Finland implements its Baltic Sea policy in broad cooperation with the countries of the region. It actively participates in cooperation with regional organisations at various sectors and levels. Intergovernmental cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region is mainly undertaken through the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) and the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR).
Besides intergovernmental networks, regions and municipalities, NGOs, research and education institutions, as well as businesses are also involved in implementing the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR).
The Council of the Baltic Sea States builds a platform for cooperation and strives to reduce tensions
The Council of the Baltic Sea States is an intergovernmental cooperation organisation in the Baltic Sea Region that builds the foundation for mutual cooperation while reducing tensions between member states. The CBSS actively contributes to the implementation of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region.
Within the Finnish Government, the Minister for Foreign Affairs is responsible for the affairs of the Council of Baltic Sea States. The Foreign Ministry's Ambassador to the Baltic Sea represents Finland in the European Union's Baltic Sea affairs and participates in the joint activities of the national coordinators of the member states.
The experts cooperate extensively
The Council of the Baltic Sea States has an extensive network of expert groups whose work is very practical. In addition to maritime policy, such cooperation at the expert level is also being carried out to prevent, e.g. organised crime and human trafficking. The CBSS also contributes to the United Nations Agenda 2030 goals.
One of the objectives of HELCOM is to achieve a good Baltic Sea status by 2021
The Helsinki Commission (HELCOM) is an intergovernmental organisation established by the signatory states of the Baltic Sea Commission for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea Region. HELCOM focuses on achieving an environmentally healthy status of the Baltic Sea by 2021.
Centrum Balticum carries out national and international work for the benefit of the Baltic Sea
Centrum Balticum is a key player in Finland's Baltic Sea cooperation. It has built national and international cooperation networks and developed Baltic Sea communication for more than a decade.
This foundation undertakes large-scale cooperation within the Baltic Sea Region and provides up-to-date information on the region's economy and legislation, as well as opportunities for cooperation with companies, educational institutions, and organisations.
The Northern Dimension carries out Northern European cooperation
The issues of the Baltic Sea are also addressed as part of a broader Northern European cooperation. The so-called Northern Dimension is an equal partnership between four partners, i.e. the European Union, Russia, Norway, and Iceland.
Besides intergovernmental cooperation, the Northern Dimension has expanded to include cooperation between universities, research institutes, and the business world. The Northern Dimension policy for Finland is coordinated by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.