STRATEGY FOR UM 2016

7th Strategy Forum of the EUSBSR
“One Region, One Future - Vision 2030 for the Baltic Sea Region”

The 7th Strategy Forum of the EUSBSR

The 7th Strategy Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) was hosted by Swedish Government together with the Nordic Council of Ministers and in close cooperation with the European Commission. The Strategy Forum was held on 8-9 November 2016 at the Brewery Conference Centre in Stockholm, Sweden.

The overall thematic focus was the future of the Baltic Sea Region, its croisieres, and a desired vision for 2030. The Strategy Forum was used to discuss how the EUSBSR can or should contribute to a desired development within its three objectives: Save the Sea, Connect the Region and Increase Prosperity. A strong emphasis was placed on the agreed sub-objectives of the EUSBSR.

Background

Since 2010 a yearly Strategy Forum to support the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region has been organised.The purpose of the Strategy Forum is to communicate the implementing work of the Strategy and its objectives, to stimulate policy discussion in the region, promote results, and to provide stakeholders of the EUSBSR with a networking occasion.

The Strategy Forum (former Annual Forum) takes place in one of the eight EU member states in the Baltic Sea Region and aims to attract key stakeholders and active partners of the implementation of the EUSBSR from local, regional, national and EU level.
18th BDF Summit

18 BDF Summit

The 18th Baltic Development Forum Summit took place on 8 November at the Brewery Conference Centre, in conjunction with the 7th Strategy Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. Taking stock of the current state of the Baltic Sea Region, the 18th BDF Summit explored how we can find common ground in a changing environment. Through report launches, panels and interviews the summit looked closer at the current economic affairs, the political climate, and the potential for business.

Organisers


The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region

The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) aims to reinforce cooperation in the region in order to face shared challenges and opportunities by working together.

The Strategy was approved by the European Council in 2009 following a communication from the European Commission. It is the first macro-regional strategy in Europe. The EUSBSR aims to meet the challenges common to the countries in the Baltic Sea Region by working together, and to seize key opportunities in the region.

The Strategy has three main objectives which relates to a wide range of EU policies: Save the Sea, Connect the Region and Increase Prosperity. Each objective has sub-objectives.

Read more on the official website of the EUSBSR.

Save the Sea

Sub-objectives

Connect the Region

Sub-objectives

Increase Prosperity

Sub-objectives

Welcome to the 7th Strategy Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region!

The Baltic Sea Region is a dynamic, innovative and competitive part of the European Union. It is a region to be proud of. It is also a region with a strong background of cooperation between our countries. The title of this year’s Strategy Forum, One Region, One Future – Vision 2030 for the Baltic Sea Region, underlines the necessity of continuing to work together within the Baltic Sea Region to form a sustainable future.

The Strategy Forum is an opportunity to engage in discussions on that future with a 2030 perspective. For even if the Baltic Sea Region is already a model region in many respects, staying so will require a strategic outlook and long-term planning.

The Strategy Forum is about looking at our common challenges and finding ways to tackle them together. It’s also about opportunities to network and to create new partnerships and help shape policy discussions on the future of the Baltic Sea Region.

It is therefore my great pleasure to welcome you to the Strategy Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR).

Welcome!

Stefan Löfven, Prime Minister of Sweden

Documentation and presentations from the conference

The 7th Stratety Forum of the EUSBSR attracted 1,300 participants from 42 countries. The programme included more than 40 seminars and plenty of networking activities during two intensive days in Stockholm.

Here you will find materials from the conference.

Prime Ministers’ and EU Commissioner’s speeches

The keynote speeches by Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, Prime Minister Juha Sipilä and EU Commissioner Corina Cretu in the opening session of the 7th Strategy Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region can be read online:

Speech by Stefan Löfven on the website of Government Offices of Sweden.
Speech by Juha Sipilä on the website of Finnish Government.
Speech by Corina Cretu on the website of European Commission.

Inspiration Session I & II

EU 2030_Pawel Swieboda_9 Nov 2016.pptx
2.7 MB
ESPON_Ilona Raugze_9 nov 2016.pptx
10.8 MB
Vision 2030_Kai Böhme and Janne Antikainen_8 Nov 2016.pptx
4.1 MB
UN Agenda 2030_Alan Atkisson_9 Nov 2016.pptx
24.2 MB

Summary reports from the political seminars

The seminar reports have been written by Swedish Institute alumni and members of SI Network for Future Global Leaders. The reports are based on alumni’s personal impressions.

Seminar report - Internationalisation models for digital start-ups in the Baltic Sea Region.docx
29 KB
Seminar report - Is youth social entrepreneurship the solution for sustainable rural areas.docx
28 KB
Seminar report - Achieving knowledge-driven innovation and growth in the Baltic Sea Region.docx
30 KB
Seminar report - Bioenergy can replace more fossil energy – how to release potentials for sustainable bioenergy.docx
29 KB
Seminar report - Blue Growth - added value of cooperating in project clusters.docx
29 KB
Seminar report - Cities and Regions- Drivers or Bystanders in the Baltic Sea cooperation .docx
31 KB
Seminar report - Connecting for a digital market in the Baltic Sea Region.docx
28 KB
Seminar report - Cooperation on the transeuropean corridors of the Baltic sea region.docx
27 KB
Seminar report - Cultural gaming as an innovative and interactive tool for modelling smart and sustainable regions.docx
26 KB
Seminar report - Energy union – practical solutions for sustainable energy market development.docx
29 KB
Seminar report - EUSBSR flagships synergising on TEN-T Corridors_2.docx
30 KB
Seminar report - Fashionable bioeconomy in the Baltic Sea Region.docx
30 KB
Seminar report - Financing Climate Action.docx
27 KB
Seminar report - Finding innovative ways to fight eutrophication in the Baltic .docx
27 KB
Seminar report - Fisheries as part of integrated Baltic Sea.docx
28 KB
Seminar report - Hazardous substances from cities – a bigger threat to Baltic Sea health than eutrophication.docx
32 KB
Seminar report - How to embed inland navigation in transport chains.docx
28 KB
Seminar report - How to engage farmers and communities in water management.docx
25 KB
Seminar report - If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.docx
26 KB
Seminar report - Myth - Busting Trafficking in Human beings.docx
28 KB
Seminar report - New thinking and policy design - can flexible mechanisms save the Baltic Sea.docx
26 KB
Seminar report - Nothing about us without us – a youth perspective on the future of the Baltic Sea Region.docx
28 KB
Seminar report - Perspectives for EU-Russia cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region.doc
29 KB
Seminar report - Where are we heading – wealthier and healthier in the decades to come, or just the opposite.doc
29 KB
Seminar report - Why Gender Matters.docx
28 KB
Seminar report - Closed loops - Innovative solutions in sludge management for a toxin free environment.pdf
10 KB
Seminar report - Saving and using the sea - connecting decision makers and actors through maritime spatial planning.pdf
12 KB
Seminar report - Walk the talk - implementing the Sustainable Development Goals in the Baltic Sea Region.docx
27 KB

Press information

A media programme is available for all journalists. The two day programme is composed of an information briefing on the macro-regional approach, the possibility of interviews with Commissioner Corina Creţu and other high level speakers, as well as a project visit to a EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region flagship project nearby the .

Media programmme
Please find attached a draft of the media programme.

Media Programme.pdf
639 KB
Contact person regarding the media programme:
Antonella Bassi
+32 476 267 587
antonella.bassi@mostra.com

Project visit - DiveSMART Baltic
The media programme offers a project visit to one of the EUSBSR flagship projects, DiveSMART Baltic. For more information, please visit the project website.

Journalists are welcome to register to the project visit by sending an email to johan.genestig@kbv.se at the latest 8 November.

The project invites to a press conference including dive demonstration on and outside M/S Patricia at the Brewery Conference Centre in Stockholm.

Press conference DiveSMART Baltic.pdf
179 KB
Registration
Please register as a journalist here.

Social media
#eusbsr

Presentations and outcome

We would like to thank you for participating at the 7th Strategy Forum of the EUSBSR in Stockholm 8-9 November.

The conference attracted 1,300 participants representing 42 countries and four continents, which is an all-time high.

Presentations and photos from the conference are now available.

We hope that you have gained new knowledge, inspiration and energy to continue working with the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region.

Together we can make sure that our region is well prepared for the future.

Welcome by the Swedish Prime Minister

Welcome to the 7th Strategy Forum in Stockholm!
‘The Baltic Sea Region is a dynamic, innovative and competitive part of the European Union. It is a region to be proud of. It is also a region with a strong background of cooperation between our countries. ’

Press release: EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region - 7th Strategy Forum to discuss the future of the region and a desired vision for 2030

  
The 7th Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) starts on Tuesday 8th November in Stockholm.
Corina Creţu, EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, Stefan Löfven Prime Minister of Sweden, Juha Sipilä, Prime Minister of Finland who holds the Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers, and representatives from the eight countries participating in EUSBSR will discuss during the 2 days how best to drive the region forward.

