The next phase of the ALKOR research cruise as part of the BALTWRECK project

On March 30, during a stopover in Gdynia, a research cruise dedicated to the exploration of the Stuttgart wreck took place

The event was attended by representatives of key institutions involved in marine environmental protection and environmental risk management, including the Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection, the Chief Inspectorate of Sea Fisheries, the Marshal’s Office of the Pomeranian Province, the City of Gdynia, the Institute of Fluid-Flow Machinery of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and BALTWRECK project partners who did not participate in the entire expedition

During the meeting, the project’s objectives and the results of research to date on wrecks lying on the bottom of the Baltic Sea were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the risks associated with potential leaks of fuel and other hazardous substances, as well as methods for monitoring the condition of the wrecks.

Participants also had the opportunity to learn about the scope of work conducted during the cruise, including seabed mapping, water and sediment sampling, and environmental analyses

In the coming days, the expedition will continue to study additional sites in the Baltic Sea, providing data necessary to develop effective methods for managing wrecks that constitute a potential source of pollution.

Synergy for the Baltic – Leaders of Port Projects Meet in Elbląg


On 24–25 March 2026, an international partner meeting of projects implemented under the Interreg South Baltic 2021–2027 programme took place in Elbląg. The event brought together partners from initiatives such as PortSHAZ, DigiTechPort2030, INCONE60 Green, and BaltWreck, all focused on the future of seaports in the region.

A particularly important role is played by the BaltWreck project, which—although primarily associated with underwater activities such as shipwreck investigations—has a much broader scope of impact. The project supports not only the protection of heritage and the environment beneath the sea surface, but also activities carried out on the water and within ports. This includes, among others, improving navigational safety, developing operational procedures, and strengthening cooperation between institutions responsible for maritime spatial management.


The remaining projects complement these efforts by advancing digital technologies, increasing port operational efficiency, and implementing environmentally sustainable solutions. What unites all these initiatives is a systemic approach—treating ports as complex ecosystems in which both underwater and surface-level activities are of critical importance.

The meeting in Elbląg confirmed that modern maritime projects, including BaltWreck, extend beyond the traditional framework of underwater research. Their outcomes are primarily visible in improved port operations, as well as enhanced safety and sustainable development across the Baltic Sea region.

The Baltwreck Project - Research Cruise

The voyage of the research vessel RV ALKOR began in Kiel on March 14. The expedition aims to investigate shipwrecks in the Baltic Sea for environmental hazards, primarily fuel leaks and substances from munitions.

Yesterday, the vessel called at the port of Klaipėda, where a meeting was held on board with representatives of Lithuanian institutions involved in marine environmental protection. It was an opportunity to present the project’s objectives, the scope of the research being conducted, and to exchange experiences

As part of the voyage, detailed work is being conducted, including seabed mapping, the use of underwater vehicles (AUVs and ROVs), as well as the collection of water, sediment, and marine organism samples. Some of the analyses are performed on board in real time, allowing for the rapid determination of the extent of contamination.

In the subsequent stages of the expedition, surveys of additional wrecks in the waters of Poland and Lithuania are planned, including those containing fuel and hazardous materials. The collected data will be used to assess environmental risks and support the development of effective methods for monitoring and managing such wrecks in the Baltic Sea region.

Study Visit to Brussels: “Camera! Action! Democracy!”

The study visit to Brussels organized for the winners of the “Camera! Action! Democracy!” competition was not only a meeting with the Commissioner’s Office—it was also an opportunity to experience the day-to-day workings of the European Parliament and to speak with MEP Michał Wawrykiewicz.

Participants asked about the effectiveness of the EP’s work, balancing a fulfilling career with family life, and the path to becoming an engaged politician.

At the end of the first day, participants from Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, and Lithuania took part in a lesson at the Parlamentarium.

Camera! Action! Democracy! – Young Europeans in Brussels

We are delighted to share the start of the study visit to Brussels organized as part of the D-effect project, which serves as a prize for the winners of the international competition “Camera! Action! Democracy!”.

Young participants from Poland, Sweden, Lithuania, Denmark, and Germany are taking part in the event—working together to build a space for dialogue across borders.

We began our visit with a meeting with Commissioner Michael McGrath’s office, represented by Simona Constantin. The discussion focused, among other things, on the European Democracy Shield announced in 2025 and the European Union’s strategy for civil society.

This inspiring opening demonstrated just how vital the role of young people is in shaping the future of democracy in Europe.

But this was only the first item on an intensive agenda! Ahead of the participants lay, among other things, a meeting with a Member of the European Parliament, a tour of the European Parliament and the Parlamentarium, as well as the second day of the visit organized in cooperation with the House of Eastern Poland in Brussels

The visit is not only a reward but, above all, a unique opportunity to build a sense of community, exchange experiences, and engage in an international dialogue on democracy.

D-Effect promoted during the meeting of the Board and General Assembly of the EGTC Euroregion Baltic

he D-Effect project was promoted during the meeting of the Executive Board and General Assembly of the Euroregion Baltic EGTC, as well as during the session of the Euroregion Baltic Youth Board. A cooperation agreement was signed as part of the D-Effect project!

During the meeting in Kalmar on March 17 and 18, the D-Effect project was prominent at both the youth and institutional levels. Artur Frajny, a youth representative from STG ERB, represented the D-Effect project during the meetings of the ERB Youth Board, where issues related to democracy, participation, and the role of young people in shaping the future were discussed.

On the second day of the ERB EGTC meeting, the D-Effect project was presented to the attendees by Paweł Kulasiewicz, representing STG ERB. The project’s presence at this level enabled the inclusion of youth participation in the broader debate on development and cooperation in the Baltic Euroregion.

An important element of the meeting was the signing of a cooperation agreement within the D-Effect project between the EATB Youth Board (Euroregion Baltic Youth Board) and STG ERB.

What does this mean in practice?

It is another step toward the meaningful inclusion of young people in democratic processes, from the local to the international level.

As part of the D-Effect project:

young people will be active participants in consultations and events

Youth Democracy Festivals (YDF) and international cooperation will be developed

the voice of young people in public policy will be strengthened

The agreement also outlines how the parties will cooperate, how the youth will be organized, and how to use educational materials. The agreement is an important step toward building a strong, informed, and engaged youth in the Baltic Sea region.