•AALBORG•AARHUS•BALTIJSK•BERGEN•BÜTZOW•CĒSIS•CHOJNICE•COPENHAGEN•ELBLĄG•ELVA•ESPOO•FREDERICIA•GÄVLE•GDAŃSK•GDYNIA•GÖTEBORG•GREIFSWALD•GRODNO•HAAPSALU•HELSINKI•HORSENS•JELGAVA•JĒKABPILS • JÕHVI•JŪRMALA•KALININGRAD•KALMAR•KÄRDLA•KARLSKRONA•KARLSTAD•KAUNAS•KEILA•KEMI•KIEL•KLAIPĖDA•KØGE•KOLDING•KOSZALIN•KOTKA•KRISTIANSAND•KRISTIANSTAD•KRONSHTADT•KRYNICA M.•KURESSAARE •LAHTI•LIEPĀJA•LINKÖPING•LOMONOSOV•LULEÅ•LÜBECK•ŁEBA•MAARDU•MALBORK•MALMÖ•MARIEHAMN•MARIJAMPOLĖ•MIĘDZYZDROJE•MOLĖTAI•NACKA•NARVA•NÆSTVED•NORRTÄLJE •NYKØBING F.•NYKÖPING•OSKARSHAMN•ÖREBRO•PALANGA•PALDISKI•PANEVĖŽYS•PÄRNU•PETERHOF•PORI•PRUSZCZ GD.•REDA•RĒZEKNE•RIGA•ROSTOCK•SESTRORETSK•ŠIAULIAI•SILLAMÄE •SLONIM•SOPOT•STOCKHOLM•ST.PETERSBURG•SUNDSVALL•SZCZECIN•TALLINN•TAMPERE•TARTU•TUKUMS•TURKU•UMEÅ•VAASA•VÄSTERVIK•VÄXJÖ•VILJANDI•VILNIUS•VISBY•VORDINGBORG•VÕRU•WISMAR Cities and Competitiveness and Cities 2 /2005 2 /2005 Baltic Cities Bulletin

Dear UBC Friends,

The Baltic Sea region is perceived as the most dynamically developing region in EU and recognised as a forerunner in many EDITOR IN CHIEF fields. To keep this positive trend lasting, we cannot rest on our Paweł Żaboklicki laurels. More than ever we are now facing the challenge to be most competitive region in Europe. However, as it was emphasised * during our General Conference in Turku, in the globalised world the competition is not dominated by the national perspective any more EDITING & LAYOUT but by the local and regional one. The cities play the increasingly important role in ensuring the Anna Dargiewicz welfare of the country and the success of the whole Baltic Region. The cities are those which develop as "engines of growth". How do they cope with the role of economic, cultural and social * focal points? What do they do to attract investors as well as visitors? Hopefully, we will be able to find all the answers in this issue of the Baltic Cities Bulletin. EDITORIAL BOARD Risto Veivo Additionally, many of these answers were expressed during our VIII General Conference in Viktors Buls Turku, Finland, 29 September – 2 October. We have been proud of the opportunity to host more Ewa Kurjata than 270 participants, including representatives of 67 Member Cities, as well as invited guests Anna Dargiewicz from governments and numerous international organisations. Those people really care for the Paweł Żaboklicki Baltic Sea Region and they want it to be more and more competitive. The most visible effect of this concern was the Memorandum of Understanding on Sustainable Port and Maritime Policy * for the Baltic Sea Region signed by 15 major Baltic ports and port cities on 30 September at the General Conference in Turku. The UBC unanimously endorsed this document. This is a huge PUBLISHER step forward in terms of harmonized environmental policies and practices for the Baltic ports. Union of the Baltic Cities Secretariat The theme of the General Conference was "Towards a New Agenda for the Baltic Sea Wały Jagiellońskie 1 Region". Do we really need to look for a new agenda? Excellent speeches and presentations, PL-80853 Gdańsk fruitful workshops and discussions confirmed, on the one hand, that the Baltic Sea cities have POLAND now tremendous opportunities to develop, especially in regards with the EU enlargement and tel. +48 58 3010917 new financing possibilities. On the other hand, however, they gave an impulse to consider tel. +48 58 3019123 the future role of UBC in the region. What can we do for the benefit of our member cities? fax +48 58 3017637 The clear prerequisites to the UBC Action Plan for the next 2-year period were made by the e-mail: [email protected] General Conference when it adopted unanimously the Resolution. The ideas specified in this www.ubc.net document mark the main dimensions of further development of the Union. We should support ISSN 1506-6266 the implementation of the Lisbon Strategy objectives at the local and regional level. We should, moreover, closely co-operate with other Baltic organizations and do our best to create the one * - and therefore stronger then ever - Baltic voice in Brussels.

CO-EDITING & The Baltic Sea cities and region cannot afford to miss out the chance which has been given to PROOF-READING them. I hope that the next year will be full of successful and fruitful projects which will further Ewa Kurjata contribute to improvement of our regional competitiveness.

* Wishing You a Merry Christmas and successful New Year 2006!

COVER PICTURE City of Elbląg

Per Bødker Andersen President of the UBC Kolding, 1 December 2005

CONTENTS

I. Cities and Competitiveness 18 Annual meeting and change 2 Cities as driving competitors of Chair 4 Focus on innovation 18 Public Transport Seminar on 4 Investments in modernity Trolleybus 5 Creating open economy 19 Changes in the UBC IS Com 5 Attracting headquaters 19 New Leader of the 6 Values and co-operation Commission on Tourism Chojnice attracts new investors and .... ski- 6 Rehabilitation of the Talksa jumping stars 20 EnvCom discussed UBC Lake Agenda 21 in Sopot 7 Sustainable Keila 20 Healthy Lifestyle 7 Baltic tourism for a better 20 Commission on Education living quality 21 Knowledge based Baltic Sea 8 The true heart of Finland Region 8 City of opportunities 21 Young and Active 9 Towards greater Conference in Vilnius competitiveness 21 The Commission on Culture 9 Dynamic Chojnice session 10 In harmony with the nature 22 Improved Environmental Next UBC General Conference will be held in 10 Comprehensive development Pärnu, Estonia in 2007 Management System of Klaipeda 22 UBC Survey on Sustainable 11 City without barriers Development 11 Fast track of Umeå 12 PPP in Cesis III. News from Member Cities 12 Powerful Vaasa 13 Attractive Gdynia 23 Baltic Metropoles 13 Honest business in Kärdla 23 VI Baltic Sea Conference 14 Space for development 24 VI Baltic Contemporary Art 14 Competitive edge Biennale 24 Wildlife Vaasa 2006 II. UBC Today UBC Commission on Urban Planning during 24 Cesis expedition in Syberia the final ABC Project seminar in Malmö 25 Keila - hot-air baloon capital 15 VIII General Conference in of Estonia Turku, 29 September - 25 New pier in Międzyzdroje 2 October 2005 26 Welcome to Narva 16 The Environmental Award 26 Chess stars of the Baltic Sea goes to Kaunas 26 Nordic jobs 16 Memorandum of 27 Promoting enterpreneurship Understanding signed in Tallinn 17 43rd Executive Board 27 Pomeranian Science & meeting at Chojnice Technology Park in Gdynia 17 The closing seminar of the 28 Bay Watch in Klaipeda ABC Project 28 New projects in Jurmala Baltic cities implement many INTERREG III a projects to make the Baltic beaches safer

BCB 2/2005 1 I. CITIES AND COMPETITIVENESS

CITIES AS DRIVING COMPETITORS

The role of cities is very quickly potential for competitiveness and thereby and communication between the city, becoming one of the most important for economic growth and development of business and the academic world - triple parts of the whole discussion on our communities. The question is - How helix. It is to a considerable extent about how competition functions and how do we make use of this potential? discovering what is new and what will economic development comes about What can cities - that is their political affect the position of the city and its in our globalised world. Contrary leaders and their institutions - do to competitiveness in the future. The general to the situation during most of the promote the cities’ or their regions’ investment climate has as always to do 20th century when competition was competitiveness? There is of course a with well-known things such as taxes, dominated by the national perspective row of important factors that play a role, fees, the amount and complexity of – it is increasingly about and between but the key factors in my opinion are: regulations, etc. cities and regions regardless of national The fourth point is perhaps borders. The welfare of more difficult to handle, a country is becoming especially if we are talking more dependent on how of the EU - country subject to successful its cities are. the rules of the inner market, the public tendering process, A few figures from the etc. What is the role of a city Stockholm Region underline regarding investment? To this argument very clearly: simplify matters it could be divided into two parts: • it has 21% of the population of Sweden - basic infrastructure – such • it produces almost 30 % as water-supply, sewage of our GNP treatment, waste management, • it pays 40 % of all taxes roads, ports, public transport, Competitiveness or its lack depends on people and on what they do. in the country, and People live, work and run businesses locally - says Carl Cederschiöld etc. • it accounts for around 40 This can be done exclusively % of the total annual growth by the city - or as so called of our GNP. • good and well functioning institutions PPP’s - or by contract tendered out to - good governance; private companies. The vital element In the international environment • an environment that stimulates and here is that there should always be characterized by a growing mobility of accept innovation with an open mind; municipal responsibility based on the people, goods, capital and ideas, the basis • good climate for investment, and legal competence laid down in the law for competitiveness becomes more and • a city’s responsible and comprehensive of the land. more local / regional. There is abundant investment - policy. empirical evidence to support this view. - Investment in other areas - but under Given an open economy this is not that The first point demands that local what circumstances? astounding. Competitiveness or its lack independence regarding responsibilities A city can often have valid reasons for depends at the end of the day on people in designated areas - that is the legal trying to promote commercial investment and on what they do. People live, work competence for the local and regional in order to stimulate local and regional and run businesses locally. level - is for real and not only a economic development - meaning jobs beautiful democratic decoration. Simply and rising welfare for the citizens. In this Cities have always been places for said - if the mayor cannot really do context the trick is to avoid distorting commerce and thus they always are anything why vote for him. Efficient, competition on the free market and catalysts for development - good or bad professionally competent and impartial unduly favour certain private companies. - that depends on our actions. But a city city administration is in this context To use a metaphor - this can be done by is not only a place for exchange of goods equally important as the public institutions the city acting as a "midwife" for certain - it is before everything else - a place for on the national level.The second point is strategic investments. We can assist in the exchange of ideas - a place for creativity not as clearcut and concrete but has much birth of the baby. But we will not feed and and innovation. The cities thus have the to do with open channels of information raise the child.

2 BCB 2/2005 The instruments are among other task. The city is also taking its role as • Investments should be made in close things: land-policy, adapting and midwife seriously when working together cooperation with other actors in society organizing schools and education to with private actors and the academic so as to make the most of them. stimulate the creation of a competent world to formulate a common vision • As far as possible - the level of labour-force, keeping the infrastructure and subsequent action plans for certain investment should be stable over a long and planning process in an efficient strategic areas in Stockholm. term period - meaning that they can be shape. In rare cases it can also be the well planned and efficiently procured role of the city to be a direct investor as The first one - adopted by the City from an economic and technical point long as one does not come into conflict Council – the Kista-Vision is aimed at of view. with the EU’s competition and public constituting commonly agreed guidelines procurement-laws. for all, the actors in Kista - a suburb 12 If you want, you could list a number km NW of the city-centre and one of of rules of thumb for what a city and Sometimes such a simple thing as an the most important world centres for its leaders can do in cooperation with efficient, service-minded and fair city its development in the field of mobile private business for their city to become administration goes a long way to help information technology. and remain competitive for the wellbeing desired private investments to be realised. of its citizens. The 10 golden rules for In order to illustrate these principles I In the "Vision-Department" it is also success would be: can again use Stockholm as an example. worth mentioning the plan for a biotech Stockholm has a clear need for investment - R.A.D Centre - at or rather on top of the 1. an elaborate strategy built on an in infrastructure and housing if we are to old freight train station in the northern evaluation of strengthens and weaknesses catch up with the rapid growth of the city part of the inner - city. This is close to the of your city, during the nineties and the first years of Karolinska Institutet - the institution that 2. define if and where you have clusters this century. chooses the winners of the Nobel-Prize with a critical mass - or in which areas for Medicine. you may be able to create them, With the support of the government 3. a visionary political leadership - that is - roughly 2 billion EURO will be spent Finally, the city sees the need a transparent policy with clear intentions during the next 8 - 9 years on ring roads for investment in competence and that are easily understood, and the Mälartunnel – the railway tunnel professional skills among its own 4. foster an open and tolerant intellectual under the central part of Stockholm. These employees. To recruit and keep the right environment that stimulates curiosity vis projects are done in order to raise the employees will be crucial in the future if a vis new ideas, capacity for public transport - commuter a city is to be competitive. To that end we 5. create the right incentives for trains and trains in the Mälarregion as have allocated the fund of 2 billion SEK innovators and entrepreneurs, well as the national railway system. (220 mill. Euro) to be spent to train and 6. create markets as deregulated as The city has in political unity established educate employees and developing our realistically possible, the goal to see to that 22.000 apartments working methods. 7. establish a physical infrastructure at the are built the next 4-5 years – a tough To sum up: forefront - and maintain it - but realize that it will never be completed, 8. give much attention to the educational system, both for business and the public sector, 9. keep your city administration modern, competent and adaptable, 10. make the active and committed companies in your city like it and become ambassadors for it.

A city that succeeds with this will be competitive in our future world.

