BDF has a privilgue observer status at the BASREC.

Read the communiqué from the meeting:

Communiqué adopted at the Baltic Sea Region Energy Co-operation (BASREC)

Meeting of Energy Ministers in Berlin 14-15 May 2012

The Ministers responsible for energy of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, the Russian Federation and Sweden, and the European Commissioner for Energy convened in Berlin on 14 and 15 May 2012. These countries and the European Commission (hereafter referred to as the Parties) are the members of BASREC. Delegations of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), the Energy Charter, the Federal Network Agency of Germany, the International Energy Agency (IEA), the Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO), the Nordic Council of Ministers, the Nordic Investment Bank and the World Bank attended the meeting.

BASREC is a part of the Intergovernmental Networks of the CBSS, and energy cooperation therefore also takes place within the Northern Dimension Policy Framework. In this context, BASREC may serve as a complement to the EU-Russia energy dialogue. The Ministers acknowledge the work of the Expert Group on Sustainable Development (Baltic 21) on energy issues as input to BASREC. The Parties took note of the information on their co-operation in the period 2009-2011 and adopted this communiqué, which defines the framework for the next co-operation period 2012-2015. Reference is made to previous BASREC Ministerial Conferences in Stavanger 1998, in Helsinki 1999, in Vilnius 2002, in Reykjavik 2005 and in Copenhagen 2009.

The Parties addressed the low-carbon energy policy issues and emphasised that continuation of their close co-operation is essential for efficient and sustainable growth in the Baltic Sea Region. Stable and secure energy supply and predictable demand, with respect for the interests of all members of BASREC and combined with efficient use of energy resources and low-carbon technologies are important for economic growth and welfare in the region. The Parties actively support the development of effective energy systems including reliable energy infrastructure, the promotion of energy efficiency (EE), the use of renewable energy (RE) and other sustainable supply sources, which are essential in meeting the challenges of both low-carbon energy policy strategies and energy security.

The Parties expressed their commitment to further develop and strengthen the energy co-operation in the next co-operation period 2012-2015, in order to sustain integration of the energy markets and the development of energy infrastructure as well as to ensure competitive, stable and secure energy supply and predictable demand in the Baltic Sea Region.

The Parties welcomed the accomplishment of the following BASREC project activities undertaken in the preceding co-operation period 2009-2011:

• Analysis of conditions for wind power in the Baltic Sea Region

• Energy policy strategies for the post-Kyoto period

• Baltic Rotating Energy Planning Academy

• Transportation and storage solution for CO2 in the Baltic Sea Region

• Study on Energy Efficiency investments for Street and other Public outside Lighting

• Partnership of the BASREC countries on clean energy.

The corresponding budget framework was agreed upon at the preceding ministerial meeting 2009 in Copenhagen. The findings of these project activities were acknowledged and endorsed. It was agreed that future work of BASREC will inter alia be based on the findings and insights of the accomplished project activities.

BASREC represents a unique and important regional forum for dialogue on energy policy and global climate change issues with important producers of fossil fuels alongside countries with limited domestic energy resources being members of BASREC. In this respect, BASREC is a natural facilitator of strengthened partnership.

The Parties acknowledged the statements from BASREC to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change conferences held in Copenhagen in December 2009 (COP 15) and in Durban in December 2011 (COP 17) as well as the BASREC Side Event held at COP 17. The Parties confirmed their commitment to the negotiations on a future global climate agreement. TheParties look forward to a successful outcome of the Rio+20 United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development.

For well-functioning energy markets a common understanding of all aspects of efficient and secure energy supply is of high importance. Stable and secure supplies of energy as well as competitive energy markets require efficient transport routes for electricity and natural gas, which can be ensured by regional co-operation. The Parties recognized the progress in implementing the Baltic Energy Market and Interconnection Plan (BEMIP). The parties confirmed the need for continued work on identification of solutions for and removal of barriers of market integration and development of energy infrastructures in the Baltic Sea Region.

