500 experts to gather in Tallinn to discuss the future of the Baltic Sea region

TALLINN - From May 11-13, over 500 experts and decision-makers from across the Baltic Sea region will gather in Tallinn to discuss the area's security, economy, and future in a rapidly changing world.

The 17th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), taking place at the Kultuurikatel (Creative Hub), will be held in Tallinn for the third time, with the city having previously hosted it in 2010 and 2018.

The forum is being held as the region faces significant geopolitical, climate, and demographic changes that demand more strategic cooperation. This year's central theme is resilience.

According to Tallinn Mayor Peeter Raudsepp, the region's resilience is not forged at the national level alone. "The security, continuity, and competitiveness of the Baltic Sea region are not shaped solely by nations. Cities are no longer just the end-points of policy, but places where practical solutions and forms of cooperation are born, directly impacting people's daily lives," stated Raudsepp.

Discussions at the forum will center on three key areas: regional security and the geopolitical landscape, the environmental condition of the Baltic Sea, and economic competitiveness alongside demographic challenges. The forum will be preceded on May 11 by a Cities and Regions Day, focusing on the role of local governments in bolstering resilience.

Strengthening resilience is a key priority of Estonia's current presidency of the strategy. Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna remarked, "In our changing security and economic environment, boosting resilience is more crucial than ever. Through the forum's discussions, we aim to contribute to enhancing the security, connectivity, and prosperity of the Baltic Sea region."

The Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) Secretariat, the region's primary intergovernmental forum, views resilience in a broader context. "Resilience is far more than just a quick recovery from a crisis. It involves building trust, fostering cooperation, sharing best practices, and being prepared across borders, sectors, and communities. The EUSBSR and its annual forum are vital platforms for promoting this cooperation and dialogue," said Director General Gustav Lindström.

The forum is co-organized by the City of Tallinn, the Council of the Baltic Sea States Secretariat, the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Baltic Sea Strategy Point. The event is funded by the Interreg Baltic Sea Region Programme and the organizers.

The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) is the European Union's first macro-regional strategy, launched in 2009. It involves eight EU member states: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland. The strategy aims to strengthen cooperation in three main areas: enhancing economic competitiveness, improving regional connectivity, and protecting the marine environment.