Carl Cederschiöld Mayor Emeritus City of Stockholm

Further information: Carl Cederschiöld carl.cederschiold@stadshuset. stockholm.se City of Stockholm - one of the most competitive cities in the Baltic Sea Region

BCB 2/2005 3 FOCUS ON INNOVATION In October 2005, the competitiveness factors do not exist. The the outstanding know-how in maritime World Economic Forum new strategy of the City of Turku is based technology, especially in designing and (WEF) rated Finland on knowledge, expertise, innovation and manufacture of the biggest luxury cruise and the United States as the most well-being. In implementing the strategy liners in the world. competitive countries on the basis the City will particularly stresses the Besides strong traditions, Turku boasts of statistical data and interviews of international competitiveness of the local the strongest biotechnology concentration corporate executives. WEF states that leading edge businesses, availability of in the country, a future success field which Finland’s particular strengths include skilled labour, creation of an attractive has enjoyed substantial investments by the societal environment and the environment for living and enterprising, the city. BioTurku is one of the two focal educational system. as well as increasing foreign investments. areas of Turku Science Park, and the other In a comparison of EU cities carried The universities in Turku are currently one is ICT Turku. The Science Park out by the Stockholm-based Nordregio preparing a new innovation strategy that comprises a total of 30.000 university research institute under ESPON will study the challenges related to the students, 400 professors, 300 companies programme, Helsinki and Turku were creation, financing and commercialisation and 13.500 employees. The key duties of the only Finnish cities included in the of innovations. The new solutions Turku Science Park Oy include increasing European mega-cities category. emphasise co-operation between the international investments in the fields of Nevertheless, even the best must be able universities, companies and the City, biotechnology and ICT. Networking with to renew continuously because permanent aimed at creativity and openness. other strong centres in the Baltic Sea area The business policy enterprises owned will be increasingly important while by the City of Turku, companies and competing globally for the investments public actors will be responsible for and top experts in these growth fields. The acquiring new investments in the strong city of Turku and its citizens are confident lines of business in the area. Pilot Turku about the future as part of the growing Oy is developing Turku’s already strong Baltic Sea economy. logistics concentration and has been able Further information: to increase the foreign investments in the Mr Tero Hirvilammi port and airport areas. One example of Deputy Mayor a unique benefit in transportation is the Competence and Business Activities train-ferry connection to Russia and Tel. +358 2 2627221 further to China via the Trans-Siberian [email protected] Port of Turku railway. The port areas are also home to INVESTMENTS IN MODERNITY Attracting investors and investment areas are being prepared. area is not all what is needed. Today we creating new workplaces The best example may be Modrzewina are taking care of well-educated staff. We is for Elblag – city with South, the district where in 2007 the have followed Swedish experience. To be a quite high unemployment rate - Technological Park is to be created. more precise, experience of Ronneby, our the task of major importance. Local We take up numerous measures to Swedish partner city - says Mayor Henryk authorities focus their attention on this stimulate economic growth – explains Słonina. - We have taken up activities with challenge. Mayor Słonina. – We modernized the aim of developing modern disciplines We act in many fields promoting the city transportation system by constructing related to IT and logistics. We also both domestically and abroad, showing new bridge over the Elblag river, together launched the IT Centre. Its task is not only our advantages. We have implemented the with the whole road system around the to train the professional computer staff system of tax allowances and the system bridge. Due to the construction of but also to build broadband fiberglass of formal procedures conveniences – says Elblag-East multilevel road junction, we networks and to create the necessary Mr Henryk Słonina, Mayor of Elblag. – In have managed to incorporate the city in infrastructure for the development of the city there is also located the subzone of the still modernized international road IT branch. Warminsko-Mazurska Special Economic system of express roads no.7 and no. 22 The Centre is still under development. Zone offering businesses income tax joining them with Grzechotki-Mamonowo It is engaged in the creation of the allowances. II Polish – Russian border checkpoint. Technical Park and the Entrepreneurship These are not the only measures that Another idea for strengthening the city’s Incubator. Elblag takes to attract businesses. This position is development of the sea port. Further information: year 90 million PLN has is allocated to In the end of October 2005 the new cargo Ms Agata Załuska municipal investment projects. Add the terminal was opened. [email protected] EU funds for the technical infrastructure The city authorities know that the Tel. +48 55 239 34 44 to complete the picture. In this way new technical infrastructure and investment

4 BCB 2/2005 CREATING OPEN ECONOMY The primary goal for million Lats, which is approximately one previous years, the main investment the development of half of the total investment in the country. source for the above mentioned sectors Riga, the capital of the Republic of Construction works in the City have risen was Riga Municipality budget. The Latvia, is to be an economically vibrant, 5 times during this period, reaching 187 foreign direct investments into the equity modern and dynamic city, maintaining million Lats. This is ca. one third of all capital of enterprises registered in Riga its natural and cultural heritage. construction works in the country. reached 993.6 million Lats by the end Together with the Latvian government, Rapid increase of private and foreign of 2004. Riga is attempting to create an open investment in the economy of the city The main part of foreign investment Western-style economy that complies and the housing infrastructure raises also (ca.150 million Lats or 15.3%) in Riga with the standards of the European a demand for investment into the public enterprises has been performed by Community. transportation and social infrastructure investors from the US, Sweden (number Given the sectors. Here two with 112 million Lats or 12.3%), and swift economic traditionally Denmark (number three with 97 million development main investors Lats or 9.9%). Riga in Riga, there is were the Riga is also the largest centre of also an increasing state and the culture, education and science in Latvia. amount of municipality. As This is evident from the large number of investment. the investment cultural events, international exhibitions, Between the attraction scientific conferences and seminars that year 2000 and to foster the take place in Riga every year. For detailed the beginning of development of information please visit our home page 2004 the total these sectors, www.riga.lv. non-fi nancial e.g. by utilizing investment in Riga public private Further information: has increased almost 1.5 times. In the partnership and concession mechanisms Mr Victors Buls beginning of 2004, the total value of non- for the financing of infrastructure projects, [email protected] financial investment in Riga reached 743 was not yet popular enough during the

ATTRACTING HEADQUATERS

Malmö situated many Danish companies have chosen excellent recruitment pool. In total, the within the centre of to locate on the Swedish side (a total of region has some 14 universities and the Öresundregion 180) and 7000 people commute daily to 10.000 researchers. comprises the southernmost part of work in the other country. The bridge The list of newly established Sweden and Greater Copenhagen in also brings Sweden one step closer to the headquarters in Malmö range from Denmark. This new metropolitan area continent, as well as to one of Europe’s smaller Swedish IT companies that with a population of 3,6 million has largest airports, with the connecting want to be part of the new, modern become one of Europe’s most vibrant flights world-wide. And this is one of the business and living area located by regions. advantages that most companies mention the sea (the Western Harbour), to Malmö has recently experienced an when they list the reasons as to why well-known international companies increase in the number they decided to locate moving from other locations abroad of headquarters moving their headquarters in and consolidating their headquarters to the city. There are Malmö. here. As a symbol for the new positive several reasons behind this Another attitude and modernisation that one finds phenomenon. Year 2000 the important factor in Malmö, stands the HSB Turning Torso, Öresundbridge connecting for this increasing a spectacular building twisting itself 190 Malmö and Copenhagen attractiveness is metres above sea level. was finished resulting in a Malmö University, The city of Malmö is continuously 20 minutes travel time by established six years taking efforts to improve the conditions car or train between the two ago. Today 20 000 for new headquarter establishment. cities. In addition to creating students and new Further information: a more exciting region to live companies make Ms Tora Berg in, both Swedes and Danes the city much more City of Malmö are starting to take advantage alive than ever before Trade and Industry Agency Manager of its neighbouring country’s and adding to the HSB Turning Torso [email protected] proximity. Today, twice as ©JOAKIM LLOYD RABOFF/JLR MEDIA AB companies’ already

BCB 2/2005 5 VALUES AND COOPERATION Kristiansand City Council is reaching these conclusions, is working together with contributed to strengthening local businesses, University Kristiansand’s position as "a town College Agder and the cultural that gives more opportunities for foundation, Stiftelsen Cultiva on a better quality of life." a declaration of values to achieve Why is it important to be increased awareness, knowledge and aware of which values we wish pride about Kristiansand. to present? The council has In September 2005 the City Council the responsibility for building passed the Council Plan 2005-2016 called society and this is about the city's "We believe in opportunities". This vision foundation for existence. The is closely related to the project approved fight to attract job area is very City of Kristiansand by the local politicians in spring 2004, competitive. namely: Profiling 2004 - "Kristiansand Many cities are aware of City Council. Initially the group will – a town that gives more opportunities the importance of advertising their produce a seminar that can form the basis, for a better quality of life". advantages for establishing firms in their and contribute to, a future cooperation Anne Karen Aunevik, advisor on the areas. It would be very unwise of us if project. These tasks include clarifying Chief Executive’s staff, is the council’s we failed to give information about what which partners will be involved. More representative on the working party we have to offer. In addition, increased information about the seminar is available tasked with finding ways for municipal knowledge of the city’s advantages and in Norwegian on www.byprofil.no. At the and private participants to cooperate in possibilities has boosted the well-being same time, the council will carry out an highlighting the city of Kristiansand’s of the city’s population - Anne Karin internal survey of the work on profiling, advantages and for attracting new workers. Aunevik explains. communication and developing the vision The vision is completely integrated into the The working party is composed of that is already completed by sections Council Plan. As a result our redesigned the Market Secretary, Kathrine Bjerke, and units. webpage with a more vibrant profile has Chair of the local Chamber of Commerce, been made - she says. - Also, the Profiling Communications Advisor, Bjarne Sverkeli 2004 Project revealed that Kristiansand’s from Cultiva, Senior Advisor Helge Møll Further information: advantages and distinctive features can from Agder University College, the Mr Jon Sverre Karterud be summarized in the following terms; Chairwoman Ingebjørg Sveen Brunborg anne.karen.aunevik@kristiansand. wonderful, innovative, flourishing and from Sørlandet’s European office and kommune.no accessible. The process of the council Advisor Anne Aunevik from Kristiansand

REHABILITATION OF THE TALKSA LAKE

Šiauliai is the fourth are: rehabilitated south coast of the lake large city located in the with the width of 20 m, cleaned bottom North of Lithuania, from the polluted composite of lake’s silt famous for neighbourhood of the and coating in the depth of 1,5 m from Hill of Crosses, attractive in terms of the water surface, natural assets of the business, investment and tourism in southern part of the lake restored. terms of economic environment and These results, following the principles geographical location. The Talksa Lake of the sustainable development, uphold There is well-developed industry, 20 ha territory is attractive for commercial clean and friendly for health environment, but the city aims to be more attractive and recreational development. create attractive conditions for investors for foreign tourists and to provide new Unfortunately the lake had been and enable arrangement of international facilities for investors. One of such polluted by leather industry for a long rowing competition, as well as ensure facilities is the unique place in the time and actually not adapted for tourism development of tourism and of new centre of the city - Talksa Lake (56,2 and recreation as well. Siauliai seeks to jobs. ha) surrounded by the flora and parks. rehabilitate the attractiveness of the lake Because of natural conditions the for citizens and to create favourable Talksa Lake is a favourable location for conditions for investments into the sport Further information: investment of an international rowing infrastructure. In the middle of 2005 the Ms Sigita Kamarauskiene centre. An approx. 170 ha park is located rehabilitation project started. [email protected] in the neighbourhood. Moreover, further The expected results of the project

6 BCB 2/2005 SUSTAINABLE KEILA Keila – a town with a and warehouse services. In order to treatment plant was completed in 2001. population of 10.000, foster further development of the park, The plant services also the neighbouring situated 25 kilometres AS Harju KEK obtained a production areas and industry. So far, ca. 5,7 million west of Tallinn, is considered plant of 19 hectares in the Southern part EUR has been spent on the project that attractive to entrepreneurs. The town of Keila. is co-financed by the help of Finland, has a railway connection and remains Due to damage made by the Soviet Denmark, PHARE, the budget of the within easy reach of international Army, the ground republic of Estonia, roads, ports and major Estonian water in the NEFCO loan and Keila’s airports. upper aqueducts own resources. There are residential and recreational in the area had The water system upgrading areas, as well as separate industrial areas become polluted project is continued. If which are not yet fully exploited. That by the mid 1990s. everything goes as planned, is why in 2004, more than 200 people Keila has been the first investments can be were employed and thousands of square known for its made in 2007. For Keila, meters of production premises built. very poor quality it means 5,5 million EUR There is an industrial park of 48 of drinking water. from the European Union's hectares in the North-Western part In order to enhance the welfare of the Cohesion Fund. Keila will probably be of Keila. Having a good location and citizens and to develop production, the first town in Estonia to be wholly infrastructure, the park comprises more a major environmental project was covered by a common water and sewage than 20 enterprises employing around launched in 1997. The aim of the project system. More people will get new homes 1500 people. Among them there are was to improve the living environment of and their quality of life will improve. And such internationally known enterprises Keila. The authorities decided to upgrade that is what attracts more enterprises to like ABB, AGA, GLAMOX, ENSTO, or build a new water and sewage system Keila. Draka NK Cables, PKC Group, for the whole town - a new water plant Further information: INEXA, as well as several Harju Group and water treatment plant. Today, two Mr Tanel Mõistus enterprises. Beside producers, the thirds of town has been upgraded. Member of Keila City Council industrial village also accommodates With the help of the Environmental [email protected] companies offering transport, customs Agency of Denmark, a new water BALTIC TOURISM FOR A BETTER LIVING QUALITY Relaxing and our seaside resort and impressive houses that draw onlookers time and breathing in lungful coastal scenery, Sunday shopping and again. Every weekend Warnemünde is of fresh sea air, a fascinating city centre oozing with packed with a this colourful mixture of swimming and walking, looking at North German atmosphere. More than locals and foreigners. Strolling around ships and eating fresh Baltic Sea fish, one million overnight visitors appreciate Rostock city center is getting ever more admiring huge churches or finding these features every year, not to mention eventful and attractive for pedestrians out more about the state and its one-day visitors who stroll in the fine too. Ancient and modern buildings have people… Visitors to the Hanseatic city weather through the city centre and the grown together harmoniously. Thus the of Rostock and its seaside resort of resort of Warnemünde. From imposing 400-year-old Steintor has again crept Warnemünde can do it all. cruisers to spa concerts, from deep-sea towards the medieval city walls. Clinker The inhabitants of the largest town fishing to the theatre and New Year bricks characterise the architecture of the in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern enjoy spectacle at the lighthouse: our resort new "harbour terraces", which fit in well on the Baltic Sea offers a variety with the historical image of Rostock city of attractions. Warnemünde has harbour. Locals and tourists can enjoy become one of the most important not merely the view over the Warnow Baltic ports for international river here. Racy sailing boats, passenger cruise liners. There’ll be a good vessels, windjammers and museum 100 of them in 2006, from club ships conjure up a maritime atmosphere, ships to luxury sailing ships. particularly during the annual Hanse That’s more than 100.000 tourists Sail in August. from Canada, Japan, the USA Further information: and Great Britain, bringing Mr Michael Cordt the hum of foreign voices to Tourismuszentrale Rostock & Warnemünde and the city. It is Warnemünde Rostock offers variety of attractions for visitors and these elegant ships, larger than Tel. +49 0 3813812365 inhabitants Warnemünde’s fishermen’s

