region Border gathered in Nyborg, terminated in its Baltic 21 is integrated Commissioner 20 Mar: The CBSS Control Cooperation is Denmark, establishes a current form and will into the structure of on Democratic The CBSS establishes ministers in charge of established Permanent International be replaced by a new, the CBSS as an Expert Institutions and EuroFaculty in economy and trade Secretariat more operational the Group on Sustainable Human Rights, Kaliningrad adopt Moscow Action The 1st Summit in Visby, CBSS Senior Officials Development including the Rights Plan, guideline for establishes a Task Force Agenda 21 for Baltic Network on Tax 5/6 March: Council of of Persons belonging The CBSS ministers in Working Group on on Organised Crime in Sea Region [Baltic 21] Cooperation the CBSS Secretariat the Baltic Sea States to Minorities charge of economy Economic the Baltic Sea Region. is adopted moves to the new is established during and trade adopt the Co-operation. The declartion premises in the Ministerial The CBSS creates the Bergen Action Plan, Agenda 21 – initiative for Baltic Sea countries accepted during the Räntmästarhuset in Meeting in position of a guideline for Working 6/9 Jun: The 2nd sustainable develop- and the European Summit in Riga the Old Town of The CBSS becomes a Copenhagen Commissioner on Group on Economic Conference of CBSS ment in the BSR; Commission initiate specifies 5 long term Stockholm lead partner of the EU Democratic Co-operation Youth Ministers in The CBSS establishes officially launched by intergovernmental Baltic priorities of the CBSS Baltic Sea Strategy Expert Group on Institutions and Vilnius, Lithuania Task Force against Ministers of Environment Sea Energy cooperation which are The Task Force against Flagship project 14.3 Nuclear Radiation Human Rights, Italy welcomed as an decides to establish The network within Trafficking in Human of CBSS Member States BASREC. environment, Trafficking in Human and Safety EGNRS including the Rights of observer state Working Group on the framework of the Beings with focus on in October 1996 in economic develop- Beings launches Feb5: The CBSS is established Persons belonging to Youth Affairs [WGYA] TF-CDC are adults Saltsjöbaden 20 Oct: Permanent ment, the information celebrates its 20th Minorities. In 2000 the Task Force on maintained within the International Secretariat energy, campaign Safe Trip anniversary marked Working Group on position was renamed Communicable The first annual Northern Dimension 9 Mar: Activities of A Baltic Business of the CBSS inaugurated education & culture, (www.safetrip.se) on by the Ministerial Democratic to Commissioner on Diseases Control meeting of the CBSS Partnership in public the Ad-Hoc Working Advisory Council (BAC) at Strömsborg in civil security & the the EU anti-trafficking Meeting at Plön Institutions (WGDI) is Democratic (TF-CDC) is Civil Protection health and social Group on Transport was established Stockholm human dimension day Castle in Germany established Development established Network well-being (NDPHS) are suspended