Use the mobile web application

  
Only one week left until we have the pleasure of welcoming you to Stockholm. Here is some news about our exciting programme.

Important practical information

 
On Wednesday, 2 November, you will receive a text message from the 7th Strategy Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR); the sender of the text message will be EUSBSR. The link in the text message will take you to the mobile website. Here you can obtain your personal QR code and programme, participant list, map and other useful information. You can also send text messages to each other within the web application.

Questions and Answers

What is the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region?

The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) is the first macro-regional strategy in the European Union, representing 80 million inhabitants or 17 percent of the EU population. The strategy was approved by the European Council in 2009 following a communication from the European Commission. It aims to reinforce cooperation within the region in order to tackle specific challenges in the area – for example, environmental deterioration of the Baltic Sea and poor transport links. It also builds on opportunities to work together – for example, on research and development, innovation, and maritime growth issues.

The strategy has three main objectives: Save the Sea, Connect the Region and Increase Prosperity.

What is the Strategy Forum?

The Strategy Forum is a two-day conference which aims to attract key stakeholders and active partners in the implementation of the EUSBSR from local, regional, national and EU levels.

What is the purpose of the Strategy Forum?

The Strategy Forum of the EUSBSR offers participants an opportunity to network, gain new knowledge, create new partnerships, help shape policy discussions on the future of the Baltic Sea Region, and make achievements and results known to a wider public.

The overall theme of this year’s forum is to stimulate a discussion on the desired future of the Baltic Sea Region in a 2030 perspective.

Who is organising the event?

The event is hosted by the Swedish Government together with the Nordic Council of Ministers and in close cooperation with the European Commission.

Who is the Strategy Forum for?

The Strategy Forum is open to any stakeholder interested in Baltic Sea regional cooperation. The forum will gather regional experts, government officials, and representatives from civil society, academia, business and other interested parties. Participants will represent the EU, national, regional and local levels.

Is it an annual event?

So far the Strategy Forum has been a yearly event, taking place in one of the eight EU member states in the Baltic Sea Region. This year´s Strategy Forum takes place in Stockholm, Sweden.

How is the Strategy Forum related to the BDF Summit?

The 18th Baltic Development Forum Summit will take place on 8 November in conjunction with the Strategy Forum. The events are organised separately but in close cooperation. Both events take place in the same venue.

Will there be a press conference?

There will be no press conference; however, journalists are invited to meet experts on the EUSBSR, take part in a press briefing with Corina Creţu (the European Commissioner for Regional Policy), join high level speakers for a round trip in the Creative Lounge, as well as taking part in a project visit.
Please read the media programme for more details.

Who do I contact if I would like to conduct an interview?

All journalists are free to make their own arrangements to interview speakers. There will a room available for press (the name of the room is ‘Poseidon’) which is free to use if not booked for other purposes. The contact person for this room is:
Birgitta Jarlås, Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth.
+46 (0) 76 -136 83 72
birgitta.jarlas@tillvaxtverket.se

The Creative Lounge also offers space for interviews with lounge furniture as well as charging stations for computers and phones.

What will the Strategy Forum result in?

The Strategy Forum does not result in a formal statement. However, the forum will stimulate continued discussion on the future of the Baltic Sea Region in a 2030 perspective.

What are the highlights in the programme?

The Strategy Forum offers a very broad programme as the EUSBSR serves as platform for many policy areas. The programme offers three inspiring sessions for all participants as well as more than 40 political seminars – ranging from issues such as the environmental state of the Baltic Sea, youth social entrepreneurship, transport links, blue growth, the digital state of the Baltic Sea Region and much more. Besides this, participants should not miss activities in the Creative Lounge where there will be a fashion show, 3D printer, digital project display, interactive exhibitions and more.

Who is the press contact for the Strategy Forum?

The press contact is:
Jakob Lagerkranser, Government Offices of Sweden.
+46 (0) 72 202 83 63
jakob.lagerkranser@regeringskansliet.se

Conference Programme

Please note:

Tuesday 8 November 2016

08:00 Registration opens

09:00-12.00 18th Baltic Development Forum Summit (separate event)

Early Arrivals
Parallel
Seminars & Workshops

09:30 - 10:30

Myth - busting trafficking in human beings
Organiser: Nordic Council of Ministers, Council of the Baltic Sea States and County Administrative Board of Stockholm
Venue: Galleriet

"This is what we need to do for a cleaner sea`- Sectors have their say
Organiser: HELCOM
Venue: Riddarsalen
Why gender matters
Organiser: Winnet
Venue: Fogelström
N.B this seminar session is prolonged until 10:40

Creative Lounge

8:00-10:00
Mälarsalen
Exhibition build up.

Programme will be updated continuously.

Early Arrivals Parallel
Seminars & Workshops

10:40-11:50

Cultural gaming as an innovative and interactive tool for modelling smart and sustainable regions
Organiser: Nordic Council of Ministers office, Latvia
Venue: Lindgren

How to embed inland navigation in transport chains
Organiser: Interreg Baltic Sea Region project EMMA
Venue: Galleriet

How to engage farmers and communities in water management
Organiser: Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) and WWF
Venue: Riddarsalen

Fisheries as part of integrated Baltic Sea marine management – what are the challenges and opportunities?
Organiser: FISHSEC
Venue: Fogelström

Creative Lounge
Open for networking from 10:00
Coffee is served
from 10:00
Nobelterassen is exclusively for Networking .
Baltic Sea Region-Barista Brian Jones will serve organic coffee and share entrepreneurial ideas from his experience as a young Baltic Sea Region advocate.

12:00-13:00 Networking Lunch

12:10 Mälarsalen
Welcome speech from the Creative Lounge Stage, Swedish Institute

12:40 Mälarsalen Bioeconomy and innovative solutions for a sustainable Baltic fashion industry in 2030 (fashion show). Presented by
Nordic Council of Ministers

Inspiration
Session I

13:15-14:50
Vision 2030 for the Baltic Sea Region

Conference moderator

Monika Zamachowska, Polish journalist and moderator specialized in European affairs and EU integration with extensive experience from Baltic Sea Region events.

Vision 2030 for the Baltic Sea Region
Stefan Löfven, Prime Minister of Sweden
Juha Sipilä, Prime Minister of Finland, Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers
Corina Creţu, European Commissioner for Regional Policy

Strategic Foresight Report:
Challenges and Opportunities for the Region in a Global Perspective
Kai Böhme, Director Spatial Foresight Gmbh
Janne Antikainen, Design Director and partner of MDI

Panel discussion
Niklas Zennström, Founder, Race For The Baltic, Co-Founder Zennström Philanthropies
Anke Spoorendonk, Minister for Justice, Culture and European Affairs of Land Schleswig-Holstein
Alexandra Ehlers, Chairperson of the Regional Youth Council of Schleswig-Holstein

Venue: Mässhallen

Parallel
Seminars & Workshops

15:00-16:20

Main Session 1:
Connecting for a digital market in the Baltic Sea Region >>
Organiser: Baltic Development Forum et.al

Venue: Mässhallen

Looking towards 2030 - from foresight to vision
Organiser: Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth
Venue: Polhem (access by Milles)

Saving and using the sea? - connecting decision makers and actors through maritime spatial planning
Organiser: VASAB
Venue: Lindgren

Fostering innovation and growth in the bioeconomy through smart specialisation
Organiser: Nordic Council of Ministers
Venue: Riddarsalen

How do cultural creative sectors encourage cooperation, innovation and inclusion in a culturally diverse Baltic Sea Region?
Organiser: PAC Culture
Venue: Fogelström

Saving the Baltic Sea in 20 years - innovative methods to extract the nutrient surplus from the sea water
Organiser: PAC Bioeconomy Fishery/Aquaculture
Venue: Galleriet

´Nothing about us without us´ - A youth perspective on the future of the Baltic Sea Region
Organiser: The Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC), Union of Baltic Cities (UBC), EuroRegion
Venue: Arkaden

Creative Lounge

15:10 Hot Seat:
The political state of the Baltic Sea Region – challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation (BDF)

16:00 -16:30 Mälarsalen
Macroregional Matchmaking
presented by Let’s Communicate.
Meet PACs and HACs, topic: Connect the region + Horizontal actions
Contact: Miitta Eronen

Parallel
Seminars & Workshops

16:30-17:30

Main session 2:
Fashionable bioeconomy in the Baltic Sea Region >>
Organiser: Nordic Council of Ministers
Venue: Mässhallen

Tourism. Sustainable. 2030
Organiser: PAC Tourism
Venue: Fogelström

New thinking and policy design - can flexible mechanisms save the Baltic Sea?
Organiser: John Nurminen foundation et. al.
Venue: Galleriet

Financing climate action
Organiser: Council of the Baltic Sea States Secretariat and Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency
Venue: Polhem (access by Milles)

Hazardous substances from cities – a bigger threat to Baltic Sea health than eutrophication?
Organiser: Interreg Baltic Sea Region Flagship project “NonHazCity”
Venue: Lindgren

Internationalisation models for digital start-ups in the Baltic Sea Region
Organiser: Baltic Development Forum, Nordic Council of Ministers, Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth
Venue: Riddarsalen

Where are we heading – wealthier and healthier in the decades to come, or just the opposite?
Organiser: The Northern Dimension Partnership in Public Health and Social Well-being (NDPHS)
Venue: Arkaden

Creative Lounge

16:40-17:30 Mälarsalen
Financial opportunities in the Baltic Sea Region.
Presented by Swedish Institute and HA Capacity

19.00-21.00 Dinner Reception
Dinner at Stockholm City Hall. Hosted by the City of Stockholm.

