16th EU Baltic Sea Strategy Forum

This year, on October 29-30, the European Union’s Annual Baltic Sea Strategy Forum will be held for the 16th time. Its theme will be Securing the Future: stronger together – building stability in times of uncertainty.

It will be held in Poland, and will seek answers to the question: what actions are needed to build stability and a prosperous future for all of us and future generations in geopolitical, economic, social and environmental terms?

What is the SUERMB forum?

One of the forms of cooperation of the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (SUERMB) is an annual forum. It is always organized by one of the SUERMB member states (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland or Sweden).

The Forum is one of the largest cooperation events in the Baltic Sea Region. It brings together stakeholders to develop solutions to common challenges and support the implementation of the objectives of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. The event provides a platform for policy dialogue and presents new challenges for a macro-regional approach.

16th Annual SUERMB Forum

The upcoming 16th Forum of the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region will be held on October 29-30, 2025 in Poland, in Sopot. It will be hosted by the Pomorskie Voivodeship.

This year’s EUSBSR Forum takes place at a time of significant change in the Baltic Sea region. Hence, its theme is Securing the Future: stronger together – building stability in times of uncertainty.

Participants will try to answer the question of what actions are needed to build stability and a prosperous future for us and future generations in geopolitical, economic, social and environmental terms.

During the Forum, discussions are scheduled on the following topics:

• Increasing resilience to adversity and unpredictability, especially in energy security and critical infrastructure;
• Ensuring economic and social resilience by emphasizing the need for workforce development, education and green innovation;
• Ensure integration of culture and tourism to strengthen regional ties and Baltic identity;
• Protecting the environment and natural resources and promoting a circular economy. The Baltic Sea in good environmental health can support a variety of activities.

For more information about this year’s Forum, visit the website dedicated to the event.

We already know that the next forum will be held on June 9-10, 2026 in Tallinn, Estonia.

European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region

The European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (SUERMB), which aims to save the sea, connect the region and increase prosperity, is an agreement between the EU member states bordering the Baltic Sea and the European Commission. It promotes cooperation between stakeholders and finds solutions to common challenges at the macro-regional level.

SUERMB has three main goals:

• To the rescue of the sea;
• Connecting the region;
• Increasing Prosperity.

The main goals are complemented by specific objectives, which include:

• clear water in the sea;
• rich and healthy nature;
• clean and safe shipping;
• reliable energy markets;
• good transportation conditions;
• Connecting people in the region;
• Better cooperation in combating cross-border crime;
• Improving the global competitiveness of the Baltic Sea region;
• Climate change adaptation, prevention and risk management.

Wraki na dnie Bałtyku – tykająca bomba?

SUERMB activities

In order to achieve its goals, the SUERMB Action Plan was prepared, which identifies the most important initiatives that need to be implemented.

Activities are divided into the following policy areas: Maritime Safety and Security, Security, Biogens, Bioeconomy, Energy, Education, Innovation, Culture, Spatial Planning, Ships, Transportation, Tourism, Hazards and Health.

The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region Action Plan is regularly updated to take actions that address problems and identify opportunities in the Baltic Sea region. As envisioned, the current 2021 SUERMB Action Plan is to be updated by 2026. The update process is not expected to lead to changes in the Strategy’s governance structure, but rather to focus on achievements and current challenges.

The process of updating activities is led by Policy Area Coordinators, who consult with Steering Group members and experts in each SUERMB member state. Proposals are then evaluated and approved by the National Coordinators and subjected to internal consultation within the European Commission.