At the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2024, Visby, Gotland, Sweden.
Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro & , E Sindhöj 2024
At the end of October, I had the opportunity to attend the 15th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) in Visby, Gotland. This year’s forum brought together over 500 stakeholders, including policymakers, industry representatives, and researchers, all focused on advancing the sustainability, resilience, and security of the Baltic Sea Region. Set against the historical backdrop of Visby, with its UNESCO-recognized medieval architecture, the forum provided both an inspiring and ideal setting for discussing sustainable regional development.
As co-lead for the EU Interreg BSR core project CiNURGi, my goal was to showcase our work on developing a circular economy for nutrients in the region. CiNURGi is an EU Interreg BSR core project dedicated to enhancing nutrient recovery from various resource streams, including agricultural, municipal, and industrial sources. By upgrading current infrastructure and technology, we aim to increase nutrient recovery efficiency and promote the adoption of recycled fertilizer products. In a region facing significant environmental challenges due to nutrient leakage and eutrophication, CiNURGi’s mission aligns well with the EUSBSR’s broader goals of sustainability and environmental protection.
Engaging in Policy Discussions on Nutrient Management
One of the forum’s highlights was the Networking Village, a vibrant social hub for informal exchanges and collaborative brainstorming. I also had the privilege of contributing to feedback and ideas exchange sessions in round table discussions focused on sustainable water management, particularly within Policy Area Nutri (PA Nutri). These sessions aimed to gather insights that will help shape future EU Interreg BSR programs beyond 2027, especially in the area of sustainable nutrient management.
In these discussions, I shared insights from CiNURGi’s work and exchanged ideas with other stakeholders about advancing sustainable nutrient management practices. Our conversations covered key issues, such as the potential of nutrient recycling to support regional food security and the importance of aligning national policies across the Baltic Sea Region to achieve a collective impact.
Given the public access to the HELCOM Map and Data Service (MADS) and Basemaps, there was also discussion around the benefits of establishing an Integrated Data Platform for EU Baltic Sea Region Neighboring Countries, combined with Enhanced Data Analytics and Visualization Tools. Such improvements would be highly impactful and achievable. These steps would expand MADS’s utility across borders while providing tools to make data more insightful and accessible. Real-time data capabilities and automated data quality control could be explored as future enhancements, focusing on scalability and robustness in subsequent development phases.
Highlights from the Plenary Sessions
The forum’s program featured three main plenary sessions that tackled essential themes for the region’s sustainable future:
1. Plenary 1: Strengthening Competitiveness, Resilience, and Preparedness in the BSR Bioeconomy
This session examined how the Baltic Sea Region (BSR) can boost resilience in its bioeconomy sectors—including agriculture, forestry, and fisheries—in response to geopolitical and climate-related challenges. Key discussions centered on food security, innovations in the blue bioeconomy, and the importance of regional cooperation. The Karlstad declaration by Nordic Ministers underscored the commitment to resilient food systems, with a focus on self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on global supply chains.
2. Plenary 2: Sustainable and Resilient Transport Systems in the Baltic Sea Region
Focused on developing sustainable transport solutions, this session highlighted the role of the TEN-T network and Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) in fostering connectivity across borders. The panel addressed challenges posed by current geopolitical tensions, particularly the impact of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine on transport and logistics. Discussions also explored the need for innovative, climate-neutral transport systems and the opportunities for leveraging the EUSBSR as a platform for sustainable transport development.
3. Plenary 3: Energy Security and Regional Resilience in a Civil Preparedness Perspective
Energy security, especially in the context of the Baltic Sea Region’s green transition, was the focus here. Discussions emphasized the role of civil preparedness in safeguarding critical infrastructure and promoting energy independence. The panel examined ways to strengthen resilience through public-private collaboration and drew lessons from Ukraine’s efforts to secure energy supplies amidst ongoing challenges. The session highlighted the importance of reducing fossil fuel dependency and achieving the RepowerEU objectives through regional cooperation.
These plenary sessions were complemented by a concluding session that summarized the forum’s discussions, highlighting actionable takeaways and directions for future collaborations in the Baltic Sea Region.
Looking Forward: Collaboration and Continued Progress
The forum underscored the importance of multilevel and cross-sector collaboration to tackle complex regional challenges. As we look ahead, CiNURGi remains committed to fostering a sustainable nutrient cycle in the Baltic Sea Region. Engaging with stakeholders through events like the EUSBSR Annual Forum provides invaluable opportunities for knowledge sharing, networking, and strategic alignment.
Reflecting on this experience, I am encouraged by the momentum that is currently building across the Baltic Sea Region. The dedication of participants—from local government officials to private sector innovators—suggests that we are moving in the right direction, harnessing collaborative energy to make our region a model for sustainable development.
A little bit of Christmas at the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2024, with traditional Swedish pepparkakor or gingerbread cookies.