Wednesday 9 November 2016

08:00 Registration opens

Inspiration
Session II

09:00-10:30
EU and Global policies for 2030

UN Agenda 2030 and the Global Sustainability Goals from a Baltic Sea Region perspective.
Alan Atkisson, Author, Senior Adviser in Sustainability and Adviser to the United Nations Secretariat

EU perspective for 2030
Paweł Świeboda, Deputy Head of the European Political Strategy Centre

Panel discussion
Pär Svärdson, CEO and founder Apotea AB
Ilona Raugze, Director ESPON EGTC
Michael Smyth, Vice President European Economic and Social Committee
Tiina Perho, Board member South West Finland Regional Council & Chair CPMR BSR Working Group on Maritime issues
Kristen Aigro, International Officer at the ENL Estonian National Youth Council

Venue: Mässhallen

Parallel Seminars & Workshops

10:40-12:00

Main Session 3: Walk the talk - implementing Sustainable Development Goals in the Baltic Sea Region >>
Organiser: Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS)/Baltic2030
Venue: Mässhallen

Is youth social entrepreneurship the solution for sustainable rural areas?
Organiser: Young Ambassadors of Democracy/ Coompanion Kalmar, BYSED Interreg Seed Money project and BS NGO Network
Venue: Galleriet

EUSBSR flagships synergising on TEN-T corridors - a Recipe to embed the TEN-T in the BSR communities?
Organiser:
PAC Transport, NSB CoRe, TENTacle and Scandria2Act.
Venue: Arkaden

Perspectives for EU-Russia cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region
Organiser: HAC Neighbours
Venue: Riddarsalen

Is there so much phosphorous leaching from the Baltic Sea sediments that taking action on land is useless?
Organiser: Baltic Eye, Stockholm University
Venue: Lindgren

If you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it- Tools for monitoring the Baltic Sea Region development
Organiser:
VASAB, Nordregio, Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth
Venue: Polhem (access by Milles)

Blue growth - added value of cooperating in project clusters
Organiser: Interreg Baltic Sea Region programme
Venue: Fogelström
N.B this seminar session is prolonged until 13.00

Creative Lounge

11:15-11:45
Macroregional Matchmaking
presented by Let’s Communicate.
Meet PACs and HACs, topic: Increase prosperity
Contact: Miitta Eronen

12:10
Keep Sweden Tidy announces the winner of the BLASTIC competition Mälarsalen stage

12:10
Interview session with industry representatives: Sustainability of the Shipping Industry. Organiser: Zero Vision Tool, ZVT
Nobelterrassen

12:40-13:00
Who will be the next US President?
A conversation led by Alan AtKisson with former US correspondent Folke Rydén and other guests on the results and consequences of the US presidential election for the Baltic Sea Region.

12:00-13:45 Networking Lunch

13:10-13:50 Mälarsalen
To save the world - Let’s start with the Baltic Sea.
Folke Rydén, prize winning reporter, director and producer.

Parallel Seminars & Workshops

14:00-14:50

Main Session 4
Sustainability of the Shipping Industry. Reaching a new normal >>
Organiser: Zero Vision Tool, ZVT
Venue: Mässhallen

Cities and Regions: Drivers or Bystanders in the Baltic Sea cooperation
Organiser: Union of the Baltic Cities (UBC), Land Brandenburg
Venue: Fogelström

Energy Union - practical solutions for sustainable energy market development
Organiser: PAC Energy
Venue: Arkaden

Achieving knowledge-driven innovation and growth in the Baltic Sea Region
Organiser: Baltic Development Forum, Skåne region, GEMS
Venue: Galleriet

Finding innovative ways to fight eutrophication in the Baltic Sea
Organiser: Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (Nefco)
Venue: Lindgren

How to ensure that Agenda 2030 goals for the Baltic Sea Region are reached in the light of a changing climate
Organiser: Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI)
Venue: Riddarsalen
Creative Lounge

14:00-14:30 Macroregional Matchmaking
presented by Let’s Communicate.
Meet PACs and HACs, topic: Save the Sea
Contact: Miitta Eronen

Parallel Seminars & Workshops

15:00-15:50

Main Session 5:
Cooperation on the Transeuropean Corridors of the Baltic Sea Region >>
Organiser: PAC Transport
Venue: Mässhallen

International SME support increases prosperity - how to benefit from the expertise of the Enterprise Europe Network
Organiser: European Commission, DG GROW
Venue: Fogelström

Do we need a macro regional dimension in higher education, science & research policy in the Baltic Sea Region?
Organiser: Baltic Science Network
Venue: Arkaden

Closed loops: Innovative solutions in sludge management for a toxin free environment
Organiser: PAC Hazards, PAC Bioeconomy, PAC Nutri, HELCOM
Venue: Lindgren

Accelerating strategic cooperation for sustainable blue growth in the Baltic Sea Region
Organiser: Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR), European Commission, DG MARE
Venue: Galleriet

Bioenergy can replace more fossil energy - how to release potentials for sustainable bioenergy
Organiser: Swedish Forest Agency et.al.
Venue: Riddarsalen

Creative Lounge

15:00-15:50
Hot Seat: Which way is up? Young scientists take on key regional actors about desired future options for the Baltic Sea
BONUS, HELCOM, VASAB, Baltic Earth

Concluding Session

16:00-16:50

Summing up and key messages from the conference
Karolina Skog, Minister for the Environment, Sweden

Panel discussion
Paavo Lipponen, Former Prime Minister of Finland
Monika Stankiewicz, Executive Secretary HELCOM
Flemming Stender, Director of Baltic Development Forum
Rosaline Marbinah, Vice President of the LSU Swedish National Youth Council

8th Strategy Forum of the EUSBSR in Berlin, June 2017
Thomas Ossowski, Director for Relations with European Union Member States, Cross-Border and Regional Cooperation, Germany

Venue: Mässhallen

Back-to-back meetings

Please note that back-to-back meetings are only envisaged outside the official programme of the Strategy Forum. We strongly ask you to respect this.

We recommend the conference facilities below for back-to-back meetings.
Please contact one of the following hotels directly for booking requests for meeting rooms. For the locations of each hotel/conference centre, please check “Hotels”.

Please note that you are responsible for the administration of your booking.

Hilton Stockholm
High-tech, comfortable and airy Hilton meeting rooms can accommodate up to 40 people and offer an impressive view of the Old Town and Riddarfjärden. All meeting rooms are air-conditioned and offer constant access to the 24-hour Business Centre.
Address: Guldgränd 8, 152 70 Stockholm


Scandic Sjöfartshotellet
Scandic Sjöfartshotellet offers great meeting facilities, with three major conference rooms and three boardrooms.
Address: Katarinavägen 26, 104 65 Stockholm


Scandic Grand Central
Hotel Scandic Grand Central is located in central Stockholm, close to the Central Station. They organise meetings, conferences and events for up to 100 participants.
Address: Kungsgatan 70, 111 20 Stockholm

19.00-21.30: Dinner reception at Stockholm City Hall

FULLY BOOKED.

The City of Stockholm will host the Strategy Forum dinner reception at the City Hall, which is one of Stockholm’s most iconic buildings and host of the Nobel Prize banquet.

The evening on 8 november begins at 7 pm with musical entertainment by students from Adolf Fredrik’s Music School and a welcoming speech by the City Council President. Afterwards, a typical Swedish buffet will be served.

Dress code: Business attire

Bus transfer
For your convenience we will provide bus transfers to and from the City Hall.