BCB 2/2005 7 THE TRUE HEART OF FINLAND Tampere Region, the Tampere International Business Office The marketing actions abroad are second largest region (TIBO) was established in June 2004 mainly done in close cooperation with the in Finland with apr. and its run by Professia Ltd. The goal of local companies and research institutions 440 000 inhabitants, is a modern TIBO is to fulfil the vision – "Tampere to be able to contact the right companies concentration of industry, commerce, Region to become one of the world’s and find the right expertise. The focused services, research and education. The most attractive operating environments marketing actions demand careful city of Tampere is the largest inland for knowledge intensive businesses and planning and preparation before, and centre in the Nordic countries. Tampere residential environments for experts". thus the number of these are quite limited has been an industrial pioneer in Finland The starting point for TIBO’s strategy per year. The regions, with which TIBO from the very beginning in late 1700s, and is to support the existing strong clusters cooperates, are selected on the basis of still continues as "number one" Finnish (mechanical engineering and automation, the expertise and with the help of the industrial city with its strong mechanical ICT, health and biotechnology) by Tampere Region EU-office in Brussels, engineering and attracting foreign which has been actively searching and automation companies which contacting the potential regions. Thus, cluster. It has can strengthen these the main emphasis has been on the EU shown remarkable clusters. Besides, member countries. Russia, St. Petersburg capability of TIBO focuses on area, and India, Pune area have been of transforming from rousing the existing interest for TIBO, too. Emerging areas old industrial city companies to invest at the moment include the Baltic Rim into modern ICT more in the region. region. The selected strategy for TIBO and bio technology The strategy is built based on the expertise of the region has industries centre. on the the needs proven to be successful. During its first Versatile research expressed by the year of operation, it has exceeded the set and education and cooperation between representatives of these key clusters and targets. companies and universities have based on the partnerships with selected maintained and further developed the foreign regions. At the local level TIBO Further information: competitiveness of the region’s all actively discusses with the business and Mrs Anna-Mari Järvelin industry fields, and turn it into the fastest academia representatives to serve the Professia Ltd. www.professia.fi growing area in Finland. local needs. www.investintampere.com

CITY OF OPPORTUNITIES

Kaunas has the highest for business and investment support number of universities services based on Geographic and schools of higher Information System - a ‘free of learning in Lithuania. It also has the charge’ system to improve the biggest textiles, food and beverages, quality, variety and accessibility of electronics, chemicals, and pharmacy the public services for businesses. factories all established here – all of Our ideal geographical position which provide Kaunas with massive puts us at the crossing point of the potential and opportunity; real Via-Baltica and IX B highways, Kaunas - Karolinus Road opportunity provided by investment connecting cities from Helsinki, forces and cooperating with other cities in sites and services for stimulating new to Warsaw, and linking Klaipeda on the such as the promotion of Hansa City investors. One example is Technopolis Baltic Sea to Russia. The Kaunas airport days on and around our 15th Century - a centre of technology and knowledge- is also the biggest international cargo Town Hall Square and regular twin town based business enterprise and research airport in the Baltics. The airport also initiatives. Engaging with citizens to with total investment expected to be provides low cost airline flights to many make the growth of the city relevant and almost 500 million litas. At the same major European cities. Increased flights attractive to them is the way forward; if time as increasing the tangible sights (and mean we have a huge potential to attract this works we will have over 340,000 sites) and services, we are concentrating many more international visitors here local ambassadors for Kaunas! on simplifying all necessary financial and we have invested in this through and administrative systems as much as increasing and improving our tourist sites Further information: possible to make the process of starting and attractions and, more importantly, www.verslogis.lt www.kaunas.lt business here in Kaunas as easy and thinking of innovative ways in which to Mr Vygintas Grinis as stress-free as possible. A new and communicate and market them. There [email protected] realised system which serves as a tool have been some clear benefits of joining

8 BCB 2/2005 TOWARDS GREATER COMPETITIVENESS During the last years that is great achievement to have such a visitors can find information regarding numerous changes took company operating in our port. city, culture, tourism, entertainment, place in the Baltic Sea One of the key issues of considering business, society and local government. region which are among other things Liepāja as their place of investment Here you can find also the latest statistics related to the EU enlargement. The Poul Schroeder, Bunge European Region of different spheres, useful information changes are also quite evident in the Director, mentioned its geographical about investment climate.Tourists city of Liepāja. position in the centre of the Baltic port and other visitors may appreciate the The port of Liepāja has always been infrastructure and management as well as electronic map of the city and other like a bridge between east and west and proximity to the rapidly growing centre of information regarding entertainment. nowadays is trying to be cosidered as a agriculture and grain cultivation. Since the opening of new webpage www. hub ports in the Baltic Sea. Today the Since 3 October the new Liepāja liepaja.lv it has been visited by people port of Liepāja fulfils all conditions to webpage is available for everyone. from over 50 different countries. become a growing centre of logistics and It is designed according to the main Taking into consideration importance development. One of the latest investment principles of portal which besides already of information starting from the next projects is Dan Store dry bulk cargo existing electronic services will allow for year visitors will have an opportunity to terminal which was officially opened in municipality to implement several new subscribe for monthly newsletter. September 2005. One of the owners of electronic services for internet users until company Dan Store is the world scale 2007. The information provided on the Further information: company Bunge – the world’s leading webpage is available in four languages Mr Martins Abols agriculture and food processing company – Latvian, Russian, English and German Liepāja City Council with experience in global trading and and is set up in seven basic sections where [email protected]

DYNAMIC CHOJNICE

In the last two years, of the Province via the 22 international s pedagogy, economy, mechanics, IT, the Land of Chojnice road from Kaliningrad in Russia to marketing and management. has become more and Berlin. The zone is situated 2,5 miles The leading branches of economy more popular and competitive among from the Customs Office and the in Chojnice are metal, wood and other regions of Pomorskie Province, railroad station. The main Polish ports furniture, food and construction whilst maintaining constant dynamic – Gdansk and Gdynia, and the Lech industries. Chojnice has attracted capital growth. All development-oriented Walesa International Airport are just 75 from Germany, Sweden, Denmark actions taken by the Town Hall, such as miles away. and Finland. Effective promoting of modernising of the town centre or the Chojnice’s Town Council has passed a economy, tourism, culture and sport has sewage recycling plant, upgrading main packet of resolutions called "Chojnice’s contributed to even bigger success of the roads, constructing of the Water Park Preferences for Industry, Trade and town. Our business community perfectly and the soccer stadium, restoring the Service". These resolutions favour active understands the town's development former hospital buildings, are directly entrepreneurs who already run successful mission of the town and actively targeted at further social and economic businesses in our town, or are about to supports the promotional activities. For growth. These investment projects were start up. Prospect investors also have example, a lucrative contract between partly covered by the EU funds. With quite large resources of highly qualified Mostostal and Finnish manufacturer of the help of Chojnice County, in order labour force to choose from. A well- gantries, KCI Konecranes, was signed to attract prospect developed system on 20 October 2005, in the presence of investors, a branch of vocational two ski jump stars, Robert Mateja and of the Pomeranian training in the Janne Ahonen. Special Economic schools offers Superb neighbourhood of Chojnice, Zone was created. a possibility of with its nature and ever-growing It is the area of ca. getting useful tourist and sport base, helps tourism to 37 acres, adjacent skills, depending constantly grow and expand. The Town to its sister zone on the investors’ Development Program has already in the county needs. There are started bringing results such as increase of Czluchow. also two high in employment. The argument in learning schools favour the zone in the town, which Further information: is its location and Robert Mateja and Janne Ahonen cut the symbolic allow for a choice Ms Joanna Piekarska easy connection ribbon at the opening of the new technological of professionals [email protected] with other parts line at Mostostal at Chojnice. in such fields a

BCB 2/2005 9 IN HARMONY WITH THE NATURE Founded 450 years The most notable natural areas of Pori production, research and development. ago on the River are located in coastal Meri-Pori. Even in Near Port we can show good areas for Kokemäenjoki, the city international terms, the Kokemäenjoki industry, which is willing to fulfil our of Pori has traditionally delta, Preiviiki bay and the Yyteri environmental demands. Port has taken been a Finnish industrial and port city peninsula form a unique complex, where part into New Hansa project and we are that has rapidly transformed itself into natural areas of botanical, geological heading to sustainable and environmental a city of students. The city business and scenic value as well as waters rich friendly harbour. The Port is divided into plan is based on the principles of in birdlife are concentrated in a small three separate deep water harbours and sustainable development. geographical zone. The Kokemäenjoki has the ability to manage any size vessel delta and Preiviiki bay are the most entering the Baltic waters. In harbour important areas of Pori represented area we have also room for wind energy. in the European Union NATURA Present Wind Park is second largest in 2000 environmental protection Finland and next year its production network. will double. We can also offer a place We have successfully founded for the offshore Wind Park at least size a way how to develop ports and of 45 MW. industrial areas in harmony with valuable natural areas. Pori region Further information: is one of the country’s largest and Mr Matti Lankiniemi most important industrial areas rich Environmental Director, City of Pori matti.lankiniemi@pori.fi Alluvial shores of Preiviiki bay - important areas for in the production of timber and www.pori.fi wading birds Photo: Matti Riihimäki paper products, chemical and metal

COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF KLAIPEDA

Povilas Vasiliauskas, of staging political battles, the local Mr Vasiliauskas is convinced that Chairman of Klaipeda government concentrates on improving Klaipeda is a good place not only because City Council Committee general business environment and the of geographical reasons. Indeed, it is a of Strategic Development, Chairman of city‘s economy. wonderful spot for the development of the Board of Klaipeda Free Economic Klaipeda city politicians logistics, business, as well Zone Management Company, says always cooperate with the as it is attractive for living that the Lithuanian port city Klaipeda national government on and recreation. Enquiries stands out from other towns for two constructive basis - despite show that about 90% of main reasons: ice-free port and the changes in the Government the citizens are glad that only operating free economic zone in leadership, they usually they live in Klaipeda. The the country. Klaipeda is a safe place manage to find the necessary city itself and the suburbs for investment and a convenient place form of a dialogue. on the Baltic Sea coastline to live. Klaipeda has its own near Klaipeda are very These two circumstances make a vision for the future of popular among Lithuanians favourable impact on the possibilities the city - the plans for and foreigners as summer of Klaipeda competitiveness. The Free its strategic development resorts. More and more Economic Zone attracts foreign and have been created and often these days they are Lithuanian investors with different confirmed. According selected by the klaipedians privileges, the port – with a possibility to P. Vasiliauskas, these Povilas Vasiliauskas, for permanent residence. to transport cargo all year round. plans are under successful Chairman of Klaipeda Klaipeda is able to supply P. Vasiliauskas emphasizes that implementattion, and that City Council Committee of highly educated and skilled, while selecting a Lithuanian town for is a proof of the local Strategic Development young labour force that investment, general business environment government‘s resolution, activity and satisfies the demands of the investors. plays a very important role. Klaipeda constructiveness. For many years in offers political continuity and stability succession the city budget has also in the city political management for been successfully fullfilled, its means Further information: more than ten years which makes a are allocated not just for common Mr Andrius Juskevicius pleasant impression on many. Both improvement of the living environment, Chief Executive of the Citizen‘s investors and other businesses in but for the development of various Information Service Klaipeda can easily make prognoses infrastructure projects. All that is a strong Tel.+370 46 396198 of their future perspectives. Instead and positive signal for investors. [email protected]

10 BCB 2/2005 CITY WITHOUT BARRIERS Koszalin is an important Centre (CIC) is being established in the communicative and administrative and economically active Complex. barriers between national and international business centre in CIC is believed to be the first and the business Partners" (more information: northern Poland, offering preferential only industrial zone in the EU, owned by www.cb.koszalin.pl) terms for investing. The City is located Chinese capital. The CIC was created for Koszalin has also taken further on the E-28 transit route connecting prospect Chinese investors who will be activities to stimulate its competitiveness. Berlin and Kaliningrad and S-11 conducting business activity in the scope These are: The Koszalin Industrial Park connecting Koszalin with the south of of production of electronic equipment, (the Science-Technology Theme Park), Poland. household articles, as well as the which is being commissioned now, Since 2003 the City hosts the "Koszalin" engineering. At present investment work with the surface area of 11 ha, to be Complex of the Slupsk Special Economic at building of the first Chinese bicycle fully provided with necessary facilities Zone (SSEZ), in which attractive and production plant is in progress. and supplies for implementation of preferential conditions for investing Moreover, there was established the investments and activities aiming at have been created for the Business Centre (BC) reactivation of the Zegrze Pomorskie time of functioning of the in Koszalin, gathering airport. "Koszalin" Complex, i.e. at one place various Koszalin is very engaged in improving until 2017. Considering a institutions such as its local infrastructure to become more great interest on the part of banks and organizations competitive for investors. The amount of investors, activities aiming conducting activity money for the infrastructure, gained from at extending the Complex for business and EU-projects in 2005 is about 5.400.000 by the next investment areas entrepreneurship PLN, which is nearly 12.8% of City have been undertaken. The promotion and budget as allocated to that aim. City plans to widen the for winning both SSEZ for about 40 ha, national and foreign to create the conditions investors. Its mission for new investments in - "well economically Further information: the close future. Also, established region Ms Joanna Socha the Chinese Industrial without any [email protected]

FAST TRACK OF UMEÅ

Umeå is one of the newest decades. Growth really speeded up in Another center for world class research and fastest growing cities 1965, the same year that the university is the Swedish University of Agricultural in Sweden. The average opened up its doors. Obviously, there is Sciences in Umeå. Take for instance age of the 110.000 people who live in a connection. Education provides skills, the Umeå Plant Science Center. The Umeå is 37. Efforts are also made to which attracts companies that in turn, cooperation between this university and develop Umeå even more - the goal is attract more people. In the last 30 years, the Umeå University, carries research into to pass the 150.000 figure before 2050. housing in Umeå has doubled and this tree genes which can lead to a whole new The city offers world-class art, drama, rate of growth continues. 700 to 800 new forest industry. films, industries, music and research. It apartments are constructed each year Six reasons for setting up business aims to attract more companies, break Umeå university gives priority to and in our city are: high level of education, new construction records and, not least, is keen to develop many different areas skilled labour, few traffic jams, closeness become the cultural capital for 2014. of research. These include life sciences to everything and plenty of leisure Umeå has been expanding for several (especially medical and cell and the opportunities. Add to this a growth rate molecular biology of plants), human of 2,4 per cent and you have several technology interaction, social welfare, reasons why the city attracts both ecology and gender perspectives. new entrepreneurs and well-known The Umeå University works companies. collaboratively with companies such as ABB, Volvo, Skanska, Ericsson, Further information: and Ohrlings Pricewaterhouse- Mr Lars-Göran Boström Coopers. And there is going to be Chief planner more - says Christina Skogsberg, one The City of Umeå of the heads of Umeå University´s Umeå attracts new enterpreneurs and well- [email protected] known companies new Centre for Business and Society.

