Northern Dimension & the Oceans and Seas The 15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Reykjavík · 4–5 September, 2006 Speeches at the Conference The 15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference – are to be found at www.bspc.net Northern Dimension and the Oceans and Seas

i.

Northern Dimension and  the Oceans and Seas

The 15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (bspc) took place in Reykjavík, the northernmost European capital with the oldest dating back to the year of 930. Although distant to the Baltic Sea, it served as the perfect host for this year’s Confer- ence with its extraordinary nature and welcoming atmosphere. At the Conference issues such as the environment, with particu- lar focus on the Baltic Sea, the Northern Dimension and how to further strengthen co-operation in the Region, were discussed. Northern Dimension & the Oceans and Seas The Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference is These themes have always been central to the discussions in the an annually organised conference where par- © Nordic Council, Copenhagen 2006 liamentarians from both national and regional Region, but this year special emphasis was put on how to make Print: Akaprint a/s, Århus 2006 in the Baltic Sea region participate. Design: Kjell Olsson the work of the Conference more effective, i.e. how to move from Copies: 700 According to its objectives bspc shall aim at the discussion level of activities to the concretisation of them. strengthening the common identity of the Baltic Printed on environmentally-friendly paper The objective of the bspc is to strengthen the common iden- Sea Region by close co-operation between par- Printed in Denmark liaments. bspc shall initiate and guide political tity of the Baltic Sea Region by close co-operation between activities in the region and further regional national and regional parliaments, and it shall initiate and guide co-operation especially towards the Council of political activities in the Region. The underlying concept of the Baltic Sea States. The Conference is a forum for debate and information exchange between par- rules for the Standing Committee, which is the permanent politi- liaments and other organisations in the region. cal body of the conference, is to make the presence of parliamen- tary co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region felt beyond the annual www.bspc.net conference. All national and regional parliaments in the Baltic

The Nordic Council was formed in 1952 to Sea Region send delegates to the annual conference, as do some promote cooperation between the parliaments invited international organizations as well. and governments of Denmark, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. joined in 1955. At the The Nordic Council Secretariat sessions held by the Council, representatives in Copenhagen functions as secretariat from the Faroe Islands and Greenland form for the bspc. part of the Danish delegation, while Åland is

represented on the Finnish delegation. The Democracy and Stability for Responsibilities Concernsand Shared Nordic Council Council consists of 87 elected members – all of Store Strandstræde 18 whom are members of parliament. The Nordic dk-1255 Copenhagen K ­Council takes initiatives, acts in a consultative Phone (+45) 33 96 04 00 ­capacity and monitors cooperation measures. Fax (+45) 33 11 18 70 The Council operates via its institutions: the Plenary Assembly, the Presidium and standing www.norden.org committees.  15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference and with a motto reading: ronment and safety; transportation; and, trade and investment the objectives under the Swedish facilitate co-operation between the Mr Persson on this issue, a nevertheless, formal agreement would Bodewig, importance of co-operation with parliamentarians. Mr. Kurt closer co-operation on the working level, and he stressed the being that a formal document is not required in order reach Officials, but without any successful outcome.The reason for this cussed on several occasions in the tive of the the Baltic Sea Region. Mr Persson explained that, on the initia the co-operation between the governments and Parliaments in was invited. This event can be seen as a further strengthening of of the held in Reykjavik in June and where for the first time theChair cials, referred to the 6th Baltic Sea States Summit, which was Sea States ( ter Persson, Ambassador, Chairman of the Council of the Baltic past. has been instrumental in implementing such co-operation in the importance of co-operation,inter-parliamentary and the Because of the strong history,parliamentary Iceland stresses the Sea Region, if not geographically, then politically and culturally. described how Icelanders view themselves as part of the Baltic Pétursdóttir, the President of the Icelandic Parliament, Althingi, In her address to the participants of the 15th the Baltic Sea Region Co-operation in “ On the issue of further co-operation in the Region, H.E. Chris vicinity of the Baltic Sea States” cils, structures and organizations, and with countries in the and concrete results in collaboration with other regional coun Co-operation to achieve common objectives, greater visibility, II. bspc mp bspc Standing Committee, represented by Ms Arja Alho, cbss of the Federal Republic of Germany, agreed with , a more formalized collaboration had been dis ) governing body, the Committee of Senior Offi

cbss cbss cbss Presidency we find envi Committee of Senior and the bspc bspc , Ms Sólveig . Among bspc - - -