To City Hall

18.00 The Brewery Conference Centre – City Hall
18.00 Hotel Hellstens Malmgård via Hotel Zinkensdamm – City Hall
18.00 Hotel Scandic Malmen via Hotel Hilton and Hotel Rival – City Hall

From City Hall

20.30 City Hall – Mariatorget (Hotels Rival and Hilton) via Medborgarplatsen (Hotel Scandic Malmen) and Zinkensdamm (Hotels Zinkensdamm and Hellstens Malmgård)
21.00 City Hall – Mariatorget (Hotels Rival and Hilton) via Medborgarplatsen (Hotel Scandic Malmen) and Zinkensdamm (Hotels Zinkensdamm and Hellstens Malmgård)
21.30 City Hall – Mariatorget (Hotels Rival and Hilton) via Medborgarplatsen (Hotel Scandic Malmen) and Zinkensdamm (Hotels Zinkensdamm and Hellstens Malmgård)

Creative Lounge

Together we will create an open space for new ideas, interesting conversations and a creative atmosphere.
This year we offered a new approach to Networking Village – the Creative Lounge. The 7th Strategy Forum of the EUSBSR pays particular attention to the need to facilitate dialogue and networking between the implementing partners, funding organisations and decision-makers.

The Creative Lounge was open during the whole Strategy Forum.

A place for networking, new ideas, and interesting conversations. Visit interactive exhibitions, network, find out more about the “future of fashion” using sustainable and innovative materials and creative designs, get access to a 10 year media project about the Baltic Sea environment
…and much more!

Warm welcome to the Welcome Speech on stage Tuesday 8 November at 12.10: Annika Rembe, Director-general at the Swedish Institute.

Exhibitions:

Programme

Tuesday 8 November
08:00 - 10:00
Exhibition build up
12:10
Welcome speech from the Creative Lounge Stage
12:40
Bioeconomy and innovative solutions for a sustainable Baltic fashion industry in 2030 (fashion show). Presented by Nordic Council of Ministers
15:10
Hot Seat: The political state of the Baltic Sea Region – challenges and opportunities for regional cooperation Organiser: Baltic Development Forum (BDF)
16:00 - 16:30
Macro-regional Matchmaking Presented by Let’s Communicate. Meet Policy Area Coordinators (PACs) and Horizontal Action Coordinators (HACs), topic: Connect the Region + Horizontal actions
16:40-17:30
Financial opportunities in the Baltic Sea Region presented by HA Capacity

Wednesday 9 November
11:15 - 11:45
Macro-regional Matchmaking Presented by Let’s Communicate. Meet PACs and HACs, topic: Increase Prosperity
12:10
Keep Sweden Tidy announces the winner of the BLASTIC competition
12:40-13:00
Who will be the next US President?
13:10 - 13:50
To save the world - Let’s start with the Baltic Sea. Folke Rydén, prize winning reporter, director and producer.
14:00 - 14:30
Macroregional Matchmaking Presented by Let’s Communicate. Meet PACs and HACs, topic: Save the Sea
15:00-15:50
Hot Seat: Which way is up? Young scientists take on key regional actors about desired future options for the Baltic Sea Organiser: BONUS, HELCOM, VASAB, Baltic Earth

Concept

The Creative Lounge offers a relaxed innovative environment. You won’t find traditional stands this year. We have opted instead for comfortable lounging couches, perfect for brainstorming sessions, interviews and informal get-togethers to spark your creativity and teamwork.

The concept of the Creative Lounge consists of three thematic areas:

Practical information and some advice

Due to the location and the size of the conference rooms, there will not be a place for stands this year. We offer all participants interested in presenting their projects a digital showcase.

5 tricks to maximize your time in the Creative Lounge:

Contact

Any questions regarding the Creative Lounge can be sent to Olga Knudsen at the Swedish Institute at strategyforum@si.se

Digital display project presentation

We offer all participants interested in presenting their projects a digital showcase.

To use this digital showcase, please send us

3-5 Powerpoint slides in the 16:9 format.
It is also possible to send a link to a video presentation to be embedded (no longer than 4 minutes, without sound).
If you would like, you can use the official Powerpoint template.

Send this or questions related to this to strategyforum@si.se no later than 31 October.

Registration

The registration is closed.

For late registration requests please email:
strategyforum@tillvaxtverket.se

Do you have questions about your registration? Please email us: strategyforum@meetagain.se

Please note:

Due to limited capacity of the venue, confirmation or decline of your participation in the Strategy Forum 2016 will be sent to you by e-mail within 7 days. We would advise you to make all travel arrangements only after receiving a confirmation e-mail.

Important practical information

Mobile web application

All registered delegates will receive a text message from the 7th Strategy Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR); the sender of the text message will be EUSBSR.

The link in the text message will take you to the mobile website. Here you can obtain your personal QR code and programme, participant list, map and other useful information. You can also send text messages to each other within the mobile web application.

The ‘Info’ tab contains information on how to send messages with the mobile web application and how to save the application as an app icon on your home screen.

When opening the mobile website, you will have the possibility to approve m2.delegia.com’s access to your current location. We recommend you to approve this.

Do you have questions regarding the Mobile web application, please contact:
strategyforum@meetagain.se

Bring confirmation letter
Please bring your confirmation letter with your QR code in printed or digital format and show it at the on-site registration desk to receive your personal name badge. The QR code must also be shown when arriving for the dinner at the City Hall (only for pre-registered delegates).

Registration
The registration desk is open from 8 November 2016. Please come in good time to allow for the security check.

Tuesday 8 nov: 08:00 to 17:00
Wednesday 9 nov: 08:00 to 16:00

We would like to remind you that you will have to display your name badge all times within the venue (including for both seminars and social events). You will be asked to show your personal ID card/passport on arrival.

All baggage must be left in the cloak room.

Hotels

The following hotels have been booked for your convenience. More information about each hotel is available below. Please proceed with your reservation to guarantee your personal booking. All rates include breakfast and VAT.

Scandic Malmen
You’ll stay right in the heart of Södermalm which borders thrilling Sofo, crammed with culture and nice shopping.
Address: Götgatan 49-51, 102 66 Stockholm

Standard room (1 person) SEK 1 990
Standard room (2 persons) SEK 2 190

Insert Destination “Stockholm” and indicate promotion code EUSBSR to receive above rates


Scandic Sjöfartshotellet
Stay in the city with a small-town feel and maritime atmosphere.
Address: Katarinavägen 26, 104 65 Stockholm

Single pullout room (1 person) SEK 1 990
Single pullout room (2 person) SEK 2 190
Standard room (1 person) SEK 2 140
Standard room (2 persons) SEK 2 340

Insert Destination “Stockholm” and indicate promotion code EUSBSR to receive above rates


Scandic Norra Bantorget
Stay close to all the fun but in peace and quiet. Drottninggatan shopping street is just around the corner and it leads all the way to the Old Town.
Address: Wallingatan 15, 111 24 Stockholm

Standard room (1 person) SEK 1 890
Standard room (2 persons) SEK 2 090
Superior room (1 person) SEK 2 190
Superior room (2 persons) SEK 2 390

Insert Destination “Stockholm” and indicate promotion code EUSBSR to receive above rates


Scandic Klara
A quiet corner in the midst of all the commerce in the city.The hotel is located in central Stockholm with only a 5-minute walk from Stockholm city centre and the Arlanda Express.
Address: Slöjdgatan 7, 111 57 Stockholm

Single room (1 person) SEK 1 890
Standard room (1 person) SEK 1 990
Standard room (2 persons) SEK 2 190
Superior room (1 person) SEK 2 490
Superior room (2 persons) SEK 2 690

Insert Destination “Stockholm” and indicate promotion code EUSBSR to receive above rates

Travel

Stockholm is situated at the heart of Scandinavia, and most of Europe is reachable within three hours. Thanks to Stockholm’s safe, punctual and efficient public transport system, visitors can quickly travel between different locations.

Airports
Stockholm-Arlanda Airport
Key hub for flights to major destinations in Europe as well as the rest of the world. It is situated 40 km (25 miles) north of the city. The Arlanda express train takes you from Arlanda Airport to the city center. Departure: every 15 minutes (for most of the day). Travel time: 20 minutes. There is also a coach service departing every 10-15 minutes from Arlanda Airport and the City Terminal (located next to the Central Station). Travel time: 35-40 minutes.

Stockholm-Skavsta Airport
Stockholm Skavsta Airport is located 100 km south-west of central Stockholm. The airport is a hub for Ryanair and other low-cost airlines and offers direct flights to several destinations in Europe (80 minutes by bus from central Stockholm).