For many years to come fossil fuels are expected to continue to be part of the member countries’ electricity and heating sectors. Therefore, in parallel to sustained efforts to ensure optimal management of conventional resources in the member countries, it is also an option to continue efforts to invest into R&D on how to secure a sustainable exploitation of unconventional fossil fuels, such as shale gas and oil shale, which may contribute to increased energy security by diversifying the energy mix in some member countries. However, increasing use of RE, EE and common efforts on research and development of new energy technologies will contribute to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from energy use. In addition, Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology can play an important role in reducing GHG emissions. The meeting welcomes the initiative and efforts taken by member countries and industry to promote the demonstration of CCS technology projects.

The Parties acknowledge that rehabilitation and development of existing district heating systems in combination with increased use of combined heat and power (CHP) are essential for widespread and efficient use of RE. There is great potential for increasing the effectiveness of the district heating and cooling systems and promoting CHP in the region. Countries and cities that already have efficient district heating and cooling systems and extensive experience in the use of RE in CHP plants could contribute to harnessing this potential through sharing of experience and knowledge.

The Parties confirmed that their co-operation in the upcoming co-operation period 2012-2015 will concentrate on the following energy topics in order to meet global energy policy challenges:

• Security of energy supply and predictability of energy demand

• Analysis of options for the development and integration of energy infrastructure in the region, in particular regional electricity and gas markets, including legal frameworks

• Increased energy efficiency and savings

• Increased use of renewable resources available in the region, including integration of fluctuating wind power into the electricity system

• Rehabilitation and development of district heating and cooling systems and CHP

• Demonstration of transportation and storage of CO2

• Low-carbon energy policies up to 2050

• Capacity building in the energy sector of the region.

The Parties are committed to engaging in reviews, (feasibility) studies, workshops, joint pilot projects and other activities carried out inter alia within these fields and recognised the need for financial contributions from each member country in order to carry out the work.

The Parties agreed to renew the BASREC budget framework for carrying out activities of EUR 1 million for the co-operation period 2012-2015. Member countries are encouraged to participate in raising the funds and to pay their contribution in cash in accordance with the CBSS key. Decisions on the use of the budget are taken by contributing countries. The settlements can be paid by one or two instalments between 2012 and 2014 in order to ensure a smooth realisation of the activities. Funds not spent in the co-operation period 2012-2015 should be refunded to contributing countries in accordance with the CBSS key if not decided otherwise. The Parties welcomed the willingness to contribute to the new budget framework expressed by all member countries.

The funds will be directed to the specific BASREC account, which is to be administered by the Danish Energy Agency in the co-operation period 2012-2015. The BASREC budget framework can only be used after decision and approval by the Group of Senior Energy Officials (GSEO).

Each presidency must finance and undertake the secretarial function during its presidency. The Executive Committee is to assist the presidency in its work and ensure continuation of the work during the yearly rotating presidencies of BASREC. The Executive Committee consists of the previous, the current and the following chairmanship as of July after the ministerial meeting (its composition alternating each year accordingly). The holder of the BASREC account (in the cooperation period 2012-2015: Denmark) in its function is a permanent member of the Executive Committee. The account holder is aimed to change every co-operation period and be appointed by the GSEO no later than one year in advance of the next ministerial meeting.

GSEO is appointed to organise the work of implementing the recommendations and decisions agreed upon, to seek financing for task fulfilment and to secure proper and adequate reporting, as well as sound co-ordination of the work, also with other international energy or financial organisations, where appropriate. BASREC members at ministerial level will meet when necessary, but no later than in 2015.

Icelandic reservation due to the economic situation in Iceland.

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Read the post: Good intentions on energy cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region / Read the blog: Baltic Development Forum
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The first event of this kind was arranged in Stockholm in June last year where 70 companies from 11 countries performed over 350 meetings.

The main business areas of the 2012 matchmaking event are clean-tech, renewable energy, sustainable construction, life science and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

The Baltic Business Arena 2012 is supported by Enterprise Europe Network, the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth and the Swedish Institute.

What is the Baltic Business Arena?

In the Baltic Business Arena we offer you the opportunity to pre-book face-to-face meetings with other companies, research/innovation and financial institutions in a specially designed meeting arena. This is a cost and time-effective way to discover new business and cooperation opportunities while expanding your international contact network.

When participating in the business matchmaking at the Baltic Business Arena you have full access to the BDF Summit and European Commission’s Annual Forum on the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region.

Why Participate?

Main Matchmaking Areas

As participant in the Baltic Business Arena you will get

Registration and More Information

For more information about the Baltic Business Arena and for registration to this matchmaking event, visit the BBA special website.