BCB 2/2005 11 PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP IN CESIS Today public private and brings in certain benefits. As the Agency to develop two pilot projects partnership plays a Municipality does not have enough – street repair in Old Town and building very important role in resources for cultural activities as well as a new kindergarten. 300 children are the overall economic development of the for renovation of infrastructure, here local waiting for new premises. It is no city or whole country. In fact, this kind of entrepreneurs can play ever more relevant longer possible to postpone solving partnership has allowed implementing role. As we do not have long experience those problems. The city has started notable infrastructure projects in in implementation of PPP projects in our negotiations with external experts who many countries all over the world. The country, four municipalities signed five will work out a PPP model here in Latvia Cesis Municipality tries to find best ways agreements on the pilot projects in small as the State does not have such experience. in cooperation with local entrepreneurs cities, two of them will be implemented It is hoped that several projects will who not only take thoughts about profit- in Cesis. In recent years Cesis has follow up. Most important gain from making but feel achieved a high rate PPP is solving actual problems for the responsible for of development. city by involving private investment and the community Although we relieving stress on the municipal budget. or support for upgraded streets, This is essential impetus for development solutions of renovated schools, of entrepreneurship, consequently more different problems built new sport work places will be established as PPP Celebrating its complex, and projects will be implemented by local 800th anniversary started building entrepreneurs. As a result regional Cesis looks back a new school, the development and sustainability will be in eventful history needs are still big. strengthened and Cesis will be attractive and sets targets For that reason city not only for visitors but also for for successful private public further investments. development in Director of Latvian Investment and Development partnership is Agency Mr. Andris Ozols (on the left) and good mechanism the future. One of Further information: Mr. Gints Skenders, Mayor of Cesis, signing for sustainable the priorities of agreement on PPP. Mrs Ieva Melceniece development of the Cesis is tourism, Cesis City Council city. Cesis signed an agreement with the especially cultural tourism attracting [email protected] more and more visitors every year Latvian Investment and Development POWERFUL VAASA

The Vaasa region on the networking. The company creates power west coast of Finland is through cooperation by convening the a dynamic region with municipalities, educational institutions, excellent prerequisites for business. research units and enterprises for Trade traditions and a remarkable discussion. These collaborate through entrepreneurial spirit equip the region and with the company to achieve the with a strong will to succeed. common goal – development. The international energy cluster is Experiences show that the Vaasa the leading engine of the industry in Region Development Company does the region. Of 6.800 enterprises in indeed fill the previously open position Inexpensive housing and numerous the region, more than 800 are energy as an energetic engine for development. job opportunities topped with short technology companies. Characteristic of A competitive environment is not created distances – everything is within a 20 the region are extensive subcontractor over night but rather needs time and, minutes’ drive from your home – give networks that are also vital for the large most importantly, will. A central task the region a competitive edge as regards international companies’ operations. for the company is to promote regional quality of life. The city of Vaasa draws A number of educational institutions business and market the skills and a great number of students to study in and research units ensure top-level competence of the region. In addition, the bilingual (Finnish and Swedish) competence also in the future. An the company functions as a gateway to environment, which gives the city a essential factor in the development of the region by assisting foreign companies young and energetic atmosphere. the region and in making it increasingly in establishing operations and connecting more competitive is cooperation. The with local networks. The Vaasa region Further information: Vaasa Region Development Company, is a pleasant environment to live, study Mr Pekka Haapanen owned by 10 municipalities in the and work in. The natural beauty of Managing Director Vaasa region, was founded to act as a the landscape by the sea attracts new pekka.haapanen@vasek.fi driving force behind cooperation and inhabitants and also tourists to the region.

12 BCB 2/2005 ATTRACTIVE GDYNIA Already for the fifth summit was already the fifth one. For two time businessmen and days between 22-23 September during politicians from Poland the International Economic Forum over and abroad have met five hundred representatives of Polish in Gdynia to promote Poland as an and foreign economic and political attractive business partner. Why circles discussed crucial development Gdynia? What is the source of the issues. The Forum is a successor city’s attractiveness? Undoubtedly of Gdynia’s Investment Forums it is Gdynia’s quality mark, and her – Thinking of investing - think exceptionally favourable location at Gdynia. The four international International Economic Forum the cross-roads of two Pan-European investment forums previously Gdynia 2005 transportation corridors. held in Gdynia had been attended and tourism. After the first day’s plenary Undoubtedly, it is also the city’s by representatives of international session three panels were held. The first economic potential, well-educated consultancies, the largest developers and one focused on new markets, including people, modern infrastructure as well as major companies from the region. the Far East and China in particular, in the a wide range of offered services and good The International Economic Forum context of broadly understood maritime recreational facilities. There is an extra Gdynia 2005 brought together economy; the second one covered finance bonus - in Gdynia you will find the best representatives of major Polish and for small and medium sized enterprises, schools, a highly qualified workforce, and regional companies, banks and financial and the third one tourism – especially in an absorptive market. institutions, local and regional authorities, the Baltic Sea Region. Gdynia’s dynamism is reflected diplomats and experts, as well as Chinese Our challenge was to advertise in almost every field of activity. businessmen who want to do business in Gdynia’s qualities abroad and to attract The residents’ entrepreneurial spirit Poland. The significance of the Forum foreign businesses. and the steady and uninterrupted went beyond our continent. The themes development of the city attract like of the Forum were aimed at bringing Further information: a magnet. Gdynia was the first city in to the attention of our companies the Ms Małgorzata Dehmel Poland to launch, on the international scale, importance and opportunities offered Gdynia City Hall a promotional campaign dating back as by the Far East markets especially in [email protected] far as the year 2001. The September 2005 the fields of maritime economy, finance

HONEST BUSINESS IN KÄRDLA

With the population of city attractive? Of course it is. There is paradise. 3800, Estonian Kärdla is plenty of empty land. No skyscrapers, It is a good place to live and to work a small city on Hiiumaa big supermarkets or spa-hotels. Yet, here. No organized crime. Hard-working Island. People earn their the nature is untouched, there are many residents are sincere and honest. Even living both in the public or private forests, nature paths, bird-watching today car doors can stay unlocked during sectors. As the life on Hiiumaa is very towers and secure living environment. visit to shop, because you know that enjoyable, many local people have Living on the island has is very specific. nobody will steal your car or valuables established here companies, which Transport to the island and away from from the car. Kärdla was named in years give work to many people. The citizens it takes time and resources. Big city 2000 – 2003 the safest city in Estonia. of Hiiumaa prefer safe and stable life centers are far from here. International From business fields plastic and forest in every sense of the meaning. Is our investors think often long before coming industry and tourism are mainly to Hiiumaa. Many of them do not come represented. Most of owners of private at all, because the profitability could companies are local persons but we be smaller than in some other places. also have joint ventures and companies Hiiumaa is for those who appreciate other which are based on foreign capital. Quite values than money only. Those values are common is that products go abroad. So clean nature, honest people and secure almost every entrepreneur has or wishes environment. People, including tourists to have partner or partners from abroad. are coming to Hiiumaa to rest, away from The investors are welcome on the the riots of a big city. They have often Hiiumaa. a feeling that when they are sitting in a Further information: M&P Nurst. Most of owners of private com- plane in Tallinn or in a ferry in Rohuküla Ms Annely Veevo Project Manager panies in Kärdla are local residents harbour all worries will stay on the other [email protected] side of the sea and they will arrive in the

BCB 2/2005 13 SPACE FOR DEVELOPMENT

Gdań sk is a city various financial instruments e.g. loans expanding their business they create at whose nature has and municipal bonds. In order to secure least five new jobs. for centuries been relatively cheap sources of finance the The city authorities also took another determined by its strategic location on authorities have the city assessed for initiative. They have called a competition the crossroads of the European trade its creditworthiness by independent and for the Gdańsk Koga award and the routes, as well as an open approach to objective rating agencies. Since 2000 Leader of Enterprise in Gdansk title. The changes and the entrepreneurial spirit the assessment has been entrusted to the idea behind the initiative is to promote of its inhabitants. Emphasising the city’s international rating agencies of Standard creative and dynamically developing European roots the city authorities embark and Poor’s and Fitch Rating. Since 2000 SMEs in the city. Particular recognition on various actions to Gdańsk has also is given to businesses based on the meet the challenges retained the long- principles of honesty and reliability of the new united term domestic and in business and customer relations. Europe. To that aim foreign currency The winners are granted a number of they pursue broad- credit rating of BBB promotional benefits and preferential scale investments to with the projections participation reserved in trade fair events upgrade the quality remaining stable. organised by International Gdańsk Fairs of the infrastructure In line with the SA. Whoever chooses to locate his/her and the living development- business in Gdańsk can be sure to standards of the oriented municipal find favourable climate and space for local population to policy in 2004 development here. the level represented the City passed by other cities of Gdansk, Długi Targ Street the resolution to the European Union. This is reflected offer a hundred percent exemption Further information: in the share of the investment spending from the property tax to entrepreneurs Mr Alan Aleksandrowicz in the total municipal expenditure. The developing production and services in Plenipotentiary of the Mayor of authorities also introduce organisational IT, telecommunications, electronics, Gdansk for Business Service and legal changes to accelerate investment biotechnology and industrial control [email protected] processes in the city. The city reaches for systems, provided that while creating or COMPETITIVE EDGE Szczecin–Świnoujscie currently development of the distribution and storage, create possibilities for Bi-Port, strategically and logistics center. developing professional distribution, positioned at the mouth According to the plan, a distribution and as well as improve client service of the Oder River, logistic centre will be built on 30 hectare by introducing electronic cargo performs a significant role in the land situated along Hryniewieckiego and identification and tracing. Connections BSR. The port’s central location in Kujota Streets, the main transportation between the Logistics Centre, container the BSR makes it one of the major route in the immediate vicinity of the terminal and a well-established, market centres in the region and in transhipment facilities for conventional common road system will strengthen Poland. Its direct availability to the general cargo, and a container base on the functionality of the two investment Polish, German and European waterway Ostrów Grabowski Island, currently under projects. The construction of the Centre system provides suppliers a more construction. In 2004 –2006, the Szczecin will be financed through the Sectoral competitive transportation cost structure and Świnoujście Seaports Authority, Operational Programme – Transport for with complete intermodal connectivity implementing the investment, will provide 2004 – 2006. At the moment, talks are and adjacent real estate available for land improvement and infrastructure underway with PKP Cargo to include development. The port itself is the best- necessary for the functioning of the railway sites in the Distribution and kept secret for those seeking to move Centre. The implementation plan includes Logistics Centre, together with the goods fast and cost-effectively via water, the construction of roads, car parks for existing railway tracks. The tracks will air, truck or rail. trucks, together with utility facilities, constitute a basis of developing an The economic results place both ports railway tracks, transformer stations and intermodal terminal with storage yards, among the strongest competitors in the 15 kV MV and 0.4 kV LV electricity warehouses and railway transhipment sector. As the biggest Polish bulk cargo supply lines, lighting of internal roads, equipment. handling centre, also servicing Panamax telecommunication ducts, rainwater Further information: type vessels, ferries and Ro-Ro vessels, drains and sanitary sewage system. Mr Zdzisław Kula Świnoujscie port offers most modern The comprehensive investment will Senior Investment Officer ferry terminals in the BSR. One of the make the port’s offer more attractive, [email protected] major investment projects in the bi-port is improve conditions for cargo handling

14 BCB 2/2005 II. UBC TODAY VIII GENERAL CONFERENCE TOWARDS A NEW BALTIC SEA AGENDA Over 270 participants from 67 The participants could contribute to UBC Finances UBC member cities including guests the general discussion more directly by Mr Paweł Żaboklicki, UBC Secretary from governments and organisations taking part in forums which were held General, presented the auditor’s report on gathered at the VIII UBC General concurrently during the second dayof UBC accounts for 2003-2004, prepared by Conference in Turku, Finland, to the conference:1. Maritime Logistics the licensed auditing company BILANS discuss the challenges which the Baltic Corridors in the BSR 2. Promoting from Gdansk. The report confirmed that Sea Region faces nowadays as well as to Human Contacts in the BSR 3. BSR the Union financial transactions and think of the future role of the UBC. Cities and the EU Budget Framework 4. records have been handled properly. The theme of the Conference was BSR Cities and the New Neighbourhood The conference approved as well the Towards a New Baltic Agenda. The first Policies 5. Active and Attractive City: Executive Board proposal for the UBC two days 29 and 30 September budget and membership fees for were full of various presentations 2006 and 2007. Additionally, Mr devoted to this issue. The third day, Bartlomiej Sochanski, Szczecin, 1 October, was dominated by the outgoing member of the Board of UBC internal matters like elections, Audit, presented the report of the fees, budget etc. Board of Audit. The conference Keynote speakers elected and welcomed the new Traditionally, conference members of the UBC Board of Audit participants were warmly welcomed - Ms Ewa Back, Mayor of Sundsvall, by the Mayor of the hosting city Sweden, Ms Marta Chełkowska, of Turku - Mr Armas Lahoniitty. Vice-Mayor of Leba, Poland and Moreover, Mr Pertti Paasio, Ms Silvia Loebner, Head of Audit Chairman of Turku City Council VIII UBC General Conference, Sigyn Hall, Turku Department, Wismar, Germany. conveyed on behalf of the Prime physical activity promotes wellbeing 6. Elections Minister of Finland Mr Matti Vanhanen LVRLAC - UBC Cooperation Forum. The General Conference elected Mr a greetings to the General Conference. After the forums, concluding reports Per Bødker Andersen as President of Also, the Prime Minister of Estonia, Mr were presented to the audience. the Union, Ms Marie-Louise Rönnmark, Andrus Ansip delivered the address to the Memorandum of Understanding Mayor of Umea, as first Vice-President of GC presented by Ms Laine Jänes, Mayor During the closing plenary, the the Union, Mr Aleksi Randell, Chairman of Tartu. The Conference was opened UBC endorsed the Memorandum of of City Board, Turku and Ms Laine Jänes, by the UBC President Mr Per Bødker Understanding on Sustainable Port and Mayor of Tartu, as Vice-Presidents of the Andersen. Maritime Policy for the Baltic Sea Region Union. The Conference elected the new The main theme of the Conference was signed by 15 major Baltic ports and port UBC Executive Board as well. discussed from many different points of cities. This document’s aim is to ensure Next Conference view. The honorable speakers presented the common environmental practices at President Andersen presented the many aspects of the Baltic Sea Region the ports dealing with ships’ emissions to proposal of the resolution from the development. Among the lecturers the air, handling of waste and managing VIII UBC General Conference which there were: Mr Pavel Telicka, European waste waters. was unanimously adopted by the Coordinator for Rail Baltica, Ms General Assembly conference. The effects of works of the Elisabeth Helander, Director, European The General Assembly was opened Union within the next two-year period Commission, DG Regional Policy, by President Andersen who submitted will be evaluated during the IX General Carl Cederschiöld, Mayor Emeritus the report on UBC activities during the Conference which will be held in the City (Stockholm), Mr Viktor Surikov, Mayor period October 2003 - September 2005. of Pärnu, Estonia, in 2007. Mr Armas of Kronshtadt, Mr Emilio D’Alessio, The President thanked the outgoing Vice- Lahoniitty handed over the UBC flag Vice-Mayor of the City of Ancona. Presidents, - Mr Armas Lahoniitty, Mr to Mr Mart Viisitamm, Deputy Mayor The Conference hosted guests from Arno Poeker and Mr Gundars Bojars, for of Pärnu, wishing Pärnu a successful Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda whose their outstanding contribution to the UBC conference in 2007. representative Mr Stephen Kabuye, success. Subsequently, the representatives Chairman of Lake Victoria Region of the UBC Commissions and Networks The full report from the VIII General Local Authorities Cooperation, submitted presented reports and action plans to the Conference is available on the UBC address on behalf of LVRLAC. assembly. website: www.ubc.net