- - - the observer the status observer the Region are important instruments in further developing co-operation in the society, and facilitate economic growth in the Region. Other vail in order to increase welfare, strengthen cohesion and civil a new level during the past years, and co-operation needs to pre Ms Arja Alho, Finnish Ms Arja Alho and Ms Sólveig Pétursdóttir. ments. Co-operation between the tinuity in the representation of the national and regional parlia olution at this Conference, which will hopefully bring about con first time the Extended Standing Committee will discuss the Res which has been developed during the past year. Moreover, for the in addition to this, also to work by a written work programme, tant issue has been to implement the Conference Resolution and, assumed their tasks in the Standing Committee. Another impor in Germany and the have Conference in Vilnius in 2005 and that representatives from both the rules of the Conference had been changed at the previous issues and putting them on the agenda. Ms Alho explained that region. She also stressed the importance of discussing common democracy liamentary has been established and founded in the participants at this year’s Conference, which evidenced that par in this region. Ms Alho expressed her gratitude to see so many est in Europe, there are still big differences between the countries natural and human resources, and economic growth is the high Committee. Although the Baltic Sea Region has a combination of few important very issues in her report from the eu policies and activities in the Baltic Sea area, and mp bspc and Chair of the has at the Helsinki Commission, bspc and the bspc cbss , pointed out a bspc has reached Standing ------ Northern Dimension and the Oceans & Seas  15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference just just like the Nordic countries. make the entire Baltic Sea Region into a global winner region, vidual parliaments. He continued by giving examples of how to vidual reports, country on mutual agreed decisions in the indi includes some following-up measures, which could include indi the need for it. His proposal was therefore to design a model that governments turn to them asking for co-operation since they see the Conference were thus urged to strive for a situation where the the parliamentarians’ decisions. The parliamentarians attending ing-up on agreed decisions governments are required to follow ernments, since these depend on the parliaments, and by follow Russia. Parliamentarians have the leverage to pressuse their gov with Russia and a close and strong participation on the part of bouring on the Baltic Sea can only be done in close co-operation the opportunities that can be created for the countries neigh governments in the Region can be noted. Mr Stavad stressed that priority given to the Baltic Sea co-operation on the part of many Conference. Unfortunately, however, a reduction of the level of once agreement can be achieved among the participants of the their party groups and parliaments, power is almost unlimited parliamentarians, who not only represent themselves, but also his views on how to achieve influence.parliamentary By being connections between the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea regions. each other’s conferences since this will increase parliamentary tion. Mr Dimitrov stressed the importance of participating at issues, and how to further co-operation in the regions in ques similar; they both comprise environmental, marine strategy indicated that the agendas of the Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Co-operation ( trov, Chair of the Bulgarian delegation to the Parliamentary are prepared to pay their contributions. ative has received positive feedback and all (but one) parliaments parliaments to contribute to the payments of the from the costs have increased. Consequently, the through further co-operation with other organisations these become established as an important actor in the Region and in charge of all the costs for the secretariat and as the port the work of the secretariat. At present the Nordic Council is achieved. Ms Alho also presented new financial decisions to sup Europe, such as the bspc helcom In his greeting to the Conference participants, Mr Petar Dimi­ Mr , the President of the Nordic Council, expressed and regional inter-parliamentary bodies in South-East . Furthermore, by information exchange between the cbss and modified it accordingly to invite also regional pabsec , further co-operation can be bspc and the bspc has copied a model pabsec bspc pabsec bspc . This initi are very has ), ------gested. in accordance with the Conference Resolution, Mr Thönnes sug addition to continue the discussions at home, it should be done ans, but that the two should rather work on the same level. In sible for governments to seek assistance from the parliamentari disagreed with Mr Stavad and said that in his opinion, it is unfea in order for co-operation to be strengthened, Mr Stavad stressed. make use of constructive criticism, as these were the only means the participants of the Conference. Everyone should be open and been taken at home, something that was agreed upon by many of to do their homework and report back on what initiatives have ate across national frontiers. To conclude, Mr Stavad called for all example being the development of the efforts in order for an effective outcome to be possible. One basis for a winning region. There are many areas that need joint care) together with competition between the countries create the security, has everybody the right to free education and free health (e.g. social security nets where the unemployed have financial By having a flat powerstructure and inclusive welfare measures Mr Franz Thönnes Mr Franz Thönnes, German mp and State Secretary, however ngo s which can co-oper - - - -  Northern Dimension and the Oceans & Seas  15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference of the work of Chair of the pened. At the Sea area was published. However, littlevery has actually hap expectations since her report on the role of the Ms , Finnish and is still waiting for a reply. Minister sent a letter to his Russian colleagues in February 2006 time, and the situation needs to be resolved. The Polish Foreign rowicz, the Russian side has closed the Pilawa Strait from time to shipping in the Vistula lagoon, where, according to Mr Woszcze regarding Russian and Polish relations. The issue in question is could be used in the future when addressing minority issues. language and minority affairs adopted in Schleswig-Holstein, ing the Danish speaking minority, suggested that the model on discussion of the as it would have a positive impact in terms of a more in-depth urged all participating parliaments to introduce the same process by the Parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. She therefore report back to the individual parliaments, which has been done them. This process also includes calling upon the governments to upon the governments to act upon the recommendations in adopt them in the individual parliaments, followed by calling ence is by adopting the Resolutions, and to then go home and that the only effective way to promote the concerns of the Confer Ms Outi Ojala Mr Lech Woszczerowicz, Polish Deputy, voiced concerns Ms Anke Spoorendonk, Ms Birgit Schwebs, bspc cbss ngo bspc Standing Committee, explained the importance s and the need for securing both the legal and Summit in June Ms Alho, in the capacity of recommendations in the mp mp of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, agreed , reported that there have been great mp of Schleswig-Holstein, represent ngo cbss s in the Baltic . - - - - the has been for the past years an expanding co-operation between the Region on this subject. economic prerequisites for further strengthening co-operation in Mr Christer Persson not mean that the Swedish Presidency of the been taking place prior to the meeting this autumn, which does ngo developing. The tions of the some of the members of the bership or even status observer at the cal events taking place in Belarus, granting it with either mem it is unacceptable, he said. He appreciated that due to the politi liament and its people from any dialogue with the region around concerns regarding Belarus. Isolating an entire country, its par operation has already happened. However, Mr Yagya expressed how active it is in the Region and that the whole process of co- islative Assembly, pointed out that the suggestions. and public they represent, the mental work on what is important for the receives concrete feedback from the pendent body. Mr Persson explained that provided the tions of influencing the contents of the Forum, which is an inde of the tion to be invited to listen to and the observe ongoing discussions alternative solution. Mr Yagya proposed for a Belarussian delega As As a response to Ms Ojala, Mr Persson explained that there Mr Vatanyar Yagya, of Vice-Chairman the St. Petersburg Leg ngo s in the Region. Lengthy discussions with the Forum have bspc Forum and the Working Group on Democratic Institu and to thereby see how issues are dealt with demo cbss cbss . That co-operation is ongoing and constantly fully realises the important role played by bspc cbss . Therefore, he called for an will definitely listen to such ngo bspc bspc Forum into the govern ngo could be difficult for has already shown cbss s and the people has any inten cbss

------ Northern Dimension and the Oceans & Seas 10 15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference extended extended to adjacent areas. operation should not be limited to the Arctic region, but and rescue matters needs to increase. He explained that such co- where further co-operation with regards to environment, search the Arctic Parliamentary Conference in Kiruna in August 2006, the Standing Committee of Arctic Parliamentarians, referred to strengthening the co-operation with Russia. for the lighted that co-operation with the not be closed to anyone in the catchment area, and she high progress of the meeting and agreed that reports could work to monitor the issue needs further discussion at the next Standing Committee proper ways to act at home would be. She also stressed that the there is a mutual interest for the fore to work practically, technically, with Belarus in areas where institutions, there is any intention to isolate the Belarussian people or other present. He stressed that this decision does in no way mean that with the Republic of Belarus, such co-operation is not possible at contacts on the political level, meaning at the ministerial level, sensus principle and eight members have decided not to have any between the there is actually ongoing co-operation on the practical level mentioned in the Swedish bspc Ms Astrid Hoefs, the strengthening of the co-operation between Working Groups. co-operation”, and he suggested that this could be done through viously he had called for “practical and concrete possibilities of could and should co-operate with parliaments in the Region. Pre further in Berlin in 2007. and how this is related to labour markets, which will be discussed of St. Petersburg, also pointed out the importance of education cratically within the Region. He, as a professor at the University Mr Sigurður Kári Kristánsson, Icelandic Ms Alho asked the participants of the Conference what the With regards to Belarus, Mr Persson said that the Republic is Mr Persson asked the

position in bspc , as is the status observer at ngo cbss bspc cbss s and parliamentarians. The intention is there mp and Belarus. Since the . For co-operation to be optimal the door will of Schleswig-Holstein, confirmed that the had been strengthened. bspc cbss for suggestions on how the Presidency Priorities, and that cbss pabsec countries and Belarus. helcom cbss is a useful instrument mp works on the con and member of , especially in cbss -