Please note that as participant in the Baltic Business Arena you shall not register for the BDF Summit/EUSBSR Annual Forum as well, but only for the Baltic Business Arena via the business matchmaking website. This is because the scheduling of your meetings requires a special registration platform. BDF will take care of the administration, so that you anyhow will be included in the Summit/Annual Forum.

For companies/organisations who wish to participate only in the matchmaking a fee of 200 EUR/ person will be charged.

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I have more hopes now than before. Simply because that the protectionist tendencies within the European Union which only will harm Europe`s development. We should as an area open up even more. Our region is the most dynamic area and has been for many years should be more open. And it is my firm belief that with even more dynamic projects – for instant in it sector – and using that we are the most advanced on innovation and have a very open attitude towards trade – we can enhance the integration of the region – even if there are these protectionist tendencies elsewhere. Countries around the Baltic Rim should continue with all kind of projects – I think that these countries are willing to do it and  are interested to go on integrating.

What is your opinion on the new EU budget?

I would have liked to see even much more reform coming up inside the EU budget. And I think it is maybe a little embarrassing for the Danish Presidency that – on the common agricultural direct supports -  Denmark´s and Holland´s farmers will get 6 times higher subsidies pr. acre than in Estonian farmers. That’s certainly a market distorsion. That’s not a functioning internal market.

Instead of pumping more money in there you should be opening up the internal market- for instant on services. We clearly are looking for something to get the European economy going then you need to liberalize the services as was guaranteed back in 1956. I have not seen anything giong in that direction. Now that would be a good relief.

Give an example on future integrating measures?

The outlines from the EU task force on E-health I have attended here in Denmark are all durable both laterally and bilaterally in most of the Baltic countries.

For instant – both Estonia and Denmark have digital prescriptions, so one of the first things we should do is making them mutually acceptable, so when Danes come to Estonia – and Estonians come to Denmark and get sick they just can go and get their prescriptions. And when so many more people are travelling in the Nordic and Baltic area, all kinds of integration of this sort will only make life better for the citizen and decrease the friction of doing business.

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Read the post: Estonian President Ilves: Baltic Sea integration to overrule protectionist tendencies i EU / Read the blog: Baltic Development Forum
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With major focus on infrastructure development as a precondition for enhanced competitiveness and growth in the Region, we are setting up discussions that will allow the audience to follow-up the topic through different sectors – transport and logistics, energy, science, water, financing.

In the anticipation of today’s inauguration of Putin as President of Russia, two thematic sessions on Russia were launched aimed at providing a general outlook and analysis of the situation in Russia as well as demonstrating successful stories of regional cooperation with Russia.

Please note that early arrival programme 17 June will take place in Sweden where you will get opportunity to learn more about the major regional facilities in science connecting Scandinavia with the rest of Europe.

Please consult the programme outline on the conference website for the most recent updates of the programme.

A printer-friendly .pdf version of the programme is available for download here.

Below are photos of some speakers that were added to the programme recently. Find the full speakers photo gallery here.

BDF Contact Person: Viktoria Nilsson, vn[at]bdforum.org

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Read the post: Updated Summit Programme available for download / Read the blog: Baltic Development Forum
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One of these is a roundtable meeting organised by the Swedish Institute and CBSS with a focus on CSR and SMEs in the Baltic Sea Region. In the spring of 2012 Swedish Institute and CBSS have conducted a desk-top analysis of eight BSR countries which provides recommendations on how to promote CSR practices among SME’s in these countries. At the roundtable, where CSR experts from the survey countries are participating, the results of the analysis will be presented and discussed.

Furthermore, the priority area 5 and priority area 10 under the EUSBSR, represented by the Danish Nature Agency and the Danish Energy Agency, are organising a seminar on climate change adaption, energy markets and networks of visionary sustainable cities. The seminar gathers around 70 stakeholders, mainly from cities and municipalities in the Baltic Sea Region.

Apart from these two bigger meetings a number of smaller meetings are taking place. UBC’s Commission on Business Cooperation is meeting and taking a field trip, eight national and city investment agencies are meeting to discuss ongoing cooperation, BEMIP is having their high-level group meeting and BDF Advisory Board and Digital Agenda Advisory Group are gathering.

