Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC)

📌 Recap Board Meeting Brussels – 10-11 December Over two days, our BSSSC Board members came together in Brussels for networking and key discussions on the future of European cohesion. Tuesday, 10 December: The focus was on Cohesion Policy Post-2027. Part 1 featured a cohesion policy workshop with powerful guests. We explored opportunities and challenges, identified actionable steps, and developed a common position for the future, ensuring that regions maintain a strong role after 2027. A coffee break provided time to exchange ideas informally. After the break, we were joined first by representatives of the Polish Permanent Representation, who provided insights into the priorities of the Polish EU presidency. We also discussed the role of cohesion policy in strengthening regions, enhancing security, and fostering citizen involvement in resilience-building measures. The day ended with a wonderful BSSSC Dinner, fostering connections and reinforcing partnerships. Wednesday, 11 December: The morning began with a breakfast with European Members of Parliament, sparking a discussion on how the EP and regions can collaborate on the shared priority of the Cohesion Policy post-2027. A joint walk to the Hanse-Office set the tone for a collaborative day. During the BSSSC Board Meeting, participants worked on key strategies and initiatives, aligning plans for 2025 and beyond. They agreed to organize a BSSSC Engagement Day for cities and regions in the run-up to the EUSBSR Annual Forum on October 28, 2025, in Pomorskie. It was also decided that BSSSC will join a Cohesion Policy alliance. The event concluded with a light lunch, leaving participants energized and motivated to drive forward the initiatives discussed. A huge thank you to all who participated! Together, we’re building stronger collaborations and shaping the future of Cohesion Policy Post-2027!

Regional Spotlight ✨ We Make Transition! ✨ ❓ What? This Interreg BSR project brings together local authorities, civil society, and entrepreneurs to drive ecological and social sustainability across the Baltic Sea region. Focus areas include sustainable living, circular economy, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems. ❓How? In 2024, We Make Transition! launched transition arena workshops in eight locations, including Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Germany, and Norway. These workshops help communities co-create sustainability visions and develop pathways for real action. The work will culminate in a practical manual for using transition management to make climate plans and strategies more inclusive and action-oriented. ❓Regional connection? The partnership is made of different regional stakeholders including our BSSSC member Helsinki-Uusimaa Region from Finland. The project amplifies the voices of 30 local change agents from 6 countries to craft a shared vision for a sustainable Baltic Sea region by 2035. #MadewithInterreg #Sustainability #CircularEconomy #EcologicalResilience #BalticSeaRegion

Workshop Smart Governments: Harnessing Artificial Intelligence for Public Sector Transformation This workshop of our Annual Conference 2024 explored how AI can revolutionize public administration. 🤖 🗝️ takeaways: 🟦 AI isn’t just technology—it’s a game changer for society, culture, and governance. 🟦 Beyond a tool, AI has the power to reshape public services like healthcare, infrastructure, public safety, and more! 🟦 AI can address challenges like labor shortages, streamline bureaucratic processes, and improve decision-making through data-driven insights. 🟦 Hamburg is a good example of success, with a strong AI governance framework and the InnoTecHH Fund accelerating AI trials. 🟦 Practical advice: Invest in precise technical specifications for your AI solution—it’ll save time and money! This workshop emphasized the importance of AI literacy, ethical standards, and a proactive approach to tech integration. Thanks to our experts Benjamin Delhomme (NATO Strategic Communications Centre of Excellence), Christine Eichkorn (Senatskanzlei Hamburg), Inese Suija - Markova (Cesis Municipality), Johannes Fronius (Senatskanzlei Hamburg) and Ralph Schmidt (State Office for Survey and Geoinformation Schleswig-Holstein)! #SmartGovernments #PublicSectorInnovation #DigitalTransformation #AI #BSSSC2024 Picture by Volker Sponholz

The EUSBSR Annual Forum 2024 is taking place in Visby next week and BSSSC will be there! 🎉 Together with the CPMR Baltic Sea Commission and Union of the Baltic Cities (UBC) we are hosting a round table on stakeholder involvement in updating the EUSBSR Action Plan. We represent local and regional authorities across the Baltic Sea and aim to create a platform for dialogue, sharing ideas, and exploring cooperation in EUSBSR implementation. Let’s discuss governance, highlight successful examples and identify the challenges ahead. Together we can enhance regional involvement and align resources for the next phase of the EUSBSR. 🌍 Local & regional authorities are ready to step up—let's get involved! 💬 #BalticSea #RegionalCooperation #StakeholderInvolvement #EUSBSRforum2024

Regional cooperation as a driving force behind the development of offshore wind energy in the Baltic Sea 🌊 In this Workshop of our Annual Conference 2024, key leaders from across the Baltic region came together to discuss the future of offshore wind energy! 🌬️ Our experts explored the vital role of multi-level collaboration—from local governments to European institutions and investors. Thank you Karolina Lipińska (ENERGA-OPERATOR S.A. ), Adam Kowalski (Grupa Przemysłowa Baltic ), Anu Eslas (Ignitis Group), Tom Schumacher (EUSBSR) and Stefan Musiolik (Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC) for this fruitful workshop! Key takeaways: ⚡ Strengthen regional supply chains to boost market resilience and cost efficiency. 👩🏫 Promote education (like Edu Offshore Wind) to raise public awareness & support for renewable energy. 👷 Develop a skilled workforce through regional training programs for a sustainable job market. 🛡️Protect local suppliers by introducing non-price criteria in tenders to safeguard the European market. 🔌 Build grid infrastructure & interconnectors to ensure efficient energy distribution. #OffshoreWind #BalticEnergy #RenewableFuture #RegionalCooperation #BSSSC2024

