Cooperation and resilience of regions take center stage at the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2026 in Tallinn

Resilience Edition EUSBSR Annual Forum 2026 and BSSSC Day of Cities and Regions in Tallinn.
Promotion of the BaltWreck, CircularMuse and D-Effect projects.

Discussions on the future and resilience of the Baltic Sea Region in Tallinn

On 11–13 May, the Kultuurikatel conference centre in Tallinn hosted a series of events dedicated to regional cooperation, security, and strengthening the resilience of the Baltic Sea Region within the framework of the BSSSC Day of Cities and Regions and the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2026.

The meeting brought together representatives of local and regional authorities, public administrations, international organisations, EU institutions, academia, and youth networks from across the Baltic Sea Region.

Security, energy transition and cross-border cooperation at the core of debates

The programme focused on the key challenges facing the Baltic Sea Region. Major topics included regional security and resilience, cross-border cooperation, energy transition, climate change adaptation, and the development of social innovation.

Participants also discussed the future of cooperation programmes beyond 2027, demographic challenges, regional competitiveness, and joint actions aimed at sustainable development and strengthening the social and economic resilience of the countries of the Baltic Sea Region.

Networking sessions and workshops also played an important role, enabling knowledge exchange and the development of cooperation between partners from different countries.

Promotion of the BaltWreck, CircularMuse and Deffect projects

During the event, the CircularMuse, Deffect, and BaltWreck projects were actively promoted.

Informational materials presenting ongoing activities were displayed in the forum’s networking area, and project representatives actively participated in thematic discussions on regional cooperation, environmental protection, and sustainable development.

International debate on wrecks and submerged munitions in the Baltic Sea

On the second day of the event, within the parallel sessions, the panel “Hidden ‘Treasures’ of the BSR – Munitions and Wrecks in the Sea: Risks, Challenges and Solutions” was held, focusing on environmental threats and maritime safety in the Baltic Sea Region.

The panel addressed the issue of shipwrecks and submerged munitions lying on the seabed of the Baltic Sea. Experts presented the scale of environmental risks associated with corrosion of wrecks and the release of hazardous substances into the marine environment, as well as measures being undertaken to monitor and mitigate these risks.

The BaltWreck project was also represented in the discussion, showcasing its activities aimed at addressing risks related to hazardous wrecks and protecting the marine environment of the Baltic Sea.

Regional cooperation as a key to the future of the Baltic Sea

The Tallinn event served as an important platform for exchanging experience, building partnerships, and strengthening cooperation between cities, regions, and organisations across the Baltic Sea Region.

The discussions demonstrated that effectively addressing current challenges – from environmental security to energy transition – requires long-term international cooperation and jointly developed solutions for the entire region.

Photo: Jolanta Olszewska

Management of sunken munitions and their environmental impact - registration for the Stakeholder Dialogue Event in Belgium

Managing submerged munitions and their environmental impact is one of the key topics of international cooperation in Europe’s marine regions.

On 4 June 2026, the Stakeholder Dialogue Event will take place in Oostende, Belgium, organized within the REMARCO project (https://lnkd.in/dU2Q3yNr) - an initiative carried out by an international consortium of partners from the North Sea region, also cooperating with projects addressing threats related to submerged munitions and wrecks in the Baltic Sea region, including the Baltwreck project.

The event will focus on decision-making processes concerning the removal of unexploded ordnance (UXO), as well as challenges related to the protection of the marine environment. The meeting will bring together scientific experts, policymakers, and practitioners dealing with submerged munitions and the management of contaminated marine areas.
Discussions will cover, among other topics, the environmental impact of munitions, the potential consequences of remediation activities, and the search for more sustainable solutions for UXO management. In the field of research and international cooperation, the MUNIMAP and CONMAR Munition projects are also linked to these efforts.

Registration deadline: 25 May 2026
Oostende, Belgium
Registration: https://lnkd.in/dBHYwdbH

Experts on the hidden dangers at the bottom of the Baltic Sea

“Hidden ‘Treasures’ of the Baltic Sea” under expert scrutiny. International debate on wrecks and submerged munitions during the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2026 in Tallinn
Experts from the Baltic Sea Region discussed environmental threats hidden on the seabed

During the international EUSBSR Annual Forum 2026 in Tallinn, a panel session was held dedicated to one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the Baltic Sea Region – shipwrecks and submerged munitions lying on the seabed.

The panel “Hidden ‘Treasures’ of the BSR – Munitions and Wrecks in the Sea: Risks, Challenges and Solutions” was co-organised by partners of the BaltWreck project in cooperation with partners of European initiatives focused on marine environmental safety and mitigating risks related to hazardous objects on the Baltic seabed.

Shipwrecks and submerged munitions as a real threat to the Baltic Sea

Experts participating in the debate emphasised that historical shipwrecks and ammunition resting on the seabed of the Baltic Sea pose an increasing challenge to the natural environment, the maritime economy, and regional safety.