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

The 5th Ministerial The 16th Ministerial in The CBSS launches Iceland joins The CBSS establishes Principles and 27/28 Sep: Ad-Hoc Commissioner on Jul: The CBSS The CBSS launches Session in Elsinore, Oslo decides to initiate EuroFaculty the CBSS Business Advisory Guidelines for Working Group on Democratic EuroFaculty EuroFaculty Denmark, welcomes SEBA - a programme programme in Council, BAC, an the Third Party Transport (WGT) is Devolment mandate programme in Baltic programme in Pskov, the decision to set up of modernization of the Baltic States The Baltic Sea autonomous body Participation in the established by a deemed fulfilled, States ends Russia; EuroFaculty in an Expert Group on the South Eastern customs cooperation with aim of giving CBSS Activities and decision of the 4th position subsequently Kaliningrad ends Maritime Policy. Baltic Area with The Baltic Sea States is initiated at a advice to CBSS Meetings which CBSS Ministers of terminated at the end the mandate of SOIS special focus on the Subregional meeting in Bornholm, governing bodies permits the Transport conference of year is completed The Balticness project Belarus, Spain and Kaliningrad region and Cooperation is Denmark regarding economic designation of in Gdansk starts, initiated by the Romania welcomed its neighborhood established in and business matters Observer status. 24 Oct: following the Latvian Presidency of response to a call by 31 Oct: The Working decision of the 5th the CBSS as observer states Expert Group on the CBSS to improve CBSS 8th Ministerial Group for Baltic Sea Customs the WGDI and the Customs Cooperation subregional Session in Palanga, Co-operation on conference in Riga, WGEC are dissolved and Border-Crossing cooperation in the Lithuania welcomes Children at Risk work within Baltic Aspects is Baltic Sea Region as observers [WGCC] is Sea Customs Expert Group on discontinued The United States established after a Co-operation ends Maritime Policy Working Group on of America, The decision taken at a (EGMP) is established The Expert Group on Economic United Kingdom, high-level meeting Working Group on with a first meeting Nuclear and Radiation Cooperation (WGEC) Ukraine and France of the CBSS high Customs Cooperation is established officials responsible and Border-Crossing in Vilnius Safety launches for Children’s Issues Aspects is established new report on in Stockholm Environmental Following a decision radiation monitoring The Netherlands and of the 5th Baltic Sea programmes Slovakia welcomed as Customs Conference among the members observer states in Riga, Latvia, the and observers work within the Baltic of the Council of the The Senior Officials Sea Customs Baltic Sea States on Information Cooperation forum Society (SOIS) was has come to an end. International established The collaboration was Organisation for set to continue within Migrtion (IOM) the CBSS framework becomes a strategic partner of the CBSS The CBSS renames CBSS Structural Development The 1st Summit of the institution of Baltic Sea States in Apr: The CBSS “Commissioner on Visby establishes Working democratic Group of Senior institutions and At the 12th meeting of Agenda for Action calls Heritage Experts, the human rights, the Directors General for a reinforced Baltic Sea Monitoring including the rights of on Tax Administration co-operation between Group on Heritage persons belonging to of the Baltic Sea police, border, customs, Cooperation minorities” to simply States held in immigration and coast “Commissioner on Helsingborg, Sweden, guard authorities 22/23 Jun: The CBSS it was decided that The CBSS creates Democratic 7th Ministerial Session the network would be the position of a Development” Baltic Sea Region Border gathered in Nyborg, terminated in its Baltic 21 is integrated Commissioner 20 Mar: The CBSS Control Cooperation is Denmark, establishes a current form and will into the structure of on Democratic The CBSS establishes ministers in charge of established Permanent International be replaced by a new, the CBSS as an Expert Institutions and EuroFaculty in economy and trade Secretariat more operational the Group on Sustainable Human Rights, Kaliningrad adopt Moscow Action The 1st Summit in Visby, CBSS Senior Officials Development including the Rights Plan, guideline for establishes a Task Force Agenda 21 for Baltic Network on Tax 5/6 March: Council of of Persons belonging The CBSS ministers in Working Group on on Organised Crime in Sea Region [Baltic 21] Cooperation the CBSS Secretariat the Baltic Sea States to Minorities charge of economy Economic the Baltic Sea Region. is adopted moves to the new is established during and trade adopt the Co-operation. The declartion premises in the Ministerial The CBSS creates the Bergen Action Plan, Agenda 21 – initiative for Baltic Sea countries accepted during the Räntmästarhuset in Meeting in position of a guideline for Working 6/9 Jun: The 2nd sustainable develop- and the European Summit in Riga the Old Town of The CBSS becomes a Copenhagen Commissioner on Group on Economic Conference of CBSS ment in the BSR; Commission initiate specifies 5 long term Stockholm lead partner of the EU Democratic Co-operation Youth Ministers in The CBSS establishes officially launched by intergovernmental Baltic priorities of the CBSS Baltic Sea Strategy Expert Group on Institutions and Vilnius, Lithuania Task Force against Ministers of Environment Sea Energy cooperation which are The Task Force against Flagship project 14.3 Nuclear Radiation Human Rights, Italy welcomed as an decides to establish The network within Trafficking in Human of CBSS Member States BASREC. environment, Trafficking in Human and Safety EGNRS including the Rights of observer state Working Group on the framework of the Beings with focus on in October 1996 in economic develop- Beings launches Feb5: The CBSS is established Persons belonging to Youth Affairs [WGYA] TF-CDC are adults Saltsjöbaden 20 Oct: Permanent ment, the information celebrates its 20th Minorities. In 2000 the Task Force on maintained within the International Secretariat energy, campaign Safe Trip anniversary marked Working Group on position was renamed Communicable The first annual Northern Dimension 9 Mar: Activities of A Baltic Business of the CBSS inaugurated education & culture, (www.safetrip.se) on by the Ministerial Democratic to Commissioner on Diseases Control meeting of the CBSS Partnership in public the Ad-Hoc Working Advisory Council (BAC) at Strömsborg in civil security & the the EU anti-trafficking Meeting at Plön Institutions (WGDI) is Democratic (TF-CDC) is Civil Protection health and social Group on Transport was established Stockholm human dimension day Castle in Germany established Development established Network well-being (NDPHS) are suspended

