In December 2007, the European Council assigned the Commission to draw up a special EU strategy for the Baltic Sea by June 2009, so it could be adopted by the Swedish Presidency of the EU in the autumn 2009. Finding a solution to the environmental challenges faced by the Baltic Sea is one of the most important items specified in the strategy.
Finland has endorsed the idea of an EU strategy being drafted for the Baltic Sea, and it intends to participate actively in its formulation and implementation. According to Finland's view, through a number of programmes, funding schemes and other mechanisms, the EU provides new opportunities for the achievement of the goals of the Finnish Baltic Sea policy, too.
Finland has stressed the importance of having a balanced relation between a well-functioning Northern Dimension policy and the EU Baltic Sea strategy.
Finland has stressed the importance of having a balanced relation between a well-functioning Northern Dimension policy and the EU Baltic Sea strategy.
EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (pdf 264 kb)
European Commission: Staff Working Document on Maritime Surveillance (pdf, 33 kb)