BDF Contact Person: Ditte Folke Henriksen, dh[at]bdforum.org

Go to BDF Summit and EUSBSR Annual Forum 2012 Website.

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It is absolutely essential to have more coherent, structured, well-framed relations between the EU and Russia, said Thierry de Montbrial, founder and Director General of the French Institute for International Relations IFRI, in an exclusive with EurActiv, on the occasion of Putin’s coming inauguration on 7 May for a new mandate as president.

De Montbrial, who just published a new book, Journal de Russie 1977-2011, spoke as a connoisseur of Russian political life and the country’s leaders, many of whom, including Putin, he has met repeatedly.

He said that Putin’s decade (from 2000 to 2010) had been a “quite positive one”, but expressed doubts as to the success of the new term in office of the Russian leader.

Putin served as President from 2000 to 2008, after having been re-elected in 2004. Under the Russian Constitution, he was barred from a third consecutive term and served from May 2008 as Prime Minister, maintaining his political dominance. Amendments to the Russian constitution changed the term of duty of the President from four to six years, implying that if re-elected in 2018, Putin could lead the country until 2024.

De Montbrial said it was “extremely unlikely” that Putin would do a second term and it might even be quite difficult for him to end this first term.

He said that in spite of his positive record, Putin had recently made a number of mistakes, by failing to anticipate Russians’ surge for freedom and democracy, initiated by those who achieved “a certain social status and certain economic level” thanks to his governance.

But the biggest mistake, De Montbrial said, was the deal with the outgoing President Dmitry Medvedev, with whom Putin’s decided to switch roles.

Indeed, during a choreographed congress of the ruling United Russia party on 24 September, Medvedev agreed to lead a list of candidates for a parliamentary election on 4 December in view of becoming the next premier, and won a standing ovation for Putin by proposing that he run for president in the 4 March 2012 elections.

“My […] conclusion is that it is extremely unlikely that [Putin] will do a second term and it might even be quite difficult for him to end the first term. Because the next six years will I think see a continuation of huge social changes in Russia. Especially if Russia is developing well economically,” De Montbrial said.

Asked about the geopolitical future of a declining Europe with or without Russia, De Montbrial said to reverse such trends the EU must be capable to put its house in order following the eurozone crisis, and that Russia “continues to develop gradually in its own way in a democratic direction”.

“It is absolutely essential to have a more coherent, structured, well-framed policy between the EU and Russia. And this of course is directed against nobody,” De Montbrial insisted.

He also expressed his conviction that the French Socialist candidate François Hollande would win the milestone French presidential elections on 6 May, just one day ahead of Putin’s inauguration.

Read the full interview here:

http://www.euractiv.com/global-europe/thierry-de-montbrial-putin-may-finish-mandate-interview-512415

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Read the post: More consistent EU-Russia relationship ‘absolutely essential’ / Read the blog: Baltic Development Forum
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An interim report from Center of cross-border Interregional Cooperation, Saint-Petersburg branch of the Higher School of Economics, states that ”Russia is interested in modernization and further strengthening of the CBSS as an independent cooperation structure”.

The Northern Dimension framework is an important part of the overall the Baltic Sea region co-operation and it is not least important as a platform for developing cross-border co-operation with non EU Member States, first and foremost Russia, complementing the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. This Northern Dimension must be reformed if its role as a full-fledged platform for cooperation of Russian and the European Union in the Baltic Sea region will succeed, the report states.“However, nowadays the time is ripe for deepening cooperation because it would provide a platform for concrete practical results, real programmes and visible improvement of regional prosperity.”

The subject was high on the agenda a month ago in Saint Petersburg at a high level meeting titled : The Baltic Sea region: From planning to common action” organised by The Association North-West Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, Higher School of Economics Saint-Petersburg and North-West development and investment promotion agency. Sergey M. Zimin, Deputy Plenipotentiary Envoy  of the President of the Russian Federation to the North-West federal district was a key speaker. Topics on the agenda were:

1. Presentation of the Strategy of social and economic development of the North-West Federal District until 2020. Main provisions and policy directions in the Baltic Sea region.
   2. Project of common interest: The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region and the Russian Federation.
   3. Prospects of international cooperation in the Baltic Sea region in the business sphere.
   4. The Northern Dimension policy and the Council of the Baltic Sea States as approaches of uniting Russian and European efforts in the Baltic Sea region.
   5. Significance of sustainable development concept for politics harmonization of the Baltic Sea region countries.
   6. Current situation and prospects of cooperation of North-West Russia and the Baltic Sea region countries in the field of transport and energy.

