7BSPC. 2YEARS Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference. Statements of the governments in the Baltic Sea Region to the 26 th BSPC Resolution.

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1 7BSPC 2YEARS Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Statements of the governments in the Baltic Sea Region to the 26 th BSPC Resolution. 1. Åland 2. Denmark 3. Estonia 4. Finland 5. Germany 6. Hamburg 7. Latvia 8. Lithuania 9. Mecklenburg-Vorpommern 10. Norway 11. Poland 12. Russia 13. Sweden Status: 11 August 2018

2 Åland

3 Åland Page 3 Document Sidnr LETTER 185 Rk1a 1 (4) Date No Dno ÅLR 2018/877 Ålands BSPC-delegation, Ålands lagting Contact Marcus Åkerblom Reference Inofficial translation: Comments from the Government of Åland regarding the BSPC Resolution of 2017 and information of what the government has done, alternatively intends to do in response to the resolution. Background The BSPC resolution was adopted in September 2017 in Hamburg, Germany at the annual Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC). January 26 th 2018 the parliament of Åland forwarded the resolution for further action to the government. The purpose with the resolution is that governments around the Baltic Sea region pay attention to the following subjects; various cooperations with other countries around the Baltic Sea, the digitalization of electoral participation, sustainability in the tourism sector, and innovation and research. BSPC has chosen to emphasise several areas in the resolution. The subject areas have been divided into four categories or main headings. The response from the Government of Åland is based on these headlines and are explained below. Recommendations regarding cooperation in the region The Government of Åland supports the resolution and welcomes the adoption of the CBSS action plan "Realizing the Vision: The Baltic 2030 Action Plan". Hopefully this action plan can be a major support for realization of the UN Agenda 2030 in the Baltic Sea region. In 2016, the Government of Åland adopted a Development and Sustainability Agenda. The Development and Sustainability Agenda for Åland ( can only be realized if the Baltic Sea region also implement the UN Agenda One strategic target in the Development and Sustainability agenda for Åland states that all water will have good quality by the year of The Government of Åland supports and participates in HELCOM s work, including participating in HELCOM s ongoing work with the guidelines for sustainable aquaculture. The Government also works in accordance with HELCOM's action plan on marine litter. In the Governments Strategy of Reducing Postadress Telefon Telefax E-post PB 1060 (018) (018) registrator@regeringen.ax AX MARIEHAMN, Åland URL Tjänstebrev bör ställas till Ålands landskapsregering, inte till enskild tjänsteman

4 Åland Page 4 2 (4) Plastic there are concrete proposals for action to reduce littering in aquatic environments, both macro- and micro litter. According to this background, the Government of Åland supports the aim of the resolution regarding strengthening HELCOM as the coordinator for the regional implementation of the maritime objectives in the UN Agenda The Government of Åland will participate in and partly be in charge of two environmental Interreg projects. These projects will focus on sustainable coastal zone planning considering eutrophication, climate adaptation and circular economy. The Government is trying to use new blue and green technologies for a long-term sustainable development of coastal environment. The Government also seeks to increase people's awareness of and participation in preserving marine environments and the problems of climate change through local cooperation, seminars and study visits. The Government also participates in three different projects to improve the standard for guest harbors in the archipelago and in the capital of Mariehamn. At least one of the projects includes guest harbors in Estonia, Finland and Sweden as well. The aim of the projects is to increase safety, accessibility, digitalization and the general standard in harbors. The projects take in to consideration environmental encouragement measures such as port reception facilities for sewage. The Government of Åland supports the resolution's aim regarding the vision that the Baltic Sea region evolves into the first eco-region in the world (paragraph 28 of the resolution). For several years the Government has been cooperating with Visit Åland (official tourist organization), Ålands Natur & Miljö (the Åland Society for Nature and Environment) and Ålands Näringsliv (The Åland Chamber of Commerce) with the program Sustainable Destination. Within the program there is an ongoing proactive and long-term sustainability work with concrete actions by companies in the tourism sector. The program strives to ensure that Åland becomes a fully sustainable destination. The Government of Åland also supports the resolution s aim regarding strengthening the involvement of young people in all areas of society. That includes BSPC s willingness to continue the work on establishing a Baltic Sea forum for young people (paragraph 7 of the resolution). The Government has initiated cooperation with both the Nordic Council of Ministers and the CBSS to support the ReGeneration 2030 initiative. ReGeneration 2030 brings together young people in Denmark, Estonia, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Russia, Sweden, Germany and Åland. ReGeneration 2030 is "a place where we young people and young adults have the power to jointly discuss across state and regional borders through a platform for a movement that envisions what future we see, desire and want to realize". The release of the ReGeneration 2030 Summit will take place August 2018, the week before BSPC s 27th conference (in Åland, August 2018). Recommendations regarding democratic participation and the digital age The Government of Åland has decided to make it possible to vote via the Internet in future elections. The introduction will take place in two stages. People of Åland residing outside the Åland Islands should be able to vote via the Internet in the 2019 parliament election. In 2023 all voters will be able to vote via the Internet in both the parliament elections and in the municipal elections. A new electoral law will be presented in 2018 where online voting is one of several ways of voting in

5 Åland Page 5 3 (4) advance. Online voting significantly improves the possibilities of participating in the elections especially for persons residing outside the Åland Islands. This can also be an advantage for people with different kinds of disabilities. The digitalization of elections hopefully means increased civil participation and increased democracy and will create good conditions for dialogue and activity with modern methods. In 2016 the Government of Åland prepared a legislative proposal that was sent to the Parliament of Åland regarding lowering the age limit for voting in municipal elections. The limit was proposed to be 16 years instead of the current 18 years. The proposal was approved by the Parliament in spring A lowering of the voting age would help young people to get involved in political decision-making and give them accountability. It would also stimulate their participation and integration into society. Unfortunately, the proposal was not approved by the President of Finland in the legislative control. Statements had been requested by the Delegation of Åland, which endorsed the proposal, and by the Supreme Court, which considered the proposal to be contrary to the Constitution. The President based the decision on the later opinion and ordered the proposal to become invalid to this part. Recommendations regarding sustainable tourism The Government of Åland works toward a sustainable tourism sector on several different levels and through several different measures. A Tourism Strategy has been adopted for the years According to this strategy, the Government of Åland continuously works with these issues in different networks of cooperation. The Tourism Strategy contains a chapter about sustainability but also accessibility. Sustainability As a result of the work with the Tourism Strategy and the Development and Sustainability Agenda, Åland became the first destination in Finland that joined the international environmental management system Green Key in Green Key on Åland works in collaboration with Ålands Natur & Miljö (the Åland Society for Nature and Environment), Visit Åland and the Government of Åland. Ålands Natur & Miljö is the head of Green Key for Åland. The aim is that 20 accommodations, 12 restaurants/cafés and three events join Green Key in One example of what the certification has accomplished already is within the tourism companies. They have become more environmentally friendly. At the same time they have reduced their costs due to less resource waste. Another example is the Nordic Islands Adventure Race. This event is currently being planned and will be the first of its kind to be certified. It will be a part of the Adventure Race World Series. The start will be from Stockholm across the Åland archipelago with the finish in Turku. The interest in Green Key is increasing all the time and more companies are exploring the opportunity to join. Beaches and guest harbors for leisure boats can join the Blue Flag system. Blue Flag is a completely new corporation and the government expects that at least five guest harbors will join in The tourism industry is also investing in an increasingly large range of local organic food to offers their guests. The trend is that a company is not even allowed to make an offer for a larger conference if it s not possible to show that the company is offering a sustainable tourism product.

6 Åland Page 6 4 (4) Accessibility The Government of Åland continuously cooperates with the Åland Disability Association and the tourism industry to focus on "Åland for all accessible tourism". About 15% of the population in the Nordic countries have some form of disability. That makes this a large and growing market. Our ageing population can also benefit greatly from accessibility adjustments. The Government of Åland works to ensure that both sustainability and accessibility are considered in the criteria for obtaining investment aid for construction and renovation of tourist facilities. In 2015, an inventory was made involving 45 different types of accommodation, museums, shops and conference centers. The inventory contained an action plan for each facility and several of the facilities have now carried out or started these improvements. The event Åland for All was arranged in January Members from Visit Åland, Ålands Näringsliv (The Åland Chamber of Commerce) and various disability organizations together with politicians and ministers and people from the third sector were invited. 70 people participated and listened to speakers from the Nordic Welfare Centre and Scandic Hotel's availability ambassador. Hopefully, the event will lead to more companies working towards a more accessible community. Visit Åland s website contains information on which facilities are adapted for people with some form of disability. Minister Nina Fellman Administrator Marcus Åkerblom

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11 Denmark

12 Denmark Page 2 Comments from the Danish government concerning the conference resolution adopted by the 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference The Danish government welcomes the BSPC conference resolution and its recommendations. The government fully supports the strengthening of cooperation and dialog in the Baltic Sea Region. Cooperation and dialog are important elements in securing stability in our region and building trust between our countries. Concerning the conference resolution adopted by the 26 th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference the Danish government has the following comments: (Rec. 1)The government fully agrees with recommendation 1. It is positive and necessary with a continued political dialogue in the Baltic Sea region, as it contributes to decrease tension and build trust. (Rec. 2-3) On 6 March 2018 Ministers from HELCOM Countries as well as the EU Environment Commissioner adopted a Ministerial Declaration, which reaffirms commitments of the contracting parties to implement the Baltic Sea Action Plan as the main guiding document for HELCOM action and which sets out the vision to achieve good environmental status in the Baltic Sea by Ministers also decided to give a mandate to HELCOM to update the Baltic Sea Action Plan with consideration to new issues not yet or partially tackled, such as marine litter, underwater noise, nutrient recycling, and regional ocean governance. The update of the Baltic Sea Action Plan should also take into account the Sustainable Development Goals, with a 2030-perspective. Denmark will continue to engage actively in the HELCOM cooperation and support implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan as well as the elaboration of new elements as outlined in the 2018-Ministerial Declaration. (Rec. 6-8) Denmark continuously work to further improve and develop means of democratic participation, through e.g. transparency, comprehensive information, government accountability and other instruments of citizen participation. Especially regarding inclusion of youth in all areas of society. The Danish Government has established a new partnership for the future the so-called Disruption Council. The purpose of the Disruption Council is to create a forum to analyse, discuss and offer suggestions for how to 1) Create a prosperous Denmark where we seize technological opportunities in a way that benefits all Danes. 2) Maintain and expand a dynamic and wellregulated labour market with an absence of social dumping. Denmark has launched a new initiative in the Danish Prime Minister s Disruption Council to discuss codes of conduct and promote this in a public/private partnership. (Rec. 9-13) Denmark recognize the benefit of a common dialogue on ethical aspects of digitalization of states and societies, and the need for better regulation in the area. In this regard, it 1

13 Denmark Page 3 is important to find the balance between protecting the citizens against e.g. hate speech and fake news, and at the same time protecting fundamental rights such as freedom of speech. The Danish government supports the sharing of best practices between the Baltic Sea States, in order to make the region a global frontrunner in the digital area. Furthermore, during the Estonian EU presidency, there was a strong focus on digitalization, which Denmark supported. Digital Europe and free movement of data were key priorities, together with enhanced focus on promoting e-commerce, new innovative digital services, ensuring access to modern and secure electronic communications and promoting cross-border e-government-services in EU. In light of the increased use of digital solutions, resilience against cyberattacks and disinformation has become vital. To enhance its resilience against influence campaigns Denmark has launched an inter-ministerial task force, and is drawing on experience from other countries, including the Baltic States. Ensuring a secure, free, open and peaceful cyberspace requires effective cooperation at all levels, which is why Denmark supports cooperation in both the EU and among the Baltic Sea States. Denmark is currently preparing a new national strategy for cyber and information security, for the period A strengthened cyber defence is also part of the defence agreement for (Rec. 14) The education system should provide all children and young people with the best possible conditions to learn, thrive and develop. At the same time, it is important that children and young people meet both women and men at their day-care facilities, school and in the education system, so that they have different role models. Digital development will accelerate more rapidly in the future. Today, fewer women than men choose an education within science and IT. It is important that both women and men contribute to technological progress and help shape the future. Debate on gender-segregated education choices: The Minister for Equal Opportunities will focus on how parents, educational institutions and young people can themselves help create a change in culture towards less gender-segregated education choices so that young women consider science and IT as an attractive choice of education and work areas. Focus on girls and understanding of technology: In collaboration with the Department for Gender Quality, the Ministry of Education will hold a conference on girls and understanding of technology to provide inspiration for promoting girls interest in technology. Following a three-year trial with a one-year optional subject in understanding technology, gender segregation will be part of the collection of experience in summer Internationally, work on gender will include collaboration under etwinning, which is an educational community for European schools, providing a platform and pedagogical development for schools and institutions. From the 2018/19 academic year, the Minister for Education will initiate a trial programme to enhance understanding of technology in compulsory programmes at municipal primary and lower-secondary schools. 2