Progressive corrosion of wrecks may lead to the release of hazardous substances into the marine environment, affecting Baltic ecosystems and living organisms. As a result, monitoring activities, risk assessment, and the development of safe mitigation methods are becoming increasingly important.

The session was prepared in cooperation between partners of the BaltWreck, MMinE-SwEEPER, MUNIMAP, ENDURE, and MUNIRISK projects, which share the common goal of strengthening international cooperation in the field of Baltic Sea environmental protection.

International group of experts and research institutions

The debate brought together representatives of public administration, academia, and organisations engaged in environmental safety in the Baltic Sea Region:

The session was opened by Louise Floman, while the panel was moderated by Katarzyna Fidler.

International cooperation as a key to protecting the Baltic Sea

Throughout the discussion, it was repeatedly stressed that effective response to threats posed by wrecks and submerged munitions requires close cooperation between Baltic Sea Region countries, exchange of expert knowledge, and joint development of modern environmental risk management approaches.

The debate combined a high level of substantive expertise with an accessible presentation of issues related to maritime safety and environmental protection. It also provided a space for knowledge exchange between representatives of projects implemented across different parts of the Baltic Sea Region.

The BaltWreck project supports Baltic Sea environmental safety

The BaltWreck project focuses on reducing risks associated with shipwrecks and hazardous substances lying on the seabed of the Baltic Sea. Activities implemented within the project include environmental monitoring, risk analysis, and the development of marine ecosystem protection methods.

Participation in the Tallinn conference provided an opportunity to promote project activities, strengthen international cooperation, and contribute to joint discussions on the future of environmental safety in the Baltic Sea Region.

Photo: Jolanta Olszewska

The Round Table Method - Joint Dialogue

March was an opportunity for us to practice the Round Table method as part of the D-Effect project—Lessons in Democracy and Civil Society: Bringing a Youth Perspective to EU Policy-Making.

Over 60 students from elementary and secondary schools in Elbląg actively participated in a meeting regarding the upcoming Youth Democratic Festival (YDF), which is a continuation of the 2025 edition.
First and foremost, the participants—with the support of Association staff and the meeting moderator—discussed:

Next step? Summarizing the conclusions and recommendations from the school community and inviting representatives from the local government, cultural institutions, NGOs, and informal groups to further discussions.

The goal? Joint dialogue and co-creation of an event that addresses residents’ needs while engaging diverse groups—that is precisely what the YDF method is all about.

The activities of the D-Effect project enable young people to learn intergenerational and intersectoral dialogue, develop social skills, and actively engage in the life of the local community through collaboration with schools, participation in workshops, and the formulation of practical recommendations.

Think Smart.AI - An Experience That Lasts a Lifetime

From April 14–22, our volunteers participated in the international training program “Think Smart.AI – An Experience That Lasts a Lifetime” as part of the Erasmus+ program, which took place in Murzasichle, near Zakopane.

The event was organized by Asociatia Tineret pentru Dezvoltare Durabila.

Young people from 9 countries participated in the training: Poland, Germany, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Spain, Serbia, Italy, Romania, and Greece. It was an intensive week of work, learning, and exchanging experiences. Participants explored the topic of artificial intelligence, from the basics, through its practical applications, to the challenges it presents. A great deal of attention was also devoted to recognizing disinformation and so-called deepfakes, which is an almost indispensable skill in today’s world. There was no shortage of practical activities; the young people worked in international teams, created their own video content, and developed digital projects as part of the Think Smart.AI Digital Incubator.

Integration was also a key element of the project, both during joint activities and cultural evenings, which allowed participants to better understand the traditions and customs of their peers from different countries.

The trip to Murzasichle was not just a training session, but above all an inspiring experience that highlights the importance of education in the field of new technologies and their responsible use.

The trip to Murzasichle is not just a training session, but above all an inspiring experience that demonstrates the importance of education in the field of new technologies and their responsible use.

The trip to Murzasichle is not just a training session, but above all an inspiring experience that demonstrates the importance of education in the field of new technologies and their responsible use. Participation in the project yielded tangible results. Participants developed digital competencies and knowledge of AI, increased their awareness of online risks, strengthened their teamwork skills, and gained valuable experience in international cooperation.

Photo: collective archive of event participants.

Project co-financed by the European Union.

Cooperation with regional offices in Brussels

Cooperation and experience-these are the cornerstones of the Regional Offices’ effective work in Brussels.
Regional offices play a key role in representing their regions’ interests on the European stage, building international relationships, and supporting educational and networking initiatives
Excellent examples are the Regional Office of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship and the Regional Office of the Pomeranian Voivodeship, which not only operate actively in Brussels but are also able to effectively join forces .