BCB 2/2005 15 THE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD GOES TO KAUNAS The winner of the Best Environmental to the European standards. The city The modernization process has already Practice in Baltic Cities Award 2005 is of Kaunas is modernizing the public reached concrete results: 60 % of the the City of Kaunas from Lithuania transport and modifying its route layout. citizens use the public transport and with the practice Modernization Microbuses and taxi vans operated by the air quality in the city has improved of the public transport network in private companies are integrated in the significantly. Furthermore, renewal of Kaunas City. The practice is a good same control system with municipal vehicle fleet improves convenience mix of many medium-sized actions transport, which improves co-ordination of traveling and increases status of based on the city master plan adopted of public transport. The route mapping public transport systems. The practice in 2003. The renewed bus and trolleybus and management are regularly modified is a convincing example of an effective fleet reduces gas emissions according according to analysis of the up-to-date public-private partnership, as the public passenger flows. This allows better transport network is complemented with timetable management and customers’ private services, such as taxi vans and service. microbuses. As an incentive for customers, Kaunas Kaunas received the Baltic Cities has introduced a new and comprehensive Environmental Award 2005 on the ticketing system covering all modes of occasion of the VIII General Conference public transport. The customer needs of the Union of the Baltic Cities in Turku, only one ticket to use the public transport Finland 30 September 2005. network. As an additional incentive the new vehicles provide a more comfort Further information: The Environmental Award Ceremony (from Mr Mindaugas Kucinovas left to right): Mr Mindaugas Kucinovas, and convenience. The vehicles have Kaunas City Municipality Kaunas, Mr Mikko Jokinen, Co-chair of UBC lower floors and mobility ramps; they EnvCom, Mr Per Bødker Andersen, President also allow greater access and mobility Department of Transport of UBC, Mr Eligijus Dzezulskis-Duonys, to disabled people, the elderly and those [email protected] Kaunas. with pushchairs and prams. Tel. +370 37 20 00 21 MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNED UBC endorsed the Memorandum environmental impacts. Ship owners’ 2007. The Commission on Environment of Understanding on Sustainable Port task is to contribute to new procedures Secretariat will monitor the improvements and Maritime Policy for the Baltic Sea by using the best available technology. made at the ports and cities, and will Region on 30 September 2005 during The signatories include cities and ports report at the Stockholm Conference its VIII General Conference in Turku, from all around the Baltic Sea, for example on Sustainable Ports and Port Cities in Finland. On the same occasion, the the city and port of 2007. The UBC memorandum was signed by 15 major Stockholm, city environmental Baltic ports and port cities. and port of Turku, team will also The Memorandum of Understanding port of Rostock promote the creates the basis for common and Szczecin memorandum environmental practices in all ports on and Swinoujscie and organise the Baltic. It is a voluntary agreement Seaports. All other gathering of more Baltic ports, port signatories. on common environmental practices Memorandum Partners dealing with ships’ air emissions, cities, shipping The New Hansa handling of waste and managing the companies and stakeholders are now of Sustainable Ports and Cities project waste water. This is an important and welcome to sign the Memorandum. is part of the UBC Agenda 21 Action practical contribution for better living Mr Per Bødker Andersen, UBC President Programme 2004-2009 - Roadmap for environments in the port cities, as well as addressed the participants on the occasion Sustainable Baltic Cities. It is co-funded for improving the condition of the Baltic of the signing ceremony by saying how by the European Commission Baltic Sea Sea. Through the Memorandum cities important the Memorandum initiative Region Interreg III B Programme and the are committed to encourage their port is. He told how the UBC has supported Finnish Ministry of the Environment. administrations to implement measures the initiative of the Baltic Memorandum for reducing air emissions from shipping of Understanding on Sustainable Port and to harmonize their technical facilities and Maritime Policy already for several Further information: and procedures for waste and waste water years. The Memorandum is the result of www.newhansa.net management and noise abatement with the New Hansa of Sustainable Ports and Mr Risto Veivo, Head of Secretariat other port cities. Correspondingly, the Cities Project. The future actions include UBC Commission on Environment ports engage themselves to effectuate the Memorandum follow-up conference, risto.veivo@netti.fi these measures and practices to reduce which will be organised by Stockholm in

16 BCB 2/2005 43RD EXECUTIVE BOARD MEETING AT CHOJNICE There are two strands today in the reminded that UBC together with other Westerberg (Stockholm), Ingemann Olsen UBC – one aiming at common Baltic Baltic organisations sent to the European (Kolding), Ina Sidlauskiene (Klaipeda), policy towards Brussels and the other Commission the joint Paweł Żaboklicki (UBC one - to keep the organisation tightly statement on the objective SG) presented the together – concluded the members of 3 of the reformed cohesion results of its work and the 43rd UBC Executive Board Meeting. policy from 2007. The recommendations. The This time the Board met on 11 June 2005 statement emphasizes the WG suggested basically at Chojnice, Poland, upon the invitation fact that the cross-border more active work of of the Mayor Arseniusz Finster. cooperation in the BSR the UBC Commissions The meeting was dominated by the may be severely harmed especially in connection organisational matters related to the if the limit of 150 km with new financing VIII UBC General Conference in Turku, for maritime border is The UBC Board Meeting in possibilities as well as Finland, as well as by the UBC European introduced. However, the Chojnice, 11 June 2005 more frequent meetings policy. Additionally, the discussion European Commission replied that it and thematic seminars. The WG agreed devoted to the UBC future development intended to introduce 150 km threshold also that it is important to ensure a more was held. for the cross-border strand. The Board effective UBC's presence in Brussels. Mr Mikko Lohikoski, Turku, informed members informed that they urged Last but not least, the Board discussed the Board about the speakers invited to respective ministers to take up this issue the candidates to the UBC Presidium and present the keynote speeches during the during negotiations on new cohesion membership fees for 2006-2007. The General Conference. Before the Board policy 2007-2013. The Board concluded Board maintained also its support to the Meeting, the preliminary invitations to that the lobbying on this issue must be Pärnu’s (Estonia) proposal to hold the IX the GC have been sent out to the member continued. General Conference in 2007. and non member cities, international The working group on UBC future Further information: organisations and to the speakers. development consisting of: Mikko www.ubc.net President Per Bødker Andersen Lohikoski (Turku, chair), Lillian THE CLOSING SEMINAR OF THE ABC PROJECT The last seminar of the ABC Project This was completed by two series of The third day offered lectures on the was recently held in Malmö, Sweden. high-qualitative lectures treating the theme of the Public Private Partnership 50 architects and planners from eight topic. As usual in the ABC Project, the from four different angles, and gave different countries and 27 cities, seminar started off with an introduction quite a lot information about how to gathered in a sunny and warm city to Malmö and the Swedish planning. build different kinds of partnership and of Malmö to participate in the five- The former was done both by a lecture the meaning for the city. day-seminar focusing on the theme: and a tour around the city. Malmö was During the closing day, on 9 October, "Renewal of city districts – aspects described as a dynamic but a complex the workshop groups presented their ideas. of integration and Public Private growing town. This knowledge was also The City Architect Agneta Hammer was Partnership in developing cities". offered on the following day during the one of the representatives from Malmö The essence of the ABC-seminars lectures on the theme of the social and who picked up the ideas and pieces of is the cooperation and the practical physical integration, which is a very advice offered by the participants. planning work which all participate in. important question often discussed in It was the sixth and the closing seminar the Swedish society. The lectures gave of the ABC Project. At the same time it inspiring ideas to use in the practical was the end of a very successful project. city planning. Among other things they It was also, hopefully, an inspiring stressed the importance of using the starting point for possible future forms local conditions as a starting-point when of cooperation based on the experiences developing plans for the city. It was also from the ABC. During the last seminar highlighted how important it was with day Lars Brattberg introduced the idea creativity, imagination and the need for a coming cooperation project: "A for less rigid perspectives on issues as Baltic Academy of City Planning". integration and segregation. During the closing day of the ABC During the afternoon the workshops seminar in Malmö, a new committe of started. Architects from the City the Commission on Urban Planning and The new members (from left to right): Gvido Planning Office guided the participants Public Design was elected. Princis, Riga (chairman), Latvia, Sirpa Kallio, in the present areas: Norra Sorgenfri and Helsinki, Finland, Gunillla Kronvall, Malmö, Further information: Limhamns Industrial Area and Harbour. Sweden, Peter Hee, Kolding, Denmark, Lars-Göran Gvido Princis Boström, Umeå, Sweden, Jonas Jakaitis, Vilnius, The areas represent well the topics of the [email protected] Lithuania Malmö seminar.

BCB 2/2005 17 ANNUAL MEETING AND CHANGE OF CHAIR The Annual Meeting of the sustainable transport solutions: information exchange platform, and Commission on Transportation took public transport, cycling and mobility close co-operation with other UBC place in Gdynia on 21 October 2005. management. The Commission has also Commissions to develop projects. The seminar on trolley bus systems worked to develop transnational projects Regarding the future working areas was arranged. The focus of the annual and is currently involved in the BUSTRIP for the Commission the both chairmen meeting was the change of chairmanship project together with the Commission on emphasized that this has to be formed within the Commission. Environment. together with the member cities. The new Since 2001 Lisa Sundell and the City To encourage more members and make chairmen therefore welcome current and of Göteborg has chaired the Commission the network more active, the leadership prospect members’ ideas and proposals on on Transportation and during this time will now be shared between the City how to develop the work in the future. managed to build a stable network of 47 of Gdynia, taking the Chair of the The retiring Chairman of the cities from 9 countries. The Commission Commission, and the City of Örebro taking Commission on Transportation wishes worked to enable the Deputy Chair. the new Chairman and deputy Chairman exchange of Marcin Wołek, the the best of luck for the future activities experiences and new Chairman, within the Commission and thanks all transfer of know- presented his ideas the participants and the City of Gdynia how by arranging on strengthening for hosting the seminar and the Annual seminars in Riga, the network meeting. Cesis, Tallinn, in the future, Paldaski, Kaunas, increasing the co- Örebro and operation between Further information: Göteborg. The both cities and Mr Marcin Wołek - Gdynia Commission has external partners, [email protected] focused on three constructing and New Commission's Chairmen: Carinne Lance- Ms Carinne Lancerau - Örebro large areas in using a website as rau, Örebro - Deputy Chairman and Marcin [email protected] order to encourage a cooperation and

PUBLIC TRANSPORT SEMINAR ON TROLLEYBUS

On 20 October the UBC Commission users. He gave an example of Arnhem on Transportation in cooperation City where trolleybuses are part of an with the CIVITAS TELLUS project attractive urban image. organized in Gdynia the Public Guido Bruggeman presented the areas Transport Seminar on Trolleybus of activity of the EBRD. His analysis Systems. The place of the seminar showed that there are 366 trolleybus was not accidental. Gdynia is an active systems in Europe, mostly in the city and has gained about 100 million developing countries outside the EU EUR of European funds for significant (ie. Russia, Ukraine, Romania). From infrastructure projects. It is also one of the his point of view cities sometimes have three cities in Poland that has a trolleybus too many urban transport systems (ie. The Seminar participants system. Moreover, it is the only one that tramway, bus, trolleybus). This creates CNG fuel into the public transport. is developing it rapidly. serious problems in fulfilling all of the Main advantages of CNG are in his Deputy Mayor of Gdynia Marek Stępa investment needs and in strengthening opinion lower emissions than traditional and Chairman of UBC Commission on competitiveness of the public transport diesel engines, lower investment costs Transport Lisa Sundell (City of Göteborg) system. Klas Sörensson (Skånetrafiken) compared to the trolleybuses as well as opened the Seminar. and Leila Nielsen (Arriva) presented the the higher flexibility of services. The first presentation was made process of building the first trolleybus The second part of the seminar by Marcel Rommerts representing system in Landskrona, Sweden. Three contained presentations of the cities that European Commission, DG TREN. He trolleybuses of Solaris/Ganz operate have a long experience in developing and underlined the role of clean and efficient the line between the railway station maintaining trolleybus systems. public transport systems. In fact almost and Landskrona city centre. Bernt Further information: 80% of EU citizens live in urban areas. Nielsen, Director of Public Transport Mr Marcin Wołek - Gdynia For better living conditions it is very of Göteborg titled his presentation [email protected] important to secure a very high quality as "Why did Göteborg not introduce Ms Carinne Lancerau - Örebro of public transport systems that would trolleybuses?" He said that the strategic [email protected] provide an alternative to individual car decision of the city was introducing

18 BCB 2/2005 CHANGES IN THE UBC IS COM The meeting of the UBC Information to be the most important ground to take Society Commission (UBC IS Com) was decisions. E. Tsivirko also highlighted held on 27 October in St. Petersburg the state of art of IT innovations in his in Smolny (the City Government). The city: Information society processes in subject was "Participation of the cities St.-Petersburg are objective processes in creation of integrated information ensuring formation and development space of the Baltic Sea Region". of integrated economic space, that is The meeting was aimed at discussing mutually connected to trade markets the role in developing of the mutual functioning, markets of information and interaction in the field of information knowledge, capital and labour. Evgeny society and information technologies Evgeny Tsivirko – Chair of the IS Com, Tsivirko suggested the participants of between the UBC member cities. Chairman of the IT Innovations and the meeting to take an active part in the Another goal was specifying joint priority Communication, St. Petersburg Commission’s activities. The joint directions for further cooperation to meeting the participants made their Action Plan of the UBC IS Com for ensure grounds for creation of long-term reports devoted to the state of art and the year 2006 was adopted. Also, on projects considering the preparation to main trends of development of the 27 October Smolny hosted the meeting the II World Summit of Cities and Local information society and IT in their of the Senior Officials on Information Authorities on the Information Society cities. The participants have discussed Society of the Council of the Baltic Sea (Bilbao, 9-11 November, 2005). perspective directions of cooperation States. Evgeny Tsivirko, chairman of the within the IS Com framework. Further information: Committee on IT Innovations and In his report E.Tsivirko marked the Ms Jelena Ivanova Communications of the Government of potential and prospects of St. Petersburg in [email protected] St. Petersburg, became the new chair of the international cooperation development Mr Vladislav Balsky the IS Com. in the BSR. He stressed the role of the [email protected] Within the course of the IS Com UBC as the organization that appeared NEW LEADER OF THE COMMISSION ON TOURISM During the UBC General During the Swedish chairmanship, the together for 3 years, developing quality Conference in Turku in September ambitions of the commission have been: guidelines for TIC:s in the region. Cities 2005, the Commission on Tourism to increase the value and understanding in Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Russia and held a separate meeting at the Tourist of questions concerning tourism in the Poland have participated in the project Information Centre in Turku. political system, to build a network of with funding from the Phare and Tacis Mr Kyrre Dahl from Kalmar, Sweden, people working in the field of tourism, to programmes. who has chaired the commission since develop activities in exchange, to focus 2. BSR Interreg III B Ancientimes 1999, decided to leave this position at on education and to be a helpful hand in (Ancient Times) deals with making the the end of 2005. During the meeting initiating EU-projects. common history of the BSR more alive. in Turku the city of Koszalin in Poland In total, 47 cities around the BSR It is a pilot project on how to integrate was elected as a new leader. Koszalin, have been participating in the projects culture, history, education and tourism also called "the green initiated within in one concept. The project aims at city", annually has the Commission developing cultural heritage sites into around 37 000 visitors on Tourism. 17 attractions, where the visitors not only coming for recreation projects have been learn about their history but also actively or cultural events. initiated, dealing take part in the activities in an authentic 40% of the city area with tourism environment. The total Interreg budget is covered by parks, related issues in is 1 600 000 Euro and there are partners green spots and forest. one way or another. from Sweden, Germany, Denmark and Koszalin chose to take Among the larger Norway. Also in this project a Latvian over the leadership ones, above all two city is participating within the Phare of the Commission projects should be programme. to increase the The UBC Commission on Tourism mentioned: understanding of the role of tourism in 1. BSR Interreg III B Baltic Welcome the united Europe. The city, which is Centre, which deals with the development Further information: located on the Baltic, is dependent on of service and quality at tourist information Mr Ryszard Zdrojewski tourism development in the area and centres. With a total budget of 1 500 000 [email protected]. wishes to play an active role in the work Euro, partners from Sweden, Denmark, koszalin.pl of the UBC. Germany and Norway, have worked