14 Denmark Page 4 (Rec. 15) The Danish government has set up a commission on free speech, mandated to examine the conditions for free speech, including which comments can be shared on e.g social media and the impact of fake news on democratic debate. Denmark believes that we need to maximize benefits while also minimizing the accompanying new risks of digitalization. In order not to curb digital innovation and growth with overregulation Denmark argues for a light but right touch approach to regulation. This requires tech companies to take more voluntary responsibility on issues such as data ethics, privacy, disinformation/fake news, cyber security, online terrorism etc. In recognition that the challenges necessitates a formal diplomatic platform in order to engage in dialogue and collaboration on a broad range of topics with the tech-industry the Danish government in 2017 decided to designate digitalization and technological development as a strategic priority for Danish foreign policy. In September 2017, we appointed the world s first Tech Ambassador with a global mandate. The government has launched the Technology Pact to work together with companies, educational and research institutions etc. on skills for a more technological and digital future. The challenges for companies in recruiting employees with technical and digital skills today and in coming years must be resolved. The pact is inspired from the Netherlands, but is designed to Danish structures and also includes adult training. (Rec. 4, 16-27) The Danish government supports close, scientific cooperation across the Baltic Sea Region, both in terms of thematic areas of special importance to our region such as marine conditions of the Baltic Sea, and in relation to other non-bsr specific research themes, characterized by scientific excellence among our region s researchers. The Ministry of Higher Education and Science s Agency for Science and Higher Education (DAF- SHE) is and has been a project partner in the Baltic Science Network (BSN) referred specifically to in recommendation no. 17, since the start of the network in As part of its BSNcommitment, DAFSHE has hosted a series of workshops in 2016 and 2017 for national and transnational stakeholders, and DAFSHE published the BSN working paper on Challenges and barriers to research cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region in March According to the Interreg project contract, the Baltic Science Network will expire in March It is a possibility, for those partners that may be interested, to continue the network hereafter. DAFSHE does not currently plan to continue as partner in the network in an extended version. The final decision will be taken with reference to an evaluation of the added value of the network, the level of concrete interest from Danish stakeholders in the research community, and the amount of resources required and available for active participation. More generally, the government recognizes that improving scientific cooperation within the Baltic region is important and Denmark continues to support the message formulated at the CBSS Science Ministers Conference in 2016, as referred to in recommendation no. 4. However, Denmark is of the opinion that BSR-wide scientific cooperation and mobility is and should 3

15 Denmark Page 5 be primarily facilitated via the European Union s framework programme and its related programmes, such as BONUS and the tentative BONUS II programme (mentioned in recommendation no. 24, which the government supports). These provides high, concrete added value for our region s stakeholders and our region-wide cooperation, both in terms of financing and mobility instruments. The challenges of our region are the challenges of Europe, and will indeed profit from being addressed in a larger, European context. (Rec. 28) Denmark is the Policy Area Coordinator of the Policy Area for Clean Shipping and the Policy Area for Maritime Safety, under EU s Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR). As Policy Area Coordinator for the Policy Area for Clean Shipping, Denmark is continuously contributing to the aim of making the Baltic Sea region a model of region for clean shipping. Through this objective, Denmark is also supporting the vision of item number 28 in the 26th resolution of the BSPC, which aims at making the Baltic Sea region the first eco-region in the world. Under the Priority Area for Clean Shipping, two Flagship Projects are working towards a better enforcement of regulations for sulphur emissions and the limitation of emission from ships. (Rec. 29) On basis of IMO-regulation, Denmark has introduced new regulations for cruise ships wastewater treatment. The regulations forces the cruise ships to either clean the wastewater before discharging or use port reception facilities for discharging. The regulation will enter into force for new ships in 2019 and for existing ships in The Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark regulates the area. (Rec. 31) With regards to promoting wastewater facilities in harbours in the Baltic Sea Region, Denmark is actively engaged in the current revision of the EU Port Reception Facilities Directive, in an effort to strengthen the framework for improving facilities for the delivery of waste and wastewater from ships. (Rec ) Two of the three focus areas in the Policy Area for Clean Shipping is to develop shore side facilities to foster clean shipping measures, including wastewater facilities and to make infrastructure for alternative fuels in the Baltic Sea Region, including LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). Thus, in our role as Policy Area Coordinator for Clean Shipping, Denmark is continuously contributing to the improvement of a clean Baltic Sea. This effort is done in close cooperation with other countries around the Baltic Sea Region. (Rec. 5, 30, 33-40) The Danish Government supports the Baltic Sea tourism including collaboration on sustainable tourism. Denmark primarily coordinates activities through the Nordic and European tourism collaboration. VisitDenmark and Danish tourism partners regularly participate in the annual Baltic Sea Tourism Forum. Furthermore, VisitDenmark is a partner in the Baltic Sea Tourism Steering Group, which meet twice a year to discuss issues with relation to the EU Baltic Sea Strategy (Priority Area Tourism). VisitDenmark is supporting the establishment of a Baltic Sea Tourism Centre in order to create a permanent platform for collecting and sharing relevant tourism information about the development of tourism in the Baltic Sea region. 4

16 Estonia

17 Estonia Page 2 Estonian answers regarding the Implementation of the Resolution of the 26 th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference ESTONIA 23 March 2018 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Regarding cooperation in the Region 1. In discussions taking place in different regional cooperation formats Estonia supports following principles: division of labor, cooperation, avoidance of duplication. At current moment CBSS prepares to discuss its vision for period after 2020 and EUSBSR will soon start revision of its Action Plan. During both processes Estonia attaches importance also to other regional cooperation formats. EUSBSR works with neighbours through HA Capacity. Estonia is currently Chair of the NC group and is going to host the 2018 EUSBSR Annual Forum which traditionally contributed to the cooperation of different formats and finding new areas and partners for projects. Ministry of Environment Regarding co-operation in the Region 2. While preparing for the United Nations SDG14 conference the HELCOM initiated a special preparatory work, which highlighted the joint commitment of the Baltic Sea countries for meeting the goals of the Agenda 2030 SDG14. An overview of this is available at Currently, there are preparations going on (initiated by Estonia) to organize a meeting at the United Nations to present HELCOM as the regional coordinator for implementation of the goals of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda as well as its activities and experiences in maritime environment safety. The link with Agenda 2030 goals should be taken into account in the updating process of BSAP. 3. Concerning underwater noise the measuring activities will be continued. The HELCOM Ministerial meeting on 6 March 2018 decided to elaborate regional and national actions to limit the impacts of underwater noise on sensitive marine species. The implementation of measures to eliminate marine litter remains a high priority. The Baltic Sea countries will have meetings at regional level and will coordinate their actions while implementing the Action Plan on the Marine Litter. To control and manage the eutrophication the HELCOM will adhere to the 2013 Ministerial Declaration and will make efforts to reduce the nutrient inputs (nitrogen and phosphorus) form HELCOM countries further. Regarding Sustainable Tourism 31. The vessel waste and sewage reception remains important question in the sustainable tourism area. In addition to the resolution the International Maritime Organization adopted in 2016 establishing the Baltic Sea as Special Area for sewage, the EU directive on port reception facilities for the delivery of waste from ships is currently under review. To correspond to the new requirements the construction works of a modernized vessel waste and sewage reception system were completed in 2017 at Port of Tallinn. Ministry of Education and Research Regional cooperation was an important milestone for Estonia as well as for the Ministry of Education and Research as we were holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. We were focusing on four priorities: an open and innovative European economy; a safe and secure Europe; a 1

18 Estonia Page 3 digital Europe and the free movement of data; and an inclusive and sustainable Europe. In education field we emphasized the importance of modernising education (changing role of learning and teaching), relationship between education and working life (graduate tracking), the New Skills Agenda and revision of Europass decision. In research and innovation, the focus lied on topics like broad impact and value of European research, simplifying the EU research and innovation funding landscape, and an outcome of the Council Conclusions on the interim evaluation of Horizon 2020 and future orientations for the next Framework Programme. Considering the status of Presidency, we had to remain neutral also in different regional policy activities not to advance our own interests. Nevertheless, during the annual Meeting of the Baltic Ministers of Education and Research held on 8-9 June 2017 in Cesis, Estonia initiated a discussion on how the new period of the Norwegian/EEA grants could be used to support Baltic research cooperation and joint participation in ERA NETs. The initiative called Baltic Research Programme is going to support regional research cooperation and focus on the Baltic-Nordic added value. Innovative Science and Research Estonian Ministry of Education and Research also continued an active participation in the collaboration project called Baltic Science Network (INTERREG Baltic Sea Region programme) which was launched in March 2016 and lasts for 3 years. On 16 November 2017, the BSN transnational seminar New Tools for Spreading Excellence and Widening Participation in Research and Innovation Programmes was organized in Tallinn. The aim of the seminar was to get input for policy measures which would help to increase participation of moderate innovators in research and innovation initiatives in the European Research Area. The Baltic Sea Region (BSR) is considered as a test-bed to develop and implement innovative measures aimed at tackling the participation gap and widening participation in collaborative research and innovation programmes (at EU and regional level), as well as exploiting the region s full innovation and scientific potential. BSN is a policy network consisting of relevant transnational, national and regional policy actors from the BSR countries. The Network is a springboard for targeted multilateral activities in the frame of research and innovation excellence, mobility of scientists and expanded participation. The focus is on establishing a policy coordination framework for joint BSR higher education, science & research policy. The project also strengthens the joint ownership shared by the regions and member states in the field of science policy within the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR). Implementation of BONUS, the joint Baltic Sea research and development programme for years , started to increase the success rate of the BSR projects submitted for the Horizon 2020, as well as to encourage cooperation and raise the quality of projects among the BSR researchers. BONUS is also an associated member of the Baltic Science Network ( Estonia is of position to support the BONUS successor programme as it clearly has an added value. Aiming to develop even closer cooperation between the Baltic higher education and research institutions and to promote academic mobility, the Ministries of Education and Research/Science of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania have prepared a draft of Agreement among the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, the Government of the Republic of Estonia and the Government of the Republic Latvia on Automatic Academic Recognition of Qualifications Concerning Higher Education. Currently, each party is working on approximation procedures after which the authorization for signing the agreement will be asked for the Ministers of Education and Research/Science. Estonian Ministry of Education and Research together with other relevant Ministries in the BSR is continuously committed to develop the cooperation towards building a common higher education and science area to boost the research excellence, innovations, investment and overall competitiveness of the region. 2

19 Estonia Page 4 Ministry of Economics and Communications Regarding Cooperation in the Region 5. We do not currently see any obstacles to cross-border travelling around the Baltic Sea region. Facilitation of border and visa regimes is carried out by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs within existing regulations and agreements. We do not currently foresee a separate common program for young people and organized tourist groups. The Schengen area covers almost all the countries around the Baltic Sea. The idea of creating a common Baltic Sea Brand has been discussed in the framework of the Baltic Sea Region States cooperation in the BSR Policy Area Tourism Steering Group. At this stage the idea needs to be further developed and clarified among the Baltic Sea countries, as there is no clear vision of how this brand could best represent all Baltic Sea region destinations. We do not particularly support the idea of a common Baltic Sea Brand because visitors are not interested in a Baltic Sea as a travel destination. They are more interested in different smaller regions or countries (cities) located around the Baltic Sea. Regarding Sustainable Tourism 28. Baltic Sea Region can hardly be considered as the first eco-region in the world. Many other eco-regions are already in place. However, different initiatives and cooperation projects are currently underway to promote such cooperation between the Baltic Sea Region countries. The present European Year of Cultural Heritage will certainly assist in promoting sustainable societies and culture also in the Baltic Sea Region. 29. Sustainability is one of the guiding principles in the present national tourism strategy and it is very likely to continue to play even more important role in the planning for the next period tourism development. Nature, its preservation and conservation is an important element in the image and destination promotion of Estonia and sustainability should always be a guiding principle and standard practice in all types of tourism. However, countries also need to adopt sustainable policies in other sectors of the economy (e.g. forestry) which for example create important preconditions for developing sustainable nature tourism. 30. Tourism products should have a high quality level and follow sustainability principles at the same time. We support raising awareness in the tourism sector and on how to lower their carbon footprint, as well as save on important natural resources such as water. We do not foresee a need for another new common label or standardization. Estonian national tourism strategy action plan currently supports the Green Key label as already internationally recognized label for tourism enterprises and a local label (EHE- Genuine and interesting Estonia), as a recognized ecotourism quality label for Estonian tourism products. 32. Inter-modality of various modes of transportation is an important area of development. Improvement of infrastructure for cycling in connection with all the existing and future modes of transport is considered in Estonian tourism and local community infrastructure development. For example investments have been made into developing special parking places for cycles at railway stations, new bicycle routes connecting towns and the surrounding areas etc. 33. Different measures for further increasing the level of sustainability will be considered in planning the long-term Estonian national transport strategy. 34. The issue of shortage of skilled workers will likely not be counteracted by a winter school only but needs both political decisions and relevant measures in the education and training system as well as continuous training provided. Different hospitality and tourism schools in various Baltic Sea Region countries currently provide regular trainings to increase language and intercultural skills. We support the development of cooperation between these schools and programs in tackling the shortage of skills needed. 3

20 Estonia Page Successful cooperation between the three Baltic countries of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania has already been established (Baltic Connecting ) and such cooperation could be extended further to the Baltic Sea Region. The aim of the international tourism event Baltic Connecting is to inform foreign travel trade professionals about tourism opportunities in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. During the event, guests will be acquainted with the tourism offers and services in the region, as well as given the opportunity to meet with potential cooperation partners in the Baltic States and establish new contacts. Baltic Connecting will focus on the growing significance of long-haul markets, inviting to the Baltic States travel trade professionals from Japan, USA, China and South Korea. 37. We acknowledge the progress achieved in the establishment of the Baltic Sea Tourism Centre by contributing to its strategy development process and profile development. This could add value to improving the competitiveness of the Baltic Sea Region tourism, especially in regard to increasing visibility of the region as an attractive tourist destination in the future. 38. Restoring, preserving and maintaining of natural landscapes is an important element of Estonian nature protection and also tourism development. Protected areas like national parks, nature reserves and other types of areas like UNESCO Biosphere reserves provide a rich cultural and natural environment for tourism development and their importance is highly recognized. More could still be done in terms of tourism activities actively contributing to nature conservation in the Baltic Sea Region and to the preservation of its natural and cultural heritage. 39. Estonia currently supports the tourism companies in adopting new business models so that they can promote and sustain their competitiveness and adapt in the changing market. Raising the quality of tourism companies should be the aim for the countries around the Baltic Sea that need to do that so that the experiences of tourists visiting this region would get the highest possible level of service and at the same time raise the skills of the workers in the industry to develop it. 40. We acknowledge the need to evaluate how local communities and citizens perceive tourism development in their regions and countries, especially taking into account the growing number of tourists in most popular destinations and the emerging issue of overtourism in many European countries. 4

