The Baltic Sea supports unique ecosystems but is severely affected by general threats like biodiversity loss and climate change, and by specific local pressures such as eutrophication, overfishing, elevated levels of contaminants such as pharmaceuticals, and litter, in particular plastic waste.
EU strategy for the Baltic Sea region
The EU strategy for the Baltic Sea region (EUSBSR) is a macro-regional strategy aiming to strengthen cooperation between the countries bordering the Baltic Sea to meet the common challenges and to benefit from common opportunities facing the region. In this sense, the Baltic Sea region as a frontrunner for deepening and fulfilling the single market,
The EU countries involved in the EUSBSR are Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. The strategy also involves the EU’s neighbouring countries in the region: Russia, Iceland, Norway and Belarus.
The implementation of the strategy is coordinated in close contact with the European Commission and all relevant stakeholders, i.e. EU countries, regional and local authorities, inter-governmental and non-governmental bodies.
Objectives and key challenges
- saving the sea
- connecting the region
- increasing prosperity
- clean water in the sea
- rich and healthy wildlife
- clean and safe shipping
- good transport conditions
- reliable energy markets
- connecting people in the region
- climate change adaptation, risk prevention and management
Achievements and financial opportunities
The strategy does not come with extra EU finance but is supported from the resources already available according to an integrated approach. Countries may also make use of the funding they receive through the EU cohesion policy, other EU programmes and financial instruments, and various international financial institutions.
Achievements so far
- support for new projects, including cooperation between farmers to reduce eutrophication and improved planning for transport infrastructure
- greater involvement of non-EU countries of the region in environmental protection, water quality and innovation
- improved cooperation between regions and other partners, including private sector
The KEEP Database includes data on Baltic macro-regional strategies projects. More information is available on many Baltic flagship projects.
News
Today, the Commission adopted its proposal for the 2027 fishing opportunities for the Baltic Sea. The proposal sets the total allowable catches (TACs) and quotas for the ten EU-managed fish stocks in the Baltic Sea: Bothnian herring, central Baltic herring, Gulf of Riga herring, sprat, plaice,
Today, Europe’s northern seas face growing pressure. The energy transition, climate change, biodiversity loss and increasing geopolitical tensions are reshaping how countries plan and manage their maritime space. Offshore wind, fisheries, shipping and nature protection all compete for space at sea,
Today, the Commission published its annual communication on the state of EU fisheries, taking stock of progress towards sustainable fishing and setting the course for the upcoming cycle of fishing opportunities for 2027.