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

The Council under the The Council under the The Council under the The Council under the The Council under the The Council under the The Council under the The Council under the The Council under the The Council under the Finnish Presidency: Polish Presidency: Latvian Presidency: Lithuanian Presidency: German Presidency: Finnish Presidency: Polish Presidency: Swedish Presidency: Danish Presidency: Norwegian Presidency:

Continues its efforts in line Acknowledges that the flow of Expresses its satisfaction Notes the valuable Acknowledges its Acknowledges that Emphasises the need of Confirms its desire to Reaffirms the Reaffirms the core role with CSCE principles to information on the activities with the EU support in the contribution made by the development as a high cooperation within the the further strengthening increase cooperation Declaration on the of the CBSS as a support progress towards of various non-government Region, as set out in the ministerial conferences held profile contributor to the CBSS should continue to be of civil society and in the BSR in all fields Reform of the CBSS forum for all democracy, and respect for and local associations and Commission's Baltic Sea in the areas of environment, regional policy within the based on demands and enhancing mutual considered relevant adopted in Riga 2008 multilateral and promotion of human organizations in the Baltic Region Initiative spatial planning, transport, initiative of the Northern clear priorities. All CBSS knowledge and to enhancing the intergovernmental rights and fundamental Sea Region was improved culture, labour market, youth, Dimension, and confirms structures and working interaction between the competitiveness of Endorses the Terms of cooperation in the freedoms and the rights of Stresses the opportunities trade and industry, small and its intention to play an bodies will adapt and citizens in the CBSS area the region including Reference of the CBSS Baltic Sea Region persons belonging to national Notes with satisfaction to use comparative medium sized enterprises active role in its optimise their activities in education, civil security, and of its Secretariat minorities progress in the development advantages around the (SMEs), energy and children further development and the context of the Indicates the need of the sustainable Takes effective of democracy in the region, Baltic Sea, as well as the at risk implementation forthcoming enlargement EU-Russia dialogue, development and the Enhances the project measures to make Endorses in principle the idea and underlines the necessity important role to be played of the EU especially by enriching it environment orientation Council more visible to establish a post of a CBSS to continue activities aimed by cross-border Stresses the importance of Appreciates the initiative with regional, subregional and action-oriented Commissioner for Human at its consolidation cooperation the further implementation of to support the NGOs in Welcomes the elaboration and local elements of Decides to reform the Decides to set up an Rights and Minorities Kalmar Action Program of North-eastern Europe in of a new action plan for the cooperation CBSS, on the basis Expert Group on Focuses on Maritime Questions Welcomes the establishment Notes the progress made in July 1996 developing common Northern Dimension for the of agreed priorities, Maritime Policy Policy and Human of the Commissioner's regard to free travel in the goals and activities period of 2004-06 Acknowledges that the with the aim of Trafficking as the Continues and will continue to Secretariat in Copenhagen Region and the bilateral Supports implementation of accession of Estonia, revitalising Accepts the request priorities of the support the implementation and the conclusion of the agreements concluded the Northern Dimension of Promotes human rights Notes that the Finnish Latvia, Lithuania and and making the by Baltic 21 to presidency of concrete projects on the Agreement on the Secretariat between the countries on the EU and cooperation in and their implementa- Presidency hosted a series Poland to the European organisation, including integrate into the basis of priorities established between the Government of abolition of visas, as well as key areas: infrastructure, tion, consolidating of high-level Northern Union has brought new the Secretariat, better CBSS as an Expert Welcomes an initiative by common agreement Denmark and other Member ratification of relevant trade and investment, nuclear democratic development Dimension Forums on the opportunities and equipped to focus Group to modernize the States international conventions safety and energy, environ- following subjects: Social challenges to regional on priority actions South Eastern Baltic Decides to establish a ment and crossborder co- Recognises that the Protection and Health (in cooperation in many Continues the Sea area with special "Euro-faculty" in Riga in operation, democracy and intensive energy Joensuu); Information and areas. pursuance of focus on the cooperation with the rule of law, education and hu- co-operation in the Communication Long-term Priorities Kaliningrad region universities of Tartu and man resources, public health region is of fundamental Technologies (in Pori); the Vilnius and social administration importance Labour Market (in Helsinki)

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Estonia Sweden Denmark Norway Russia Estonia Iceland Latvia Lithuania Germany Copenhagen, March 5-6, 1992