- - - condition for good economic development and it is therefore nec longer be separated. The protection of natural resources is a pre- policy and marine protection and stressed that these two can no pean Commission’s Green Paper, the importance of maritime and Hanse City of Hamburg, discussed in the light of the Euro Mr Berndt Röder, President of the State Parliament of the Free Oceans and Seas wide stakeholders’ involvement with high political commitment gets in order to achieve agreed objectives. The Plan also has a Action Plan identifies ecological objectives, indicators and tar the Approach, which was agreed by the Ministers in 2003, and use and off-shore activities. Other worries Mr Ostojski expressed were the growing maritime destruction habitats and biodiversity (including over-fishing). eutrophication and hazardous substances in order to reduce The main environmental challenges are therefore to fight tic Sea as a shallow semi-enclosed sea with slow water exchange. for the people in the Region, Mr. Röder concluded. Sea can achieve better prosperity and higher standards of living and co-ordination in order to the preserve health of the Baltic not least in financial terms. greaterNevertheless, co-operation policy opens many promising opportunities for all in the Region, ble growth, employment and security. An integrated maritime goals are much very in line with the Lisbon Strategy of sustaina protection of the marine environment. He pointed out that such siderable growth potentials and at the same time guarantee the nomic activity. A holistic policy should aim at accessing the con The challenge is to optimize current and future maritime eco on another or to predict possible conflicts of interest in advance. fields makes it difficult to predict the potential impact of one area time activity however; the breakdown into the different political are political measures in place to regulate various types of mari tainable maritime economy for the 21st Century. Moreover, there tal protection, is nothing less than the creation of a dynamic, sus focuses on economic growth, social prosperity and environmen and accept environmental measures. The Green Paper, which to essary create awareness of the problems that are encountered Mr Miezyslaw S. Ostojskichair of helcom IV. Baltic Sea Action Plan to do so. The Baltic Sea helcom wants to have the Ecosystem helcom, helcom, described the Bal ------11 Northern Dimension and the Oceans & Seas 12 15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Fisheries decides which species to include under the system and to issue permits for commercial fishing, where the of Ministry The Individual Transferable Quota ( patrol, monitoring and rescue operations in Icelandic waters. monitoring, whereas the Icelandic Coast Guard is responsible for entrusted with the day to day administration of fisheries and food dations made by the ning and policy making of fisheries, and it acts upon recommen The Ministry of Fisheries is responsible for the long term plan Fisheries, gave examples of how Iceland manages its fisheries. diminished species in the seas and hence, economic losses. the biological variation of the sea decreases, which results in in turn has a negative biological impact: as the acidity increases, bon dioxide means that the acidity of the water increases, which which affects the health of the seas negatively. An increase in car ing, the reason for this being higher emission levels of nutrients, conditions have on our seas. The level of carbon dioxide is grow tute ( input to political processes, actions can be implemented. Policy, and Marine Strategy, Maritime Strategy, European policies, such as the Water Framework Directive, not be forgotten, and through the use of international and/or cost-benefit and cost-effective analysis. National policies should actions are based on sub-regional specifics of the Baltic and on and clearly linked to processes in the Baltic ecosystem and these by the Contracting Parties. The actions are scientifically sound Mr Árni Múli Jónasson, Expert from Iceland’s Ministry of Mr Jón Ólafsson, Expert at Iceland’s Marine Research Insti mri ), explained the scientific implications the changing eu Financial Mechanisms and Programmes, and mri . The Directorate of Fisheries is itq eu Common Agricultural ) system has been setup - - - - - logical balance has been disrupted by over-enrichment by nutri eutrophication problem. Mr Kristoffersen explained how the eco 2006 ary to raise political and public awareness and focus on the explained that the Working Group had been established in Janu Nordic Council Environment and Natural Resources Committee, bspc tee safety. line will hardly touch the seabed and that the project can guaran the Finnish Gulf. He argued that the North-European Gas Pipe through joint projects and implementation of new technology in caused by transportation but the issue is being addressed place. He said that damages to the sea environment are mostly make sure that no leaking of any nuclear substances will take Baltic Sea seabed. Mr Nyudyurbegov stressed that Russia will tant, and highlighted the dangers of the chemical weapons on the environmental questions discussed were impressive and impor the Committee on Environment in the State Duma, said that the economic information. ensure all decisions are based on the best available scientific and resources; the preserve oceans’ biodiversity and ecosystem; and, of try Fisheries are to achieve sustainable utilisation of all marine from fishing.The objectives of the policies driven by of the Minis sel take catches in excess of its catch quota, it will be suspended fishing gear permitted, e.g. minimum mesh sizeetc. Should a ves in all species. There are also regulations concerning the type of model, vessels are obliged to have a catch quota for their catches what the total allowable catch ought to be. In the Icelandic Mr Asmund Kristoffersen, Norwegian Mr Asanbuba Nyudyurbegov, Russian Working Group on Eutrophication, and Chairman of the mp mp , Vice-Chairman , of Vice-Chairman , Chairman of the ------13 Northern Dimension and the Oceans & Seas 14 15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference mental issues and, in particular, what lies on the bottom of the Second Conference in Oslo in as early as 1992 regarding environ ans need to be part of the work. Green Paper Parliamentary Working Group, since parliamentari waters, lakes and seas, and called for the setting up of an ment the aims, which are good environmental health in ground process on the Green Paper. the issue would be established. It could submit a position paper of in May 2006 in Kiel. She suggested that a Working Group on this framework of the Southern Baltic Sea Parliamentary Forum held adopted a resolution on recommendations for action in the icy, Ms Schwebs said that Mecklenburg-Vorpommern had committees.liamentary On the issue of integrated Maritime Pol ing Group, but that discussions are initiated in the relevant par has not only been directly involved in the activities of the Work com would facilitate the task of the Working Group and that of all governments were urged to provide their answers, which obtain answers from all the countries and regions concerned, and ures already implemented in this field. It had been difficult to developed a questionnaire on the current status of political meas Working Group on Eutrophication and pointed out that it had as this would be useful. Ms Schwebs continued by thanking the if it were able to submit recommendations at such a conference agriculture, to take place in 2007 and asked the Working Group between both the ministers of environment and the ministers of pommern supported and welcomed a joint ministerial meeting Sea. Ms Schwebs said that the Parliament of Mecklenburg-Vor work Directive and thereby strive for a less eutrophicated Baltic tion of the Common Agricultural Policy and the Water Frame ministers would develop a regional approach to the implementa ment ministers’ meeting to take place in 2007. At such a meeting politically at home in order for a joint agriculture and environ respectively. Mr Kristoffersen also urged all participants to work these substances need to be reduced by 10 and 35 per cent rous to the Baltic Sea. Mr Ostojski pointed out that the levels of tion, and hence on that sector’s input of Nitrogen and Phospho has a tremendous influence on the agricultural mode of produc Kristoffersen stressed that the this would be a vital part for the ecological status of the sea. Mr Water Framework Directive and the aged the ational opportunities at sea and on the coasts. He also encour ents and that this causes problems for fisheries and for the recre Mr Yagya referred to the discussions that took place in the Ms Hoefs pointed out that the Directive’s objective is to imple bspc . Ms Schwebs also reported that Mecklenburg –Vorpommern to the European Commission during the consultation cbss and national governments to implement the eu Common Agricultural Policy eu Marine Strategy, since eu hel eu