21 Finland

22 Finland Page 2 YMPÄRISTÖMINISTERIÖ (Ministry of the Environment) Sanni Turunen Implementation of the Resolution of the 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) in Hamburg, 3-5 September 2017 Regarding Cooperation in the Region, to 1. intensify the cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region including the Northern Dimension, the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region and the Strategy for the socio-economic development of the North-West Federal district of Russia in addition to other regional actors by identifying common priorities and developing respective regional strategies and action plans in fields of common interest and mutual benefits. Since macro-regional strategies gather stakeholders and actors from all sectors and levels of governance, macro-regional strategies offer efficient instruments to improve relations between neighbouring countries and thereby support European Neighbourhood Policy; Finland has continued to support the Northern Dimension Environmental Partnership (NDEP), which decided 2017 to develop project proposals for small-scale environmental projects with people-to-people dimension and cross-border impact in the north-west Russia. Ministry of the Environment of Finland has continued to coordinate the EUSBSR policy area Nutri to reduce nutrient inputs to the Baltic Sea and to tackle eutrophication through strategic flagship projects, such as NutriTrade, IWAMA, Baltic Blue Growth, CONSUME and BEST. 2. further strengthen and develop HELCOM as the coordinator of the regional implementation of oceanrelated goals of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda of the United Nations, through the strengthened implementation of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan and further commitment to achieve a Baltic Sea in good environmental status by 2021 and if applicable, by renewing the Baltic Sea Action Plan in line with the UN Sustainable Development Agenda with a time perspective until 2030; Finland has been active in supporting HELCOM s strengthened role in regional implementation of oceanrelated goals of the Agenda2030. HELCOM in its high-level meeting of 3/2017 agreed on HELCOM s active role in supporting implementation of sea and marine environment related SDGs of Agenda2030. This included the publishing of a report Measuring progress for the same targets in the Baltic Sea available at In June 2017, HELCOM based on its work made voluntary commitments at the SDG14 The Ocean Conference in New York. Almost 70 % of the actions contained in the Baltic Sea Action Plan have been implemented. Finland as incoming Chair of HELCOM for has been active in paving the way for updating of the Baltic Sea Action Plan, starting from the Ministerial Meeting of HELCOM in 3/ support HELCOM in elaborating a regional action plan on underwater noise as well as in implementing the marine litter regional action plan and in its battle against eutrophication; concrete measures to reduce the input of plastics into the marine environment should be taken on; Finland implements HELCOM s regional Marine Litter Action Plan with activities such as national survey on the state and sources of marine litter , 100 ideas for preventing and reducing marine litter in Finland -campaign, designing targets and a roadmap for marine litter in Finland and launching a case/pilot study on microplastics in storm waters in Finland has also taken action to reduce the use of plastic bags trough a Green deal and voluntary action by shops. Finnish River Basin Management Plans of the Water Framework Directive contain about 3500 measures and actions, most of them targeting nutrient loads, and are currently being implemented. Additionally, a number of other measures under the Finnish Marine Strategy, such as a pilot project on spreading of gypsum to prevent losses of phosphorus from agricultural land, were implemented in 2017.

23 Finland Page 3 Regarding Innovative Science and Research, to 16. intensify scientific cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region qualitatively and quantitatively and therefore promote the development of more credible projections of the future of the Baltic Sea, based on the best basic marine research as well as the most plausible socioeconomic development scenarios and associated alterations in human pressures, and the complex impacts of climate change on the ecosystem, promote the delivery of new comprehensive knowledge on true long-term effects of various human pressures on all organizational levels - from genes to an ecosystem, as well as suggestions on ways to mitigate these effects, provide a scientific foundation for innovative cross-border policy making, including potential internalization of the costs of marine ecosystem services into the economic system; Finland lead and actively took part at expert level in assessing the status and pressures of the Baltic Sea, including socio-economic aspects related to the status of the Baltic Sea in HELCOM. As a result, HELCOM HOLAS II report s first version was released for comments in summer The report provides an overview and trends of various pressures affecting the Baltic Sea as well as an impact index that considers how the various pressures affect the status of the sea. Relationship between the Baltic Sea and climate change will be one of the priorities of the Finnish Chairmanship in HELCOM in Finland has been an active partner in Gulf of Finland Co-operation together with Estonia and Russia. During the Gulf of Finland Year 2014, a scientific research programme was carried out and a comprehensive trilateral assessment of the state of the Gulf of Finland was compiled within the frames of it. 20. further improve the conditions of the Baltic Sea Region in global scientific competition through joint strengthened efforts by increased investments in innovative science and research; Finland has supported and participated in numerous Interreg, Life and BONUS projects. Ministry of the Environment of Finland has supported tens of R&D projects in under the Programme to promote the recycling of nutrients and improve the ecological status of the Archipelago Sea. The projects have included modelling, water protection and nutrient recycling in agriculture and water bodies, treatment of manure, sludge and biowaste and enhancing wastewater treatment. Additionally, some of the Finnish Government s key projects have introduced and/or tested new methods and materials for managing stormwater wastewater as well as riparian and agricultural runoff, with the ultimate aim of reducing the load of nutrients and hazardous substances to the Baltic Sea. Cities, municipalities, wastewater treatment plants, as well as farmers, have for example built and tested filtering systems that use new bio-based materials and restored wetlands for this purpose. Regarding Sustainable Tourism, to 38. sustain a sound environment, safeguarding the recreational quality of natural and man-made landscapes and integrating natural, cultural and human environments within the BSR so that tourism activities do not endanger the natural and cultural heritage of the BSR and instead actively contribute to their preservation; Parks & Wildlife Finland has established a set of principles that are intended to guide the sustainable tourism operations in all national parks, nature sites and historical sites managed by Parks & Wildlife Finland. These principles are implemented also in all UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Finland. Each principle is followed by more detailed objectives helping in implementing the principles in practice.

24 Finland Page 4 Implementation of the Resolution of the 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland/Erja Tikka Finland adopts New Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region A healthy Baltic Sea with its vital marine life is a well safeguarded and sustainably-used resource. The Baltic Sea Region actively develops its know-how and uses its resources as a pioneer of sustainable development. The Baltic Sea Region is stable and safe. Finland works actively to make the Baltic Sea Region a global leader in the bio economy and the circular economy; well-connected, innovative, competitive and at the cutting edge of utilizing new technologies and a producer of model solutions for safe and clean shipping, maritime industry, and sustainable use of the marine ecosystem. This is the Finnish Government s vision for the future of the Baltic Sea Region in a new strategy adopted 0n 2 November The document was drafted inclusively, consulting stakeholders like regions, business and research organisations and NGOs. Prime Minister Juha Sipilä calls it whole Finland s strategy, to be implemented jointly. Finland wants to boost its role in the Baltic Sea cooperation, he said. The strategy sets goals for Baltic Sea cooperation, for EU-policies in the region and for Finland s own policies and measures to improve the environmental status of the sea and increase the region s security and prosperity in a sustainable manner. Saving the sea, the climate change, urbanization and demographic changes, as well as pressures towards EU-policies like the future funding of cohesion policy, are seen as the biggest challenges for the Baltic Sea Region. However, the BSR has many strengths like stable societies, high level of education, a long tradition of mutual cooperation, innovativeness and the ecosystem services provided by the sea. There are many networks, promising start ups and clean technological solutions. The vicinity of the Baltic to the Arctic is also an advantage. By seizing its opportunities the BSR can truly become a global pioneer in sustainable development. The strategic areas to be developed are blue growth, including the whole maritime sector and blue bio economy, the circular economy and the bio economy, connectivity, safety and security, innovations and capacity, as well as joint global and EU impact with intensified regional cooperation. The good status of the sea is a prerequisite for blue growth where the Baltic Sea Region has a lot of opportunities, tourism included. The bio- and the circular economy are true assets in a region with two thirds of EU forest resources and vast areas. They do not only create jobs and save raw materials but help to decrease both nutrient and carbon emissions. Promoting circular and bioeconomy, together with innovative ways of reducing eutrophication and binding carbon to the soil must be included in the reform of the EU Common Agricultural Policy. Managing material circles also reduces marine litter and

25 Finland Page 5 hazardous substances. There is also significant growth potential in the BSR in renewable energy sources, such as biomass, solar, geothermal, offshore wind and wave. For Finland good transport connections are vital. But developing them across and around the Baltic Sea, from west to east and north to south will bring prosperity to the whole region. As continuation to Rail Baltica the potential Helsinki-Tallinn tunnel, as well as extending the railway connection to the Arctic Ocean are chances worth to be examined. In the field of modern maritime industry, the Baltic Sea already offers globally a testbed for autonomous shipping. Intelligent ships and land logistics will take advantage of digital information and new innovations in robotics, automation and energy technology. The Baltic Sea Region also serves as a node of telecommunication networks. The strategy refers to the deteriorated security situation in the BSR, but it does not deal with security policy in detail, as this issue has recently been discussed in the Government s Report on Foreign and Security Policy. In this strategy the emphasis is on maritime and aviation safety, as well as civil security and intensified cooperation between rescue and law enforcement authorities. The Baltic Sea Region offers a channel of internationalization and exports for SMEs. By clustering with others in the region they can build service entities and capacity to enter world markets. An intensified cooperation between start up accelerators can strengthen the role of the BSR globally. A digital internal market within the BSR is also a feasible target while the rest of the EU moves behind. Increasing mobility of students and researchers and the joint use of costly research infrastructure also help to keep the BSR on top of the world. Finland s strategy sets also goals for EU policies towards the Baltic Sea Region. It is necessary that the implementation of the EU Strategy for the BSR is strongly supported by EU funding even in the future. The funding of transnational and cross border cooperation programs, as well as the integrated maritime policy of the EU must be continued. Backing up the Northern Dimension Policy, especially in fighting fatal climate threats like black carbon, is also called. The CBSS should return to political dialogue in the form of regular high level ministerials. The strategy also supports updating the Baltic Sea Action Plan of HELCOM.

26 Finland Page 6 The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment/Marikki Järvinen (translation) The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment considers it very welcome that the parliamentarians are engaged in developing the Baltic Sea Region. However, the recommendations presented by the conference would require more than one year to be reached and the monitoring of these steps once a year does not necessarily give a full picture of the cooperation and action that is implemented in the region. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment has actively taken part in developing the region by participating in different working groups and in forming and updating (2014) the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR). The Ministry has also participated in updating Finland s Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. The Ministry supports regional cooperation and considers it as an important tool in supporting regional development and promoting welfare. New solutions and methods of work can be found and existing resources can be combined to support the economic development and welfare in the Baltic Sea Region. The resolution of the 26 th BSPC contains recommendations that are not entirely in the competence of the Ministry except for those concerning tourism, innovation, research and employment. The essential tools for enhancing cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region are the structural funds programme, the programmes for regional cooperation and ENI/CBC. They have been very fruitful in Finland especially through financing cross-border cooperation. The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment represents the government as the head official in governing the programmes in Finland and thus is responsible for their implementation together with ELY Centres (The Centres for Economic Development, Transport and the Environment) and regions. Funds are focused to projects that work according to the goals set in the EUSBSR and the projects are monitored twice a year and reported to the EU Commission. In this way the Ministry is monitoring how the funds are focused in implementing the goals of EUSBSR. Regarding the structural funds programme, the main goal of EUSBSR is to increase prosperity and welfare. The programme can be used for this goal by supporting entrepreneurs and international activity and by investing in new innovations. Cleantech has risen to one of the new sectors in economy and it will strengthen the cooperation between business life and researchers in the Baltic Sea Region. With support from the structural funds programme, projects in the sector of research, development and innovation can develop eg. smart innovations for transport and energy. Especially in their case it is necessary to seek out partners from neighbouring states in the Baltic Sea Region. For implementation of the EUSBSR some vital programmes also include the programmes for European Territorial Cooperation in Southern and Western Finland (Baltic Sea programme, Botnia- Atlantica and Central Baltic programmes), ENI-programme for Southeast Finland and Russia, programmes for European Territorial Cooperation in Eastern and Northern Finland (Baltic Sea

27 Finland Page 7 programme, Nord and Northern Periphery and Arctic programme) and ENI-programmes (Kolarctic, Karelia). Also the work in ESR will be taken in with implementing the EUSBSR. The officials governing the ESR are seeking ways to enhance cooperation in accordance to the priorities of investment chosen by each member state. The officials of the ESR in the Baltic Sea Region can together eg. organise thematic calls for project applications. To reach the social goal of the EUSBSR, cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region can be strengthened by education and especially in increasing cross-border cooperation between educational institutions such as universities and schools for applied sciences. For youth there are possibilities for cooperation in combining education and work and in developing actions needed in transfer situations on the path of education, especially regarding enrolling for secondary schools and making education more effective. Other possibilities in increasing cooperation in this field also include supporting mobility of students and workers, battling against poverty among different ethnic groups as well as several projects for education and learning by employment.

