On behalf of Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC) and Land Brandenburg, as hosts for the conference, I am pleased to invite you all to the 25th BSSSC Annual Conference in Potsdam, Germany, 20-22 September 2017.

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The conference will focus on cohesion as a concept for togetherness throughout Europe. Through interventions, political discussions, sharing best practices and interacting with each other – we want to foster mutual understanding and stimulate cross border cooperation for a more sustainable, inclusive and prosperous Baltic Sea Region – in line with the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. The conference will constitute a good opportunity for partners to come together to lay grounds for future cooperation.

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The picture above shows Glienicke Bridge, connecting the Wannsee district of Berlin with the Brandenburg capital of Potsdam. During the Cold War, this portion of the Havel River formed the border between West Berlin and East Germany. This bridge serves as an excellent reminder of a Europe divided, and how far we have come since then. Today we continue building bridges through cohesion policy – both literally and metaphorically.

 

Let us continue keeping Europe united - together across borders!

Roger Ryberg

BSSSC Chairman 2017-2018