BCB 2/2005 19 ENVCOM DISCUSSED UBC AGENDA 21 IN SOPOT The UBC Commission on Mr Mikko Jokinen, had acknowledged an answering rate of 72% and giving a Environment met in Sopot on 20-21 Sopot’s successful work in environmental thorough picture of sustainable urban June. The meeting gathered good issues and mentioned the growing development around the Baltic Sea. participation from all over the Baltic amount of traffic as a future challenge. The meeting also debated on several Sea Region. The main topic was the Mr Żaboklicki acclaimed UBC EnvCom case presentations from member cities advancement of the thematic focus for its good work, in particular its and studied local sustainability practices areas of the UBC Agenda 21 Action successes in getting project funding. Mr on excursions at Sopot. The next full-scale Programme. Żaboklicki also transferred the regards two-day meeting of the Commission on The mayor of Sopot, Mr Karnowski, of the executive board meeting that Environment will be organised in Lübeck opened the meeting. He stressed the had acknowledged EnvCom’s success in May 2006. importance of UBC and especially its in getting the whole 10 million Euros Further information: Commission on Environment for his budget for Agenda 21 action programme Commission on Environment city. He reminded that Sopot was one of 2004-2009 mobilised. Secretariat the first members of UBC and that it takes The meeting was also given a full report ubcenv@netti.fi part in the UBC Agenda 21 programme on UBC’s policy liaison and contributions very actively. towards the EU Thematic Strategy on the UBC Secretary-General, Mr Pawel Urban Environment. The Baltic Cities Żaboklicki and the co-chairs of the Sustainable Development Survey was COMMISSION EnvCom, Mr Guldbrand Skjönberg and reported on. It is a unique survey with ON EDUCATION HEALTHY LIFESTYLE The meeting took place on 9 September It is the tradition of UBC for the realisation of the following five 2005 in Norrtälje Campus Roslagen Commission on Sport to award sports projects: which is the centre for higher education annual grants for the organisation 1.Table Tennis a Way to Healthy in the area. of sporting events. While allocating Lifestyle, organised in Koszalin, Poland Kurt Pettersson, chairman of the the grants, the Commission takes from May 15 to June 11, 2005 (awarded commission, described the Research into consideration various priorities 1000 EUR) School taking place at Erken laboratory being in accordance with topical 2. Summer Beach Tournaments, for the 5th summer in a row. Among the tendencies. In 2005 the Commission organised in Gdynia (Poland) from June meeting members there is also a great desire on Sport paid special attention to sports 27 to August 26, 2005 (awarded 1000 to continue the Meeting point of different projects promoting healthy lifestyle, EUR) cultures for youth in Hiumaa next year. which complied 3. Liepāja Sporting There was a presentation from the with the topic of Weekend, organised Kvisthamra school regarding their the 10th Jubilee in Liepāja (Latvia) Comenius project Fairy tales and Annual Meeting on July 16, 2005 European history. Children have of Commission (awarded 1000 cooperated with fellow students from on Sport, namely EUR) Spain, Germany, Italy, France, and Healthy Lifestyle 4. International Romania. The project has been very through Sport. The Youth Day 2005, successful and the school is now looking meeting was held organised in Pärnu to apply for a new project. Among other this April in Klaipeda (Estonia) on August things the students have done a theatre (Lithuania). 12, 2005 (awarded play, writing of their own books and learning about other fairy tales from all Healthy Lifestyle Promotion of healthy lifestyle among young 1000 EUR) through Sport grants people 5. Go in for over Europe. Some persons have also were awarded to Sports and visited the "pen-pals" in different countries raise awareness of the importance of sport You Will Live Healthy, during vacation with their families. as an integral element of healthy lifestyle organised in Panevëzys (Lithuania) on This was followed by Lillian Westerberg and to promote healthy lifestyle practices, August 10-28, 2005 (awarded 1000 from the Board of UBC who talked about particularly in connection with sport. Their EUR) Altogether 4740 competitors the structure of the organization and her aim was to encourage people, especially participated in sporting activities thoughts on how to find a more effective the young, to lead a healthy organised within the awarded projects. organization in the future. lifestyle by playing sports as Further information: Further information: well as to reinforce importance Ms Ewa Depka Ms Cecilia Karlberg of sports in maintaining health. UBC Commission on Sport EU coordinator During this year’s meeting the Coordinator Business Development officer Commission allocated grants [email protected] [email protected] of total amount of 5 000 EUR

20 BCB 2/2005 KNOWLEDGE BASED BALTIC SEA REGION In the middle of summer, the (Western and Eastern) was chosen about a well-meant cooperation, especially Secretariat of the Commission on creation and development of the Science Cities of Espoo, Kotka, Turku (Finland), Business Cooperation in Kaunas, and Technology Parks (STPs) around the Gdynia, Koszalin (Poland), Kalmar, willing to present trends and activities Baltic Sea Region. Växjö (Sweden), Narva, Tallinn, Tartu of the Commission, decided to publish Therefore, members of the UBC were (Estonia), Kristiansand (Norway), a brochure that could be distributed asked to send to the Business Commission Næstved (Denmark), Rostock (Germany), during the General Conference. Secretariat a one-page information about Panevëzys, Kaunas (Lithuania). A booklet one (preferably the biggest or the most named "Science and Technology Park successful) STP project going on in their Projects around the Baltic Sea Region" cities, answering to the questions like will be distributed to all the UBC "what is the name of the STP project?", member cities. We truly hope that all "some basic facts about the project", of you will find the subject of interest in "what is the mission of the project? this publication and it will be developed vision? objectives?", "what are the future further on in the next years. plans for the project?". The determined deadline was September 5, 2005. Further information: Some of the members have fulfilled Mr Tomas Darandovas Reacting to the EU’s policy of creating this request on time, some of them have Secretariat of the Commission on a "Knowledge Based Society" and made it after the deadline, however Business Cooperation considering the last Business Commission the Secretariat of the Commission on City of Kaunas Meeting in Tallinn, as the most suitable Business Cooperation thanks all of Tel. +370 37 424011 topic for all UBC BizCom members them for an active participation and [email protected] YOUNG AND ACTIVE CONFERENCE IN VILNIUS During the VIII General Conference Active in the Baltic Sea Region in youth issues will be printed and handed in Turku, the Network on Youth Issues Vilnius, Lithuania. 95 youngsters and out in a booklet, which we choose to call was given a chance of becoming the civil servants from Denmark, Sweden, "Book on Demand". commission. This has provided a Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Russia, Poland We hope that many of you will have the great opportunity to reconstruct the and Lithuania participated. chance to read this book, and that you will organisation, which will be done this Main discussion subject was how to take that chance if getting it. autumn. A new task for the Commission involve youth's influence on different will be to serve with contacts for levels. The participants also got the young persons wanting to use the EVS chance to learn more about their own and Further information: (European Voluntary Service). other people's priorities in their lives. Ms Sara Persson On 13 – 16 October the CYI arranged As a result of the conference, quotes [email protected] the Youth Conference Young and from the participants, project ideas and THE COMMISSION ON CULTURE SESSION The UBC Commission on Culture centres of the Baltic Sea Region and 6. Museums as centres of ecological (CoC) would like to invite to discuss Northern Europe. It is believed that education; the role museums and galleries play by creating a network for sharing 7. Significance of museums in fostering in the modern world in the 8 CoC experience between the museums the planetary thinking; working session to be held in St. within the UBC will provide extensive 8. Cultural heritage preservation issues. Petersburg on 6-9 December 2005. possibilities for cultural development of The long-term cultural and historical The Role and Value of the Museums in the region. relations of St. Petersburg with the the modern world. The organizers of the The following subjects are to be countries represented in the Union of conference are: the CoC supported by discussed at the conference: Baltic Cities will make it possible to the Saint-Petersburg City Administration 1. Significance of museums in the find new areas and forms of interaction, (Committee for External Relations and contemporary world; sharing experience and international Tourism, Committee for Culture), the 2. Specific features of museum cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region Leningrad Region Government and the management; during the conference. Union of Russian Museums. The venue 3. Museum pedagogy and its potential; was chosen because St. Petersburg is one 4. Museums as organizing social and Further information: of the best recognized cultural centres of cultural centres; Ms Olga Cherkasova Europe and one of the most significant 5. Museums and modern art; [email protected]

BCB 2/2005 21 IMPROVED ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM The project Managing Urban gathered for the first time at the kick-off out testing of the framework model to be Europe–25 (MUE-25) aims at meeting in Riga, Latvia, June 13-15. The developed in the project. During summer developing an environmental meeting was a key event in mobilising and beginning of autumn all partner cities management system that addresses all project partners and motivating them have completed a questionnaire which sustainable development in the whole for implementation and strengthening aimed to develop understanding of the functional urban area. Only very few their commitment. The project partners environmental management issues in the cities in the world have been able had a chance to express their needs and cities. The experience gained from the to achieve this goal by applying the expectations towards the project and cities will be compared and evaluated existing systems. The project Managing exchange experiences of previous work to identify the most effective means of Urban Europe-25, which is co-ordinated on environmental management systems. securing local sustainability management by the Commission on Environment, Strategic and methodological approaches in relation to different administrative started in March 2005. The project is of the project were discussed to reach contexts. These experiences combined contributing to fulfil the UBC Agenda understanding and consensus on the with further research activities will enable 21 Action programme 2004-2009- basic concepts. the development of an improved model Roadmap for Sustainable Baltic Cities, The 14 project partner cities play an on environmental management system. in which one of the focus areas is good important role in the project as they The model will be proposed to the governance and sustainable urban should both provide information on MUE-25 Strategic Committee at the management. The goals of the project successes and failures so far and carry meeting in Siena, Italy, October 26-27. are also closely linked to the Thematic The actual testing phase of the model Strategy on the Urban Environment in the cities will start during 2006. The within the VI Environmental Action methods, toolkits and training material Plan of the European Union. developed in the project will be available MUE-25 will elaborate and test an for other cities in EU-25 as well. integrated, community based, practical and efficient management system Further information: for local governments. This system Ms Annika Claesson will also include more sustainable Project Co-ordinator development dimensions than just the annika.claesson@netti.fi environmental ones. All 23 partners The kick-off meetining in Riga, Latvia www.managingurbaneurope.net UBC SURVEY ON SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT The Baltic Cities Survey of cannot reach the goal of sustainable member cities do not even have plans to Sustainable Development 2004/2005 development on their own. To be start recycling processes. is a monitoring tool for the UBC successful they need to mobilise citizens As far as Sustainable Economy and Agenda 21 Action Programme and stakeholders to co-operation, which Transport are concerned, there is a need – Roadmap for Sustainable Baltic is also the target of the UBC Agenda to further develop public transport. Only Cities. Twenty nine indicators used in 21 Action Programme – Roadmap for 28 % of the member cities can provide the survey gave an overall picture of Sustainable Baltic Cities. easy access to public transport for the sustainable development in the UBC The results in the field of Good Living considerable majority of the inhabitants. network. The first round of the survey Environment and Nature Protection Social Integration and Health is a draws the baseline and a benchmark for suggest progress in the air quality and somewhat problematic focus area. The the cities to improve their performance. waste water management. Most UBC answers of health issues are mainly based The laborious and time consuming member cities have air quality above on the estimates. survey got a very high return rate, 72 the European standards. Waste-water The survey partners were Åbo Akademi % of the cities sent their sustainability treatment is an established practice in University and Turku Polytechnic. data to UBC EnvCom Secretariat for the UBC cities. Also Wissenchaftszentrum Berlin für a closer analysis. The survey shows The targets of Sustainable Use of Sozialforschung was involved in the that previous work with Local Agenda Energy and Resources are still distant. process. The next rounds of the survey 21 is producing tangible results in the UBC member cities are dependent on will take place in 2006/2007 and 2009. UBC member cities. For instance, with non-renewable energy. The share of regard to Sustainable Management and renewable sources of electricity and Further information: Good Governance the UBC member heating is under 20 % of the total energy The survey report is available in cities are on the right track. Almost 80 consumption in most cities. Majority of UBC Commission on Environment % of the cities have already integrated the cities recycle their waste to some Secretariat on request. sustainable development into their extent, but most cities do not have data Dr. Kyösti Lempa overall strategies. However, cities on recycling per waste fraction. Eight ubc@turku.fi