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40 Germany Page 13 1 Statement on the resolution adopted by the 26th BSPC 2017 The Federal Government welcomes the resolution adopted by the 26th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) in September The subjects raised in the resolution are also a high priority for the Federal Government. Since 1991, the BSPC s work has been strengthening a common identity for the Baltic Sea region and promoting cooperation between state and non-state institutions, by fostering better cooperation between the parliaments, governments and civil societies in the Baltic Sea region. The BSPC has thus provided important impetus for political activities and projects which significantly advance closer links in the Baltic Sea region in political, economic, social and environmental-policy terms. The resolution adopted in Hamburg shows that the BSPC is engaging with topical challenges affecting the people of the Baltic Sea region, to which common responses need to be found. These include scientific and research innovations, democracy in the context of the continuing digitalisation of society, or sustainable tourism. Regarding the Preamble and Cooperation in the Region: re-establish full-scale and comprehensive political dialogue in the Baltic Sea Region, in particular within the Council of the Baltic Sea States, highlighting the importance of the Foreign Ministers meeting on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the CBSS hosted by the CBSS Icelandic Presidency in Reykjavik on 20 June 2017 Twenty-five years after the establishment of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), political dialogue in the Baltic Sea region is, given the Ukraine crisis which has been ongoing since 2014, an essential component of German cooperation with the Baltic Sea countries. The Federal Government is making greater use of the three pillars of its cooperation in the Baltic Sea region: the CBSS, the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, and the Northern Dimension. The Federal Foreign Office coordinates these bodies in Germany in close cooperation with the other Federal Ministries and the northern German Länder (federal states). Germany s interest in the Baltic Sea region lies, in particular, in continuing and strengthening political dialogue, in view of the deterioration of political relations with Russia. The loss of trust in Russia experienced by many CBSS members has severely strained the political dialogue in recent years. The Icelandic Presidency of the CBSS in 2016/2017 therefore regarded it as all the more important to re-establish this dialogue at political level for the first time since 2013 (Ministerial Session in Kaliningrad). The then Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sigmar Gabriel, attended the Ministerial Session in Reykjavik in June Restoring trust between all members of the CBSS is proving to be a very long and difficult process. However, the Federal Government is convinced that, in the long term, security and trust in the Baltic Sea region can primarily be achieved via political dialogue and practical cooperation with Russia. In this context, the European policy line towards Russia must be maintained. The Baltic Sea region, which for decades was disadvantaged in environmental and economic policy terms due to the dividing line between East and West, had a major opportunity, with the establishment of the CBSS in 1992 and of other bodies for Baltic Sea cooperation, such as the BSPC, to address the important challenges in this region by strengthening political dialogue and constructive cooperation. These challenges still exist, and it is in our interest to further boost competitiveness in the Baltic Sea region, to solve the ecological problems together, to close the infrastructure gaps, and to promote economic cohesion. In this context, the political priorities of the CBSS remain paramount: developing a common identity, fostering prosperity, and ensuring safety and security in the interests of the people of the Baltic Sea region. Baltic

41 Germany Page 14 2 Sea cooperation remains a long-term project for Germany s Federal Government. In this spirit, involving the next generation at an early stage is an essential component of German foreign policy in order to restore the basis for trust and security in the Baltic Sea region. further strengthen and develop HELCOM as the coordinator of the regional implementation of ocean-related goals of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda of the United Nations [...]; support HELCOM in elaborating a regional action plan on underwater noise as well as in implementing the marine litter regional action plan and in its battle against eutrophication; concrete measures to reduce the input of plastics into the marine environment should be taken on The Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) met at ministerial level in Brussels on 5 March The unanimously adopted Ministerial Declaration addresses all issues relating to HELCOM raised in the BSPC resolution. HELCOM shares the BSPC s political view of the importance of these issues. In this spirit, Germany played an active role in shaping the resolution. The Federal Government routinely champions regional cooperation besides HELCOM, it also supports OSPAR, the 1992 Oslo-Paris sister convention for the protection of the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic, including the North Sea because, especially from an increasingly global perspective, and particularly with regard to SDG 14 ( Life Below Water ), regional coherence within the wider global picture is essential. Implementing the political principle of think globally, act locally/regionally ensures that examples of best practice at regional level can be passed on to the global level, and global requirements can be implemented in a regionalised form, tailored to the region in question. The brochure Sustainable Development Goals Measuring Progress for the Same Targets in the Baltic Sea ( published by HELCOM provides an overview, clearly subdivided by topic, of HELCOM s contribution to the implementation of SDG 14. Germany successfully recommended this brochure as a reference document in the CBSS report Baltic 2030: Bumps on the Road. HELCOM presented its current work and reported on the results at the Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) held in Tallinn in early June While there used to be significant scope for improvement in terms of the cooperation between the EUSBSR and HELCOM, progress is being made and this is supporting HELCOM s function as the focal point for marine conservation issues in the Baltic Sea region. As a HELCOM Contracting Party, Germany provides active, cross-cutting support for its specialised work on all topics, and is going beyond a Contracting Party s normal obligations to contribute supplementary resources (e.g. contributions in kind, expert contributions and financial contributions) for certain topics. As part of the process of updating the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) in 2018 to make 2030 the future target year, in line with the UN 2030 Agenda, a strategic plan for updating the Action Plan, which was first produced in 2007, was adopted at the Ministerial Meeting in Brussels in mid-june The strategic plan not only covers purely structural aspects such as how the work is to be organised, the timetable and resources; it also provides an initial thematic overview. In addition to the topics already included in the current BSAP, such as eutrophication, biodiversity, maritime activities and hazardous substances, the updated BSAP will contain new perspectives

42 Germany Page 15 3 looking beyond This will include the general implementation of the ecosystem approach and consideration of the socio-economic consequences of measures. Specific topics relating to marine protection and conservation which are covered include underwater noise, pharmaceuticals and microplastics. The range of actions reflects the Baltic Sea region s desire to step up efforts to improve the environmental status of the Baltic Sea. This issue, and thus the need to update the Action Plan, was also set out at this year s EUSBSR Annual Forum in Tallinn, and received the Forum s full support. The Federal Government strongly supports these actions and is taking the lead role in its engagement with a large number of issues. HELCOM s regional marine litter action plan was drawn up to a significant extent under German leadership, and reflects Germany s engagement with this issue, including in the Baltic Sea region. Action to combat the input of plastic waste is part of the Federal Government s measures against marine litter. These expressly also involve the implementation of the HELCOM action plan. As a significant proportion of the microplastics in our oceans come from fragmented macroplastics, successfully reducing the input of plastic waste into the marine environment also serves to prevent microplastics in the oceans. A basic prerequisite for this is a well-developed infrastructure for collecting and disposing of (plastic) waste, as already exists in Germany. Deposit schemes, which have worked well in Germany for many years, are proving to be very successful in preventing litter from non-reusable drinks packaging. In view of the large number of unresolved issues, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) launched a research funding programme ( Plastic in the Environment Sources. Sinks. Solutions ) in October With 18 research projects involving around 100 institutions and a total budget of 35 million euros, this programme is currently one of the biggest research activities in this field, including by international standards ( The national dialogue with the cosmetics industry, led by the Federal Ministry for the Environment (BMU), has had a Europe-wide impact. Across Europe, the use of microplastic particles in rinse-off cosmetic products with an exfoliating effect has been reduced by 97%. Measures to tackle marine littering are being discussed with broad stakeholder involvement within the framework of the Marine Litter Roundtable ( a joint initiative of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, the Land Lower Saxony and the Federal Environment Agency (UBA); these measures include ways to avoid the use and reduce the emission of primary microplastic particles. The Trace Substance Strategy, for which the Federal Ministry for the Environment is the lead Ministry, will provide input on the subject of pharmaceuticals. As the basis for this, measures to reduce trace substance input (including pharmaceuticals) in water bodies, from production, to use, to disposal, are being developed in the framework of a moderated multi-stakeholder dialogue over the period to early Germany also actively supported the development of the joint HELCOM-UNESCO-EUSBSR status report on pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment of the Baltic Sea and regards it as a valuable basis for developing measures. Tackling eutrophication is a high priority for the Federal Government. Germany is continuing, within the HELCOM framework, to actively work towards the implementation of fixed country-specific maximum allowable nutrient inputs. The Fertiliser Application Ordinance adopted by the Federal Government represents a political compromise which has, in the view of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, for the first time introduced important instruments that will lead to a reduction in

43 Germany Page 16 4 inputs of nutrients to the environment. To what extent the new Fertiliser Application Ordinance will lead to significant reductions in nutrient emissions remains to be seen. Short-term successes in reducing the nitrate levels in bodies of water, and especially in groundwater, are not expected. Groundwater is a sluggish system which is slow to respond to shifts in land use. Regarding the elaboration of an action plan against underwater noise, which is to be finalised by 2021 according to the Brussels Ministerial Declaration, preparatory work is under way, such as the development of a sub-programme to monitor underwater noise. The question of a data repository is already being discussed as well. Germany is actively involved in the development of indicators and threshold levels for underwater noise and their effective implementation at both national and regional level, e.g. as a member of the HELCOM Expert Network EN Noise. The main aim of this work is to ensure that protected marine mammals, such as the porpoises native to German marine waters, are not harmed by underwater noise. support the significance of the Science, Research and Innovation Agenda as it is outlined by CBSS Science Ministers Conference held in 2016 in the Chair s Conclusions: Baltic Science: Renewing the Commitment to Science/Research Joint Actions in the Baltic Sea Region The cooperation between several EU Member States, including Sweden, Denmark and Germany, on the construction of the European Spallation Source (ESS) in Lund constitutes an important contribution to the Baltic Sea region s joint Science, Research and Innovation Agenda. ESS construction is making good progress; it is now around 50% complete. In the next phase, the measurement instruments are to be built and put into operation. Regarding Democratic Participation and the Digital Age: bearing in mind the importance of freedom of expression, explore legal possibilities and a common approach to react against Hate Speech and Fake News In 2017, the Bundestag adopted the Act to Improve Enforcement of the Law in Social Networks, or Network Enforcement Act (Netzwerkdurchsetzungsgesetz NetzDG). It aims to more effectively tackle hate crime, criminally punishable fake news and other types of unlawful content on the platforms of social networks. This includes, for example, criminally punishable insults, defamation, intentional defamation, public incitement to crime, incitement to hatred, dissemination of depictions of violence, and threatening the commission of a felony. The Act establishes binding standards for the effective and transparent management of complaints. The operators of social networks are required to supply users with an easily recognisable, directly accessible and permanently available procedure for submitting complaints about unlawful content, to take immediate note of complaints submitted by users and check whether the content reported in the complaint is unlawful, to remove or block access to content that is manifestly unlawful within 24 hours of receiving the complaint, to remove or block access to all unlawful content generally within seven days of receiving the complaint or refer the content to a recognised self-regulation institution and agree to accept its decision (the recognised institution must also decide on the unlawfulness of the reported content within seven days), and to notify users of any decision regarding their complaints, while also providing them with reasons for its decision.

44 Germany Page 17 5 The operators of social networks are required to produce six-monthly reports on the handling of complaints about unlawful content. The report must include, among other things, information about the number of complaints received, the network s decision-making practices, and the human resources and specialist expertise in the units responsible for processing complaints. The reports must be published online in such a way that anyone can access them. Operators of social networks which do not set up an effective complaints management system, or fail to do so properly in particular by failing to remove unlawful content at all, in full or in time are committing a regulatory offence. This can result in a fine of up to five million euros being imposed on the person responsible for the complaints procedure. The company itself can face a fine of up to 50 million euros. A fine can also be imposed if the social network fails to comply at all or in full with its reporting obligation. To improve the enforcement of the law, social networks are required irrespective of where their business is established to name a person authorised to receive service in Germany in relation to fine proceedings and civil proceedings and to publish this fact on their platform. In addition, a person in Germany must be named who is authorised to receive requests for information from German law enforcement authorities. The networks must also ensure that a rapid response is provided to these requests. A fine can be imposed in the case of non-compliance with the obligation to appoint a person authorised to receive service and a person authorised to receive requests for information. Anyone whose general right of personality is infringed within the scope of the Act may, in principle, require the operator of the social network to provide information about who committed the infringement. This right to receive information already exists on the basis of general principles of civil law. The Act has put systems in place to enable the enforcement of this right to information. The operators of social networks are empowered under data protection law to disclose the registration data of the person who committed the infringement to the person whose rights have been infringed. However, the disclosure of data by the social network must be ordered by the relevant civil court (i.e. the authorisation of a judge is required). Regarding Innovative Science and Research: further improve the conditions of the Baltic Sea Region in global scientific competition through joint strengthened efforts by increased investments in innovative science and research Since 2010, the Federal Ministry of Education and Research has been funding the establishment and expansion of innovative R&D networks in the Baltic Sea region. The last projects were completed in The initiative has since been evaluated. On the basis of the results, the Ministry is currently examining new cooperative approaches to boost innovative science and research in the region. promote the further development of the Baltic Sea Science Network to enhance macroregional dimensions of science and research policy The Baltic Sea region is not only an important economic region for Germany and the northern German Länder, but also one of the world s most competitive and innovative science regions. While the Baltic