- - -

------concerns regarding the project. that the Swedish Prime Minister, Göran Persson, had expressed fied that Sweden had no intentions ofstopping the project, but stop the North-European gas pipeline project. Mr Persson clari Chair of the Baltic Sea. He suggested that their completely untreated sewage water in accordance with one thousand ships traffic the seas around Åland, and discharge because it is a expensive very undertaking and because daily over gen. The inhabitants of these islands have questioned this policy tems in order to reduce the emissions of phosphorous and nitro ping. At the moment households need to re-do their sewage sys standard of living. The two main industries are tourism and ship and for those living there clean water is a pre-condition for their pointed out that the Åland Islands are made up of over 6500 isles added that more protective measures are required. on the subject. Mr Sverker Thorén, Swedish un tic Sea cannot be resolved, then eventually, Mr. Kristiansen said, a Norwegian to give more political power to the issue, Mr Ivar Kristiansen, area and therefore a need for binding agreements is vital in order Policy, be invited to this meeting. Joe Borg, Espoo Convention, and that all countries but Russia have ratified Region. He also explained that the project falls under the 1991 ment, and that this needs to be agreed by all the countries in the parties has applied for permission for an environmental assess on the North-European Gas Pipeline and said that neither of the ons from the seabed. not find a concrete solution to how to remove the chemical weap but proposed that the He was happy that the and maritime safety. He also suggested a unified harbour policy. the sea; over-fishing, by granting two catch quotas; and shipping Green Paper would be used to solve the effluent emissions into areas on this issue, and Mr Hentschel therefore proposed that the pipeline. Different parliaments in Europe see different problem criticism, and welcomed the criticism regarding the planned gas referred to Mr Stavad’s encouragement of being constructive in signalled that they will comply with it. the agreement. Russia has signed the document and by doing so Mr Stavad, as the Mr , Finnish Ms Veronica Thörnroos, The market for illegal fishing is considerable in the Baltic Sea Mr Karl-Martin Hentschel, Resolution will be needed, and called for greater co-operation eu cbss Commissioner in charge of the European Maritime mp said. If the question of how to clean up the Bal , Mr Persson, regarding Sweden’s intentions to bspc eu bspc Green Book be extended and that Mr observer atobserver mp had initiated its own working paper, mp nato of the Parliament of Åland, mp , addressed a question to the of Schleswig-Holstein, be involved if the Region can helcom mp , gave an update , agreed and

------15 Northern Dimension and the Oceans & Seas 16 15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference energy energy and safety issues. mental and political issues, where ecological problems lead to tor, stressed that the Gas Pipeline project presents both environ are, involved. Ms Dorota Arciszewska-Mielewczyk, Polish Sena and co-operation is on-going. bed with the approval of the other states, meetings are being held also highlighted that all states are allowed to lay lines on the sea a private project and that it needs to adhere to regulations. He line, which will be part of the Trans-European Network ( openness among parliamentarians and alternative measures. results; and Mr Stavad and with Mr Romanus concerning more regarding closer co-operation and striving for more concrete countries seek to foster co-operation. He agreed with Mr Persson better to enter into competition with each other or should not of theory struggle for life and posed the question whether it is needs to be launched. emissions. Greater awareness about what can be used at sea not only determined by wastewater treatment, but also diesel safety depends on ship affluence and that the quality of the sea is improvements can be She observed. pointed out that maritime 1990s, when the political changes took place in the Region, great the Working Group on Eutrophication, noted that since the door to anyone once the Green Paper has been published. urged for closer co-operation with Russia and to not close the sponsoring of sewage systems in St. Petersburg. Mr Sarrazin also ies and that therefore Hamburg has been actively involved in the burg, pointed out that St. Petersburg and Hamburg are twin cit ble in the region. work for an alternative solution, one which can be more accepta and security. Mr Romanus called for Russia and Germany to project raises questions regarding the economy, energy supply the chemical weapons on the seabed, and that therefore the ited. He pointed out that there are plenty of mines in addition to will be placed on the seabed where fishing will become prohib Council, spoke of the dangers of the Gas Pipeline Project since it Finland nor Sweden are equipped for today. ships, something that, to her best knowledge, harbours in neither actions and for harbours to be able to accept sewage from the marpol Mr Thönnes pointed out that the North-European Gas Pipe Mr Trivimi Velliste, Estonian Ms Christel Happach-Kasan, German Mr Manuel Sarrazin, Mr , Swedish 73/78. Ms Thörnroos therefore called for more concrete mp of the Free and Hanse City of Ham ngo mp mp s will be, if they not already , referred to Charles Darwin’s and Member of the Nordic mp and a member of ten ), is ------equal partners. An example of where co-operation between nen stressed that a real dialogue can only be realized between sion; and the wider with Russia; the issue areas included in the Northern Dimen dency three things have been combined: the regional interest co-operation, stability and welfare. During the Finnish Presi objective within Northern Dimension is to support and enhance discussing culture, education and student mobility in the Region. efficiency projects to be included in the launch of a new partnership on transport and logistics; energy financial contribution to ties; additional financing to goal. Among the Finnish objectives are commitment of all par ships and promoting other concrete project activities will be the success. For the future, strengthening the already existing partner the parties become vital in order for the Partnership to become a spots, and here co-operation and sharing of information between fold: collection of information and identification of problem diseases related to a low standard of living. The process is two- developed developed into an important tool for co-operation within the ister Paavo Lipponen in 1997, has through its two Action Plans eu tion on the Northern Dimension Policy on behalf of the Finnish ber of the Counsellor from Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finland, and Mem Northern Dimension Policy well being ( Northern Dimension Partnership in Public Health and Social ning in North-West Russia. Another important partnership is the energy efficiency and nuclear waste, withcurrent projects run ship ( area. In 2001 the Northern Dimension Environmental Partner European Commission, ties by various actors (single countries, countries together, the done on the micro level through partnerships and project activi West Russia, and to develop fields of mutual interest, which is order to get Region. On the macro level the Policy is a political concept in Presidency. The initiative, started by then Finnish Prime Min Mr Antti Kaikkonen, Finnish ndep V. cbss ) was established to focus on wastewater, solid waste, ndphs eu -attention to Northern Europe, especially North-