22 BCB 2/2005 III. NEWS FROM MEMBER CITIES

Meeting in Berlin in February this year, VI Baltic Sea Conference focused on the BaltMet Mayors consolidated their the subject: "Quo vadis Balticum? The commitment to enhancing innovation and role of the Baltic States in the BSR and brain circulation in the Baltic Sea Region. the co-operation with Mecklenburg- In their latest meeting in Stockholm in Vorpommern". It was supported by Baltic Metropoles (BaltMet) is a October they also expressed their interest the speaker of the state parliament of network of the major metropolises in supporting environmental investments Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Ms Sylvia around the Baltic Sea. Mayors and the development of transport Bretschneider and by the mayor of the of Berlin, Copenhagen, Helsinki, corridors. Hanseatic city of Rostock Mr Roland Malmö, Oslo, Riga, St. Petersburg, BaltMet looks forward to co-operation Methling. Stockholm, Tallinn, Vilnius and with the UBC and other networks Mrs Bretschneider explained to Warsaw have joined forces in order involving cities and states of the Baltic over one hundred guests how the to enhance the competitiveness Sea in order to develop Mare Nostrum state parliament of Mecklenburg- and integration of the Baltic Sea further on as the most competitive Vorpommern supports the development – the leading macro-region of Europe region in regard of sustainable growth of co-operation in the Baltic Sea area by in terms of growth and innovation. and innovation. means of numerous activities. She also Mare Nostrum is clearly a region of underlined the growing importance of the contradictions. However, particularly Further information: www.baltmet.org youth meetings in the Baltic Sea states these differences offer the cities of the in order to lay the foundations for future region competitive advantages in the co-operation projects. global competition for business and VI Baltic Sea Conference High-ranking representatives from investment. The special dynamism of the the three Baltic States took stock of Baltic Sea area lies in the growth potential It is an international conference the current situation of their countries of the new EU member states, the huge during which present-day political and one year after their accession to the market potential of North-Western Russia economic problems are discussed. EU. Meelis Ojassoo, Councillor of and the most effective innovation systems Particular attention is given to the the Estonian Embassy in Germany, of the old EU member countries. international guests from the European Dr. Martinš Virsis, Ambassador of the Baltic metropolises, the hot spots of the Union and its institutions, from the Republic of Latvia in Germany and Prof. growth process, take part in the global Baltic littoral states and the twin cities Dr. Vytautas Landsbergis, Lithuanian competition for the flows of capital and of the Hanseatic City of Rostock. The member of the European Parliament know-how. On their own, they have international guests and the discussed made speeches on their countries. difficulties to succeed. In order to gain subjects have made the Baltic Sea Additonally, Mr Stefan Forester, the advantages of the economy of size, Conference an event of Europe-wide Vice head of the representation of the increasing integration of the metropolitan European Commission in Germany, Dr. areas is inevitable. Therefore networking Roland Machner, representing the Baltic - intensified co-operation and harsher Sea Forum Hamburg, and Mr Christoph competition - is considered as the Flügge from the Senate of Berlin made BaltMet mission. Co-operation makes speeches that were of great interest to us bigger, competition smarter. In this the listeners. The plenary discussion, competition, cities try to reform their old chaired by Prof. Dr. Martin Benkenstein, structures in order to improve the city as helped to go into the subject of the an attractive location for international conference in greater detail including investment and companies as well as for the participants’ opinions and questions. talented workers. At the end of the conference the Quo vadis Balticum? photo:© Maike Krüger The BaltMet network has started two chairwoman of the Herder Association, importance. The Herder Association INTERREG projects, namely BaltMet Dr. Ines Nagijew, announced that the wants to bring together renowned Inno and BaltMet Invest. The BaltMet VII Baltic Sea Conference in 2006 will representatives from politics, economy, Inno project intends to create common focus on Mecklenburg-Vorpommern’s science and education in order to offer understanding of the local innovation growing importance as health care region them a platform for discussing current policy strategies and to connect the and corresponding opportunities for co- subjects. This Association, a non profit relevant innovation policy actors operation in the Baltic Sea Region. representing science, business and public organisation supported by the federal authorities across the Baltic Sea. The state and the city of Rostock, is the Further information: BaltMet Invest will develop coordinated main organizer of the OSTSEEFORUM Mr Gerhard Beese investment strategies for the three capitals that has taken place since 2000 always Herder-Gesellschaft of the Baltic States. In the Mayors’ in the eve of the Hanse Sail. This year Tel/Fax: +49 381 2085265

BCB 2/2005 23 VI Baltic Contemporary Art events will be available shortly. We around the world. The festival includes Biennale welcome visitors to Szczecin, for the also a nature film competition for children opening of HABITAT exhibition on 9 and youth self-made films. Moreover, December 2005. music concerts, stunning presentations The Baltic Contemporary Art from wildlife filmmakers, panel Biennale is an ongoing project, Further information: discussions and an excursion to the pristine organized in Szczecin under the Ms Magdalena Lewoc wilderness of Kvarken Archiperago will auspices of the UBC Commission on [email protected] be included in the festival program. Culture. Since its debut in 1995, each Ms Marlena Chybowska-Butler Meawhile, the forecoming year is very edition presents international artists, [email protected] special for Vaasa beceause of the city's performers and musicians, exploring 400 years anniversary. Furthermore, the the newest trends in contemporary city’s surrounding area of Kvarken has visual arts and the way art functions Wildlife Vaasa 2006 UNESCO nomination. The combination within society. Each exhibition is of such circumstances together with our devoted to a particular topic, a curatorial Wildlife Vaasa Festival is Finland’s festival will create a perfect atmosphere practice enables organizers to achieve international Nature Film Festival, for joy and celebration with a rich coherence of content and form. Thanks to which focuses on Nordic and European program of cultural events including the the wide network of contacts established natural history incorporating world- UBC-Culture Comission’s Meeting in through MARE ARTICUM – the Baltic wide participation. Its main objective Vaasa in November 2006. Art Magazine that is published by the is to stimulate and encourage co- National Museum in Szczecin – the operation between filmmakers, Further information: professionals that act as contributing producers and other professionals Mr Ilias Missyris editors to the magazine recommend within this field and to promote their Wildlife Vaasa Festival participants from around the region, who work worldwide. ilias.missyris@vaasa.fi are selected based on the artistic merit of www.wildlife.vaasa.fi their work as it relates to the theme being undertaken. Cesis expedition in Siberia The sixth edition of the Biennale, entitled HABITAT, will feature an The first mass deportations that exhibition that runs for two months touched so tragically the fates of many in Szczecin and includes screenings, of Latvian families took place in 1940 lectures, concerts and publications. – 1941, during the period of the Soviet HABITAT literally means the social occupation. During the Soviet period, environment and the way it is organized. the repressions were very carefully kept And for most Europeans, their habitat is an Wildlife Vaasa festival is a biennial in secret by the official administration. urban one. HABITAT will present works event and was held initially in Vaasa in Only after the independence of the in all media that focus on urbanization November 2002 and again in November Latvian state was regained in the and the social, political and cultural 2004. As a highly successful event the 90-ies, the real degree and amount of context of urban processes, as well as festival has attracted more than 200 nature the tragedy was realized. Many of the the problems generated by them. The films and more than 100 delegates from deported have never come back. Why did theme will be addressed from a variety around the world including television they choose and are still choosing to stay of perspectives – from the individual, broadcasters, producers and media away from their motherland? What are private, intimate surroundings to the educators. Today Wildlife Vaasa festival the stories of their families? modes of participation in, and creation of, is curently one of the leading events of Since 2001, the Cesis City Council public spaces. Accompanying screenings its kind in Scandinavia considering the has actively initiated and supported and lectures are being produced in co- number of entries and delegates. The a number of projects with the Omsk operation with Szczecin University. festival is organised by the Terranova region in Russia. The aim of these While the Musica Genera Association, Nature Centre of the Ostrobothnian activities is to help deported persons a local group, is arranging concerts Museum in close co-operation with Vaasa and their descendants in Russia to for the opening weekend of the event. city and Vaasa Regions Development preserve and strengthen their Latvian Lectures and screenings will feature Corporation (VASEK). national identity, facilitate the exchange sociologists, ethicists, architects, artists Wildlife Vaasa 2006 will be of cultural information between Latvia and curators who, in their research and implemented again in co-operation with and Russia. Cesis City Council has won practice, focus on the organization of Living Europe and will take place in and implemented the project named social space in its material (architecture/ Vaasa, from 22 - 26 November 2006. "Retrieving our memory: the Lost Human planning) and spiritual (values/beliefs) The festival’s Nature film competition Stories on the Soviet Deportations aspects. The concert program will consists of 9 different categories with in Latvia" financed by the Culture present experimental music inspired 4 new categories, introducing also 2000 Program. The project activities by the technological aspects of urban a new category with films made by are targeted to retrieve and re-join development. A detailed calendar of environmental friendly companies from together Latvian human memories and

24 BCB 2/2005 interpretations on the Soviet deportations says Ago Kokser, Mayor of Keila. "The New pier in Międzyzdroje in order to present the public view from team that organizes the competitions in the present perspective on what suffer their free time has done such a good work On March 19, 2005 a new pier can cause the reaction political ideologies that the competition has become popular was inaugurated. A longer phase of and regimes. Also, what are their social among the pilots from our neighbouring planning launched in 2003 to extend and cultural implications, how past countries. There are more people wishing the pier from 100 to 400 meters began. events and experiences can help solving to participate than we can receive. Keila The construction was realized by the modern problems of migration, political has become the "importer" of hot-air "Skanska" company. The contractor and social violence. balloons and as such, we wish to promote was the company "Adler-Schiffe Polska Five ladies from Cesis travelled 4000 them" - he adds. Sp.zo.o.", who received the right of use km to the Siberian Omsk to research the for the next 40 years as a result of its lives of victims of retaliation 1941 – 1949 investment. and the so called "old Latvians"who Already in the 90s piers were build went to Siberia looking for better life in on the neighbor-island Usedom in turn of XIX/XX c. They were sincerely Ahlbeck, Heringsdorf and Bansin. welcomed by beautiful flowers in Omsk These piers led to regular connections late evening. Presentation of flowers in between the German seaside resorts that part of the world is a proof that you and the Polish harbour. The extension are a really expected guest. Three Latvian of the pier at Międzyzdroje permits the generations live in Tara. Grand parents usability for vessels so that in the future speak aureate Latvian language, but their a direct connection between the German Hot-air baloon competition in Keila children have just entry in the documents "Kaiserbäder" and the upcoming health showing their nationality – Latvian. All At present, there are only a few resort Międzyzdroje will be installed. the materials were fixed and recorded for balloons in Estonia. The best pilot in In the meantime the connection storage at the Cesis History Museum. Estonia – Sergei Usanov – who lives between Poland and Germany will After work in Tara the expedition went at Keila, admits that his hometown is take place by the Świnoujście Harbor to Latvian Augsbebri and Kurzemes ozoli the most hot-air balloon friendly town only. It is assumed that clearance can villages to gather information on Latvians in Estonia. be opened in 2006, so that the planned who went to Siberia in the end of XIX c. Hot-air balloons came to Keila in the direct connection between Germany and looking for a better life. Unfortunately middle of 1990, when we learned that our Poland can be opened up definitively. The regime, mass retaliation and dictatorship twinning towns – Birstonas in Lithuania journey will be reduced to 60 minutes to affected everyone, took away property, and Sigulda in Latvia – were the centres the comfort of Polish and German tourists. hands, health, even lives. With plenty for hot-air-ballooning of their countries. of stories, evidences and emotions the Every year, on an important occasion, expedition returned to Cesis. Keila invited Lithuanian pilots to fly over Keila. In 2003, the organizers decided to Further information: offer the wonderful show also to other Mrs Ieva Malceniece towns. The lucky number one was the Coordinator of Foreign Affairs town of Viljandi, situated in central [email protected] Estonia. The first part of the competition www.cesis.lv was held there. The first part of the competition in the Keila - hot-air summer 2005 was held at Rakvere. The balloon capital of competition began with a grand night The view of new pier in Międzyzdroje show and was received by the audience Estonia Widening of the routes, e.g. to Bornholm, as never before. The competition, which are aimed at for the next years, likewise lasted from 17 to 21 August, was also a connection from the island Rügen over Keila Municipality has been blessed with superb weather. The Usedom to Międzyzdroje. On both sides organizing hot-air balloon competitions conditions were perfect for ballooning. of the border there will be offerings to the for years. In Estonia, hot-air balloons All the scheduled flights took place, tourist which include beside the journey and Keila have become synonyms. which is extraordinary in hot-air balloon for the vessel, the visit of showplaces of Also last summer, a hot-air balloon competitions. There were 14 teams from the respective health resort. competition – Olympus CUP 2005 Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland and – took place at Rakvere and Keila Sweden. "Although organizing such Further information: competitions is not local governments’ Further information: Mr Bogusław Tomczyk task, we still want to invite hot-air Mr Tanel Mõistus Deputy Mayor balloons to Keila. Furthermore, we want Member of Keila City Council Tel. +48 913280351 to offer this magnificent show also to [email protected] [email protected] people from other areas in Estonia" -

BCB 2/2005 25 Welcome to Narva Chess stars of the Baltic Sea with all necessary re-creation conditions, including city excursions. The Narva Hotel, which opened its The name stands for an international Further information: doors in September 2004, became the tournament of the youngsters from Mr Dmitri Vergun first hotel in North-Eastern Estonia to the BSR, which was held in Narva City of Narva be awarded the on 6 - 9 October 2005. This was the [email protected] three star status. first competition of such level, having The post-Soviet gathered 60 best young chess-players hotel has re-opened from 5 Baltic countries: Poland, and currently Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Russian Nordic jobs offers 85 sleeping St. Petersburg. For couple of years, working in positions with The event took place on the initiative of another Nordic country has been plans for further the local municipality and the chess club an opportunity for young people. expansion. Over two thousand tourists "Maletäht" ("Chess Star" in Estonian) and In Sweden it’s been the greater city visited the Narva since its reopening. The was dedicated to the 90th birthday of the areas such as Stockholm, Gothenburg hotel management notes that this figure famous Estonian chess-player Paul Keres and Malmö which have been the corresponds to their initial expectations, born in Narva. main targets. Since the summer while the director assures about the Narva has united young talents from 5 2005, the possibility also exists in growth in tourist showings in Narva is countries at chess tables in the Knight’s Norrtälje, a small town 70 km north justified in the actual statistics. Hall of the medieval castle. 10 strongest of Stockholm. In August 2005 Inger Hotel was players in all official age categories from Nordic jobs are for people between 18- opened, too. "Inger" stands for the name 10 to 18 represented each participating 28 years of age. They work in a Nordic of a mermaid who according to the legend country. A round team tournament country and pay tax and are paid for the lives in the river Narova. The new hotel work normal wages so they can pay their can accommodate up to 86 guests at living costs. The matching of employers a time. On the ground floor there is a and employees are made by a secretariat restaurant "Salvador" for 115 visitors. which is located in Malmö, Sweden. They From now on, tourists don’t just pass also help the students find a place to live. through Narva like they did in the past, To the secretariat come 8000 applications as there was no relevant infrastructure. between January 1 and May 31 to be The city of Narva was recently matched up with different companies. represented at the international tourist Applicants from all the Nordic countries exhibition "INWETEX – CIS TRAVEL and the Faeroe Islands and Greenland MARKET’2005", which took place in are welcome to apply. The companies October in Saint-Petersburg. This is one has allowed to determine not only the are presented with a couple of interested of the largest tourist exhibitions in Russia, strongest national team, but also the people who they can choose from. All therefore it was extremely significant for winners in each age group, who, de facto, the administrative work is done by the Narva to advertise itself at this forum. have become the champions of the Baltic secretariat. Tour-operators, tour-agents, insurance Sea Region. In Norrtälje, it all began with a meeting companies, hotels, associations, national The winning team came from Poland. where the secretariat had announced that organizations and mass media took part The following positions have been they were in great need of companies that in the exhibition. Narva presented itself taken by the teams of Lithuania, Saint- wanted to hire youth from the Nordic by means of fresh information materials Petersburg, Latvia, Narva and Estonia. In countries during the summer. Over 8000 that have been specially prepared for the October next year young chess-players applications come yearly to the secretariat exhibition. Beside the tourist potential of from the Baltic countries will come and only 600 jobs are available. The the city as a whole, the two new hotels – together again. The "Maletäht" director possibility of offering the company "Inger" and "Narva" – were advertised. Mr Leonid Peleshev emphasizes that the places and a good living environment is Participation of Narva at this exhibition circle of participants will be expanded and the reason why Norrtälje saw a possibility can considerably raise interest of Russian invitations to the Narva competition will to try to bring the programme to Norrtälje. tourists in Narva. Russian tourists may be sent also to representatives of Finland Also the location, close to Stockholm and feel comfortable in the town, since and Sweden. It was decided to apply for Åland made the decision easy. practically all the inhabitants do speak inclusion of the tournament "Chess Stars The cooperation began with a possibility Russian. of the Baltic Sea" into the official calendar of International Chess Federation. The to have Anna Bäcklund later also the chief umpire of the tournament, the project leader to start looking for possible Further information: international category referee Mr Alberts companies. The municipality gave a list Mr Sergei Muiznieks Cimiňđ has noted the high level of of possible locations and Anna started Foreign Relations Advisor organization of the competition and the calling around. She was also greatly [email protected] fact that the participants of the "Chess supported by the local organization of Stars of the Baltic Sea" were provided "Norden". She found many interested