45 Germany Page 18 6 Sea region has a first-class higher education and research infrastructure, it has previously lacked its own network in the field of science and research policy. Under the leadership of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg (Ministry of Science, Research and Equalities), an effective science-policy network has been created in the Baltic Sea region in the form of the Baltic Science Network (BSN), which has quickly established itself as a key forum for this policy field in the Baltic Sea region and is providing important impetus for more intensive scientific cooperation in the Baltic Sea region (paragraphs 16 and 17 of the BSPC resolution). For example, BSN has been an active participant in the current debate about the future EU research and innovation framework programme, Horizon Europe ( ), producing a BSN Policy Paper regarding the FP 9 which sets out key macro-regional aspects and requests, and feeding them into the current political debate. The Baltic Science Network s most important aim is to intensify cooperation in the field of science and research in the Baltic Sea region. Extensive studies and analyses of the starting position have been produced regarding BSN s three core work packages (research excellence, mobility and widening participation in EU support for research), and recommendations have been drawn up regarding joint strategies and structures for the countries of the Baltic Sea region. All of the studies and analyses can be found at BSN receives around 3 million euros in funding from the EU Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme Vb. In addition, the Baltic Science Network is a flagship of the policy area education within the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR). To raise awareness of the dynamism and strength of the Baltic Sea science region, the Baltic Science Network and Baltic TRAM are planning to hold a joint conference in Brussels on 26 November 2018 with the working title: The Baltic Sea Region A Science Powerhouse. Additionally, the next CBSS Science Ministerial is due to take place in the spring of 2019, during the Latvian Presidency. Preparations for the Ministerial are being made jointly by the CBSS Secretariat, the Baltic Science Network and the Latvian Ministry of Education and Science. BSN is making an important contribution to intensifying cross-border scientific cooperation in the Baltic Sea region quantitatively and qualitatively (BSN Work Package 3) by identifying excellent research areas and infrastructure in the Baltic Sea region, and making recommendations to intensify transnational cooperation in selected research areas (photon and neutron science / structural research, life sciences, and the future of the welfare state). BSN is also grappling intensively with the issue of researcher mobility in the Baltic Sea region (paragraph 27 of the BSPC resolution). Existing mobility programmes have been analysed and the challenges and barriers investigated. Strategies to promote mobility and a dedicated mobility instrument for the Baltic Sea region are currently being developed in the BSN framework, and the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) is heavily involved in this process (BSN Work Package 4). Another key priority for BSN is the issue of widening participation in the next EU research and innovation framework programme, Horizon Europe(BSN Work Package 5). As one of Europe s few science-policy networks, BSN brings together member organisations from the EU13 and EU15 countries and can thus play an important role in building bridges. Achieving a more equitable participation of south-eastern EU (Baltic Sea) countries in EU research support is of fundamental importance in the ongoing negotiations on the next EU research framework programme, in order to safeguard future

46 Germany Page 19 7 acceptance and funding of EU research support. Here, too, BSN has produced extensive studies and analyses, which were presented at a major conference during the Estonian EU Presidency. With its policy paper Tackling widening participation in R&I: a Baltic Sea region perspective, BSN has proposed 16 concrete solutions and forwarded them to the European Commission and the Member States. Key scientific stakeholders, i.e. almost all national and regional science ministries and national research agencies, as well as international stakeholders such as the Nordic Council of Ministers, the CBSS, BONUS and the EUSBSR s policy area education, research and employability, are members of BSN and represented on its Steering Committee. The German Academic Exchange Service recently joined the network as a full member. BSN works closely with the CBSS and is one of two main pillars of the CBSS Science, Research and Innovation Agenda (paragraph 4 of the BSPC resolution). In addition, BSN is also a flagship of the EUSBSR policy area education (paragraph 21 of the BSPC resolution). The BONUS programme is the EU s only macro-regional research support programme; it is making important contributions in the field of environmental, marine and climate research (paragraphs 16, 25 and 26 of the BSPC resolution). BSN therefore expressly supports the continuation of BONUS in a BONUS II project (paragraph 24 of the BSPC resolution). The Baltic TRAM project, which addresses the cooperation between major research institutions and industry, is an example of best practice in the field of innovation. The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg is making an important contribution in this area due to the role of DESY as Lead Partner (paragraph 19 of the BSPC resolution). The CBSS Baltic Sea Science Day has been successfully held twice already (St Petersburg and Turku). Planning is under way for the next Science Day in Latvia in BSN is playing a significant role in planning and designing this event. improve the short-term mobility possibilities of researchers [... and] intensify the mobility of teaching professionals and students by stipend programmes for mobility within the Baltic Sea Region Mobility in the region can be supported by the existing programmes run by the German Academic Exchange Service and the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation (AvH). The Baltic Science Network is working intensively on the issue of researcher mobility in the Baltic Sea region. Existing mobility programmes have been analysed and the challenges and barriers investigated. Strategies to promote mobility and a dedicated mobility instrument for the Baltic Sea region are currently being developed in the BSN framework, and the German Academic Exchange Service is heavily involved in this process (BSN Work Package 4). Regarding Sustainable Tourism: elaborate a common programme based on a strategy within the framework of the CBSS to develop sustainable tourism in the Baltic Sea Region, considering the following aspects: o the reduction as far as possible of obstacles to cross-border travelling to promote the freedom of travel including promotion of the local border traffic regime on outer borders of the EU

47 Germany Page 20 8 o facilitating border and visa regime for youth and organized tourist groups o the improvement of sustainable transport and tourism infrastructure o support for the idea of Baltic Sea Region States creating a common Baltic Sea Brand, based on cultural and natural heritage, to strengthen tourism competitiveness o the improvement of travel options especially for young people (e.g. interferry) Developing sustainable tourism is an important priority for the Federal Government. Sustainable tourism, in harmony with nature, landscapes and local culture, is ideally placed to contribute to value creation over the long term. The aim is to balance and bring together economic, social and environmental aspects, including cultural integrity, resource efficiency and climate protection. Longterm trends, such as demographic changes in society and growing support among travellers for the protection of natural resources, social responsibility and participation for all in the life of the community, are influencing the future of tourism, in Germany and beyond. The competitiveness of tourist destinations increasingly depends on whether these trends are recognised and integrated into decision-making processes. In view of the federal structure of the Federal Republic of Germany, tourism-related competences are divided between the Federation and the Länder, and this system has proven its worth. The development of tourism and the marketing of German tourist areas are matters for the Länder. The Federal Government is responsible for the general conditions for tourism and the tourism industry in Germany. In addition, it supports tourism-related pilot projects and studies which are in the general interest of Germany as a whole. These include initiatives relating to sustainable tourism. Examples include boosting the attractiveness of rural areas to tourists (economic sustainability) through the project Die Destination als Bühne: Wie macht Kulturtourismus ländliche Räume erfolgreich? ( The destination as a stage: how does cultural tourism help rural areas to succeed? ) ( and developing and introducing a standard nationwide labelling and certification scheme for accessible travel offers (social sustainability) through the project Reisen für Alle ( Travel for all ) ( Both projects are run by the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. Sustainability is also a cornerstone of Germany s brand as a tourist destination. Within the framework of its sustainability initiative, the German National Tourist Board (GNTB), which promotes Germany abroad as a destination for tourists on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, offers the Länder and tourist destinations its experience and expertise, to support them in developing strong offers and measures in the field of sustainable tourism. In addition, the GNTB is a member of international bodies, on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy; the topics dealt with by these bodies include sustainable tourism. One example is the cooperation between the countries of the Baltic Sea region, with the German contribution being coordinated by the Land Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. In the framework of the EUSBSR, the GNTB attends the meetings and workshops of the Steering Committee for the Priority Area Tourism. The issues covered include strategies and projects to introduce sustainable tourism products. In 2017, the GNTB attended two meetings of the Steering Committee. The meeting on 12 June 2017 in Berlin was in the context of the 8th Annual Forum of the EUSBSR and included a workshop on

48 Germany Page 21 9 destination branding (13 June 2017). On 1 November 2017, the Committee met in Turku, Finland, on the occasion of the 10th Baltic Sea Tourism Forum (BSTF). A key element of the tourism collaboration between the countries of the Baltic Sea region is the Baltic Sea Tourism Center (BSTC). This project, funded by the EU over the period from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2019 (budget: 1.5 million euros), is supported by the GNTB in close consultation with the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. The lead partner is the Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania tourist board (TMV). The Center is the operational basis for cooperation between 15 partners from seven countries. As well as the official project partners (=financial contributors), there are a number of associated partners. Besides the GNTB, these include other tourism marketing organisations from the region (including Denmark, Finland and Poland). The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) is one of the initiative s strategic partners. To support the development of a proposal for the BSTC s portfolio of services, a study was commissioned by the TMV, for which the GNTB was interviewed. The results were presented and discussed at a meeting of the partners held in Copenhagen on 15 January 2018, which was also attended by the GNTB. Through its close cooperation with the TMV and its regular attendance of meetings of the BSTC project committee, the GNTB offers its extensive expertise on sustainable tourism to the various tourism stakeholders in the countries of the Baltic Sea region. The 11th Baltic Sea Tourism Forum will take place this year in Riga (Latvia) from 14 to 15 November. promote wastewater facilities at harbours in the Baltic Sea Region The Federal Government has a strong interest in it being possible for wastewater to be discharged appropriately at German harbours. Although responsibility for the harbours rests with the Länder, the Federal Government is engaging with the ongoing process of developing a new directive on port reception facilities, which touches on this issue, but also that of avoiding waste discharge into the sea.

49 Hamburg

50 Hamburg Page 2 BÜRGERSCHAFT (PARLIAMENT) OF THE FREE AND HANSEATIC CITY OF HAMBURG Parliamentary Paper 21/12133 March 8, st Parliamentary Term Notification by the President of the Bürgerschaft Subject: Senate statement on the Conference Resolution adopted by the 26 th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Parliamentary Paper 21/10709 Under the chairmanship of the Hamburg Parliament and my presidency the 26 th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference was held in Hamburg from September 3 to 5, In the course of the forthcoming 27 th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference to be held in Mariehamn from August 26 to 28, 2018 also the implementation of the Conference Resolution of the 26 th Annual Conference will be evaluated. To this effect, each member parliament has been encouraged to submit the Resolution to the respective governments requesting their statement on the implementation of the political demands raised. Against this backdrop I submitted, by letter dated October 26, 2017, the Hamburg Resolution together with the request for a statement on to what extent the Hamburg Senate within its functional responsibility is planning, has been initiating or implemented pertinent measures for implementation, to the President of the Senate, Mayor Olaf Scholz. The Hamburg Parliament referred the written report on the Conference in Hamburg as Parliamentary Paper 21/10709 after discussion in its session of November 8, 2017 to the European Committee. The Commissioner with the Federal Government, the European Union and in charge of foreign matters, Staatsrat Wolfgang Schmidt, submitted to me the attached letter dated January 31, Attachment Carola Veit President

51 Hamburg Page 3 Senate Statement on the Implementation of the Conference Resolution of the 26 th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference The Senate welcomes emphatically the objectives laid down in the Resolution. In so far as the items mentioned fall within the jurisdiction of the Senate and are not subject to any regulations on the federal or EU level they are common practice in many instances already. Below the Senate wishes to state its point of view on the matters of its concern and report on measures and administrative practices that are being conducted in accordance with the objectives of the Baltic Sea Parliamentarians. Regarding Cooperation in the Region: Re figure 1 of the Resolution: The Senate continues to represent, within the scope of its jurisdiction, Hamburg in an active manner in the various networks and bodies in the Baltic Sea region. The emphasis is on the coordination of the policy area Education, Research and Employment of the EU Baltic Sea strategy through HIBB (Hamburg Institute of Vocational Training) which, jointly with Norden Association (Sweden), as lead partner supports the further development of the action plans. Beyond the cooperation in networks, Hamburg is fostering close bilateral cooperation with the Baltic Sea region. Special emphasis must be put in the process, for one thing, on the cooperation with our twin city of St. Petersburg supported mainly by the huge number of civil society and economic actors and which was intensified once more through the recently held sixtieth twinning anniversary. In addition, Hamburg has been cooperating for some time now with the city of Kaliningrad with emphasis on cultural exchange mainly. For another thing, partners from Hamburg are closely linked with partners from the region in various INTERREG projects in the Baltic Sea region.

52 Hamburg Page 4 Re figure 2 of the Resolution: Hamburg can have an indirect impact only on the work of the HELCOM bodies, among other things in the development of the HELCOM Action Plan and implementation of the measures adopted. Representatives appointed to the bodies are only representatives of the Federal government and the federal states of Schleswig-Holstein and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. It is only by active membership in the Federal Government-Federal Sates Working Group North Sea/Baltic Sea that Hamburg can support the objectives of the Baltic Sea Action Plan and actively participate in the measures in the Baltic Sea. Re figure 3 of the Resolution: Elaboration of the regional HELCOM Action Plan on underwater noise is made without active participation of Hamburg. Indirect participation of Hamburg is taking place in the elaboration of the HELCOM Action Plan on marine litter, to wit within the framework of participation in the Round Table on Marine Litter and in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive of the European Commission. Participation of Hamburg is in the best interest of the Senate as the Action Plan covers waste disposal in Hamburg and also its monitoring for traffic between Hamburg and the Baltic Sea ports. Re figure 4 of the Resolution: The Senate welcomes the intense discussion of the topics of science and research within the framework of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference. Hamburg s ambition is to develop into the biggest science metropolis in Northern Europe. To this end, it has already developed (as the only federal state) a Baltic Sea strategy for Hamburg as the science centre (Parliamentary Paper 20/10410) and adopted it in 2014 by the Senate and the Hamburg Parliament. Re figure 5 of the Resolution: To the extent that the measures demanded under this figure fall within the jurisdiction of the City of Hamburg, the Senate can state the following: In the field of tourism marketing there has been in place a cooperation agreement with Wonderful Copenhagen since 2016 to achieve a joint perception of the two cities for the overseas markets. In addition, there is a joint marketing project of the two Hanseatic

53 Hamburg Page 5 cities in place within the framework of Hanse der Neuzeit ( Hanseatic League of Modern Times ). In the field of tourism marketing there are currently no plans for further development and institutionally border-crossing cooperation. In Hamburg there exists, unlike in other federal states, no tourist infrastructure of its own through the city. As regards the infrastructure, the Senate is pursuing the objective of developing public transport in a sustainable and resource-conserving manner. The development is stringently required so that, in this context, also the switch to emission-free busses is being advanced. Rapid transit lines are planned to be expanded and also the metro network expansion plan is currently under way. Regarding Democratic Participation and the Digital Age Re figure 6 of the Resolution: Even in the past, The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg took major steps for improving democratic participation on a continuous level. For one thing, Hamburg, with the concept of citizen lawmaking, introduced in 1996, in the form of people s initiatives, popular petitions and referendums has been boasting for a long time extended means of participation on the state level as has been proved by active use which also in political practice are being lived. For another thing, Hamburg, with the Transparency Law of 2012, has a highly progressive information right in place which not only provides for extensive rights of information on the part of the citizens but mainly also proactive and cause-free disclosure duties on the part of the authorities. In addition, the instrument of citizens contract has over the past few years been further developed and used in practice. In the process, agreements have been concluded between local initiatives and government actors on concrete subjects, mostly of a local nature. The so called Stadtwerkstatt ( City Workshop ) established in 2012 serves the purpose of providing, via a participative platform, as many citizens as possible with a means of joining urban planning processes. This is being supported by local events to which citizens are invited by the administration. Re figure 7 of the Resolution: With the implementation of Art. 33 Law Relating to the Administration of the Hamburg Districts the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg provides minors in addition to the