cso ), which focuses on , Mr Tauno Pesola, gave background informa eu -Russia Dialogue perspective. Mr Kaikko ngo ndphs ndep s etc) in the Northern Dimension . Other Finnish objectives include mp ; and, increased political and ndep , pointed out that the main hiv ; and, hopefully to start / aids , tuberculosis and ------­ 17 Northern Dimension and the Oceans & Seas 18 15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference will have an immediate effect especially on the areas in the vicin the Arctic region. Global warming will be most felt there and this Icelandic terms of climate change etc. Ms Anna Kristín Gunnarsdóttir, an policy to respond to the changes the Arctic region experiences sion Policy, and it is therefore important to now use this same Sea Region have been facilitated through the Northern Dimen and the European Union has grown. These changes in the Baltic from when the Policy back-dates, Europe has changed greatly Conference to applying it to the Arctic region. Since the 1990s, Policy to the Baltic Sea area, and urged the participants of the icy of the European Union. Ms Wallis warned for limiting the the importance of the Policy as both an internal and external pol Ms Diana Wallis, Member of the European Parliament, discussed within the Northern Dimension. the eu and the Region. The Policy will be a new one between three non- pointed out the relation between the Northern Dimension Policy maximum of a couple of hours. too need to be facilitated so that customs clearances only take a port routes (via to Eastern Europe). Harbour movements secondly, transport routes in the Region, namely European trans of the environment, waste water management in and particular; emphasised two things within the Policy: firstly, the importance should be implemented into the Northern Dimension Policy and Petersburg Southwest Wastewater Plant. and brought about concrete results is the opening of the St. and public financiers, and private companies has been successful national governments, the European Commission, Ms Diana Wallis countries (Iceland, Norway and Russia) from the Region and In her report from the Mr Sasi asked whether the planned gas pipeline project eu , i.e. the Baltic Sea Region has therefore been lifted up mp , urged to everybody look outside the box, further to bspc Standing Committee, Ms Alho ngo s, private - - - - Mr Dmitry Polanskiy been a success. The uation of the environmental status of the Baltic Sea, since it has should be used as the common policy to deal with the current sit sion to clarify where the money will come from. ble and asked the European Union and the European Commis enough financing forcurrent and future projects become availa regarding the financing issue.The greatest fear is whether according to Mr Polanskiy, whereas he expressed concerns cussion level only. Combating because the Region finds itself in a vacuum situation on the dis operation in health care and social development is not possible which facilitates co-operation. He said that in his opinion co- projects, not suggest any. Today Russia is on an equal footing, sia, although an important partner could only implement sia experienced some difficulties in this field of work since Rus Dimension are held between month. partners every Initially Rus the Conference participants that meetings on the Northern pean Co-operation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia, informed close co-operation is thus strongly needed. ity. These changes will also affect the fishing grounds and that Union Network, and local actors, such as the order to implement the new policy, the experience of regional some of the means to necessary achieve the policy objectives. In Region to all the parties of the Northern Dimension by supplying described the mon Northern Dimension policy, Mr Persson explained. He players for the elaboration and implementation of the new com strategic partner to the European Union, and that it is therefore Mr Persson pointed out that the Northern Dimension Policy Mr Polanskiy,Dmitry Chief of Division, Department of Euro Mr Kristjan Vaigur, General of Secretary the Baltic Sea Trade cbss bastun as being the vertical link from the Baltic Sea cbss , pointed out that Russia is an important has been recognized as one of the key cbss hiv is needed. and aids is already dealt with, ------19 Northern Dimension and the Oceans & Seas 20 15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Conference closed. unanimously adopted, after which Mr Orgolaynen declared the Standing Committee convening during the Conference, was Conference Resolution, which was elaborated by the Extended At the end of the Discussion Plenary in the Third Session the 16th Mr Thönnes welcomed all the participants to take part of the to work and under what conditions and for whom, and vice versa. both workers and employers need to know where they are going markets were connected to mobility and information sharing: be further discussed in Berlin next year. He explained how these labour markets brought up, Mr Thönnes informed that they will women, drug dealing and other criminal activities. Pleased that gal workers and how such social dumping leads to trafficking in ing. He gave as an example the situation of Baltic and Polish ille for further work in the field of labour markets and social dump all depend on the neighbouring countries’ economic prospects. tries will be better off in economic growth terms as the countries these questions. By working together and co-operating all coun information sharing and pointed out that Russia is key partner in for instance, need to be dealt with trans-nationally. He urged for Public health issues, such as fighting that concretisation of the on-going projects is greatly called for. ronment, nuclear safety and health care need to be and preserved growth in the Region. cle barriers in order to contribute to more dynamic economic ity and remove legal, administrative, practical and mental obsta Kuberski urged therefore for all countries to facilitate this mobil ble for the countries to send and receive workers more freely. Mr the gap in standards of living in the Region, it would be profita employment and abuse of regulations can be noted. Because of more restrictive measures on free movement of labour, illegal tries and in the European Union in general. In countries with of free movement of workers in the Northern Dimension coun ister of Labour and Social Policy, Poland, stressed the importance in this direction. issues, and Mr Vaigur would therefore like to see developments point of view, the Policy has not touched upon labour market common understanding in order to be realised. From the to accomplish this, but plans need to be realistic and based on between the two. The Northern Dimension Policy is a good tool forbeneficiary both that co-operation is well-functioning Mr Steingrimur J. Sigfusson, Icelandic Mr Jan-Henrik Fredriksen, Norwegian Regarding labour markets, Mr Kazimierz Kuberski, Vice-Min bspc in 2007 in Berlin. hiv / aids mp mp , discussed the need , said that the envi and tuberculosis bastun ------