The Council under the The Council under the The Council under the The Council under the The Council under the The Council under the The Council under the The Ministers decide to The Council under the The Council under the The Council under the Russian Presidency: Estonian Presidency: Icelandic Presidency: German Presidency Norwegian Presidency: Latvian Presidency: Lithuanian Presidency establish a "Council of the Estonian Presidency: Swedish Presidency: Danish Presidency: Baltic Sea States" as a Acknowledges that the Expects that the Welcomes the first-time is committed to the Welcomes the Action Plan Endorses the Declaration accepts the declaration regional undertaking to Welcomes the positive Affirms their support for the Welcomes the meeting of pending EU enlargement enlargement of the EU will participation in the Summit decisions of the 2008 for the Northern Dimension on the reform of the CBSS entitled “A vision for the promote new ideas for outcome of the negotiations process of co-operation in the European Council in will open new prospects for create new opportunities of the President of the Baltic Sea States Summit in the external and in order to better facilitate Baltic Sea Region by cooperation while between the European the Baltic Sea Region with Luxembourg, which took EU-Russia relations but at for deepening regional Standing Committee of the in Riga on the reform of the crossborder policies of project identification, fund 2020” and states its maintaining close relations Union and Finland, Norway particular emphasis on the historic decision to the same time may create cooperation among the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Council and of the 2010 the EU endorsed by the raising and project conviction that the Baltic with other States and and Sweden on their promoting the Region as an launch the European Union new problems, including Baltic Sea states and all Conference (BSPC), and Baltic Sea States Summit European Council, and management Sea Region, on the basis international organizations. accession to the EU area where cooperation, (EU) accession process with in the sphere of trade, partners involved in looks forward to valuable in Vilnius on “Vision 2020 confirms its intention to of democracy and market the CBSS countries economic cooperation enhancing the prosperity cooperation and the for the Baltic Sea Region” play an active role in its Specifies 5 long term Within the framework of this Identifies the development economy prevail Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and human contacts of the Baltic Sea Region exchange of information further development and priorities of the CBSS -respect for democratic Council, the Ministers agreed of regional transport and Poland between the BSPC and the Endeavours to further implementation in key which are principles, human rights that special attention should and energy transmission Stresses the identity and Welcomes the intention Welcomes the results of the CBSS environment, and the rule of law, develop the ability of the Welcomes the continued areas be given to the following networks as priority areas significance of the Baltic Sea of the EU and Russia to EU-Russia Summit in economic development, CBSS and its Secretariat to areas of cooperation: for increased regional Region and the strong links development of the regional continue discussions on Moscow on 21 May 2004 Welcomes and encourages design and implement Stresses the need for energy, -active civil societies, coordination and urges forged through neighbour- identity, based on ties of these matters and express their the increased cooperation concrete projects. co-ordination of education & culture, -increasingly integrated Assistance to new democratic the implementation of hood, trade, culture and neighbourhood, common conviction that joint between the CBSS, the development projects civil security & the human and interdependent institutions infrastructure projects history history, common cultural Emphasises the objective activities by the enlarged Arctic Council, the Barents Pursues coherent in the framework of dimension economies, deemed to be of regional heritage, democratic values, of creating a EU-Russia EU, other members Euro-Arctic Council and the framework for cooperation Economic and technological PHARE, TACIS and significance Discusses various measures respect of human rights Common European of the European Economic Nordic Council of Ministers in the Baltic Sea Region. assistance and cooperation INTERREG, as well as Refers to the significance -developed social in the three areas of and fundamental freedoms Economic Space. Existing Area, and the Russian (NCM), together with the bilateral assistance in order of the Northern Dimension dialogue and social Humanitarian matters and Underlines the importance of increased people-to-people opportunities should be Federation will enhance European Union Policy Framework and the cohesion Aims at using the CBSS health Stresses the importance of to promote balanced a balanced development cooperation and civic used to the full with the aim political stability and Strategy for the Baltic Sea potential in implementing combating organised crime growth in the region Protection of the environment of ports and maritime security, economic of reaching a high degree economic dynamism Welcomes the development Region under preparation has the potential to the EUSBSR transport in the region and development and integration and illegal immigration of economic integration. around the Baltic Sea of co-operation between and energy Decides to establish a in the European Union become one of the most a rational development of and strengthened and calles for the signing of public and private actors, Focuses on the EuroFaculty Kaliningrad prosperous, innovative Cooperation in the field of interconnections with road environmental protection readmission agreements Emphasises the need to such as the Baltic development of the project for support to and competitive regions culture, education, tourism and and rail transport links which could be implemented among the countries in the improve business Development Forum (BDF), Kaliningrad region and the information the faculties of Economics in the world, using the through action programmes region conditions in the region, promoting a stronger, more South Eastern Baltic Area. and Law of Kaliningrad strengths of the Council to be further elaborated by both jointly and individually, competitive and visible Transport and communication State University from 1 of the Baltic Sea States the CBSS in order to increase trade Baltic Sea Region Promotes public-private September 2000 and other existing Baltic and investment Sea regional partnerships and develops cooperation frameworks. incentives for the development of the Baltic Sea Region and private * Baltic Sea States Summit hosted in Riga, 22-23 January 1998 investments within

