Human trafficking happens every day in the Baltic Sea region. It takes place in all countries – across the borders as well as locally. EUSBSR addresses this issue through Policy Area Secure which focuses on, among other things, cross-border crime.

What do you think when you think about the Baltic Sea? Its beautiful landscape and unique archipelago? Pollution and environmental problems? Maybe its coastline is the place you call home?

“While writing my Bachelor’s thesis, I really started to think what I want to do when I graduate. It took some time to figure it out but eventually two things stood out clearly: being an entrepreneur and making the world a better place," tells Paavo Vallas, an entrepreneur from Finland.

NutriTrade project was finalized in the beginning of 2019 but the work is far from over! This EUSBSR Flagship serves as a good example of project results sustainability and how work continues even if individual projects come to an end.

Cooperation provides huge possibilities, says Head of People Operations Maarit Lappalainen when she tells why Carinafour is active in EU projects. Currently the company is taking part in ECOPRODIGI that pilots digital solutions to increase eco-efficiency in the maritime sector.

“When implementing digital solutions, one cuts a lot of waste and saves resources. It acts as the most important tool to develop clean shipping”, Milla Harju explains.

There is no business as usual when it comes to game design, I am told when having a tour in DE:HIVE, a game design centre in Berlin. My guide, Friedrich Schadow, works as a game developer in Baltic Game Industry, an EU funded project that raises awareness of the game industry in the Baltic Sea region.

”The game industry is the most dynamic creative industry worldwide with an exponential growth rate.” The statement above, found on the website of the Baltic Game Industry project, fits well the mindset of the Baltic Sea Region that scores high in innovation rankings and is known for its experimental attitude.

Joint action makes it easier to be a tourist in Baltic Sea Region - Let’s celebrate World Tourism Day exploring our region!

The actions of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region are implemented by means of Flagships. Flagships demonstrate the progress of the Strategy, and may serve as pilot examples for desired action in a given field. In May, five new flagships were approved in the National Coordinators' meeting. We contacted the projects and asked what the status means to them.