Implementing the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region

The Strategy has three objectives

• Save the Sea
• Connect the Region
• Increase Prosperity

To achieve these objectives, the Member States agree on an Action Plan where they identify the most important actions for implementation. The actions are thematically divided into 14 Policy Areas which are all linked and contribute to achieving these objectives from different angles and in diverse ways. The Action Plan is updated upon need

The Policy Areas and coordination

Policy Areas represent the expertise in their respective areas of activity. They are managed operationally by one or more Member States’ official authorities of the national or regional government. A Policy Area Coordinator can also be an organisation or an intergovernmental or non-governmental body, which can ensure the operationalisation of a Policy Area. The work of the Policy Area and of the Policy Area Coordinator organisation is supported and guided strategically by their respective Steering Group.

Each Policy Area develops actions which contribute to achieving those objectives. Actions are implemented through activities. An action can, for example, be the development of a policy recommendation, a new approach, an increased coordination in policy making, support to a process already engaged or a networking initiative. Moreover, the Policy Areas are to ensure that horizontal aspects, notably addressing climate change and cooperation with non-EU neighbouring countries and organisations, are appropriately integrated into their actions. 

Read about the different Policy Areas, their work and activities on the left.