Arlanda Express Train
Travel by train for the fastest and most climate friendly route between Arlanda Airport and Stockholm City.
Book individual tickets with 12% off. Use discount code EUSBSR upon booking.

Book now
Public Transportation
Stockholm Public Transport, SL, is responsible for buses, underground trains, commuter trains, trams and certain ferry lines in Greater Stockholm.

The underground is the easiest way to get around town. The city is divided into three zones, and zone tickets are good for several trips within 75 to 120 minutes. Tickets can be purchased at SL Centers, underground platform barriers, newsagent kiosks, via SMS or via the SL app. It’s not possible to pay cash for tickets on board buses in Stockholm.

Prepaid cards are the best alternative for those making few trips. It’s also possible to buy 24, 72 hour or 7-day cards, which allow free travel in all zones during the validity period.

Stockholmers are always heedful of their beautiful surroundings, and this has led to many inner city buses running on eco-friendly fuels such as ethanol. The Stockholm underground is also known as the worlds longest art gallery as so many of its stations are adorned with the works of different artists.

Taxi
There are many taxi companies to choose from in Stockholm. Approved taxis with metered fares always bear yellow number plates. Credit cards are readily accepted.

Taxi prices are not regulated in Sweden; they may vary greatly. It is the customer’s responsibility to check prices beforehand. Check the price on the yellow-and-white label (as per the picture below), which is usually on the rear door window, before entering the vehicle.

The price indicated on the taximeter is in Swedish kronor. For trips to and from Stockholm Arlanda Airport the major taxi companies have fixed prices of between SEK 550-600. Always ask the driver beforehand.

Recommended taxi companies:
Taxi Stockholm
Taxi Kurir
Taxi 020

Venue

The Brewery Conference Centre
The Brewery where the 7th Strategy Forum of the EUSBSR will be located is one of the most characteristic elements in the skyline of Stockholm as well as being a greatly appreciated memento of a distant industrial epoch. Beer was produced here for over 100 years to satisfy the thirsts of Stockholmers and the last bottle ever to be filled was capped in 1971. Since then, the owners have always strived to preserve the brewery heritage, thus giving the venue its unique historical feel and character.

The venue is accessible to persons using a wheelchair and assistance can be provided if needed.

Getting here
By Train
(Arriving at Stockholm Central Station)
Take the red subway line towards Norsborg or Fruängen. Get off at Mariatorget. Take the Torkel Knutssonsgatan and Polishuset exit. As you exit the subway station, take a right down Torkel Knutssonsgatan and follow this street about 400 meters to the Brewery which is situated on Torkel Knutssonsgatan number 2 on your left hand side.

By Subway
Take the red subway line to Mariatorget. Take the Torkel Knutssonsgatan and Polishuset exit. As you exit the subway station, take a right down Torkel Knutssonsgatan and follow this street about 400 meters to the Brewery which is situated on Torkel Knutssonsgatan number 2 on your left hand side.

By Bus
Take a bus to the stop at Hornsgatan/Rosenlundsgatan. Walk past the parking lot. At the next intersection, take a left onto Torkel Knutssonsgatan. Walk about 300 meters to the Brewery which is situated at Torkel Knutssonsgatan number 2. Please consult www.sl.se for information on bus routes.

By car from north
Drive along E4/E20 south bound. Take exit number 156 towards Liljeholmen. Turn left at the exit and drive along Hägerstensvägen towards city. Follow the signs towards Södermalm. After 450 meters you will go over the Liljeholm-bridge (Please note, road tolls apply). After 1 km, turn right onto Hornsgatan. Travel along this street for 1,3 km before turning left onto Torkel Knutssonsgatan. Drive 290 meters to The Brewery, situated at Torkel Knutssonsgatan number 2 on your left hand side.

By car from south
Drive along E4/E20 north bound. Take exit number 155 towards Södertäljevägen. After 1,6 km you will go over the Liljeholm-bridge (Please note: road tolls apply). After 1 km, turn right onto Hornsgatan. Travel along this street for 1,3 km before turning left onto Torkel Knutssonsgatan. Drive 290 meters to The Brewery, situated at Torkel Knutssonsgatan number 2 on your left hand side.

Parking
There is on-street parking available at Torkel Knutssonsgatan, Söder Mälarstrand and surrounding streets. These are normally fee-free after 5 pm and on weekends. There are additional parking spots availalbe at close by parking lots for a fee.

Welcome to Stockholm

Modernity meets tranquility. Trend-setting restaurants and vibrant nightclubs close to an idyllic archipelago. Welcome to a city where it is easy to breathe – and to feel your pulse.
Stockholm is the capital and largest city of Sweden, built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges. With few high-rise buildings, Stockholm has a unique landscape. It’s mostly church spires that pierce the otherwise almost unobstructed skyline. Over 30 per cent of the city area is made up of waterways and another 30 per cent is parks and green spaces.

We admit that November is one of the greayest months: we recommend a revisit during every season of the year to really get the full picture of Stockholm, Capital of Sweden.

Language

The official language in Stockholm is Swedish. However, many people in Sweden speak English.

Current weather and local time

Currency, credit card and exchanging money
Sweden is one of three EU countries (along with Denmark and the UK) that opted to keep their currency and not use the Euro. The currency in Sweden is called the Swedish crown, or the krona (SEK). Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere in Stockholm. Forex is the place to exchange money or buy SEK. They are found throughout the city at 17 locations, including Arlanda Airport, the railway station, NK department store and the Old Town. They have good exchange rates there and do money transfers as well.

Electricity

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Sweden are one of the two European standard electrical socket types, and usually supply electricity at between 220 and 240 volts AC.

Information to seminar and workshop organisers

On this page you will find the information you as seminar och workshop organiser might need.

How to update your session description:

please send an email to your contact person (Petra Gråberg, Johanna Egerup or Annika Claesson) or to strategyforum@si.se with the requested changes.

The seminar rooms will be equipped with:

laptop, projector and screen
table for brochures
wireless head- and hand microphones (minimum 4 per microphones per room)
Placement of brochures outside of your seminar time-slot:
Please note that in addition to a table in each seminar room there will also be a place prepared for brochures and information in the entrance of the Venue. This is not the same place as Creative Lounge. In the Creative Lounge, only digital information can be displayed, see below.

Project display in Creative Lounge

Digital project presentation

Template to use for seminar
Feel free to use our power point presentation if relevant. If you will use your own template, please note that it should be in 16:9 format.

Computer communication and network:
WIFI: eusbsr
Password: stockholm
Food and beverage:
Coffee will be available during both days at all times.
Lunch will be served both days.
Transportation and goods handling

Goods address
Your material must be marked with “STRATEGYFORUM” and “the TITLE of your seminar/workshop” etcetera, as well as name and contact information to the contactperson for the material. Timeline: Please do not send anything to Stockholm with arrival date earlier than one week prior to the Strategy Forum.

Address:
MATERIAL FOR SEMINARS
Münchenbryggeriet Event & Konferens
Mässhallen
Martin Molinder/Strategy Forum 7-9/11
Torkel Knutssonsgatan 2//Duvogränd
118 25 Stockholm
MATERIAL FOR CREATIVE LOUNGE
Münchenbryggeriet Event & Konferens
Mälarsalen
Martin Molinder/Strategy Forum 7-9/11
Söder Mälarstrand 29, 7 tr
118 25 Stockholm
MATERIAL TO BE RETURNED AFTER THE CONFERENCE
Please, bring as much of your material with you from the venue.

Martin Molinder at the Venue (Münchenbryggeriet) will assist UPS hand over as long as you have packed and addressed accordingly.

UPS:
+46 8 62742 00
(eller 077-662 20 77 for Swedes)

Postnord: (within the Nordic Countries)
+46 771 33 33 10

Pick up time: Thursday 10 Nov at 9.00-12.00

Pick up address:
Münchenbryggeriet Event & Konferens
Martin Molinder +46 705 66 23 00
Torkel Knussonsgatan 2//Duvogränd
SE-118 25 STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

DROP OFF:
Please, leave your parcels under the booktable at DUVOGRÄND at the end of the day on 9 Nov, 2016.

Contact information Martin Molinder, Münchenbryggeriet +46 8 658 20 00 | +46 70 739 02 88 | martin.molinder@m-b.se

DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION BETWEEN ECOWAS AND THE NETHERLANDS

There are steps towards increased development cooperation between the Commission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Kingdom of The Netherlands to get the most out of the existing affectionate relations for the advantage of the people of West Africa. On 9 June 2019, a meeting was held in Abuja, Nigeria to study areas of cooperation in matters relating to peace and security, agriculture, food security, regional trade, and so on.

Madam Finda Koroma, the ECOWAS Commission’s Vice President in dialogue with Ms. Sigrid Kaag, the Dutch Minister for Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, emphasised that a friendly, secure environment is needed for sustainable development.