That part of the meeting was moderated by Alexander P. VIKTOROV, Deputy Minister for regional development of the Russian Federation.

Here you can find a comparative table on the Strategy of Social and economic development of the North-West Federal District and the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region – as seen by Center of cross-border Interregional Cooperation, Saint-Petersburg branch of the Higher School of Economics:

Download Comparative table of the Strategy of social and economic development of the North-West Federal District and the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea region

Download The Baltic Sea Region in the Focus of Development Strategies of the EU and the Russian Federation

BDF welcomes the work being done in this field as an important contribution for creating greater convergence between the EU and Russia of the regional priorities for the Baltic Sea Region cooperation.

Over the years Baltic Development Forum has worked closely with the North-West Development and Investment Promotion Agency in St. Petersburg. The agency plays an important role in creating strong links in the Baltic Sea Region. In the Second half of 2012, BDF will take even more active part of the initiatives of the Agency.

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Read the post: Russia and the strategy for the Baltic Sea region / Read the blog: Baltic Development Forum
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As a means of showing the importance of the CBSS, the new German Federal President, Joachim Gauck, opened the Baltic Sea Days and gave extra flavour to his speech when he mentioned his own close relationship to the Baltic Sea since he was born at the coast of the Baltic Sea in Rostock, where he also finished his studies at university.

This year the German Presidency of CBSS – Council of Baltic Sea States – celebrated 20 years cooperation in the region with high level inputs and suggestions to future challenges. The president highlighted the development where the Baltic Sea today represented freedom and hope whereas it used to represent a sea of confrontation.

“The Baltic Sea Region has developed into a rollmodel for other regions. Let us all go in the european direction”, said president Joachim Gauch at the beginning of the Baltic Sea Days monday evening 24. April.

In connection to the CBSS 20 year celebrations the Nordeuropa-Institute at the Humboldt-University in Berlin has released a small book looking back at the cooperation – and at the same time elaborating on future projects connecting the states in the region.

12 authors have given their inputs to the booklet – three of them with tight bonds to the Baltic Development Forum: former chairman Uffe Elleman-Jensen, director of BDF Hans Brask  (together with Marcus Andersson) and member of the BDF Advisory Board Bernd Henningsen.

In connection to the CBSS 20 year celebrations the Nordeuropa-Institute at the Humboldt-University in Berlin has released a small book looking back at the cooperation – and at the same time elaborating on future projects connecting the states in the region.

12 authors have given their inputs to the booklet – three of them with tight bonds to the Baltic Development Forum: former chairman Uffe Elleman-Jensen, director of BDF Hans Brask  (together with Marcus Andersson) and member of the BDF Advisory Board Bernd Henningsen.

You can find the booklet at www.kulurhaus-berlin.de

The content:

1 The Council of the Baltic Sea States – 20 Years of Regional Improvement
Jan Lundin

2 Infected with a Sense of “Balticness”
Interview with Uffe Ellemann-Jensen

3 Baltic Sea Organizations after EU Enlargement
Tobias Etzold

4 Die Ostsee nach Berlin holen
Interview mit Klaus von Lepel, stellv. Leiter des Arbeitsstabes
“Deutsche Ostseeratspräsidentschaft 2011/2012″

5 Im Zeichen der deutschen Präsidentschaft: 20 Jahre Ostseeparlamentarierkonferenz
Rückblick – Erfolg – Forderungen
Franz Thönnes

6 Review of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region
A comment by Lidia Puka

7 Brücken bauen – Zusammenarbeit fördern!
Bernd Henningsen

8 Die Bedeutung des Ostseerats für die Länder der Region – Ein Blick aus Estland
Mart Laanemäe

9 The Baltic States and the Baltic Sea Region
Mindaugas Jurkynas

10 Branding the Baltic Sea Region – In Between Global and European Trends
Hans Brask and Marcus Andersson

11 Ars Baltica quo vadis?
Clemens Bomsdorf

12 Das Dialogforum Feste Fehmarnbeltquerung: Ein runder Tisch auf der Suche nach Gemeinsamkeiten bei unterschiedlichen Interessenlagen um Nordeuropas größtes Infrastrukturprojekt
Christoph Jessen

13 Literatur und Links

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Read the post: 20 years of CBSS – Council of Baltic Sea States / Read the blog: Baltic Development Forum
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He set out the Commission’s priorities for passenger ship safety. The keynote speech was delivered at a major passenger ship safety conference in Brussels, hosted by the Commission, to launch a consultation with stakeholders on the priority actions to come.

