Chairmanship

BSSSC Chairmanship

BSSSC is an open network organisation with no membership fee. The Chairmanship is an important driving force in the BSSSC network and plays a key role. The Chairperson of BSSSC is elected for a period of two years (on a rotating basis) by the Board, and he or she represents the organization. The chairmanship can be prolonged by decision of the Board.

The Chairperson and his/her secretariat is an important driving force in the BSSSC network and play a key role. The Chairperson of BSSSC is elected for a period of two years by the Board, and he or she represents the organization. The chairmanship can be prolonged by decision of the Board.

The Chairperson is responsible for promoting BSSSC towards important decision-makers such as the European Union, CBSS and others, either personally or by asking other BSSSC Board members to fulfil this task. The Chairperson can ask other members of the Board to act as a spokesperson on behalf of BSSSC

Currently, under the Vidzeme Planning Region Chairmanship, the BSSSC Board is Chaired by Ms Inese Suija-Markova.

Vidzeme Planning Region 26/27

The Vidzeme Planning Region is one of five planning regions in Latvia. Its primary task is to plan and coordinate the balanced long-term development of the territory. This task is achieved through the coordination of various municipal and state administrative activities, as well as the development and implementation of development projects within the Vidzeme Planning Region.

Representing the interests of all residents, the Vidzeme Planning Region applies an integrated approach to regional development, combining economic growth, social well-being, and environmental sustainability in both strategic planning and daily operations.

Vidzeme Planning Region Development Council

The general meeting of municipal chairpersons within the planning region elects representatives from among municipal deputies to form the Planning Region Development Council. The council members then elect the Chair of the Development Council from within their own ranks.

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As Chair of the Baltic Sea States Subregional Cooperation (BSSSC) for 2026–2027, the Vidzeme Planning Region, Latvia, will work closely with partner regions and organizations to deliver concrete, place-based solutions to the most pressing challenges facing cities and regions across the Baltic Sea Region.

In the context of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, we will prioritize societal resilience and security by strengthening civil preparedness, countering hybrid threats and disinformation, and safeguarding critical infrastructure. Emphasis will be placed on amplifying the voice of EU and NATO eastern flank regions and deepening cooperation with Ukrainian partners.

We will advance a green and secure energy transition, supporting offshore renewables, clean hydrogen, energy efficiency, and resilient grids. By promoting locally anchored and decentralized energy systems, we aim to reinforce both climate neutrality and regional energy security.

Sustainable transport and connectivity will form another core priority, with coordinated regional input to TEN-T, Rail Baltica, and maritime policy. We will advocate for green, multimodal, and dual-use infrastructure that strengthens cohesion, competitiveness, and resilience across the macro-region.

Recognizing people as the foundation of regional development, we will embed youth and talent development across all policy areas, ensuring meaningful youth participation, skills development, and cross-border innovation.

We will also position culture and identity as strategic assets, supporting initiatives such as the BSR Cultural Pearls to strengthen social cohesion, cultural entrepreneurship, and a shared Baltic Sea identity.

Across all priorities, the Chairmanship will champion a strong, place-based Cohesion Policy and Territorial Cooperation post-2027, ensuring that regions and municipalities remain central actors in Europe’s future. Innovation, sustainability, digitalisation, inclusiveness, and youth mainstreaming will underpin all actions, reinforcing BSSSC’s role as a credible regional voice and a driver of practical cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region.

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Area 19,204.77 km²

274,019 residents

77 km coast line

The Vidzeme Planning Region is the largest planning region in Latvia in terms of territory, covering nearly one-third (30.6%) of the country. Vidzeme is classified as a NUTS 3 level region.

Region is rich in bioresources (soil, water, etc.), with forests covering 56,7% of its territory. The region is characterized by high environmental quality, balanced ecosystems, and relatively low levels of pollution. These factors contribute to a high-quality living environment and create favourable conditions for regional development.

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Previous Presidencies:

1993-1998

1998-2000

February-July 2000

2000-2004

2005-2006

2006-2008

2009-2010

2011-2012

2013-2016

2017-2019

2019-2021

2022-2023

2024-2025

Mr Gerd Walter

Mr Knud Andersen

Mr Edmund Wittbrodt

Mr Brunon Synak

Mr Uno Aldegren

Mr Arne Ören

Mr Carsten-Ludwig Lüdemann

Mr Olgierd Geblewicz

Mr Ossi Savolainen

Mr Roger Ryberg

Mr Mieczysław Struk

Mr Olgierd Geblewicz

Mr Werner Schwarz

Schleswig-Holstein, Germany

Bornholm, Denmark

Pomorskie Voivodeship, Poland

Region Skåne, Sweden

Eastern Norway County, Norway

Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg, Germany

West Pomerania Region, Poland

Helsinki-Uusimaa Region, Finland

Eastern Norway County Network, Norway

Pomorskie Voivodeship, Poland

West Pomerania Region, Poland

Schleswig-Holstein, Germany