According to her, ECOWAS is committed to partnering with The Netherlands to ensure co-prosperity and the achievement of peace, security and the stability of ECOWAS Member States. She also emphasised the important role that stakeholders like faith-based organisations and civil societies play in building solid partnerships to help resolve the complications arising from the engagement of the ecosystem Africans.

While giving an update on the economic and the political situation in some states, the Vice President stated that there was the need for a concerted effort in all fields and that raising a platform on nutrition needs a coordinated method to mediation.

Minister Kaag also echoed that the “prevention agenda” is necessary for ensuring the cooperation of peace and porno.

Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Dutch government, Sigrid Kaag’s policy document ‘Investing in Perspective’ was presented on 18 May 2018. The presentation covers the reaction of the government to opportunities and how it tackles international challenges for the wellbeing of the Netherlands.

There are some vital changes in the Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation policy which include the following:

The referenced areas mentioned are being handled in different grades within the DUPC programme and will continue that way, for instance, the development of new Graduate Professional Degree Programmes (GPDPs), the Water Accounting+ project, the Water Scarcity in the Middle East projects, Water Diplomacy and the new Water Peace Security Initiative.

FIVE MAIN GOALS OF DUTCH FOREIGN POLICY

Strengthening international governance

The objective of international governance is to create a peaceful, safe, prosperous and just world with a sustainable environment. The key to successful international governance is ensuring an effective international legal order, largely by strengthening the international organisations whose role is to maintain it. This is also the reason why the Netherlands is the host country to the International Criminal Court.

Like international environmental policy, financial and economic policy is an important aspect of international governance. Without balanced financial and economic governance, there can be no international justice or solidarity. The need for financial and economic governance flows from the growing interdependence of national economies, both regionally and globally.

The Netherlands regards human rights as fundamental to the international legal order, so human rights policy is an abiding concern of foreign and development policy.

Promoting international peace, security and stability

Dutch security policy has two main goals: the security of Dutch and allied territory and the promotion of international peace, security and stability.

Many countries are embroiled in violent conflict. A country in conflict cannot make serious headway in reducing poverty. On the other hand, poverty is often a breeding ground for conflict. So conflict management is vital to Dutch security policy. Recovery in conflict-ridden countries and regions requires peacebuilding as well as emergency aid and infrastructural and economic reconstruction.

The Netherlands will provide assistance wherever populations are under threat, whether from natural disasters or human actions. The only proviso is that the countries affected officially request assistance from the international community. Assistance of this kind is called humanitarian assistance.

Promoting European cooperation

After the Second World War, the countries of Europe resolved never to fight each other again. They sought to ensure peace via economic interdependence. In 1951, the European Coal and Steel Community was established, followed in 1957 by the European Economic Community (EEC). These were the first two institutional manifestations of European cooperation The European Union (EU) came into being with the signing of the Maastricht Treaty in 1992. On 1 May 2004, the European Union welcomed ten new member states, bringing the total membership to 25.

Reducing poverty sustainably

In 2000, the international community pledged to halve worldwide poverty by 2015. With this in mind, it set itself eight ambitious Millennium Development Goals. The Dutch minister responsible for development cooperation, Agnes van Ardenne, is striving to ensure that the Netherlands works towards these goals as efficiently and productively as possible. To this end, she is supporting public-private partnerships with civil society organisations, enterprises and educational institutions in rich and poor countries.

Maintaining and strengthening bilateral relations

To promote their national political and economic interests, countries have to maintain and strengthen bilateral, state-to-state relations. To do so, they need a network of missions.

The Netherlands is also using bilateral contacts to strengthen its international ties in the realm of education and to promote a sustainable global environment. Dutch international cultural policy aims to strengthen the Netherlands’ international cultural profile and to deepen its cultural ties with certain countries and regions.

EMPLOYERS HELPING EMPLOYERS

Minister for Development Cooperation Agnes van Ardenne and several Dutch employers’ organisations have taken the initiative for a new public-private partnership which seeks to strengthen the position of employers’ organisations in developing countries. As of 1 January 2006, the Dutch Employer Partnership Programme (NWSP) will give Dutch employers’ organisations a chance to share their knowledge and professional expertise with their counterparts in the Netherlands’ 36 partner countries. Read the press release. Balkenende and Bot to attend Euromed.

Prime minister Jan Peter Balkenende and foreign minister Bernard Bot will attend the summit of heads of state and government in Barcelona to be held on 27 and 28 November to mark the tenth anniversary of the Barcelona Process (Euromed). The 25 EU member states and 10 Mediterranean partners are signed up to this cooperative process, which seeks to strengthen ties between the EU and its Mediterranean neighbours. The coming summit will be the first meeting of the heads of state and government of the countries involved in this process. You can find more information on the Euromed website.

On 24 November the new German foreign minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, will attend a working dinner with his counterpart Bernard Bot. After France, the Netherlands is the second country the new minister will visit. During the meeting they will discuss such issues as the bilateral relations between the Netherlands and Germany and cooperation in the European Union.Dutch police and military personnel to be deployed in Sudan.

The government decided today to reinforce the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Sudan (UNMIS) by deploying 35 Dutch police officers and military personnel. The Netherlands has been involved in mediation to promote peace and the implementation of the peace agreement in Sudan for many years. Besides helping to establish peace and security the Netherlands is also involved in social and economic reconstruction.

Looking towards 2030 : Preparing the Baltic Sea Region for the future

Authors: Kai Böhme, Sabine Zillmer, Sebastian Hans (Spatial Foresight) and Janne Antikainen,Sinikukka Pyykkonen (MDI) based on inputs from Spatial Foresight and MDI colleagues.Info 0659 • ISBN 978-91-87903-76-2-pdf • ISBN 978-91-87903-77-9-tryck • October 2016

Preface

We can’t predict the future, but we can prepare for it.The report you are about to read is a contribution topreparations for a future where many of the challengesand opportunities the Baltic Sea Region will meet wouldbe better addressed through deepened cooperation. In aregion characterized by sparsely populated areas, limiteddomestic markets, harsh climate and a shared responsibilityfor the Baltic Sea the benefits of joining forces should be obvious.Even more so, the global development speaks in favour of more cooperation.Therefore, the long tradition of cooperation and established networks in theBaltic Sea Region is a clear advantage. We need to deepen cooperation withinareas that benefit from exchange of knowledge, complementarity and criticalmass in order to be more visible and successful in a future global context.The report has been commissioned by the Swedish Agency for Economic andRegional Growth to give an input to the discussions about what the future mightbring – and the added value that could be achieved through Baltic Sea Regioncooperation. The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region provides us with a frame-work and important objectives, but we need to constantly develop how toachieve the objectives in a rapidly changing context.I am convinced that the region has a number of strongholds that could and shouldbe developed in order to achieve our objectives. We are at the forefront of digi-talization and have the potential to become a digital showcase for new solutionswithin private business as well as the public sector. Further, cooperation in theregion will contribute to the internationalization of our small and medium sizedcompanies as well as our regions, which will facilitate further steps into a globalcontext. And not least, the joint challenge to save the Baltic Sea paves the wayfor new green and blue technology for the benefit of the whole region.I am certain that the report and the discussions that follow will contribute tonew ideas on how to develop and deepen the Baltic Sea Region cooperation andI am looking forward to be a part of that process.Gunilla NordlöfDirector-GeneralSwedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth (Tillväxtverket)

Challenges and Opportunitiesfor the Baltic Sea Region in a Global Perspective

The world is changing and various developments impact the way wewill live, interact and work around. Specific trends concerning markets,technologies and policies concern the Baltic Sea Region. The question wemust ask ourselves is whether the Baltic Sea Region will be among thoseaffected by, or among those shaping the future?Looking at challenges and opportunities arising from major global trendshelps in understanding how to position the Baltic Sea Region in a globalcontext. Today the Baltic Sea Region is an attractive location to live andwork in. It is a powerful part of Europe and home to many innovative andglobal players. What is needed to keep it that way and possibly to makethe region even more attractive in the light of new and emerging globaltrends?This paper provides food for thought to people interested in working withthe Baltic Sea Region. The Baltic Sea Region offers a broader and morediverse platform than its individual Member States and has a strong senseof belonging together. This makes the region resilient and suitable fordeveloping new and innovative responses to tomorrow’s questions. Thispaper also provides input for a discussion on how the EU strategy for theBaltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) can help in providing the best responses tonew trends in the Baltic Sea Region as well as suggesting areas for fur-ther cooperation.The trends discussed here have no precisely defined timeframe nordo they necessarily cover all policy areas of the EUSBSR. However, thetrends concern the coming years to 2030 and hopefully trigger a discus-sion relevant to all areas and players involved in the development of theregion. This period is long enough to envisage changes and at the sametime not so far away that predictions become pure speculation. Fur-thermore, this timeframe allows for links to major international policydebates, such as the debate about the future of EU Cohesion Policy, orUN sustainable development goals and Agenda 2030.This paper is based on a review of 35 trends, all of which have implica-tions for the Baltic Sea Region and EUSBSR.Trends fall under the following themes:• Changing demographic pressures and flows• Renewing industries and innovation• Deepening the environmental conversation• Changing democratic decision making and governanceThe themes, trends and implications for the Baltic Sea Region and theEUSBSR are briefly summarised below. These summaries are illustrated bya dialogue type exchange about two example trends for each theme.