26 BCB 2/2005 companies and it turned out to be 13 incubators, Tallinn Science Park competitive. PSTP is a space managed persons who later came to Norrtälje (Technopol), etc. by a professional team that organises and worked from 8-10 weeks during the Tallinn Entrepreneurship Day and provides diversified services. Its summer of 2005. The companies were concluded with the award ceremony main aim is to stimulate the culture both from the public and private sectors. where Entrepreneurship Awards were of quality and innovation as well Students stayed on Campus Roslagen, conveyed in 5 categories. The biggest as the creation of knowledge- and university college of Norrtälje town and provider of new workplaces was granted innovation-based companies through worked with companies in the area. In to Elcoteq Tallinn. The best start-up incubation and spin-off processes. the spare time there were many activities company was given to the family-owned Special attention is devoted to the transfer organized both a trip to Åland and a sewing company Promodern. of modern, advanced technologies traditional Swedish cray fish party. in order to form a basis for the creation The project in Norrtälje has been and development of new enterprises. very successful and the preparations are International cooperation plays under way for summer of 2006. There an important role. PSTP together are also suggestions that there will be with the Klaipeda Science an extension to include the Baltic States and Technology Park (Lithuania) and Russia. The secretariat in Malmö is will realise a joint project focused applying for financing from the Nordic on the stimulation of cross-border Council of Ministers. Hopefully, such contacts related to technology transfer a programme can be operational by the and implementation of innovations Prospect enterpreneurs? summer of 2006. Decision will be taken into enterprises. Thanks to the creation of in December 2005. The best development project was a modern conference infrastructure, with a granted to GoGroup for the creation of Further information possibility to organize videoconferences, the multifunctional travel centre Baltic Ms Åsa Juslin the communication between cooperating Railway Station and GoHotel Shnelli. [email protected] Science & Technology Parks as The best incubator enterprise was MEC well as entrepreneurs, inventors Insenerilahendused – the first Estonian and scientists from both regions will be Promoting enterpreneurship in enterprise specializing engineering easier. It will influence the intensification Tallinn the ship-building constructions. And of joint activities aimed at economic a special award "Applied Scientific development based on knowledge and Tallinn Entrepreneurship Day was Work 2005", which was granted in innovations. Initiatives of this kind held on September 27, 2005. This cooperation with Tallinn University of – such as science and technology parks promoting event was organised by Technology, was issued to the working - influence the diversification of regional the Business Development Unit of the group headed by Juhan Laugis for the economy. PSTP creates a good climate and Tallinn City Enterprise Board. Topics development of tram information and a nice environment for business growth of the Second Entrepreneurship Day management systems. and technology development within the were Innovation and Change. For more information visit http: whole Pomeranian Region. Nowadays, Aims of the day are raising awareness //investor.tallinn.ee and http://ettevotlus in PSTP there operate 25 innovative of entrepreneurship, promoting paev.tallinn.ee entrepreneurial spirit among citizens, Further information: encouraging business start-ups and Mrs Ulli Karu expansion, and extending cooperation City of Tallinn Visualization of Pomeranian Science & between public, private and third sectors. Tel. +372 640 4234 Technology Park The target group consists of potential [email protected] companies (related to biotechnology, (including students and pupils) and environmental protection, IT, and actual entrepreneurs but also business industrial design). In the year 2006 federations and unions. Pomeranian Science & another 9000m2 of modern laboratory More than 50 different parallel Technology Park in Gdynia and office space will be available for activities with 4500 participants were new businesses within the Park, as carried out during the day in the form Science and technology parks well as a conference complex, board- of seminars, company visits, exhibitions have a long tradition and an rooms, exhibition halls, relaxation and presentations. The activities were interesting history all over areas and canteens. PSTP in Gdynia prepared according to local needs and the world. The Pomeranian Science is always open for innovative ideas and supported the topics of the day. The city & Technology Park (PSTP) in Gdynia open-minded people. is quite a new initiative developing of Tallinn organised the day in close Further information: since 2002. Gdynia Authorities found cooperation with local partners from Ms Edyta Depta that idea to be a very good instrument public and private sectors. To name just Gdynia Centre of Innovation for supporting hi-tech companies and a few: Tallinn University of Technology, [email protected] an impulse stimulating new investors Junior Achievement Estonia, business www.ppnt.pl federations and unions, business - which makes local economy more

BCB 2/2005 27 Bay Watch in Klaipeda its main task to reduce injury and death Jurmala city" to the Central Finance and in, on and around the water. Relevant Agreement Agency. It is planned that The sea gives us much pleasure and functions in Lithuania are fulfilled by after the renovation work, there will joy. However, even the smallest waves the Lithuanian Water Rescue Association. be places for approximately 600 to 650 can sometimes be very dangerous persons and it will be used for culture and crafty for people. This summer events all year long. in Klaipeda alone fifty six people were Moreover, another important project saved by the lifeguards, but efforts to is united beach-rescue (life-guarding) save other six were in vain... system development in the Baltic beach Lithuanian and Latvian coastal region. The aim of this project is to offer municipalities joined their forces to the safety on the beach, promote the guarantee the best European level life development of united rescue system, saving service on the sea beaches and to and increase cooperation between develop a unified bay –watching system patrols. The partner of project – Jurmala in the Baltic Sea Region. The project The Baltic beaches should be safer City Council (lead partner), Liepaja City "Bay Watch" is the first in INTERREG Council, Saulkrasti City Council, Palanga While developing the project, partners IIIA program, priorities North and South. City Council, Klaipedas City Council, cooperated with the German and The overall objective of the project is to Neringas communal concern. Italian colleagues, they had arranged promote the safety level for beach visitors Co-financing part of Jurmala is EUR study visits and seminarswhich were a on the Baltic Sea coastline. This will be 213 590 and total financing is EUR valuable introduction to the serious work achieved by the development of a unified 53 397,50. The accomplishment period in INTERREG IIIA program. and internationally standardised training of this project is 24 months (May 2005 June, July and August were the system for life-guards, preparation of until August 2006). first months of "Bay Watch" project common saving system and standards, Another interesting projects is: "Family cooperation. All partner towns will purchasing of appropriate life saving Recreation Park in Jurmala". Recently purchase modern saving equipment equipment and construction of the Jurmala City Council has approved a – mobile bay watching centers, saving necessary facilities. A very important detailed plan of the recreation park in boats, trailers for transportation of boats, part of the project activities is to inform Dzintari. The total area of the park is water moto cycles, etc. The total budget the society about actions to be taken in to be 131 108 square metres and it will of the project is 888 655 Eur. the emergency situations on the beaches. be financed from the funds of Jurmala City Council. The area will include the The project involves six partners – all Further information: information centre, an exhibition hall, a representing the most popular beach Ms Ina Sidlauskiene cafe, rental centre of sports equipment, resorts in the Southern part of the Baltic International Relations and Tourism a sightseeing tower, mini-golf and coastline - Jurmala, Saulkrasti, Liepaja, Department street ball courses, a Skate Park, a roller Palanga, Klaipeda and Neringa. Of no [email protected] less importance is the establishment of skating track, a playground for children the cooperation network for lifeguards. and public conveniences. The parking lot The Blue Flag concept is the highest New projects in Jurmala will be able to take up to 151 cars. standard for beaches and marinas The park is anticipated to open within introduced in 1985. 25 countries This year Jurmala City Council 6 months. participate in the Blue Flag campaign, has submitted two projects to receive And the second project - the owner including Lithuania and Latvia. 4 beaches financing from the European Regional of the water amusement park "Nemo" in each country have been awarded this Development Funds. company "Nemo Real" has planned flag, the Smiltyne beach in Klaipeda On 2 September the project "Aspazija’s to build a new large-scale recreation among them. The Blue Flag campaign is house renovation and its effective use for centre near the presently resting area. It based on 27 different strict environment tourism development" has been submitted is planned that the recreation centre will and water standards criteria - safety on by the society "Aspazija’s heritage", include the closed skiing park available the beach provision, as well. Qualified Jurmala City Council’s co-partner. also in summer. Additionally there will bay watchers should be on duty during The Project aims at strengthening and also be a hotel with conference halls and bathing season, they must be supported making new possibilities to maintain a shopping centre. by respective life saving equipment and the historical wooden architecture and facilities. The society should be educated popularizing the literary heritage of Further information: on safety aspects and know how to act in Aspazija (the most popular poetess of Department of Tourism and emergency. Latvia) in Jurmala. Foreign Affairs Currently in Europe there are 3 schools Also, on 5 September Jurmala City Jurmala City Council for lifeguards – in Italy, Germany and Council submitted a project "Renovation Tel. +371 7147902 Belgium, preparing also bay watchers. of the historical hall of Dzintari concert [email protected] There also is an International Life hall, development of new tourism projects www.jurmala.lv Saving Federation in Germany, with and reduction of tourism seasonality in

28 BCB 2/2005 CITIES - MEMBERS OF THE UBC EXECUTIVE BOARD: Gdańsk New Town Hall Wały Jagiellońskie 1 PL-80832 Gdańsk, Poland contact: Mr Maciej Lisicki Tel. +48 501 188415 [email protected]

Kaliningrad Kaliningrad City Administration Pl. Pobedy 1l RU-236 040 Kaliningrad, Russia contact: Mrs Silvia Gourova Tel. +7 011 22 153 95 [email protected]

Kaunas City Hall Laisves AV. 96 LT-3000 Kaunas, Lithuania contact: Ms Lina Duobaite Tel. +370 37 424011 [email protected]

Kristiansand City Hall Radhusgata 20 N-4604 Kristiansand, Norway contact: Ms Trine Marit Aasen Tel. +47 38 075009 [email protected]

Liepāja City Hall Rožu iela 6 LV-3400 Liepāja, Latvia contact: Ms Ligita Pudža Tel. +371 340 4789 [email protected]

Næstved City Hall Teatergade 8 VIII UBC General Conference, Turku, Finland 29.09 - 02.10.2005 DK-4700 Næstved, Denmark contact: Mr Søren Revsbæk Tel. +45 55 78 45 01 PRESIDENT OF THE UNION OF THE BALTIC CITIES [email protected] Mr Per Bødker Andersen City Hall, Akseltorv 1 Pärnu DK-6000 Kolding, Denmark City Hall Tel. +45 79 302025 Uus e-mail: [email protected] 4EE-80098 Pärnu,Estonia contact: Ms Anu Juurma VICE-PRESIDENTS OF THE UNION OF THE BALTIC CITIES Tel. +372 44 31 132 Mrs Marie-Louise Rönnmark [email protected] City Hall 901 84 Umeå, Sweden Rostock Tel. + 46 90 16 10 00 City Hall e-mail: [email protected] Neuer Markt 1 D-180 50 Rostock Mr Aleksi Randell Germany City Hall Kristiinankatu 1 contact: Mrs Karin Wohlgemuth FIN-20100 Turku, Finland Tel. +49 381 38 114 52 Tel. + 358 2 2627 455 [email protected] e-mail: aleksi.randell@turku.fi Stockholm Ms Laine Jänes Stockholm Reg. European Committee City Hall Raekoda Gota Ark 190 EE-50089 Tartu, Estonia S-11872 Stockholm, Sweden Tel. + 372 7 440 111 contact: Ms Lillian Westerberg e-mail: [email protected] Tel. +46 8 615 8882 [email protected] SECRETARIAT OF THE UNION OF THE BALTIC CITIES Mr Paweł Żaboklicki Vaasa Secretary General City Hall Wały Jagiellońskie 1 P.O.Box 3 PL-80853 Gdańsk, Poland FIN-65101 Vaasa, Finland Tel. +48 58 3010917 contact: Mrs Tarja Sjöberg e-mail: [email protected] Tel. +358 6 325 1139 http://www.ubc.net tarja.sjoberg@vaasa.fi Union of the Baltic Cities (UBC) is a network of over 100 cities from all ten Baltic Sea countries, with an overriding goal of contributing to the democratic, economic, social, cultural and environmentally sustainable development of the Baltic Sea Region.

The Union has based its operational activities on eleven working Commissions on Business Cooperation, Culture, Environment, Education, Health and Social Affairs, Information Society, Sport, Tourism, Transportation, Urban Planning, Youth Issues. The Commissions coordinate and execute specific projects, activities and special events. Each city is capable to have its own creative and fully independent input to the Commissions' work.

The Union has an observer status with the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), the Parliamentary Conference on Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Area, the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM), the Committee of the Regions and the Council of Europe's Congress of Local and Regional Authorities (CLRAE).

The Union is open for new members. Any coastal city of the Baltic Sea or any other city interested in the development of-the Baltic Sea Region may become a member of the Union by making a written declaration of its will to enter UBC.

Please contact the Union's Secretariat in Gdańsk for more infor mation about the UBC work and the rules of entering the Union.