54 Hamburg Page 6 participation rights accorded all citizens with the right to participate in a reasonable manner in planning procedures and projects touching on their interests. To this effect, the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg supports the Hamburg district administrations in their efforts to develop suitable procedures for safeguarding the participation means. The Ministry of Labour, Social Affairs, Family and Integration (BASFI) is planning to intensify the exchange with the Hamburg district administrations for implementation of these standards. Within the framework of the youth welfare services, participation of young people is common. Among other things, visitors of institutions of work with children and youths are regularly invited to participate in work planning and interior decoration. In order to be able to provide free youth welfare services and initiatives of young people with funds for participatory projects in an unbureaucratic manner, BASFI jointly with Deutsches Kinderhilfswerk are planning to set up a fund for the promotion of participatory projects in youth welfare in a broad sense. It is planned for an annual support volume of 40,000 Euro. Re figure 8 of the Resolution: There is a steady exchange between all levels of the Hamburg administration and representatives of the science community and civil society organizations on legal and ethical aspects of digitization. The Digital City of Hamburg strategy includes the express declaration in favour of discrimination-free access to digital offers under equality and gender mainstreaming aspects in order to bring about the overcoming of digital division. This basic principle will be taken into account in each digitization project within the framework of the strategy. Re figure 9 of the Resolution: Intensive cooperation and steady exchange are taking place also in regard to employing new digital technologies for subjects of democracy and political development. One successful example is cooperation with Helsinki within the framework of the EU project MySmartLife in which, among other things, the subject of participation is playing an active part.

55 Hamburg Page 7 Re figure 10 of the Resolution The Senate supports numerous participatory projects. One example of positive application of digital technologies has been the project Finding Places for accommodating refugees. With the help of interactive planning desks, citizens have been put in a position to identify areas for building sites and settlements and review existing proposals. Re figures 11 and 12 of the Resolution In order to prepare schoolboys and schoolgirls for life in the current and future society and provide them with the skills for active and responsible participation in the cultural, civic, political, occupational and economic life in the digitized society, the Hamburg Senate as early as in December 2016 joined the strategy of the Standing Conference of the State Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs Education in the Digitized World. The digitization strategy developed on this basis by the Ministry for Education and Occupational Development (BSB) covers the six fields of action: Curriculums and Didactics, Training, Continued Education and Further Education of Educators and Teachers, IT Infrastructure and Equipment, Educational Media, E-Government and School Administration Programs as well as Legal Framework Conditions. It is the teaching of skills required for life in a digitized world that BSB attaches great importance to as these will empower schoolgirls and schoolboys for coping with permanent change in a digitized world. The pertinent concept developed by BSB to this end for school subjects covers the skills Searching, Processing and Saving, Communicating and Copying, Producing and Presenting, Protecting and Safe Acting, Problem Solution and Acting as well as Analyzing and Reflecting. It is planned that schoolgirls and schoolboys enrolled for educational year 2018/2019 shall have acquired these skills by the end of their compulsory schooling. Other than that, the challenges of digital change and the concomitant transformation by means of greater utilization of digital media are being met by the development of innovative teaching and learning processes. The new media are being used to permit even more dedicated and individual support and achieve equal opportunities in the educational sector. Also in the field of vocational education programs the Senate is pursuing the aim of providing graduates with the skills permitting them unrestricted

56 Hamburg Page 8 participation in a digitized society and economy. To this end, the curriculums and teaching methods are continually being harmonized. Re figure 13 of the Resolution: There are currently no measures being taken in this field; neither is any planning underway. Re figure 14 of the Resolution: By its program Digital First the Senate is aiming at full digitization of administrative processes. This puts both the citizens and the enterprises in the focus. One central element in the development of online offers is the concentration towards the user. Orientation to the requirements of the citizens will take into account also genderspecific and generational aspects. Re figure 15 of the Resolution: In regard to Hate Speech Hamburg, within the framework of the Conference of Ministers of Justice, by putting forward its own motion Effectively Stop Hate Speech in the Internet Strengthen the Position of Users who are the Victims of Hate Crimes initiated the Network Enforcement Act that has meanwhile entered into force. Providers of social network services will be fined if structural deficits are detected in deleting entries infringing listed offences. In this way, Hate Speech is intended to be contained. By means of motions for amendment and request for legal assessment the Senate was further involved also in the process in the Bundesrat (Second Chamber) and succeeded in bringing about amendments (for example, in regard to nominating authorized recipients). As regards Fake News, Hamburg put forward a motion of their own in the Conference of Ministers of Justice in spring 2017 Market Power and Data Sovereignty in Law Contain Social Bots and Fake News. Appraisal of these subjects has shown that Fake News may be contained best via type of dissemination (on a massive scale through computer programs so-called social bots). The focus therefore has come to rest on these Social Bots. Hamburg, as a consequence, has participated in a nationwide state working group on this set of issues. This working group submitted its final report with legislative proposal as on the Conference of Ministers of Justice in

57 Hamburg Page 9 fall 2017, and Hamburg was co-proposer of the resolution of the Conference of Ministers of Justice by which the report was submitted. Regarding Innovative Science and Research Re figures 16 to 27 of the Resolution: In organizing the Baltic Sea Strategy of the City of Hamburg the Senate has initiated a host of measures which in many cases are in line with the demands raised in the BSPC Resolution. The Senate, with the Baltic Science Network (BSN), established an efficient science-policy network providing major stimulus for more intensive scientific cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region. Various studies and analyses have been conducted on the three priority areas of BSN Research, Excellence, Mobility and broader Participation in EU Research Funding in order to develop recommendations for joint strategies and structures of the Baltic Sea countries. By identifying research areas and infrastructures in the Baltic Sea Region and the recommendation for closer transnational cooperation in selected research areas the network has been making a decisive contribution, in terms of quantity and quality, to strengthening transnational scientific cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region. Also in the field of scientist mobility in the Baltic Sea Region programs have been analyzed, barriers identified and strategies developed for promoting mobility. In addition the BSN is addressing measures to achieve a balanced participation of the south-eastern EU Baltic Sea countries in the EU Research Funding in order, in this way, to safeguard the acceptance and financing of EU Research Funding. The work of BSN is being held in supra-regional esteem, particularly so because all national and regional ministries of science and national research agencies as well as international stakeholders (e.g. the Nordic Council of Ministers, the Council of the Baltic Sea States, BONUS and the political field of Education, Research and Employment of EUSBSR) are members in the network and represented in the Steering Committee of BSN. Cooperation with the Council of the Baltic Sea States is running smoothly. A further part of the Hamburg Baltic Sea Strategy is the active support of the policy fields Education, Research and Employment as well as Innovation. Within this framework a seed money facility for scientific cooperation with partners from the

58 Hamburg Page 10 Baltic Sea Region has been promoted within the scope of the Hamburg scheme of research promotion as well as strengthening scientific cooperation in the fields of structure research and materials research with the Øresund region. Additionally re figure 18 of the Resolution: Within the framework of Innovation Alliance Hamburg the city is implementing numerous measures for furthering innovations in Hamburg as a convenient location. In the process, the measures always take into account the basic principles of sustainability. There are currently no plans for measures beyond the Innovation Alliance. Re figure 19 of the Resolution: The Baltic TRAM project, in the opinion of the Senate, represents a prominent best practice example in the field of innovation by addressing the cooperation of major research institutions with industry. Through DESY as lead partner Hamburg is making a major contribution to this end. Additionally re figure 22 of the Resolution: Education starting as early as in pre-school age and ending upon school-leaving or vocational qualification is essential for a society capable of innovation and, in the opinion of the Senate, represents a central element of social provision for the future. Hamburg as a consequence provides for comprehensive, differentiated and largely free-of-charge educational opportunities that are subject to continuous development. The existence and assertion of compulsory schooling is meant to increase the awareness of citizens of all ages that education represents an indispensable part of individual health and social protection. On-going learning is required for earning employment and maintaining gainful employment and, by implication, also for forming one s individual life. The persons active in the educational institutions are required, within the framework of their general educational mandate, to work towards young people being willing to develop further in accordance with their capabilities and preferences. There are highly diverse public and non-public educational offerings in place, information on which is accessible to citizens with BSB (print and online media

59 Hamburg Page 11 provide information on institutions, educational programs and qualification measures, access possibilities and prerequisites etc.). One essential goal of educational policy is to facilitate passage between the various educational stages (vocational preparation, vocational qualification, dual and full-time schooling and advanced vocational training) and from the general school system to the academic education system. The importance attached by the Senate to education and science as well as the strengthening of awareness thereof may be seen by the fact that the city of Hamburg provides for a comprehensive offer of opportunities for further education and advises citizens thereof by free-of-charge pertinent information and consultation. Additionally re figure 23 of the Resolution: The Baltic Sea Science Day of the Baltic Sea Council will this year be held in Turku, Finland, from January 24 to 26, Pertinent organization and planning of the event will be the responsibility of BSN. Additionally re figure 24 of the Resolution: The Senate is positively in favour of continuation of the BONUS program as this is the only macro-regional research promotion scheme of the EU and makes and will continue making decisive contributions to issues of environmental, marine and climate research. Regarding Sustainable Tourism Re figure 28 to 40 of the Resolution The Senate is pursuing the goal of promoting sustainable tourism in the Hanseatic City. Hamburg Tourismus GmbH (HHT) is in charge of the subject of sustainability in the tourist market. HHT inform and advise hotels and tourist service providers with regard to sustainable tourism offers and arrange for strengthening networking of service providers. Other than that, the Senate is pursuing the goal of greatest possible participation of population groups and, as a consequence, achieving accessibility. In the metro and

60 Hamburg Page 12 rapid transit network of the Hochbahn and the DB Station und Service AG, accessibility of the stations is being advanced on a continuous level. In the rapid transit system, as many as 46 of the 56 way stations on the Hamburg territory have been retrofitted for stepless accessibility. In the task of producing transparency through the manifold offers already in place, intense utilization of digital channels has a continuously growing role to play. Additionally re figure 30 of the Resolution: To improve transparency in regard to sustainability and the carbon footprint of tourism products in future the recognition of Certified Green Hotel or also certification of sustainability of cruise trips might be offered. Additionally re figure 31 of the Resolution: The cruise terminals Altona and Steinwerder have already been equipped with facilities to receive waste water and feed it into the public sewer system. In addition there are private providers with offers for collecting waste water from vessels. Hamburg has no responsibilities for installing waste water collection centres in the Baltic Sea ports of the federal states. Hamburg is organizing the MARPOL task force of the Federal Government and the Federal States. In this context also MARPOL Annex IV (Waste Water) and the HELCOM requirements for the waste water protection area Baltic Sea are being deliberated. Additionally re figure 32 of the Resolution: The Senate aims at markedly improving the bike traffic infrastructure in Hamburg. To this effect, on June 23, 2017, the Hamburg Alliance for Bike Traffic was concluded which, in its action program, includes the completion of the bike-route network and new construction/renewal of annually 50 km of bike routes. This need for action has been transferred to single measures and equipped with budget funds and personnel so that the action plan may be implemented on a step-by-step basis by For the moment, a sum of 33 million EUR has been provided for putting up signage for the bike route network in compliance with the nation-wide standard. Another component of concrete traffic planning is the expansion of bike parking lots (included in almost any planning). The Bike Ride Development Scheme (Parliamentary Paper 20/14485)

61 Hamburg Page 13 is under way and will increase the number of Bike-Ride stands at the rapid transit way stations from 17,000 to 25,000 by Moreover, the stands are planned to be adapted to the current state of the art.