Changing demographic pressures and flows

Demographic patterns across the world and in Europe will change, assome areas face an ageing society and demographic decline, while othersexperience demographic growth with more young people striving to findtheir place in society.These trends go hand in hand with further urbanisation, growing middleclasses in large parts of the world and increasing economic disparities atall geographical levels.The results will be increasing migration, brain drain and challenges toadjust economic development and the organisation of society to respondto these changes.Global demographic growth and a growing middle class on a global levelcould support EUSBSR sub-objectives to improve global competitivenessand improving transport conditions, but only if players in the Baltic SeaRegion can tap into growing international markets.However, first and foremost these trends point to increasing challengesfor the Baltic Sea Region. Demographic change challenges the sub-objec-tive on improved global competitiveness as it implies declining marketsat home paired with growing global competition. This concerns goodsand services as well as the work force and may lead to brain drain inparts of the Baltic Sea Region.In the same way, increasing migration could challenge the improvementof transport conditions as it may lead to tighter border controls anddisrupted transport flows. In parallel, a continued urbanisation couldchallenge improvements in transport conditions outside the main hubsas population declines. This poses additional challenges to themore rural areas of the Baltic Sea Region, wideningregional disparities. Improving connectivity mightbecome more important as well as more chal-lenging.The graphic shows the difference in oldage dependency ratio. Darker areashave a lower ratio of working age pop-ulation to pensioners.

DEMOGRAPHIC PRESSURE – GLOBAL DEMOGRAPHIC GROWTH DEMOGRAPHIC PRESSURE – AGEING

In the next 20 years, the world population will grow to 8.3 billion.In the wake of this, there will be large parts of the world with young and ambitiouspeople, increasing social gaps, and also more conflicts. Migration flows couldreach 400 million people by 2050, including an increasing numberof climate change refugees.This will mean that more and more migrants will find theirway to Europe. It would be great if the Baltic Sea Region could be part ofthe solution to the challenges coming with global demographic growth.At least we should be better prepared for what is coming and not taken bysurprise as was the case in 2015.Global demographic growth has implications for manyparts of EUSBSR. It will change the context of sub-objectives ‘improving transportconditions’, ‘improving global competitiveness’ and ‘implementationof Europe 2020’. Migration, as such, is not covered.Well, in the current setting migration is mainlya subject to be dealt with nationally. But maybe the EUSBSR could provide a platformfor exchanging experience and joint learning on integration and ‘coordination’of information on migration flows.While migration is one topic, another is that Europe’ssocieties are getting older and older. This will pose challenges to oursocial systems, to employers looking to fill job openings, and possiblylead to a brain drain away from Europe to vibrant and young urbancentres elsewhere in the world.Europe is the most rapidly ageing society in the world, andwithin Europe, some countries in the Baltic Sea Region are among those withthe highest median age. Can the Baltic Sea Region be a laboratory for how anageing society is actually a chance for society to develop and change?Why are ageing societies always discussed as dystopias?At present ageing is not addressed by EUSBSR.It is seen as an individual challenge for the rural regions andcountries concerned. However, it is a challenge for all in the long-run,so it makes sense to at least exchange experience. Maybe new solutionsare possible when pooling intelligence and resourcesaround the Baltic Sea.For the sub-objectives ‘implementing Europe 2020’and ‘improved global competitiveness’ we cannot excludethe challenges that ageing will bring.

Renewing industries and innovation

Economic patterns across the world and Europe will change as new tech-nologies lead to what is called the 4th industrial revolution of productionsystems. Revolutionary technological changes will lead to fusions oftechnologies and blur the lines between physical, digital and biologicalsystems.Furthermore, standard growth paradigms are increasingly challenged aspatterns of economic growth and wealth change.Current forecasts range from economic decline and despair to new tech-nological solutions providing plenty of exciting opportunities.The important question with regard to technological trends is what roleEurope and the Baltic Sea Region will play in this. Will the Baltic SeaRegion be among those affected by these trends, or among those shapingthe future?Assuming a pro-active role, trends in renewing industries and innovationhave considerable potential to support EUSBSR objectives. In particular,the sub-objectives ‘deepening the single market’, ‘implementing Europe2020’, ‘improved global competitiveness’ and ‘connecting people in theregion’ can potentially benefit from many trends in this area.Our society and economy will change over the next decades. The graphicillustrates that regardless of what the industrial future looks like,everything will be much more integrated than today. This will go beyondadministrative and national borders and may even make them irrelevantin many regards.

WING INDUSTRIES – 4TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION RENEWING INDUSTRIES – BLUE GROWTH, GREEN GROWTH & CLEAN TECH

The next technological revolution is about to start.Fusions of technologies will blur the lines between the physical, digital, andthe biological systems. It will completely change the way we live, work and interact.In its scale, scope, and complexity, the transformation will be unlikeanything humankind has experienced before.When IT changed the world, the Baltic Sea Region washome to many companies and pioneers leading the way. Imagine, this couldeven be the place to be for the next technological revolution. A place where:– new technologies become reality first,– new innovative services and products are developed,– new models for society in this new world are explored,– and so on, and so on.EUSBSR could help prepare the ground. Bringing togetherthe best brains around the Baltic Sea Region, bringing together researchers, privateand public players and civil society. Taken together they can create a critical massopen for new developments and making new solutions viable.This would fit very well to the EUSBSR sub-objectives‘implementing Europe 2020’, ‘improved global competitiveness’.Blue growth becomes more and more important.We will make more use of material from the ocean floors to create new productsand increase maritime activities. Having fully exploited the land,we move on to the sea and its resources.The Baltic Sea might also become interesting in respect to blue growth.Imagine it would not only be used for transport and waste disposal.The Baltic Sea is a common resource. So naturally EUSBSR isimportant to ensure that its resources are managed and used in theinterest of all cities, regions and countries around the Baltic Sea.This would fit very well to EUSBSR sub-objectives‘implementing Europe 2020’ and ‘improved global competitiveness’.To make use of the resources of the Baltic Sea, we all need to makesure it is clean. So, the sub-objectives ‘clear water in the sea’ and’‘clean and safe shipping’ are important as well.

Deepening the environmental conversation

Natural forces cause some of the environmental trends, but most ofthem are caused or enhanced by human activities. Some environmentaltrends enhance each other; some are offset by other trends. For exam-ple, climate change is partially caused by human actions, but can also bemitigated by policies.Development patterns and trends in the environmental sector point to aneed for corrective policies. Climate change will probably have severeand large-scale effects on different social sectors; the environment,policymaking, and the economy, to mention a few. There will also be asignificant rise in energy consumption in non-OECD countries, linked topopulation growth and rising incomes.Effective civil protection around the Baltic Sea Region requires multi-sector cooperation, from spatial and physical planning, preventive solu-tions and coordination mechanisms to bodies and mutual assistance sys-tems across different countries, ministries and agencies.Despite slow economic growth and a slowdown in population growth,global competition for natural resources will continue to intensify. Thiscauses instability in markets and geo-political tensions. Without correc-tive policies in the next 20 years, drastic change will affect the climate,biosphere, continents and oceans.For the Baltic Sea, the environmental status has not improved suffi-ciently over the last decade and new trends such as microplastics furtherchallenge the objective of a clean Baltic Sea.The image shows the HELCOM holistic assessment of the state of theBaltic Sea, 2010. The colour red displays the degree of unhealthyconditions.

ENVIRONMENT – CLIMATE CHANGE

For how long have we been taking about climate change now?Still, the contents of the reports from bodies such as the IPCC becomemore and more alarming, as if nothing is being done.Indeed! Increasingly we see extreme weather events and otherdevelopments which can be precursors of what climate change might bring.In the Baltic Sea Region, we need to– be better prepared for climate change adaption, but also– strengthen our efforts to not accelerate climate change.The EUSBSR is already working on this, but more needsto be done. It seems a lot is still about meeting and talking, we need toimplement climate change related objectives of EUSBSR and otherstrategies, much faster and stronger.Yes, more emphasis needs to be on the sub-objective’climate change adaptation’. Actually why is it only a sub-objective andnot the main objective of the strategy?