Area. Ms Alho thanked Ms Lindroos on behalf of the her profound commitment and wide and deep knowledge of the personification of the co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region with mark with her hard work: during her ten years she became the Lindroos’, Head of Secretariat, last Conference. She has left her The Baltic 15th Sea Parliamentary Conference was Ms Päivikki Ten Years of Hard Work the book ring to Stevie Wonder’s song “Isn’t She and Lovely” handing over true dedication and wished her all the best for the future by refer VI. Mare Balticum, Mare Nostrum . bspc for her - 21 Northern Dimension and the Oceans & Seas 22 15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Maritime Policy Baltic Sea Region, the Northern Dimension and European Iceland 3–5 September 2006, to discuss co-operation in the Sea States and European Parliament, assembled in Reykjavik, participants the Adopted by the 15h Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference ( Call on the give coordinated support to the new the call on governments in the Baltic Sea region, Regarding the Co-operation in the Region Schleswig-Holstein, Sweden, Åland. Poland, Federal Assembly of the Russian , City of St. Petersburg, Latvia, Lithuania, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Nordic Council, Norway, Federal Republic of Germany, Free and Hanse City of Hamburg, Iceland, the Council of Europe, Denmark, Estonia, European Parliament, Finland, * Baltic Assembly, Free and Hanse City of Bremen, Parliamentary Assembly of support and further develop the Northern Dimension Environ pay attention to the results of the Round Table of the Northern Russia to Commission and the Governments of Iceland, Norway and Regarding the Northern Dimension call on the European strengthen the interaction between the reform reform processes in these countries in building the civil and democratic society and to promote ship in Public Health and Social Wellbeing ( mental Partnership ( be organised by the European Parliament in November 2006 attend the Parliamentary Forum on Northern Dimension, to encourage the members of the Dimension held on 30 January 2006 in Copenhagen and exchange further reinforcing and developing dialogue and information CBSS VII. and the CBSS Resolution to EU *, elected representatives from the Baltic to ndep ) and Northern Dimension Partner bspc eu Standing Committee to neighbouring countries cbss and the ndphs

bspc ) bspc by

- ) - 23 Northern Dimension and the Oceans & Seas 24 15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference strengthen cooperation in the field of maritime safety and secu pursue a European fisheries policy that will take into account the strive for harmonization of the current variety of political and include marine sciences and technologies for marine resources as establish a balance between the many competing economic bene work for an integrated maritime policy in order to create favour call on the governments in the Baltic Sea region, the the Baltic Sea Action Plan Regarding the European Maritime Policy and consider establishing a partnership on Transport and Logistics in strengthen coordination and cooperation between regional aim at filling the four work to secure concrete goals and financing mechanisms of the content Northern Dimension rity, especially regarding search and rescue matters RAC (Regional Committee)Advisory of sustainable fisheries by active participation in the Baltic Sea of particularities the Baltic Sea and implement the principle time policy level within the framework of an integrated European mari legal measures, programmes and action plans at European priority fields in future research programmes cally and ecologically sustainable use of marine resources marine environment on the other, so as to allow an economi fits of the sea on the one hand, and adequate protection of the ically sustainable development of the Baltic Sea region able conditions for a prosperous, socially balanced and ecolog helcom the Framework of Northern Dimension organisations in Northern Europe and the eu eu to -Russia common spaces with concrete

cbss ,

------( Regarding the proposed North European Gas Pipeline include the issue of energy on the future agenda of the ask the Standing Committee to include the Green Paper on Mari Furthermore the Conference decided to support support strongly support all kinds of measures and instruments designed on the governments to blooming and lifeless areas of the Baltic Sea seabed call Regarding the serious situation of abnormal algae ensure that the assessment of the feasibility of the proposed and note with pleasure the decisions by the participating parliaments acknowledge with satisfaction the new proposals by the ask the Standing Committee to start discussions on social and take active part in the planned April 2007 NEGP ture, municipalities, shipping and industries to further reduce pollutant and nutrient inputs from agricul compliance with all applicable international obligations negp Presidency about co-operation between the labour market issues with labour market partners Standing Committee meetings Green Paper process Maritime Policy in order to monitor the follow-up of the meeting and to consider the installation of a working group on bspc take part in the discussion on the Green Paper, to discuss the time Policy to the Standing Committee work programme, to 16th Baltic Sea and to present the results of this conference at the order to optimize their contribution to a less eutrophicated ministers of environment and ministers of agriculture, in fight the eutrophication in the Baltic Sea the Standing Committee to contribute to the financing of the secretariat as proposed by HELCOM ), call on the governments in the Baltic Sea Region bspc contribution at the next Extended Standing Committee helcom is carried out with a high level of transparency and in -Conference in -Conference Berlin 2007 to activities in the full catchment area in order to cbss cbss conference of and the

bspc cbss

bspc

- - 25 Northern Dimension and the Oceans & Seas 26 15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference welcome with gratitude the kind invitation of the German Bun address the European Green Paper on the European Integrated on 27–28 August 2007 in Berlin. destag to hold the 16th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference items at the next Conference in August 2007 in Berlin Maritime Policy, labour market issues and social welfare as - Polanskiy, Dmitry Pétursdóttir, Sólveig Thönnes, Thönnes, Franz Schmidtmann, Dirk Oppermann, Karl Uwe Gunthner, Martin Vaigur, Kristjan Stavad, Ole Röder, Berndt Orgolaynen, Alexandr Olsson, Kent Ólafsson, Jón Nyudyurbegov, Asanbuba Mazuronis, Valentinas Kuberski, Kazimierz Arciszewska-Mielewczyk, Dimitrov, Petar Dorota Alho, Arja Speakers and Chairpersons Arnold-Cramer, Ursula Parliament of Free and Hanse City of Bremen Parliamentary Delegations and Organisations Kristoffersen, Asmund Pesola, Tauno Khripel, Gennady Jónasson, Árni Múli Persson, Christer Ostojski, Ostojski, Mieczyslaw S Wallis, Diana VIII. List of Participants