62 Latvia

63 Latvia Page 2 No. 21 Riga, 1 March 2018 Mr Valerijus Simulik President of the Baltic Assembly Mr Jānis Vucāns Vice-President of the Baltic Assembly Mr Aadu Must Vice-President of the Baltic Assembly Secretariat of the Baltic Assembly Citadeles Street Riga, LV-1010 Distinguished Members of the Presidium of the Baltic Assembly, It is my honour to reply to your letter No. 1/ of 9 January 2018 concerning the questions on the implementation of the 26 th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Resolution. Please find attached answers to the questions, submitted by the respective branch ministries of the Republic of Latvia. Enclosed: Annex on 9 (nine) pages. Yours sincerely, Minister of Foreign Affairs Edgars Rinkēvičs

64 Latvia Page 3 2 Annex Answers to the Questions regarding the Implementation of the Resolution of the 26 th Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Regarding Cooperation in the Region: 1) intensify the cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region including the Northern Dimension, the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region and the Strategy for the socio-economic development of the North-West Federal district of Russia in addition to other regional actors by identifying common priorities and developing respective regional strategies and action plans in fields of common interest and mutual benefits. Since macroregional strategies gather stakeholders and actors from all sectors and levels of governance, macro-regional strategies offer efficient instruments to improve relations between neighbouring countries and thereby support European Neighbourhood Policy. Answer prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs In the Baltic Sea region there are various regional organizations, foras and formats where the cooperation between different actors is fostered. Nowadays, the Baltic Sea region is considered as one of the most successful examples of regional co-operation. As of 1 July 2018, Latvia will assume the Presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS). Besides continuation of the CBSS long-term priorities and major initiatives undertaken by the current Swedish Presidency, the intention of the Latvian CBSS Presidency is to focus on the prevention of human trafficking, the combating of organised crime, the shaping and preservation of cultural heritage in the Baltic Sea region. Also, Latvia will contribute to the following issues: sustainability, climate change, spatial planning. Considering the need to evaluate the role of the CBSS towards 2020 and beyond, Latvia participates in the work of the CBSS Vision Group, elaborating renewed and innovative recommendations for a vision of the Baltic Sea Region and on the future role of the CBSS. EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea region (EUSBSR) which includes eight EU member states (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden) and the European Commission creates a solid framework for joint projects in environment protection, education, health, culture, tourism, energy and other issues of regional importance. For better implementation of the EUSBSR objectives, cooperation with EU neighbouring countries, namely Belarus, Iceland, Norway and Russia, is also welcomed. As the European Council conclusions noted, the Northern Dimension a common policy of the EU, Russia, Norway and Iceland, provides a basis for external aspects of the EUSBSR. The Northern Dimension Partnership on Public Health and Social Well-being is the coordinator for the EUSBSR policy area Health. The Northern Dimension Partnership on Transport and Logistics is connected to the EUSBSR through the policy areas Transport, Safe and Ship. Other regional organizations such as the CBSS, Nordic Council of Ministers and the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) are also useful for the successful cooperation with the non-eu partners within the EUSBSR framework. HELCOM together with VASAB is the coordinator of the horizontal action Spatial Planning. The CBSS Secretariat is a coordinator for policy area Secure together with Sweden, as well as for horizontal action Climate and horizontal action Neighbours together with the City of Turku. The EUSBSR is implemented, among others, by means of flagships projects. Currently there are many projects in which also non-eu countries are involved in order to implement common regional priorities.

65 Latvia Page 4 The recently signed Financing Agreement with which Russia joins the Interreg Baltic Sea Region programme will increase the participation of Russian partners in transnational cooperation projects around the Baltic Sea. Regarding the cooperation with the Strategy for the socio-economic development of the North-West Federal district of Russia, Latvian side will be able to talk about it when the particular Strategy is revised and publicly available. As regards regional cooperation within the Northern Dimension, Latvia values the projectbased approach of the Northern Dimension and supports regional cooperation on practical issues at the expert level. Latvia takes part in three Northern Dimension partnerships: the Partnership on Transport and Logistics, the Partnership on Public Health and Social Wellbeing, and the Partnership on Culture. In the framework of the Partnership on Public Health and Social Well-being (NDPHS), Latvia has taken over the chairmanship from Estonia for In February 2018 Estonia concluded its chairmanship with line ministers meeting in Tallinn and with the adoption of the Declaration on Alcohol Policy. During the Latvian chairmanship in the NDPHS, one of its tasks will be the evaluation of the Partnership s activities over the past five-year period. Latvia, during its chairmanship, is also planning to hold two senior officials meetings and finish its chairmanship with a high level meeting in Latvia is also one of the founders of the Northern Dimension s Partnership on Culture (NDPC). Since 2014, the Secretariat for the Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture has been temporarily located in Riga. Currently, the NDPC member states - Sweden, Norway, Finland, Russia, Poland and Latvia - are finalising discussions on the Draft Agreement on the Establishment of the Secretariat of the Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture and preparing it for signing. Meanwhile, Latvia as a host country of the Partnership s Secretariat has prepared for the discussions a draft Host Agreement between the Republic of Latvia and the Secretariat of the Northern Dimension on Culture concerning the immunity and privileges of the Secretariat and its staff. 2) further strengthen and develop HELCOM as the coordinator of the regional implementation of ocean-related goals of the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda of the United Nations, through the strengthened implementation of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan and further commitment to achieve a Baltic Sea in good environmental status by 2021 and if applicable, by renewing the Baltic Sea Action Plan in line with the UN Sustainable Development Agenda with a time perspective until 2030; 3) support HELCOM in elaborating a regional action plan on underwater noise as well as in implementing the marine litter regional action plan and in its battle against eutrophication; concrete measures taken to reduce the input of plastics into the marine environment; 4) support the significance of the Science, Research and Innovation Agenda as it is outlined by CBSS Science Ministers Conference held in 2016 in the Chair s Conclusions: Baltic Science: Renewing the Commitment to Science/Research Joint Actions in the Baltic Sea Region; 5) elaborate a common programme based on a strategy within the framework of the CBSS to develop sustainable tourism in the Baltic Sea Region, considering the following aspects: the reduction as far as possible of obstacles to cross-border travelling to promote the freedom of travel including promotion of the local border traffic regime on outer borders of the EU; facilitating border and visa regime for youth and organized tourist groups; the improvement of sustainable transport and tourism infrastructure; 3

66 Latvia Page 5 support for the idea of Baltic Sea Region States creating a common Baltic Sea Brand, based on cultural and natural heritage, to strengthen tourism competitiveness; the improvement of travel options especially for young people (e.g. interferry). Answer prepared by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development The delegation of Latvia, together with other HELCOM Contracting Parties, during the HELCOM high-level session on 28 February 2017, agreed to use HELCOM as the regional platform for coordinating actions towards regional implementation of ocean-related SDGs in the Baltic Sea area. HELCOM can concretely contribute to achieving SDG 14. A number of targets under other SDGs (such as 6.3., 12.4 and 13.2) are also relevant to reaching the objectives of the Helsinki Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area. Latvia is confident that full implementation of the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) can deliver to the Agenda 2030 goals. HELCOM s contribution to implementation of the Agenda 2030 could be, e.g., sharing the Baltic Sea regional experience in implementation of the global and regional commitments, including the HELCOM BSAP, Regional Marine Litter Action Plan or development of the holistic Baltic Sea assessment, as well as in implementation of the international requirements in pollution reduction from shipping. HELCOM Ministerial Meeting to be held on 6 March, 2018, in Brussels, Belgium, is a response to the call for action in the Baltic Sea on the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development ( The meeting will assess the progress made towards reaching a good environmental status in the Baltic Sea by 2021 (as set by the BSAP). It is planned to agree on updating the BSAP by 2021, based on new knowledge and emerging challenges, and set such task in the Ministerial Declaration to be adopted. Themes of the meeting: Activities at national level: The newest among the four umbrella laws defining basic provisions for protection and sustainable use of waters in Latvia is the Water Services Law (adopted on 18 June, 2015, in force since 1 January, 2016). The law and related Cabinet of Ministers Regulations Regarding the Provision and Use of Public Water Management Services (22 March 2016) aim to improve access to good quality and environmentally sound water services in Latvia by balancing the environmental protection requirements and sustainable use of natural resources with social welfare and economic activities by setting unified requirements and terms for delivery of water supply and sewage services and uses. Latvia s Programme of Measures for good environmental status of the marine waters of Latvia (PoM) (adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers on 13 July, 2016] was developed in accordance with the requirements of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. PoM includes targeted actions for marine litter, development of data and information basis to assess pollution trends and effectiveness of implemented measures, development of methodology for implementation of spatial protection measures, int.al, for cumulative impacts` assessment of sea uses. Implementation of River Basin management plans in accordance to Water Framework Directive is crucial to reach targets set in PoM for abatement of eutrophication in the sea. An Interreg project Baltic Blue Growth using blue catch crops (experimental mussel farming) will help to assess effectiveness of innovative methods for reduction of eutrophication. Broad research study financed by European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) is commenced to improve the knowledge and information basis on the state of marine environment, incl., social and economic aspects. To understand climate change and its impacts to identify adaptation and mitigation measures, several research activities were carried out under the State Research Program "The value and dynamic of Latvia`s 4

67 Latvia Page 6 ecosystems under changing climate - EVIDEnT ( ) (e.g., adaptation and elaboration of models for wind fields, wave and current dynamics, food chain studies in system lake river sea; investigation of invasive species in freshwater, ports and marine ecosystem; estimation of GHG emissions from agricultural sector, etc.). An ecosystem-based maritime spatial planning (MSP) could serve as an effective additional tool to strengthen an integrated and cross-sectoral approach to the sustainable governance and use of marine resources. Development of MSP is included into PoM as spatial management measure together with further development of management plans for marine protected areas (MPA) (covering 15% of marine waters under jurisdiction of Latvia - more than globally set goal). In coming years Latvia will carry out research studies to justify possible new MPAs in EEZ. Latvia participates in Interreg projects to support development of MSP in Latvia and the Baltic Sea Region (e.g., PanBaltic SCOPE project, Coherent Linear Infrastructures in Baltic Maritime Spatial Plans - Baltic LINes). The National Long-term thematic plan for the public infrastructure development of the Baltic Sea coastline has been developed and adopted by the Cabinet of Ministers in Latvia is committed to implement the HELCOM Regional Marine Litter Action Plan (2015). The Regional Plan together with marine litter related projects and activities and campaigns in Latvia will contribute to the Clean Seas global campaign on marine litter announced by UNEP in Latvia s PoM includes targeted actions for marine litter, inter alia, prevention of litter origins, improvement of information basis, consumers and general public awareness raising, as well as raising of merchants` responsibility through such measures as reduction of the use of lightweight plastic bags, regular beach monitoring, education, awareness, as well as research studies on presence and ecological impacts of microplastics. Annual campaign My Sea since 2012 has proved to be efficient instrument in both public awareness raising, data collecting and coastal policy development work and have become a backbone of emerging national policies regarding marine litter (annual beach litter monitoring programme is carried using this campaign). Latvia supports implementation of HELCOM Regional Baltic Underwater Noise Roadmap and development of environmental targets for underwater noise. Research study on underwater noise is planned in Latvia in coming years. Establishment of the Nitrogen oxides Emission Control Area for the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, as well as establishment of the effective dates to make the Baltic Sea a Special Area regarding discharge of sewage from passenger ships by the IMO Marine Environment Protection Committee in 2017 were remarkable turning points to cut nutrient emissions from shipping to reduce eutrophication. The International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments (2004) will be ratified by Latvia in Answer prepared by the Ministry of Transport Regarding the improvement of sustainable transport and tourism infrastructure Ministry of Transport implements the infrastructure improvement measures according to the Latvian Tourism Development Guidelines and Transport Development Guidelines In particular, the progress has been made in improving the local state roads with gravel pavements, for which additional financing will be allocated - in 2018 (25.2 million euros), 2019 (25.2 million euros), and in 2020 (36.9 million euros). Also, the modernization of rail passenger infrastructure has been implemented. The project "Modernization of the International Airport "Riga" infrastructure" has been completed, increasing aerodrome capacity, reducing the impact of airport operations on environment and increasing flight safety. Now also Liepaja Airport is certified for regular flight service. Regarding development of airbaltic flight network there have been new bilateral intergovernmental agreements concluded on air transport. 5

68 Latvia Page 7 Answer prepared by the Ministry of Economics Regarding the development of sustainable tourism Ministry of Economics has developed a Nordic Baltic Cooperation Plan, which integrates all the tourism related questions in one solid activity plan. The plan includes such activities as common tourism marketing activities for long distant markets, participation in the Baltic Tourism Committee, organization of Baltic Sea Tourism Forum etc. Regarding Democratic Participation and the Digital Age: 6) further improve and develop means of democratic participation, e.g. through transparency, comprehensive information, government accountability and other instruments of citizen participation; 7) commit to strengthening the involvement of youth in all areas of society, including, but not limited to, government, science, education and culture. To this end, the BSPC will continue to work towards establishing a Baltic Sea-wide youth forum; 8) stimulate a common dialogue and debate in the Baltic Sea region on ethical conditions for the digitization of states and societies and the possibilities of a common legal framework in this policy field. The task of the Parliaments is to guarantee fundamental rights, democracy and the rule of law in the digital world as well. Parliaments and governments are encouraged to ensure that there is no gap between the digital society and the state; 9) work with the aim to make the Baltic sea region a global frontrunner in making new digital technologies work for democracy and political development; 10) stimulate policies to enhance digitization of democratic activity and processes with the aim to increase public participation in decision-making through sharing of technology and best practices by governments and parliaments; 11) draw attention to training and education for the youth with regard to digitalization opportunities in order to foster a competent and responsible use of the evolving technological innovations - thereby contributing to democratic societies in the digital age; 12) understand state coordination of innovation policies in terms of a social progress and not only as a technological process; 13) support the social partners in the Baltic Sea Region in their pursuit to use the chances of digitalization for decent and sustainable working and living conditions; 14) draw special attention to the gender and generation aspects of digital innovation and the consequent societal changes; 15) bearing in mind the importance of freedom of expression, explore legal possibilities and a common approach to react against Hate Speech and Fake News. Answer prepared by the Ministry of Welfare In Latvia, active labour market policies play an essential role in reducing ICT skills gaps for unemployed and job seekers who are registered in the State Employment Agency (PES), including target groups - disadvantaged unemployed with disabilities, long term unemployed, unemployed aged 50 years and over, etc. Vocational training and upskilling programmes for PES clients include various ICT related programmes: Non-formal programmes implemented with voucher method (17 computer skills related training programmes from 80 to 360 hours); Vocational training programme (from 480 to 1280 hours) and upskilling vocational programme (from 160 to 320 hours) for the unemployed with voucher method 6

