BSSSC Board Meeting in Hamar Focuses on Regional Security and Resilience

On 22 September 2026, the Board of the Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC) met in Hamar, Norway. The meeting focused on security and societal resilience, the future of the European Union’s cohesion policy, and cooperation with Ukrainian regions.

On 22 September 2026, the Board of the Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC) met in Hamar, Norway. The meeting focused on security and societal resilience, the future of the European Union’s cohesion policy, and cooperation with Ukrainian regions. The Board also discussed BSSSC’s future work and the role of regions in addressing issues that affect the development of the Baltic Sea Region.

A key part of the discussion was how BSSSC can make better use of the knowledge and practical experience of its member regions, translate shared regional perspectives into common positions, and bring them into policy discussions at the European level.

“BSSSC represents the voice of the regions. We have knowledge of our territories and practical experience of implementing policy decisions. By bringing this experience together, we can ensure that regional interests are also heard at the European level,” emphasises Inese Suija-Markova, Chair of the BSSSC Board.

Security starts with the ability to maintain essential everyday services

Security and societal resilience in the current geopolitical context are among BSSSC’s key priorities. In Hamar, these issues were discussed from a regional perspective, focusing on how regions can ensure access to food and energy, maintain transport connections and infrastructure, and continue providing essential public services during crises.

The examples presented at the meeting demonstrated how closely interconnected these areas are. Food production depends on energy, fuel, transport and the supply of essential resources. Access to energy also affects the ability of businesses to operate and develop. Transport connections, meanwhile, are essential not only for people’s mobility and the economy, but also for resilient supply chains and military mobility.

Regional involvement is also crucial for EU policies after 2027

In Hamar, the Board discussed the future of EU cohesion policy and funding after 2027. Work on the next EU Multiannual Financial Framework and the new regulatory framework for National and Regional Partnership Plans is ongoing. The Council of the EU’s position strengthens the involvement of regional and local authorities in the preparation, implementation and evaluation of these plans. Particular attention is also being paid to the EU’s eastern border regions.

BSSSC will continue to follow the negotiations on cohesion policy after 2027 and represent regional interests throughout this process. This is important to ensure that the different needs of territories are taken into account in the next funding period and that regions are involved in decisions that will directly affect their development.

BSSSC strengthens cooperation with Ukrainian regions

For the first time, representatives of the Rivne Regional Administration and the Lviv Regional Development Agency participated in a BSSSC Board meeting in Hamar. Strengthening cooperation with Ukrainian regions is one of the priorities of the BSSSC Latvian Presidency.

The experience of Ukrainian regions brings a highly practical dimension to discussions on security and resilience. Under wartime conditions, they must maintain essential public services, adapt infrastructure and the economy, while at the same time continuing to plan for the region’s long-term development.

The cooperation is mutually beneficial. Ukrainian regions are interested in joint projects and long-term partnerships with regions across the Baltic Sea Region, including in the fields of energy, infrastructure resilience, environmental governance and digitalisation. At the same time, the experience gained by Ukrainian regions during the war provides valuable insights for BSSSC’s work on security, civil preparedness and societal resilience.

Young people contribute to shaping the future of BSSSC

Youth participation is an integral part of BSSSC’s work. Nearly 40 young people and coordinators from countries across the Baltic Sea Region gathered in Hamar. Together with BSSSC Board members, they contributed to the development of the BSSSC Strategy 2030, discussing the organisation’s future objectives, priorities and areas of cooperation.

For the young participants, the meeting provided an opportunity not only to contribute to BSSSC’s discussions, but also to exchange perspectives and consider how they can become more actively involved in shaping the future of their own regions.

Reflecting on the experience, Emīlija Pelce, a participant from Latvia, said: “I came away from Hamar with new ideas about how we ourselves can initiate change in our region. Young people need to be involved in issues that concern our future. Experiences like this encourage us not to stand aside, but to get involved and help improve the places where we live.”

Youth representatives also serve on the BSSSC Board, meaning that their participation is not limited to individual events designed specifically for young people. In Hamar, it was emphasised that youth participation has always been a cross-cutting element of BSSSC’s work and that its importance continues to grow.

The discussions in Hamar also contributed to BSSSC’s ongoing work on its future priorities. As the security environment and the European policy agenda evolve, BSSSC will continue to strengthen cooperation across the Baltic Sea Region, develop common positions and bring regional perspectives into dialogue with national governments and European Union institutions.

Photo credits: Aud Hove, Marit Thobiassen Strande

Prepared by Anita Āboliņa, Head of Communications and Public Relations, Vidzeme Planning Region, and Communications Manager, BSSSC Secretariat. E-mail: anita.abolina@vidzeme.lv

--------------------------------------------

PRESENTATIONS (for download)