Sweden’s expert authority on international cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region
Following a government decision, on January 1, 2012, the Sida Baltic Sea Unit will merge with units of the Swedish Institute (SI) working with Baltic Sea Region activities.
The aim is to coordinate and strengthen Sweden’s overall work in the region. The new SI organization will be Sweden’s expert authority on international cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region. It will, as one of several Swedish government agencies, facilitate implementation of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region.
The Swedish Institute will continue to support a wide range of collaborative initiatives in the Baltic Sea Region. Support will also be provided for regional cooperation with the EU’s Eastern Partnership countries. The new organization will allow for an approach that promotes synergies and cross-sector solutions. It will also facilitate implementation of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region and participate in strategic flagship projects.
The objective of SI’s work in the Baltic Sea Region will be to:
- Facilitate an enhanced partnership between Sweden and other countries around the Baltic Sea
- Actively contribute to developing relationships and partnerships that promote economically, environmentally and socially sustainable growth and development in the Baltic Region and its vicinity
- Increase the participation of Swedish stakeholders in Baltic Sea Region cooperation in these priority areas
- Assist and complement the activities of Swedish stakeholders in order to implement the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region to develop the region’s sustainability and global competitiveness
- Provide additional support for regional cooperation under the EU’s Eastern Partnership
Swedish municipalities, regions, government agencies, NGOs, universities, scientists and students that would like to initiate cooperation with partners in the Baltic Sea Region and its neighboring countries can contact the Swedish Institute for support, seed money, scholarships and advice.
Financial assistance will be provided to develop cooperation with Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, north-western Russia, Ukraine and Belarus. Other Baltic Sea countries, such as Norway and Iceland, may join in the partnerships but are not eligible for financial assistance. Georgia and Moldova may also participate in academic cooperation, including scholarships.
The new organization will continue to be an active dialogue partner and give advice on international cooperation. It will be able to support projects with seed money and scholarships as well as prepare projects for EU financing.
For questions about Baltic Sea Cooperation please contact: 