As the first of the four Macro-Regional Strategies in Europe, the Baltic Sea Region Strategy has always been a front-runner, be it innovation ecosystems, sustainability-oriented citizens, or energy security goals. Countries from the Baltic Sea Region are working together to develop renewable energy sources and to improve energy efficiency. In addition, much effort is being put into the promotion of regional trade and investment, and improving interconnections between the countries in the region and beyond.

Keeping in mind the main objectives of the EUSBSR – save the sea, connect the region, and increase prosperity – and the Action Plan 2021, special attention with the aim to encourage debate will be paid to the climate affairs and green energy. And since the main agents of change and progress are young people, we will place a strong focus on the importance of youth engagement in decision making and have a strong youth representation.

Check the full programme of the Forum!

UBC at the Networking village

Union of the Baltic Cities is one of the co-organisers of the Annual Forum 2023, and you will be able to meet our network at the stand in the Networking village. Come and chat with representatives of the Sustainable Cities Commission, and let's discuss how to make BSR cities smart, green and sustainable! We will be happy to exchange on sustainability topics and present you our current activities and projects.

UBC SCC in the programme of the Forum

We are excited about the chance to present more of our work and achievements during the Forum's programme!

• On 4 October, we warmly welcome you at the workshop 2: Driving collaborative decarbonization and climate adaptation in the Baltic Sea Region (10:00-11:30 EEST, The Small Guild /Amatu iela 5, Riga, Latvia). Head of UBC SCC Secretariat Agnieszka Ilola will participate in the discussion on contribution and cooperation opportunities between BSR cities and regions.
• On 5 October, join the parallel session 6: Interreg Funding for the Macro-Region (14:30-16:00 EEST, The Small Guild /Amatu iela 5, Riga, Latvia), where Björn Grönholm, Director of Strategic Projects in the City of Turku (and previously, also Head of our Secretariat), will tell about the role of transnational projects for cities.