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