omslag_baltbok_eng.qxp 04-04-01 17:09 Sida 1 A Sea of Changes A Sea of Changes COOPERATION BETWEEN THE BALTIC STATES AND SWEDEN The Baltic States’ struggle for liberation in the late 1980s led to a unique commitment in Sweden. From the initial relief work grew a broad cooperation that involved large parts of Swedish society. This important piece of modern history is portrayed in A Sea of COOPERATION BETWEEN THE BALTIC STATES AND SWEDEN Changes – Cooperation Between the Baltic States and Sweden. In articles, flashbacks, portraits and facts we meet many of the people involved. Halving poverty by 2015 is one of the greatest challenges of our time, requiring cooperation and sustainability. The partner countries are responsible for their own development. Sida provides resources and develops knowledge and expertise, making the world a richer place. SWEDISH INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION AGENCY SE–105 25 Stockholm Sweden Telephone: +46-(0)8-698 50 00 Telefax: +46-(0)8-698 56 1 omslag_baltbok_03.qxp 04-03-24 21:28 Sida 2 titelsidormm_kap01_eng.qxp 04-03-29 13:34 Sida 3 A Sea of Changes Cooperation Between the Baltic States and Sweden titelsidormm_kap01_eng.qxp 04-03-29 13:34 Sida 4 titelsidormm_kap01_eng.qxp 04-03-29 13:34 Sida 5 A SEA OF CHANGES COOPERATION BETWEEN THE BALTIC STATES AND SWEDEN titelsidormm_kap01_eng.qxp 04-03-29 13:34 Sida 6 “A Sea of Changes – Cooperation between the Baltic States and Sweden” has been published by Sida as part of the phasing out of the cooperation programme with the Baltic States. One of the aims of the book is to show the breadth of the cooperation. Another is to utilise the knowledge gained in other parts of Swedish development cooperation. The opinions stated in this book are the views of each individual author and do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of Sida. The book does not claim to be a complete description of events but a selection from certain parts of the coopera- tion. For a more complete picture we refer you to the report “Swedish support to the transformation of the Baltic States 1990–2003”, which can be ordered from Sida. A great thank you to all those who contributed to “A Sea of Changes – Cooperation between the Baltic States and Sweden”! Sida [www.sida.se · [email protected]] A Sea of Changes – Cooperation Between the Baltic States and Sweden © Sida and the authors and photographers 2004 Editor: David Isaksson, Global Reporting Translation: Dennis Brice Graphic design, insert: Global Reporting Cover photo: Victor Brott, Global Reporting Printed in Sweden by Edita Sverige ab, Stockholm 2004 Art.nr: sida3688en isbn 91-5868-400-x titelsidormm_kap01_eng.qxp 04-03-29 13:34 Sida 7 CONTENTS Staffan Herrström: Preface . 8 Agneta Larsson: A new Approach to Involve the Fathers . 11 Mats Andersson: The New Kalmar Union . 23 Petter Bolme: Crime and Punishment . 35 Lars Truedson: The Political Parties and Democracy . 51 David Isaksson: Cleaning up the Baltic Sea . 61 Anna Thor: Dreams of distant shores and a fast car . 77 Juris Kronbergs: The Return of the Fools . 85 Willand Ringborg: This is not the Time to Withdraw . 97 Tiina Meri: Integration is Seldom Simple . 111 Mats Sundgren: Sugar Beet and Solidarity . 127 Sara Sandberg: Feeling Needed . 139 Mikael Holmström: Can the Baltic States be Defended? . 149 Mats Sundgren: A New Social Approach . 167 Marcus Svedberg: Shock Therapy with a Happy Ending . 177 David Isaksson: Women Set the Pace . 193 Mats Sundgren: Beloved Ignalina . 201 David Isaksson: The driving Forces of Progress . 211 förord_kap02_eng.qxp 04-03-29 13:35 Sida 8 PREFACE I remember it so well. It was late 1988 and I was listening to a lecture by Andres Küng on developments in the Baltic States. What I saw and heard was almost unbelievable at the time: the first images of the Singing Revolution. I think we all have such memory fragments. I can recall the over- whelming feeling of unreality as the military and psychological curtain was lifted. Breaking new ground step by step through the realms of the impossible. Swedish support to the Baltic Countries became – and remains – a popular movement in the real sense of the word. From the Monday meetings and humanitarian aid to what followed: development coop- eration and networking. The whole of Swedish society has been mobilised on a broad front with money coming from all possible sources: Sida, The Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Trade Union Movement, eu, local authorities, fundraising. But cooperation has had its lifeblood in the personal com- mitment of all those who took part. Cooperation has been carried for- ward on the shoulders of