The Baltic Sea Commission is one of the six Geographical Commissions that make up the backbone of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions of Europe (CPMR). Founded in 1996, the Baltic Sea Commission now brings together around 25 Regions from six States from the European Union and beyond.
An important forum for constructive debate and the sharing of best practice on common issues and concerns across the Baltic Sea area, the Baltic Sea Commission actively contributes to the reflections of the CPMR and to the preparation of its policy positions, whilst at the same time acting as a think tank and as a lobby for the regions around the Baltic Sea.
The Member Regions of the Baltic Sea Commission work closely together to ensure that EU institutions and national governments take account of their shared interests.
Green corridors, the Sulphur Directive and International Transport Policies are among the key priorities of the BSC Transport Working Group, which also monitors EU Transport Policy, with emphasis on EU Ports Policy, and feeds into the CPMR Transport Group.
The Energy Working Group functions as a platform for sharing and exchanging up to date information among the BSC Member Regions with the aim of increasing knowledge and heightening awareness of all energy issues across the Baltic Sea area.
The Maritime Working Group focuses on blue growth, follows all aspects of EU policies with a maritime dimension, whilst maintaining close interaction with Regions and organisations in the Baltic Sea area, EU institutions, and the work of the CPMR.
The focus of this Group is to introduce a multilevel governance perspective in the Baltic Sea area, with a pan-European perspective on multilevel governance as a method of implementing EU policies and strategies, by establishing dialogue amongst actors.