ENVIRONMENT – POLLUTION OF THE SEA

We are increasingly polluting the seas and the trendwill continue. Marine litter, brought into the sea through natural forcesand drainage and sewage systems, is a real problem for our eco-systems.For example microplastics cause major damage to sea faunawith a lot of casualties.This is not only a global issue, indeed the Baltic Sea is knownto be one of the dirtiest worldwide and things are not really getting better.This is pretty embarrassing, as we put so much effort in presenting ourselves as anenvironmentally friendly and clean region. It would be great, if by 2030 the Baltic Seacould be ‘cleaned’ and pollution of all kinds is down to a levelthat does not harm the environment.EUSBSR is already working on that, but more players need to bebrought on board to make things happen. Both public and private players aroundthe Baltic Sea need to contribute. Only if everybody joins incan we turn it around.The Baltic Sea is a common asset. So why not give much moreemphasis to the sub-objective ’clear water in the sea’ and ‘having a rich and healthy wildlife’. Is there anything more hands-on where we all need to work together?

Changing democraticdecision making and governance

Various trends observed are changing governance approaches, demo-cratic decision making and the role of civil society. Examples are the roleof networks and collaborative governance in decision making processes,rising global tensions and the changing roles of global players, such asmajor global corporations, as well as civil society.We can see an increase in collaborative governance approaches and a dif-fusion of power to networks and groups. This could support cooperationand implementation of EUSBSR and its sub-objectives.Furthermore, an increased delegation of power to supranational playersmay also support EUSBSR sub-objectives, where they seek macro-regionalrather than place specific solutions. However, this depends largely on thetype of supranational power.In addition, increasing global tensions, not least between Russia andEurope but also nationalistic trends, are likely to pose growing challengesto most EUSBSR sub-objectives as they potentially make cooperationmore difficult.The graphic illustrates the risk of the Baltic Sea Region drifting apart as aresult of these trends growing stronger.

CHANGING GOVERNANCE – INCREASING PERCEPTIONS AND BELIEFS

After times of almost technocratic belief inevidence-informed decision making and experts, the pendulum swings again.Increasingly ‘convictions’ play a role both for setting value systems and formotivating political action. This is also linked to a ‘war of ideas’.Also in the Baltic Sea Region, differences in value systems and‘convictions’ become more pronounced again. This is between countriesbut increasingly also between different social groups within a country.As for the future, it would be great, if we could at least have a shared‘vision’ as a framework for the different ‘convictions’.The EUSBSR is to some degree an embryo for a shared vision.It could be used for a large process involving many parts of our societies– public, private, NGOs, citizens – to debate and elaboratea shared vision of a desirable future.Well, why not start with the 7th Strategy Forum of the EUSBSR?Asking all the people here, in the light of the state of the region and thedevelopments ahead. What vision of the future could we all agree on?

CHANGING GOVERNANCE – NATIONALISM

Politics and policies in large parts of the world put national interests before joint solutions to development challenges.Twisting this differently The Economist talks about ‘drawbridge uppers’ and‘drawbridge downers’. At the same time, there is a need for furtherstrengthening network-based cooperation.This is also visible in Europe and the Baltic Sea Region.Rising tensions with Russia are just one example. However, in an increasingly interconnected world, there is a need to cooperate. Can the Baltic Sea Region be theplace to show that cooperation is key and goes beyond nice speeches. The Baltic Sea Regionwas a trendsetter on territorial cooperation in Europe back in the 1990’s.Why not get that spirit back?EUSBSR offers a suitable platform for this.The point is to get the necessary players on board. Go beyond the usualsuspects in cooperation and move from words to actions.If the nationalistic trend becomes mainstream, it will impactdaily cooperation for all EUSBSR objectives. So, there is a joint interest tochange this trend. Maybe it is easiest with areas where there are commoninterests which cannot be solved without cooperation.

EUSBSR needs to respond to changing contexts

The key question is, which issues need to be solved at macro-regionallevel and which are better dealt with at lower or higher governancelevels. EUSBSR seeks synergies and cross-strategic links with other macro-regionalstrategies. As a rule of thumb, cooperation can be beneficial when it con-tributes to organisational and policy learning and where different playersface similar challenges or opportunities to which common solutions canhelp to improve individual responses.In many cases this type of cooperation is linked to an exchange of expe-rience. In addition, macro-regional cooperation can also help to achievethe critical mass needed for an action or to ensure economic viability. Inthis case there is a need to cooperate.There is an even more imperative need for cooperation when joint solu-tions or macro-regional structures are required to accomplish the task.In these cases, individual responses from each country will not solve theissue at stake, e.g. improving the environmental situation of the Baltic Sea.

NEED FOR MACRO-REGIONAL COOPERATION

The figure above provides a quick overview of points to consider whenidentifying areas needing increased macro-regional cooperation.Altogether EUSBSR objectives are still valid and there is no need fornew objectives to address trends which require action at macro-regionallevel. Continuing the efforts and increasing awareness of changing coop-eration attitudes around the Baltic Sea are the main messages.

Areas where cooperation MUST be intensified are:

• Increased focus on environmental and climate challenges, as thesecan only be mastered jointly and current efforts are not sufficient tomeet EUSBSR objectives.• Strengthened joint civil protection as effective civil protection aroundthe Baltic Sea requires multi-sector cooperation across countries. Cri-ses and threats do not stop at borders.• Blue growth concerns common resources of the Baltic Sea with impor-tant implications for economic and environmental EUSBSR objectives.• Increased oversight of shipping transport to ensure that increasingtransport volumes do not counteract the objectives on clean and safeshipping and that they contribute to competitiveness.• Safeguard long-term cooperation cultures, since recent trends mayobstruct the operational cooperation that is key to the success of theEUSBSR.

Areas where cooperation SHOULD be intensified are:

• Coordinated response to increasing demographic pressures, althoughimplications range from ageing and brain drain to immigration, thedevelopments are interlinked and will benefit from a better coordi-nated response.• Approaches to the 4th industrial revolution can benefit from cooper-ation focusing on creating critical mass for players in the Baltic SeaRegion to lead digitisation.• Joint strategy for improving connectivity at macro-regional level aswell as within the countries to combat increasing regional disparities.• EUSBSR communication road map could help raise awareness aboutdevelopment challenges and potential, with the corresponding actionsat the level of the EUSBSR.

To increase preparedness

• Further support cooperation attitudes around the Baltic Sea Region – especially goingbeyond the usual suspects for territorial cooperation.• Do not let (geo-)political tensions and diverging views among members affect the workon furthering the EUSBSR.• Further streamline concerns and efforts to improve the (maritime) environment, alsowith respect to new industries and transport.• Develop a shared approach for dealing with increasing maritime transport in the BalticSea Region, ensuring that the objectives for clear water can be met.• Pay particular attention to blue growth development, making use of common resources.• Increase preparedness for new technologies (4th industrial revolution) and supportplayers in the Baltic Sea Region to be world leaders.• Use the EUSBSR to develop a joint vision as a framework for ‘concerted’ individualactions which concern large parts of the region but do not require joint responses,such as migration.

Areas where cooperation COULD be intensified are:

Joint responses may help to more effectively or more efficiently respondto trends. A joint vision as a framework for ‘concerted’ individual actionsmight be a way to ensure that the Baltic Sea Region as a whole – as wellas all parts of it – are best prepared to capture positive impacts of thetrends and mitigate the negative impacts. This would take some of theareas addressed under the ‘musts’ and the ‘shoulds’ one step forwardand develop a coherent framework.• Ensuring global competitiveness in the 4th industrial revolution;• Preparing for changing global economic perspectives;• Mitigating demographic pressures in the Baltic Sea Region.All EUSBR objectives and policy areas can be affected by the trends andtheir impacts. There is a need to stay alert and monitor developments ineach thematic field. This will increase general preparedness for dealingwith impacts early on.

Contact

Do you have questions regarding the seminars, registration or other questions about the conference. Please contact us.

Press contact

Government Offices of Sweden
Jakob Lagerkranser
+46 (0) 72 202 83 63
jakob.lagerkranser@regeringskansliet.se

General questions

Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth
Dena Fogelqvist
+46 (0) 72 240 10 71
strategyforum@tillvaxtverket.se

Seminars and Creative Lounge

Swedish Institute
Susanne de Paulis
+46 (0) 70 214 63 22
strategyforum@si.se

Registration and practical information

Meetagain
Martina Käck
+46 (0) 70 781 74 74
strategyforum@meetagain.se