these enthusiasts, here in Sweden as well as in our partner countries Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. And it has been a mutual cooperation mainly focussing on the needs of our cooperation partners but often, perhaps most often, of great value to Sweden as well. Development cooperation has a beginning and an end. It does not last forever. In the best of worlds it will have contributed to creating a basis from which our partners can further develop. In Europe it has 8 förord_kap02_eng.qxp 04-03-29 13:35 Sida 9 contributed to forming networks between neighbours who can con- tinue cooperating on a more equal basis through an enlarged European Union. This is where we stand right now. May 1, 2004 is the day when borders are shifted in the literal sense of the word. The Baltic States become members of the eu after just 13 years of independence, mainly due to their own hard work. Developments have gone at a breakneck speed by any reasonable standard. There are of course difficulties with shortages and social problems. and a long agenda to work through, but 13 years of impres- sive progress has opened the door to eu membership. It is difficult to assess the significance of the collective Swedish con- tribution, but this is not the purpose of this book or the report on devel- opment cooperation, “Swedish support to the transformation of the Baltic States 1990–2003”, also published by Sida. We have together taken part in a historic process, in a historically successful process. This is the first attempt to reflect over our mutual journey. We close the book on development cooperation. Neighbourly coop- eration is here to stay. Staffan Herrström head of sida’s european department 9 mödravård_kap03_eng.qxp 04-03-29 13:35 Sida 10 mödravård_kap03_eng.qxp 04-03-29 13:35 Sida 11 agneta larsson A NEW APPROACH TO INVOLVE THE FATHERS “His name’s Robin,” says Urmas Mardi proudly as he holds up his newborn son. ROBIN, WHO WEIGHS 4.1 KILOS, is only five hours old and has his father’s dimples. When Robin starts to scream Urmas rocks him, pats him awk- wardly on the back and quickly hands him back to his mother Katre. She is reclining on the bed in her dressing gown but looks much more alert than her husband who was present throughout the delivery. The couple have just moved into their family room at the maternity ward of East-Tallinn Central Hospital, a room with fresh yellow walls and bright colourful patterns on the sheets and changing table. The Opposite page: room costs 250 Estonian Kroon night (approx. 170 Swedish kronor), Things have progressed at breathneck says Katre as her mobile phone rings for the second time. If all goes speed in Estonia with regard mater- nity care. Fathers were not previous- according to plan Katre will be able to return home after just two days. ly allowed in the maternity ward A nurse is on her way to help her with breastfeeding and the hospital but they are now showing a greater paediatrician will visit her at home later. interest in taking part. Photo: Susanne Kronholm Things have progressed at breakneck speed in Estonia with regard maternity care. Before independence, fathers were not even allowed near the maternity ward. Mothers had to stand in the window and hold up their newborn babies to show the fathers down on the street. Due to the risk of infection the mothers were isolated in the ward and used ingenious systems of string and hooks to haul up presents and other necessities. The babies were swaddled, slept in their own wards and fetched by nurses with masks every third hour on the dot for feeding. 11 health sector mödravård_kap03_eng.qxp 04-03-29 13:35 Sida 12 This system of maternity care, which took 25–30 years for us in Sweden to change, took 6–7 years to collapse in Estonia. Katre, who is 28 years old, has heard all the stories from her mother about the stern and resolute staff who worked at the maternity ward when she was born. She herself has been well treated and is thankful for the opportunity to relax with her whole family in her own room. Katre has studied law and works for the police authorities and her hus- band is a lawyer. She admits to being afraid of the changes to her life brought about by having a baby. “I like my job and I’m not much of a housewife,” she smiles. “My work is very important to me, but now…”. She stops speaking and strokes little Robin gently on the head. According to Katre, well-educated Estonian women are waiting longer before having children. She has to stay home with Robin for the first year. Urmas, somewhat embarrassed, says he could have taken paternity leave but it would not have been that popular at his work- place.