Participants of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference adopted a resolution that should help to improve cooperation between the Baltic Sea region countries for the benefit of developing economic growth, innovation, environmental conservation, energy efficiency and creative businesses. The resolution will be sent to the Council of the Baltic Sea States and to the governments of the participant countries. 

The participants of the Conference decided to form the Working Group on Innovation in Social and Health Care, which should present its first report next year at the Parliamentary Conference held in Poland. 

The resolution adopted at this Conference defines the objectives for the next year as initiation and support of innovative activities, which could contribute to the development of the region. The participant countries hope that the resolution will strengthen parliamentary level cooperation, in order to decrease possible obstacles that could hinder sustainable development in the Baltic Sea countries. 

They want to make it easier for democratic non-profit organisations to develop and to cooperate internationally by offering them political and financial support; they also want to change customs regulations and practices in order to reduce visa restrictions when moving between Schengen and non-Schengen countries. In addition, they wish to organise yearly forums for the youth of the Baltic Sea countries, in order to valorise youth cooperation in the region. 

If need be, participant countries might consider changing legislations and regulations to reduce bureaucratic obstacles on the way of innovation. There was also a proposal to offer financial incentives for developing innovation, including tax incentives for innovative businesses and services. 

According to the President of the Standing Committee of the BSPC, the Vice-President of the Riigikogu Laine Randjärv, creative activities and solutions were proposed for making the region more sustainable, competitive and productive. “Baltic Sea countries should position themselves more systematically and aggressively on the world trade arena,” Randjärv said. “”It is also important to be a key player on the arena of European Union innovation policy.” 

The 22nd Baltic Parliamentary Conference took place in Pärnu on August 26–27, with the participation of delegations from 11 Baltic Sea countries and 26 parliamentary organisations, including representatives of the European Parliament, the European Commission, and many international associations. The topic for this year was Sustainable Innovation The Conference counted over 200 participants.  for a Competitive Economy in the Region.

BSPC takes place once a year and unites members of national and regional parliaments of the Baltic Sea region. The organisation of the conference is the responsibility of its Standing Committee which is formed of representatives of national and regional parliaments of the Baltic Sea countries as well as of representatives of parliamentary organisations of the region. Read more about the Conference at: www.bspc.net 

Photo: The President of the Baltic Assembly Raimonds Véjonis is thanking the President of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Laine Randjärv for organising this year’s Conference. Next to him is Ryszard Górecki from the Polish Senate, accepting the baton for next year’s Conference. Next year, the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference will take place in Poland

https://fotoalbum.riigikogu.ee/v/2013/Ene+Ergma/bspc/ 

The Riigikogu Press Service

 

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