Strengthening cross-border cooperation, multilevel governance and the involvement of local and regional authorities is essential to building a more resilient, competitive and decarbonised Baltic Sea Region. This was the key message delivered by Sari Rautio (FI/EPP), President of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions (EPP-CoR), during a seminar held as part of the 2026 European Week of Regions and Cities.
The seminar, entitled “Fit for purpose: EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region promotes a more resilient, competitive and decarbonised region”, brought together representatives from EU, national and regional levels to discuss the updated 2026 Action Plan of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region and its role in strengthening territorial cooperation. Highlighting the strategic importance of the Baltic Sea Region for Europe's competitiveness and resilience, Rautio, who also chairs the CoR's Baltic Sea Intergroup, stressed that the region faces unique geopolitical challenges requiring coordinated responses. “In times of growing uncertainty, strengthening multilevel governance and cross-border cooperation is more important than ever,” said Rautio.
She underlined that cities and regions must be fully involved in delivering Europe's objectives, including energy resilience, climate adaptation and improved connectivity. She also stressed that the success of the EU budget and its policies depends on the meaningful participation of local and regional authorities.
Organised by the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region Secretariat and the CPMR Baltic Sea Commission Secretariat, the seminar highlighted the importance of territorial solutions to challenges that no single country, region or city can address alone.