The BALTWRECK project has now reached its mid-term stage. Since the beginning of the project, partners and experts from the Baltic Sea Region have been working together to address environmental risks associated with shipwrecks and potential leaks of hazardous substances.
We present a video in which representatives of the project consortium summarize the progress achieved so far, share insights from the first phase of implementation, and outline priorities for the coming months. The interviews also highlight the importance of international cooperation in protecting the marine environment of the Baltic Sea.
In the interviews, the experts speak about: the key achievements and results of the project so far, conclusions from the first phase of project implementation, activities already completed and current priority areas, motivations and inspirations behind the project activities, expected outcomes and future goals of the project.
We invite you to watch the video:
International cooperation in practice. Students from AMiSNS in Elbląg visited STG ERB
What does international cooperation, the implementation of cross-border projects, and the functioning of network organizations look like in practice in the Baltic Sea region? Students from the Academy of Medical and Social Applied Sciences had the opportunity to learn about this during a meeting at the STG ERB headquarters. The event was educational in nature and demonstrated how international partnerships are built and what role local governments and organizations cooperating at the European level play.
Practical aspects of international cooperation
On 17 May, a meeting with students of the Academy of Medical and Social Applied Sciences was held at the STG ERB headquarters, dedicated to international cooperation, the activities of network-based organizations, and the implementation of cross-border projects in the Baltic Sea region.
During the meeting, the Director of STG ERB, Marcin Żuchowski, presented the activities of the Association and the practical aspects of building international partnerships. The role of organizations operating in a network-based model was discussed, highlighting how they coordinate cooperation between partners from different countries and support the implementation of joint initiatives.
The lecture covered issues related to:
building partnerships between organizations from different countries,
implementing international and cross-border projects,
exchanging experience and best practices,
coordinating activities carried out across national borders.
STG ERB and cooperation in the Baltic Sea region
Particular attention was given to the activities of STG ERB as an active participant in international cooperation. Experience related to participation in cross-border projects, institutional cooperation in the Baltic Sea region, and building lasting partnerships between local governments and organizations was presented.
It was emphasized that cross-border cooperation is a long-term process based not only on the implementation of individual projects, but also on creating stable networks of contacts, exchanging knowledge, and jointly planning development activities.
EGTC Euroregion Baltic as a cooperation platform
An important element of the meeting was the presentation of the functioning of the EGTC Euroregion Baltic as an institution enabling formal cooperation between local government units from the Baltic Sea region. Its role in project coordination, partner integration, and the development of international cooperation at regional and European level was outlined.
The activities of the Federation of Polish Euroregions were also presented as a national platform for cooperation between euroregions. Its importance in representing euroregions’ interests, exchanging experience, and strengthening cross-border cooperation in Poland was discussed.
Importance of local government cooperation and network organizations
The meeting also highlighted the role of the National Agreement of Local Government Organizations (OPOS) as a forum integrating local government organizations and supporting dialogue with public administration.
The meeting with students of the University of Applied Sciences in Elbląg provided an opportunity to present the practical aspects of working in international projects and the importance of competencies related to cross-border cooperation, inter-institutional communication, and the functioning of European structures.
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.
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
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:
Nora S. Klasen - Ministerium für Wissenschaft, Kultur, Bundes- und Europaangelegenheiten
Michał Czub - Instytut Oceanologii PAN,
Adam Cenian - Instytut Maszyn Przepływowych im. R. Szewalskiego, Polska Akademia Nauk (IMP PAN)
Erik Hanstein - Umweltbundesamt - German Environment Agency
Marcin Żuchowski - Stowarzyszenie Gmin RP Euroregion Bałtyk
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.
---------------- In the link below, you can watch a film that is an integral part of the event: https://lnkd.in/dPXpAuak
Photo: Jolanta Olszewska
3rd Meeting of the General Assembly of the Euroregion Baltic EGTC
Tallinn | 3rd General Assembly Meeting of the Euroregion Baltic EGTC. Decisions regarding cooperation and the organization’s development
EGTC Euroregion Baltic Assembly Meeting in Tallinn
Yesterday, the III General Assembly Meeting of EGTC Euroregion Baltic took place in Tallinn. The meeting focused on the organisation’s current activities and plans for cooperation in the coming months.
The discussions had a working character and addressed key areas related to the functioning of Euroregion Baltic structures in the context of cross-border cooperation within the Baltic Sea Region.
Key Decisions and Topics Discussed During the Meeting
During the session, participants discussed a number of organisational and strategic issues, including:
approval of the 2025 annual report
an update on the establishment of the bank account and membership contributions
progress in the recruitment process for the Director of EGTC Ltd Euroregion Baltic
work on the organisation’s new logo
a proposal for the operational principles of regional secretariats
planned activities within the framework of the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2026
activities of the Euroregion Baltic Youth Board
work of the Working Group on Competences, Employment and Demography
the draft political statement of the General Assembly
Planned Activities and Schedule of Upcoming Meetings
The date of the next General Assembly Meeting and the Annual Forum of EGTC Euroregion Baltic was also confirmed. Both events will take place on 4–5 November 2026 in Kalmar.
Strengthening Cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region
The meeting in Tallinn constituted an important step in strengthening cooperation between regions of the Baltic Sea Region. The discussions enabled the exchange of experiences and provided an opportunity to discuss future directions for cross-border and institutional cooperation within Euroregion Baltic.
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:
interesting event formats in which young residents would like to participate
key themes that might interest their peers
the Festival’s format and central theme
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.
