On 4 and 5 October 2023, Latvia will host the 14th Annual Forum of the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), “Safe and Sustainable Baltic Sea Region for Future Generations”. Its thematic focus will be placed on green energy, climate issues, and youth engagement.
On 5 October, the opening session of the forum will be addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, Krišjānis Kariņš; the Minister of Climate and Energy, Kaspars Melnis; the Deputy Director General for Implementation in the Directorate General for Regional and Urban Policy of the European Commission, Normunds Popens; the State Secretary and Plenipotentiary of the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg to the Federation, the European Union, and for foreign affairs, Almut Möller; and the Ambassador of Ukraine to Latvia, Anatolii Kutsevol.
On 4 October, ahead of the opening, the participants of the forum will actively contribute to themed workshops on subjects such as sustainable development in the Baltic Sea region, addressing climate challenges, a sustainable blue economy, strengthening of cooperation with Ukraine, the brain drain among young people, and political and civil society engagement.
Since 2010, the forum has been the most visible EUSBSR event involving officials from the countries of the region, experts, academics, the representatives of the central and local governments, businesses and NGOs in discussions on the topics of importance for the prosperity of the region with a view to jointly implementing projects relevant to the region.
Latvia is holding the presidency of the EUSBSR from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024.
The event is organised jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Latvia, the Riga City Council, the Union of the Baltic Cities, and the Vision and Strategies Around the Baltic Sea (VASAB).
For the attention of the media
Photo and video opportunities
5 October
From 10:00 to 11:00 – the opening session of the forum at Riga Art Space, Kungu iela 3
The media are also welcome to cover workshops for participants on 4 October from 10.00 to 16.30 at the Small Guild (Amatu iela 5) and working sessions on 5 October from 10:00 to 17:30 at the Small Guild, Riga Art Space and the Great Guild (Amatu iela 6).
Please see a detailed programme of the forum here.
Members of the media are requested to apply by 15.00 on 3 October, by contacting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at e-mail: media@mfa.gov.lv.
Please plan your arrival not later than 20 minutes before the event.