Heads of government and representatives of the Baltic States met on 21 June in Laulasmaa, Estonia, to discuss: the future of Baltic Sea regional cooperation; economic cooperation, investments and infrastructure; maritime safety and environment issues; and regional cooperation on social issues.

On the future of regional cooperation, Heads of States noted new opportunities created by the recent EU enlargement and welcomed the results of the EU-Russia Summit held in Moscow in May. Representatives underscored the importance of integrating the principles of sustainable development into policymaking by all relevant stakeholders. The meeting also considered a report by Baltic 21 – a multistakeholder advisory forum organized in response to Agenda 21 – on regional progress toward sustainable development, and expressed interest in Baltic 21’s proposal to develop the region as an “Eco-region, where eco stands for both economy and ecology and where the social dimension is strongly integrated.”
On maritime safety and environment issues, delegates stressed the need to further protect and preserve the region’s marine environment, called for more effective measures against illegal oil discharges and underscored the need for information exchange against offenders and on legal proceedings. Taking note of the IMO MEPC’s recent decision to designate the Baltic Sea, with the exception of Russian waters, as a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area, representatives agreed to follow up on the identification of Associated Protective Measures in accordance with IMO decisions.
On social issues, representatives expressed concern with the spread of HIV/AIDS in the region and called for immediate measures. Delegates also urged efforts at all levels and cross-border cooperation in the prevention of human trafficking.
Links to further information
5th Baltic Sea States Summit Chair’s conclusions
Five Years of regional progress toward sustainable development: A Baltic 21 report to the Prime Ministers of the Baltic Sea States
Baltic 21 press release, 18 June 2004