Conference themes:
Energy and Climate
The global climate changes are on the agenda at the forthcoming UN Summit in Copenhagen, COP15, in December 2009. The climate changes are also affecting the Baltic Sea Region. As responsible authorities the BSSSC member regions will respond to this challenge by reviewing and launching initiatives on renewable energy systems, energy efficient public transport, climate based innovation and regional climate planning. The BSSSC Conference in 2009 will present concrete examples on how to turn the development in a climate “friendly” direction and it will send a signal to the UN Climate Summit emphasizing that in the Baltic Sea Region, the regional authorities are not only ready to take on their part of the challenge – the regions are already demonstrating commitment and action.
The European Baltic Sea Strategy
The European Union is launching its first integrated strategy for a European macro-region comprising issues such as governance, environmental sustainability, economic prosperity, attractiveness of the region and security; Issues which are of importance to and affecting the regional authorities greatly. Thus, the strategy will serve as an important framework to the regions in the years to come. The BSSSC has, on behalf of the regional authorities, taken on the challenge to voice the interests of the regions and guide the EU Strategy in close alignment with the realities facing the regional authorities. The new EU Baltic Sea Strategy was presented to the European Council in June 2009.