69 Latvia Page 8 (including Information and communications technology operations ( h) and Computer systems technicians (960 hours)). Furthermore, various shorter term courses from 16 to 32 hours are available to strengthen ICT use among older workers. Answer prepared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Regarding Hate Speech and Fake News : Since 2014, Latvia has taken a watchful and holistic approach to the challenge posed by hate speech and disinformation ( fake news ). In this regard, two separate but interlinked actions are being implemented. First, Latvia is undertaking a review of the National Electronic Media Law, while supporting the review of the Audiovisual Media Service Directive on the EU level. Latvia supports the strengthening of the EEAS Strategic Communications Task Forces and seconds a national expert to the EAST StratCom Task Force. Second, the Latvian government supports practical NGO-driven projects aimed at upgrading journalists professional skills and safeguarding independence of media. Since 2015, the government has increased support for initiatives that strengthen media literacy. Of particular notice are journalist training and media literacy projects implemented by the Baltic Centre for Media Excellence. The Centre is based in Riga and works both in the Baltic States and in the EU Eastern Partnership countries. Lastly, Latvia emphasizes that the challenge of disinformation and hate speech should not be approached in ways hostile to freedom of expression and media. At the same time, Latvia sides with the view that hate speech is not entitled to freedom of speech safeguards. Regarding Innovative Science and Research: 16) intensify scientific cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region qualitatively and quantitatively and therefore: promote the development of more credible projections of the future of the Baltic Sea, based on the best basic marine research as well as the most plausible socioeconomic development scenarios and associated alterations in human pressures, and the complex impacts of climate change on the ecosystem, promote the delivery of new comprehensive knowledge on true long-term effects of various human pressures on all organizational levels - from genes to an ecosystem, as well as suggestions on ways to mitigate these effects, provide a scientific foundation for innovative cross-border policy making, including potential internalization of the costs of marine ecosystem services into the economic system; 17) promote the further development of the Baltic Sea Science Network to enhance macroregional dimensions of science and research policy from which higher education and research institutions should benefit and to thus create a supra-regional network that provides an administrative network in addition to the existing scientific network to manage the scientific cooperation in a useful and targeted way, especially in the framework of the project Baltic Science Network ; 18) take a more active role with regard to providing sustainable resources for research and development in order to further innovations by developing e.g. common standards, data security and intellectual property rights within the Baltic Sea Region; 19) continue to support the efforts in building closer ties between analytical research institutions and businesses in the framework of the Baltic TRAM (Transnational Research Access in the Macro-region) project; 7

70 Latvia Page 9 20) further improve the conditions of the Baltic Sea Region in global scientific competition through joint strengthened efforts by increased investments in innovative science and research; 21) recognize the EUSBSR s Policy Area Innovation and Policy Area Education commitment to ensure a prosperous, sustainable and competitive region based on front running innovation, research and higher education activities as a common good and highlight the importance of developing measures to overcome innovation and performance gaps in the region; 22) strengthen citizen awareness of education and science as important innovation resources through suitable measures; 23) referring to the success of the Baltic Sea Science Day held for the first time in St. Petersburg on 8 February 2017, to support and promote the continuation of this initiative as a useful tool for the intensification of scientific cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region and for improving the visibility of the Region's achievements and potential in the field of science, research and innovation; 24) support BONUS II; 25) intensify measures to facilitate cross-border border integration of interdisciplinary Earth system science in the Baltic Sea region; 26) call for seeking synergies and measures for developing the Arctic-Baltic joint vision, collaboration and scientific performance; 27) improve the short-term mobility possibilities of researchers by providing unbureaucratic support outside of large funded projects to allow for more flexibility in visibility and international research collaboration and a better integration of the Baltic Sea Region research landscape, to intensify the mobility of teaching professionals and students by stipend programmes for mobility within the Baltic Sea Region imparting the benefits of scientific and cultural exchanges and while strengthening and to promoting summer schools as well as exchange programmes in the Baltic Sea Region. Answer prepared by the Ministry of Economics The Ministry of Economics has developed internal Nordic Baltic Cooperation Plan which integrates activities related to innovation (closer cooperation between Investment and Development Agency of Latvia and Nordic innovation agencies in fields of technology transfer system and commercialization of research results). The Ministry of Economics has been participating in EUSBSR PA Innovation Steering Committee and EUBSR Stars Advisory Board in the new PA Innovation strategy period of The Investment and Development Agency of Latvia has been participating in the implementation of the new BSR Stars Activity Plan as the in-kind personnel from Latvia to the EUBSR Stars Secretariat. Answer prepared by the Ministry of Education and Science Regarding the project Baltic Science Network it has already provided an administrative network in order to manage scientific cooperation. The aim of the project is to provide the Ministries of Science and Research of the Baltic Sea Region with an overall coordination framework to develop and implement science policy in a macro-regional dimension and to ensure a better representation of macro-regional interests on the EU level. The project also aims to develop and implement transnational strategies, incentives and programs to support higher education, research and innovation and to develop R&I excellence. The Ministry of Education and Science of Latvia is putting a high priority on the collaboration among macro-regional stakeholders and is encouraging the use of project results. Increased mobility and knowledge sharing is an important aspect towards building the capacity of institutions and people. 8

71 Latvia Page 10 Regarding Baltic TRAM project it establishes structures to serve as an interface between analytical research institutes and companies, the so called Industrial Research Centers. Invited companies will receive consultations and access to research facilities to test their ideas. Baltic TRAM is led by DESY (Deutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron) in dialogue with 14 project partners and 5 associated organizations from across the Baltic Sea Region (a partner from Latvia is the University of Latvia). The project also enhances international cooperation of universities, research institutes, large scale research infrastructures and nation and region wide industries via improved access to analytical research instruments by the national communities. Regarding EUSBSR PA Innovation and PA Education activities within the project Baltic Science Network are aimed at overcoming the innovation and performance gap. In the research process it is identified that countries in the Baltic Sea Region are facing either common or inter-related challenges in the research and innovation environments. Thus, there is a potential and need for closer strategic relationships within the joint fields of interest. Specific areas of interest are ought to be defined during year Regarding the Baltic Sea Science Day - the University of Latvia will be the organizer of the Baltic Sea Science Day in Regarding improving the mobility possibilities of researchers, teaching professionals and students - The project Baltic Science Network has been focusing on the mobility within the region as one of the key areas to be improved. Recent study Researcher Mobility Tools for the Baltic Sea Region has concluded that mobility challenges exist in regional, national and institutional dimension. Furthermore, cultural or family related challenges strongly emerge when looking at areas to improve with regard to mobility. The scene of mobility tools often appears scattered, with the existing tools not available or known for researchers within the target groups. Hence, opportunities in the BSR need to be made better known with an emphasis on the researchers early in their careers. A recommendation of joint mobility scheme among the involved project partners for the BSR countries is yet to be planned after close identification of the gap areas within the mobility landscape. Regarding Sustainable Tourism: 28) work towards the vision that the Baltic Sea Region will become the first eco-region in the world, conceiving the Baltic Sea Region as the first region where ecology and economy work together in a balanced and integrated manner to sustain societies and culture. 29) ensure that the consequences of tourism are sustainable by adopting models and methods to save and protect nature and orient work along the principle that sustainability is the guiding principle and standard practice in all types of tourism in the Baltic Sea region; 30) further examine the use of carbon footprints to improve the comparability and attractiveness of tourism products and their ecological and economical impacts; further improve the transparency of tourism products as to their quality in terms of sustainability, e.g by using common labels and standards; 31) promote wastewater facilities at harbours in the Baltic Sea Region; 32) improve interrailing, to promote the use of alternative sources of energy and foster a sustainable multimodal split (sea, road, rail), and to improve bike infrastructure including bicycle stands and Ebike charging stations at transport hubs as examples for ecological forms of tourism; 9

72 Latvia Page 11 33) jointly task a Tourism Transport Impact Assessment Study to analyze continuously the output of different political action to increase the level of sustainability; 34) counteract the lack of skilled workers in the tourism sector in the Baltic Sea Region, e.g. by establishing an international winter school to increase labour skills, language and intercultural skills; 35) fully use the possibilities of the circular and fair sharing economies creating new jobs in the service sectors; 36) foster a joint promotion by private and public stakeholders of the Baltic Sea Region as a tourism destination especially in new source markets and to foster cooperation in the region as a main key for the successful development of the Baltic Sea Region; 37) better use the potential of digitalization in promoting sustainable tourism and further support the development of the Baltic Sea Tourism Center into a permanent platform for information and exchange of know-how at the transnational level, especially with regard to the long-term priorities of the CBSS; 38) sustain a sound environment, safeguarding the recreational quality of natural and manmade landscapes and integrating natural, cultural and human environments within the BSR so that tourism activities do not endanger the natural and cultural heritage of the BSR and instead actively contribute to their preservation; 39) promote and sustain the competitive quality and efficiency of the tourism business while also creating satisfactory social conditions for tourists, the workforce and the local population; 40) involve citizens in the development of tourism strategies. Answer prepared by the Ministry of Welfare Regarding the lack of skilled workers in the tourism sector - there is currently no request from employers in Latvia for such specialists training; therefore, professions related to tourism are not currently included in the unemployed training lists in Latvia. Answer prepared by the Ministry of Economics Regarding creating new jobs in the service sectors - The Ministry of Economics supports the development of sharing economies. Regarding promoting the Baltic Sea Region as a tourism destination - included as a task in the Baltic Nordic Cooperation Plan. Regarding development of the Baltic Sea Tourism Center into a permanent platform Latvia supports the Baltic Sea Tourism Center. Latvian Investment and Development Agency is its associated partner. Regarding promoting the tourism business and creating satisfactory social conditions for tourists, workforce and local population, as well as the requirement to have skilled workers in the tourism sector - these recommendations have been integrated in Latvia Tourism Development Guidelines Regarding bike infrastructure - the Ministry of Economics has developed a bicycle traffic plan with activities planned regarding electric bikes. The Ministry of Education and Science is responsible for conducting a survey to clarify the scope of potential electric bike users in order to understand the actual popularity of such bikes in Latvia. Answer prepared by the Ministry of Transport Regarding bike infrastructure - a cycling development plan for has been developed with the aim of integrating cycling in the common transport system and promoting the use of environmentally friendly means of transport. 10

73 Latvia Page 12 In 2015 and 2016 approximately 10 km of pedestrian / bicycle roads have been built along the state roads, and it is planned to build another 12 km until 2020, with the aim of improving road safety in certain sections of the road. However, it must be acknowledged that when implementing projects in such small volumes, significant improvements in the bicycle infrastructure on the national road network are not foreseeable. Therefore, it is planned to carry out a comprehensive study on cycling in the country, obtaining data describing cycling and cycling infrastructure at the national level, which would allow planning further the development of bicycle transport. 11

74 Lithuania

75 Lithuania Page 2 In addition to the information about the implementation of the Resolution of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference, which was sent earlier, please find attached the respective information from the Lithuanian Ministry of Environment Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) - The Baltic Sea Environment Commission that has been set up under the Helsinki Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Area.. This commission acts on the basis of cooperation between Denmark, Estonia, the European Union, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia and Sweden in order to protect the Baltic Sea. HELCOM is the arena in which the nine Baltic coastal states and the European Union work together to protect and restore the marine environment of the Baltic Sea HELCOM's vision for the future is a healthy Baltic Sea environment where marine species, habitats and other biological components are in balance, as well as the good status of the marine environment has been achieved on the basis of the principles of sustainable development. The work of this commission is based on the overall environmental objectives and actions of the Baltic Sea Region. Taking into account the poor state of the Baltic Sea ecosystem, in 2007 The HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan was adopted at the Ministerial Meeting in Krakow. The Baltic Sea action was aimed at addressing four key challenges in the Baltic Sea: eutrophication, pollution of hazardous chemicals, loss of biodiversity, shipping and other activities in the Baltic Sea. The HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan covers the concrete measures for Baltic Sea pollution problems. These measures are included in Lithuanian legislation and strategic documents. Lithuania is actively involved in the work of this regional sea convention, because it is highly contributes to the implementation of EU legislation such as EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive, EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region and the UN Sustainable Development Agenda 2030 goals. At the next Ministerial Meeting of HELCOM to be held in Brussels on 6 March 2018 and hosted by the EU, the Environment Ministers and Commissioner of the Contracting Parties of the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission will assess the progress made towards reaching a good environmental status in the Baltic Sea by 2021 and adopt a Ministerial Declaration. The objectives of the Ministerial Declaration, a non-binding instrument that contains political commitments, are to: a) reaffirm Contracting Parties' commitment to implement the Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) agreed in 2007 and set out the vision to achieve a healthy Baltic Sea by 2021; b) start the update of the BSAP (the aim is to adopt the updated BSAP at the next Ministerial Meeting in 2021); c) provide the Ministers' vision on a series of new issues, not yet or partially tackled in the current BSAP, such as marine litter, underwater noise, nutrient recycling, and regional ocean governance. With review and update of the Baltic Sea Action Plan is planned to further strengthen HELCOM as: 1. an environmental policy maker for the Baltic Sea area by developing common environmental objectives and actions; 2. an environmental focal point providing information about the state of and trends in the marine environment, the efficiency of measures to protect it and common initiatives and positions, which can form the basis for decision-making in other international fora; 3. a body for developing, according to the specific needs of the Baltic Sea, recommendations of its own and recommendations supplementary to measures imposed by other international organisations;

76 Lithuania Page 3 4. a supervisory body dedicated to ensuring that HELCOM environmental standards are fully implemented by all parties throughout the Baltic Sea and its catchment area; 5. a coordinating body, ascertaining multilateral response in case of major maritime incidents.

77 Lithuania Page 4 LIETUVOS RESPUBLIKOS UŽSIENIO REIKALŲ MINISTERIJA MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA Budget institution, J.Tumo-Vaižganto str. 2, LT Vilnius, Lithuania, tel.: , , fax , urm@urm.lt, Data are accumulated and stored in the Register of Legal Entities, code Secretariat of the Baltic Assembly Citadeles iela Riga, LV-1010, Latvia No. RE: No 1/ from 9 January 2018 Upon the request of the Baltic Assembly to inform about the measures or actions, which have been taken in support of the 26th BSPC Resolution, herewith we are sending summary of the information submitted by the ministries of the Republic of Lithuania. Enclosed: Summary, 8 pages. Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Zananavičius Albinas Saulius Butkus, , saulius.butkus@urm.lt