Chief Chief of Division, Department of European Co- President of Althingi  mp mp mp mp General of Secretary Committee Social Affairs, Member of the mp mp and Hanse City of Hamburg President of the State Parliament of the Free operation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia Member of the Member of the mp Committee mp Expert at Iceland’s Marine Research Institute State Duma CommitteeVice-Chairman, on Environment, Committee mp Poland Vice-Minister of Labour and Social Policy, Eutrophication mp the mp to the mp Senator, Parliament of Poland Committee mp    Counsellor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Finland, Iceland’s Ministry of Fisheries H.E., Ambassador, Chair of the Chairman Chairman of MEP, European Parliament , State Secretary, Ministry for Labour and , Denmark, President of the Nordic Council , State Duma of the Russian Federation, , Sweden, Member of the , Lithuania, Member of the , Norway, Chair of the Working Group on , Council of Federation, Russia, Member of , Bulgaria, Chair of the Bulgarian delegation , Finland, Chair of the bspc pabsec Standing Committee helcom cbss bspc Standing Committee,

bastun cso bspc bspc bspc

bspc Standing cbss Standing Standing Standing

cso

27 Northern Dimension and the Oceans & Seas 28 15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Simulik, Valerijus Kristánsson, Sigurður Kári Kaikkonen, Antti Thönnes, Thönnes, Franz Liebling, Ingbert Klimke, Jürgen Happach-Kasan, Christel Bodewig, Kurt Sasi, Kimmo Velliste, Trivimi Taimla, Andres Simonsen, Irene Schwebs, Birgit Zommere, Erika Stalidzane, Jevgenija Solovjovs, Igors Petersons, Aigars Sveinsdottir, Arnbjorg Sigfusson, Steingrimur J. Sarrazin, Manuel Röder, Berndt Harlinghausen, Rolf Adam, Ulrich Parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany Alho, Arja Sester, Sven Parliament of Estonia Hansen, Lene Parliament of Denmark Wallis, Diana European Parliament Jarchow, Hans-Heinrich Parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Mazuronis, Valentinas Parliament of Lithuania Emsis, Indulis Parliament of Latvia Hjartardóttir, Drifa Anna Kristín Gunnarsdóttir, Parliament of Iceland Frank, Günter Parliament of Free and Hanse City of Hamburg

 Committee Social Affairs, Member of the mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp mp Parliamentarians mp mp mp mp President mp mp MEP , Standing Committee of Arctic , Member of the , State Secretary, Ministry for Labour and , Chair of the , Member of the bspc bspc bspc Standing Committee Standing Committee Standing Committee bspc

Standing Skrzepski, Gesine Lyskov, Anatoly Stavad, Ole Olsson, Kent Lorentzen, Kristian Pihl Spoorendonk, Anke Ritzek, Manfred Klug, Ekkehard Hoefs, Astrid Orgolaynen, Alexandr Nyudyurbegov, Asanbuba Nikitin, Vladimir Vasilev, Sergey Tkach, Oleg Wiechecki, Rafal Woszczerowicz, Lech Piekarska, Katarzyna Reikvam, Rolf Kristoffersen, Asmund Kristiansen, Ivar Haugen, Arne. L Romanus, Gabriel Ojala, Outi Gudmundsdottir, Rannveig Fredriksen, Jan-Henrik Parliament of Norway Alho, Arja Nordic Council Bohlin, Sinikka Parliament of Sweden Yagya, Vatanyar St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly Hentschel, Kari-Martin Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein Malchikmin, Valery duma state Khripel, Gennady federation of council Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation Kurski, Jacek Dorota Arciszewska-Mielewczyk, and of the Republic of Poland

  mp mp mp mp mp mp mp Environment mp mp mp mp mp mp mp Deputy, Minister of Maritime Economy. Deputy mp mp mp Eutrophication mp mp mp mp mp mp Committee mp mp Council mp mp Committee mp mp  Vice Chairman Senator , Member of the , CommitteeVice-Chairman, on , Member of the , Chair of the Working Group on , Denmark, President of the Nordic Council , Sweden , Sweden, Member of the , Finland , Denmark Vice-President of the Nordic , Iceland , Finland, Chair of the bspc bspc Standing Committee Standing Committee bspc bspc Standing Standing

29 Northern Dimension and the Oceans & Seas 30 15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Winé, Göte Thörnroos, Veronica Thorén, Sverker Romanus, Gabriel Oberg, Maria Vaigur, Kristjan Sæmundsson, Höskuldur Lüthen, Jens-Christian Ehlers, Alexandra Baltic Youth Forum Þórarinsson, Þórður West Nordic Council Zaboklicki, Pawel Union of The Baltic Cities Müchler, Stephan South Sweden Chamber of Industry and Commerce Schöps, Alfons SLLF, State Legislative Leaders Foundation, Europe Kristánsson, Sigurður Kári SCPAR, Standing Committee of Parliamentarians in the Artic Region pabsec Saxén, Tom NFS, Nordic Trade Unions Ostojski, Mieczyslaw S helcom Mälly, Marko Baltic Sea Commission CPMR, Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions in Europe, cbss bastun and Observers Guests Perämaa, Mats Parliament of Åland Ekholm, Berndt Jankevica, Anitra Persson, Christer Kötschau, Gabriele Dimitrov, Petar , Council of the Baltic Sea States , Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation , Baltic Sea Trade Union Network

mp to the mp mp mp mp mp mp mp Secretary General Secretary Secretary General Secretary General Secretary General Secretary President and CEO Director General Secretary Chairman Executive Secretary H.E., Ambassador, Chair of the Director Senior Advisor Chair Chair of the Bulgarian delegation pabsec cbss

cso

Zilliacus, Zilliacus, Patrick Tatarintsev, Victor I. Sundquist, Ingemar Ströje-Wilkens, Madeleine Røberg, Vilde Høvik Reimann, Leif Mogens Nyholm, Nanna Mehmet, Alp Junqi, Yang Laizane-Jurkane, Marika Baltic Assembly Secretariats Gross, Andreas Eilers, Jens Blauveldt, Anna Diplomatic corps Jankauskaite, Renata Parliament of Lithuania Putnina, Ingrida Parliament of Latvia Valgarðsson, Lárus Theriault, Belinda Gunnarsdóttir, Hildur Gróa Tómas Brynjólfsson, Bernódusson, Helgi Parliament of Iceland Wagner, Reinhard Parliament of Free and Hanse City of Hamburg Stieler, Gabriele Meier, Silke Parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany Hissa, Jaakko Parliament of Finland Rõngelep, Ene Parliament of Estonia Vestergaard, Mette Parliament of Denmark Olsen, Henrik Arnold, Stewart European Parliament Krause, Walter Parliament of Free and Hanse City of Bremen