This graph illustrates and lists important conclusions, decisions and reforms SUMMITS AND COUNCIL MINISTERIAL SESSIONS taken under the presidencies rotating on annual basis. For the full reference, MINISTERIAL SESSION SUMMIT SUMMIT & MINISTERIAL SESSION please consult the declarations and documents on www.cbss.org/Summits-and-Council-Ministerials Finland Poland Latvia Lithuania Germany Finland Poland Sweden Denmark Norway

1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

Estonia Sweden Denmark Norway Russia Estonia Iceland Latvia Lithuania Germany Copenhagen, March 5-6, 1992

Andris Piebalgs Former European Commissioner for Energy, currently European Commissioner for Development

“ The Baltic Sea region is unique in Europe for its history and geography. Equally, it has a model of political collaboration which is the envy of many. And, importantly, people in this region have a lot of innovative and forward-looking ideas. If we work together effectively to tackle the energy security challenges – bringing down energy demand, investing in diverse and sustainable supplies and building up international alliances - then we will be dealing with the climate threat as well. Climate policies and energy security are two sides of the same coin. Both will take us closer to a more secure and sustainable energy economy

Mr. Andris Piebalgs, representing the European Commission, at the Baltic Sea Region Business Forum, Plenary Session on Energy Security, 3-4 June, parallel to the 7th Baltic Sea States Sum- mit, Riga Latvia

Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir Former Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of Iceland

“ Trafficking in human being is an appalling crime that reveals the utter contempt of those who engage in such activities towards human dignity and wellbeing. We must make every effort of rooting out this terrible practice.” Better policing will certainly play an important part in the fight against trafficking in human beings. But we must take further steps and also tackle the economic and social roots of this problem, which include gender in- equalities and poverty that prevail in some parts of this region. I am convinced that it is in this field the work of the CBSS can accomplish the most in improving the lives of those living in the Baltic Sea Region

Ms Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir speaking at the CBSS 14th Ministerial Session in Malmö on 13 June 2007 Ingibjörg Sólrún Gísladóttir

photo source: nato.int Jens Stoltenberg Prime Minister of Norway

“ The Council of the Baltic Sea States in an important forum for many reasons; one reason is that it creates a forum where EU Members can cooperate with Iceland, Russia and my own country Norway as non EU members in this region . Norway will make Maritime Policy a key priority. Maritime transport constitutes a large part of the trade in the BSR. It represents 15% of roads cargo traffic and is expected to increase – at any given times there are 2000 ships in the Bal- tic Sea and by 2017 we expect that the transport of containers and cargo will be tripled and the oil transport will be increased by 40 %. Sea transport and shipping sources are closely link to both energy and environment and therefore it underlies the importance of addressing Maritime Policy. Shipping is important for the future economic development of the region. We will use the Council´s Expert Group on Maritime Policy group to take new initiatives related to shipping and Maritime Policy

Mr. Jens Stoltenberg speaking at the 8th Baltic Sea States Summit in Vilnius, 2010, highlighting one priority of Norway during their forthcoming CBSS Presidency 2010-2011, which would utilize the recently established CBSS Expert Group on Maritime Policy Jens Stoltenberg 2012 95 2012

96 97 98 The year 2012 marks 20 years of cooperation in a new political environment in the Baltic Sea Region. The forms of cooperation are steadily evolving, together with the CBSS.

The Council Conclusions on the review of the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region adopted in November 2011 encouraged Member States, under integration with multilateral structures and third party cooperation, to seek synergy effects with the Council of the Baltic Sea States, in order to serve as a cooperation platform and to involve relevant partners, in particular the Russian Federation.

On January 1st 2012 the North-West Russia Socio-Economic Development Strategy was launched in the Russian Federation. The CBSS hopes to add value here as well.

99 www.cbss.org www.twitter.com/ CBSSsecretariat

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