Organizing a visit for over 60 participants from 5 countries is a major logistical and substantive challenge.
In such situations, cooperation takes on particular importance—and it was precisely thanks to the joint commitment of both Offices that it was possible to professionally host the guests at the East Poland House in Brussels.
It was the experience and expertise of the teams from both Offices that ensured the program’s high substantive quality, meeting the participants’ needs and fostering a valuable exchange of knowledge and experiences.
We extend special thanks to Ms. Małgorzata Wasilenko and Anna Drążek for their dedication from the planning stage through to the actual meeting in Brussels.
Their support was invaluable to the trip’s organizers and significantly contributed to the success of the entire event.
Thank you for your cooperation and professionalism!
“Pomerania in the European Union” Association
Regional Office of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship in Brussels

STG ERB Management Board Meeting

The second meeting of the Board of the Association of Polish Municipalities Euroregion Baltic in 2026 has taken place.

On April 20, 2026, the next meeting of the Board of the Association of Polish Municipalities Euroregion Baltic took place in Bartoszyce. The meeting focused on current activities, international cooperation, and the further development of initiatives implemented by the Association.

During the meeting, key issues related to the functioning of the EGTC Euroregion Baltic and cooperation within international networks and partnerships were discussed. The Board also reviewed the current financial and organizational situation of the Association, including the activities of the Secretariat. Projects, both completed and ongoing, as well as new initiatives planned for the coming months, were a significant element of the meeting. The development of cooperation with scientific institutions and the possibility of obtaining new sources of funding were also discussed.

During the meeting, decisions were made and resolutions adopted that were important for the continued operation of the Association. The meeting also provided an opportunity to discuss upcoming events and determine the next steps for the Board.

Participation of the APC ERB in the international conference inaugurating the “Culture” programme

Yesterday in Warsaw, representatives of the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic took part in an international conference inaugurating the “Culture” programme.

The new edition of the programme, funded by the Norwegian and EEA Grants, offers a real opportunity for member municipalities and local cultural institutions to access funding for the development of cultural projects, heritage protection, and international cooperation activities.

An important element of the meeting is also building relationships with foreign partners, particularly from Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein, which constitutes a significant step in preparing joint project initiatives.

For municipalities and counties associated within the Association, this means access to new support instruments and an opportunity to strengthen local activities through transnational cooperation.

The Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic will continuously support its members in identifying opportunities and preparing projects, ensuring that the available funds are effectively utilized in the region.

LV General Meeting of Members of the APC ERB

On April 20, 2026, the 55th General Meeting of Members of the Association of Polish Municipalities of the Baltic Euroregion was held in Bartoszyce.

The meeting was of significant importance for the Association’s continued operation and for setting its future development directions, both nationally and internationally.

The session was opened by Tomasz Sielicki, Mayor of Braniewo and First Vice-Chairman of the STG ERB Board. Elżbieta Zabłocka, Bartoszyce County Administrator, also welcomed the guests.

The introductory segment featured a series of thematic presentations focusing on, among other things:

  • current challenges and areas of focus for the Association and its members,
  • strategic planning and future operational frameworks,
  • opportunities for securing external funding.

Among the invited speakers were:

  • Aleksandra Kowalska, European Commission Representation in Poland
  • Wojciech Szpakowski, Technical Director of Wody Polskie (Gdańsk)
  • Michał Braun, Director of the National Institute of Freedom – Center for the Development of Civil Society

Later in the meeting, the Association’s members:

approved the activity and financial reports for 2025,

reviewed the Audit Committee’s opinion and granted discharge to the Board,

adopted key resolutions concerning the Association’s activities,

welcomed a new member - the Municipality of Nowa Karczma,

discussed ongoing cooperation within external structures, including the Euroregion Baltic Sp. z o.o. EGTC and the National Association of Local Government Organizations.

Expanding the membership is an important step in further strengthening local government cooperation and building a strong network of partnerships in the Baltic Sea region. We are pleased that another municipality sees the value in joint efforts for development, international cooperation, and active participation in European initiatives.

The newly admitted municipality was represented by: Andrzej Pollak, Mayor of Nowa Karczma, and Joanna Krefta, Treasurer of Nowa Karczma.

During the meeting, current project activities were also presented, as well as new project proposals being prepared by the Association and its members.

A key element of the proceedings was a discussion on future support programs and the role of youth in the Association’s activities, including the involvement of volunteers and interns.

The 15th General Assembly of STG ERB Members reaffirmed the Association of Polish Municipalities of the Baltic Euroregion’s consistent development strategy, which is based on strengthening international cooperation, actively participating in European initiatives, and building lasting cross-border partnerships.

We thank all participants for their attendance and commitment to developing a shared space for cooperation in the Baltic Sea region.

Circular MUSE Study Visit to Chlewnica

Today, representatives of the CircularMuse consortium had the pleasure of visiting ELWOZ Eco—the Waste Management Facility in Chlewnica—where they gathered inspiration for the creation of the Circular Municipal Service HUB.
It was an extremely valuable visit, demonstrating how circular economy solutions are implemented in practice at the local level.
We were particularly interested in examples of activities such as:

Such visits are a valuable source of knowledge and inspiration for us in building modern, circular municipal services.