Priorities

Sweden has decided on three priority areas for its Presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States.

Energy and Environment

Objective: Sustainable development - to improve the protection and preservation of the environment in the Baltic Sea region.

• Unsustainable trends Combating eutrophication of the Baltic Sea.
• Energy efficiency and renewable energy Enhancing awareness of the need to use energy more efficiently and to increase the use of alternative energy sources.
• Climate issues The Baltic Sea region as a testing ground in the climate area.
• Cultural heritage as a resource Protecting the common cultural heritage.

Civil Security

Objective: To promote democracy, human rights and social security, stability, security and prosperity in the Baltic Sea region.

• Practical security Strengthening the capacity to manage international assistance in the event of major accidents and other serious crisis situations.
• Legal security Protecting children's rights within the framework of institutional care.
• Organised crime Intensifying efforts to combat human trafficking and illegal trade in archaeological artefacts.
• Social security Promoting cooperation in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse and the spread of communicable diseases.
• Networking Strengthening ties between citizens in the region through increased cultural cooperation.
• Neighbouring areas Increasing cooperation with Belarus and Ukraine.
  

Trade and Investment

Objective: To promote trade and investment in the Baltic Sea region by removing barriers to trade and investment and by working to expand business contacts in the region.

• Removing barriers Removing barriers to cross-border business.
• Fighting corruption Spreading good practice in anti-corruption measures, primarily from an enterprise perspective.
• Developing business contacts Promoting network-building among small and medium-sized enterprises.