Regional Spotlight ✨RenoWave ✨ ❓What? The project aims to accelerate the refurbishment of buildings by removing technological, administrative, legal and financial barriers. A key element is the introduction of an extended One-Stop-Shop (OSS) model that offers citizens and businesses comprehensive support in improving the energy efficiency of buildings. ❓How? ◾Capacity building: seminars and workshops for residents, municipal specialists and entrepreneurs on topics such as building insulation, renovation solutions and financing ◾Data analysis: recording and analysing the current status of building renovations to identify regions with high demand ◾Energy audits: Carrying out energy efficiency audits on five buildings to promote further refurbishment measures ❓Regional connection? The partnership is made of a different regional stakeholders including our BSSSC member Vidzeme Planning Region from Latvia. The topic in itself is highly relevant to regions all around the BSR and the experiences and tools gained may help other regions dealing with energy-effiency refurbishments in the future. #BSSSC #RegionalSpotlight #MadewithInterreg

🌊💥 Recap of the BSSSC Annual Conference 2024 Workshop: Next Steps Towards a Munition-Free Baltic Sea During the workshop, experts from academia, HELCOM, the Council of the Baltic Sea States, the EU, and the German Immediate Action Programme highlighted the urgent need for environmentally friendly solutions to address dumped munitions. Key takeaways include: 💣Strengthening cross-border cooperation and joint financing. 💣The importance of a collaborative approach among all Baltic Sea states. 💣Promotion of eco-friendly disposal methods for non-salvageable munitions. Historic remediation efforts are already underway in Lübeck Bay as of September 2024, marking a significant step towards a safer Baltic Sea. ogether, we can achieve a munitions-free future! Special thanks to Torsten Frey (GEOMAR Helmholtz-Zentrum für Ozeanforschung Kiel), Rüdiger Stempel (HELCOM - Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission), Gustav Lindstrom (Council of the Baltic Sea States), Wolfgang Sichermann (Seascape GmbH), Domas Petrulis (EU DG Mare) and Jacek Beldowski (IOPAN)! Picture by Volker Sponholz #MunitionFreeBaltic #BSSSC2024 #EnvironmentalAction #BalticSeaCooperation

Meet...Eastern Norway! 🛳️ Oslo: The capital city with numerous museums, including the new Munch Museum and the Opera House 💎 Coastal Gems: Discover charming towns around the Oslofjord 🏞️ Valleys: Enjoy tranquillity and outdoor activities in Hallingdal, Gudbrandsdalen, Valdres or Numedal ⛰️ Mountains: Explore Rondane, Jotunheimen, Dovrefjell, Gaustadtoppen or the mountain plateau Hardangervidda 🚣 Lake Mjøsa: Cruise on Skibladner, the world’s oldest paddle steamer still in operation on Norway’s largest lake or visit the Telemark Canal, a historic waterway with impressive scenery 🏭 Rjukan-Notodden Industrial Heritage: A UNESCO World Heritage site marking the beginning of Norsk Hydro’s pioneering activities. Visit Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum located in Rjukan, that tells the story of the industrial adventure and the WWII heavy water sabotage. #EasternNorway #Norway #BSSSC #peekoftheregions

🎨🌍 Sustainable Resilience Through Culture - Baltic Sea Cultural Pearls In this Workshop of our Annual Conference 2024 , we explored how culture can drive sustainable resilience in cities, featuring insights from Kiel, Rujiena, Svendborg, and Jakobstad. The session focused on how cultural initiatives foster belonging, inclusion, and democratic engagement, helping communities tackle social challenges and adapt to change. By creating spaces for cultural exchange and empowering citizens, cities can strengthen their resilience and ensure long-term social stability. These insights offer valuable strategies for cities looking to build stronger, more adaptable communities. Special thanks to Felix Schartner Giertta (Council of the Baltic Sea States), Kaarina Williams (Land Schleswig-Holstein), Marcus Hagemann (ARS BALTICA), Mikko Fritze (Finnland-Institut in Deutschland für Kultur, Wissenschaft und Wirtschaft GmbH (gemeinnützig) , Taiju Kiesilä (Union of the Baltic Cities (UBC)) and Eva Mærsk. Picture by Volker Sponholz #CulturalResilience #CommunityEngagement #BSSSC2024 #ResilientCommunities

🌊🌍On September 19 and 20 2024, the BSSSC Chairmanship of Schleswig-Holstein successfully hosted the 32nd BSSSC Annual Conference 2024 in Kiel. The two-day event, moderated by Lykke Friis, brought together key leaders, experts and youth to tackle the pressing issues of the Baltic Sea Region (BSR). From regional security and AI in governance to offshore wind energy and cultural resilience, we explored ways to build resilient and safe communities under the inspiring motto: "Let’s fight for resilient and safe communities in the Baltic Sea Region!" 🎤 Key Highlights: 🟦 Inspiring opening remarks by BSSSC Chairman Werner Schwarz and Minister President Daniel Günther. 🟦 A powerful keynote from Prof. Bernd Henningsen on fighting for resilient societies. 🟦 Insightful workshops covering AI, hydrogen infrastructure, munitions cleanup and more! 🟦 Cultural Pearls 2024 celebrations at Schauspielhaus Kiel 🎉. 🟦 Thought-provoking discussions on regional security, democracy defense, and cooperation with Ukraine. 🟦 Closing keynote by former Latvian President Egils Levits and youth-led sessions on future cooperation. We extend a huge thanks to all the speakers, participants, and contributors! 🙌 Photos, presentations, and workshop outcomes can be found on our website. Also, stay tuned for the recaps of our workshops! #BSSSC2024 #BalticSeaRegion #ResilientCommunities #SustainableFuture