The Vice-President set a three-pronged approach to enhancing passenger ship safety, based on:

(1) promoting industry voluntary measures,

(2) intensifying enforcement and implementation; as well as

(3) regulatory measures.

The proposals are based on more than two years of intensive work on passenger ship safety, though a Commission review started in 2010.

“The ultimate aim must be that wherever a passenger boards a passenger ship in the world, safety should be at the highest possible level. Passengers should expect the same safety level standards whether they are crossing for example the Baltic Sea, or sailing on an island daytrip in Asian waters,” Siim Kalls underlined.

The priority actions include:

1. Voluntary industry commitments

Vice-President Kallas welcomed the announcement today by the European Cruise Council, of further voluntary commitments going beyond what is legally required in terms of issues such as: route planning, security of bridge access and access to lifejackets on board. Importantly, the European Cruise Council commitments include the appointment of four independent experts to oversee the process and monitor progress and implementation. Voluntary industry commitments can have an important and very immediate effect if they are strictly implemented.

2. Enforcement actions

Safety rules require rigorous enforcement. The Commission has initiated, with the European Maritime Agency (EMSA), and as part of its ongoing work, inspection visits to monitor the implementation of maritime legislation, including in particular in 2012: the targeting of registration of passengers on board. This work is part of a broader programme of targeted enforcement actions for the passenger ship sector.

3. Regulatory measures

The Commission is working on a staged approach, with proposals planned for 2012 and additional specific measures possible in 2013. Shipping is by its nature global so a twin-track approach is necessary, working closely with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) – the UN body which sets international rules for shipping.

The Commission will present legislative proposals on domestic passenger ship safety rules before the end of 2012 – primarily extending existing EU rules beyond domestic passenger ships constructed out of steel. These ships – e.g. smaller passenger ships and ships built in materials other than steel, as well as sailing and historic ships – form an increasingly large share of the market particularly for tourism.

The Commission envisages making a proposal to update EU passenger ship stability rules for roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) ferries with a view particularly to improving stability after damage. At the same time, the Commission will provide its research on ro-ro passenger ship stability in a damaged condition to the IMO, with a view to enhancing the IMO international rules. Stability is particularly important for these ferries due to potential problems with water on deck. The EU has had its own EU regional safety rules for ferries since the Estonia tragedy.

Future considerations: The preliminary findings of the EU funded research project (GOALDS) on cruise and ropax ship stability is scheduled to be completed in the autumn of 2012. The Commission will await the results of these technical studies, as well as the current accident investigation by the Italian authorities of the Costa Concordia shipwreck on 13 January 2012, before considering if further proposals may need to be considered. See MEMO/12/270 for details.

What happens next?

The 12-week public consultation on passenger ship safety will end on 5 July 2012. This will be followed by a workshop for stakeholders to present input received. On the basis of this consultation, as well as the two years technical work, the Commission will present its first legislative proposals before the end of 2012.

For further background on the current EU passenger ship safety legislative framework please consult DG MOVE Europa page:

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/maritime/safety/passenger_ships_en.htm

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Read the post: EU-Commission sets out priorities for passenger ship safety / Read the blog: Baltic Development Forum
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A network of the Managing Authorities for the ESF between the Member States concerned – Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Germany – has been consolidated and a number of joint activities will be carried out: conferences, partner search forums and learning seminars in Sweden as well as in the other Member States.

There is also a new web available focusing on transnational issues in ESF.

The project BSN – ESF is coordinated by the Swedish ESF Council and funded by the Swedish Institute Baltic Sea Unit (a Swedish central government agency).

Uploaded from: /http://www.balticsea-region-strategy.eu/

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