Counsellor, Finland to Secretary Delegation Ambassador, Russian Embassy Councellor, Swedish Embassy Ambassador, Swedish Embassy Chargé d’affaires a.i., Norwegian Embassy Ambassador, Danish Embassy U.S., Embassy Copenhagen Ambassador, British Embassy Councellor, Chinese Embassy National Councellor, Switzerland Councellor, German Embassy Head of Secretariat Ambassador, Canadian Embassy Secretary to Secretary Delegation of Secretary Delegation International secretary Head of Department International Secretary General Secretary Assistant to Secretary Delegation Senior Counsellor of International Affairs, to Secretary Delegation Counsellor Head of Secretariat Policy and Communications Adviser Director Head of Department

31 Northern Dimension and the Oceans & Seas 32 15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Widberg, Jan Sørensen, Torkil Schwarz, Jesper T. Rasmussen, Jens Nytoft Nikolajsen, Mads Zoëga, Zoëga, Anne Schenck, Linda Repin, Aleksei Larsen, Stein Johnson, Catherine Fleischhacker, Karin Translators’ and Interpreters’ Group Gadebusch, Camilla Hayes, Anja Lindroos, Päivikki Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Holm-Johansson, Marine Parliament of Åland Stenarv, Gunnar Smekal, Eva Hjelm, Eva Parliament of Sweden Terekhovskiy, Sergey St. Petersburg Legislative Assembly Schmidt-Holländer, Jutta Schöning, Jürgen Parliament of Schleswig-Holstein Guskova, Yulia duma state Dakhova, Nadezda federation of council Russian Federation Januszewski, Andrzej Sejm and Senate of the Republic of Poland Oftedal, Eline Gröthe, Stian Parliament of Norway Hagemann, Henrik Nokken, Frida Nordic Council Gutzeit, Gerald Bahr, Bodo Parliament of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Senior Adviser, Denmark Senior Adviser, Denmark Senior Adviser, Denmark Senior Adviser, Denmark Secretary, PartyLeft/Green Group, Denmark the Nordic Council, Denmark English/Russian/German/Scandinavian English/Russian/German/Swedish English/Russian/German/Scandinavian English/Russian/German/Scandinavian English/Russian/German English/Russian/German/Swedish Secretary Rapporteur Head of Secretariat Senior Advisor Political Secretary, Social democratic group Head of Division International Secretary Head of Division Director Secretary Secretary to Secretary Delegation Advisor Political Advisor General of Secretary the Danish delegation to General, Denmark Secretary Head of Division Vice-Director Chief Chief of Foreign Affairs Department Sigmundsson, Kornelíus Iceland Ministries Kutaeva, Natalya Russia Kuberski, Kazimierz Grzyb, Janusz Poland Thönnes, Thönnes, Rita Smekal, Heinz Olsson, Inger Muus, Kirsten Accompanying persons

Ambassador, Iceland’s Ministry for Undersecretary of State Deputy Director, Dept. of Migration Foreign Affairs Expert, Expert, Ministry of Transport

33 Northern Dimension and the Oceans & Seas

09.00–09.30 From 08.00 Monday, 4 September 2006

09.30–12.00 13.30–16.30 11.00–12.00

IX. Programme Ms Arja Alho, Greeting Greeting by Mr Petar Dimitrov, Chair of the Bulgarian Cultural programme Address by Ms Sólveig Pétursdóttir, President of Althingi Chair: Arja Alho Opening of the Conference Registration H.E. Christer Persson, Ambassador, Chair of the Mr Mieczyslaw S Ostojski, Chairman of Northern Dimension and the Oceans and the Seas Institute Mr Jón Ólafsson, Expert at Iceland’s Marine Research Greenhouse gases and marine ecosystems helcom Free and Hanse City of Hamburg Mr Berndt Röder, President of the State Parliament of the European Maritime Policy and Baltic Sea Marine Strategy Chair: Mr Valentinas Mazuronis Oceans and Seas session second Mr Ole Stavad, President, Nordic Council, How do we get influence?parliamentary Report from the Presentation on behalf of the Chair: Mr Gennady Khripel Co-operation in the Baltic Sea Region session first Black Sea Economic Co-operation) delegation to the Chair: Chair: Kent Olsson discussion Plenary Baltic Sea Action Plan mp pabsec , Finland, Chair of the bspc Standing Committee (Parliamentary Assembly of the cbss

bspc helcom mp , Denmark cbss

cso

35 Northern Dimension and the Oceans & Seas 15th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference 08.45–11.00 08.00–08.30 Tuesday, 5 September 2006 11.15 10.30–11.00 09.45–10.30 17.00–19.00 15.30–16.30  Extended Standing Committee (if needed) Mr. Asanbuba Nyudyurbegov, Ecological problems of the Baltic Sea Press Conference Chair: MrAlexandr Orgolaynen the Conference Adoption of the Final Document and Closing of Chair: Mr Alexandr Orgolaynen discussion Plenary Social Policy Mr Kazimierz Kuberski, Vice-Minister of Labour and Labour market issues and the Northern Dimension Mr Kristjan Vaigur, General of Secretary the Northern Dimension Social Dimension and Labour Market issues of European Co-operation, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia Mr Polanskiy,Dmitry Chief of Division, Department of Russia as a partner in Northern Dimension Ms Diana Wallis, MEP European Parliament and the Northern Dimension Finland, Member of the Mr Tauno Pesola, Counsellor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Northern Dimension–enhancing fruitful co-operation Chair: Mr Franz Thönnes Northern Dimension Policy session third Extended Standing Committee Chair: Ms Dorota Arciszewaska-Mielewczyk Discussion Plenary Mr Árni Múli Jónasson, Iceland’s Ministry of Fisheries Icelandic Fisheries Management System Group on Eutrophication Mr Asmund Kristoffersen, of the Baltic Sea Midterm Report from the Working Group on Eutrophication Algal Blooming–a Baltic Sea Distress Signal Committee on Environment, State Duma cbss mp

cso , Norway, Chair of the Working mp , Vice-Chairman, , Vice-Chairman, bastun