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ERB Task Force for Climate Change and Green Transition

In May 2023 the ERB Executive Board decided to establish a Task Force of experts appointed by the ERB member organisations.

The Task Force will focus on renewable energy, in order to identify and develop joint efforts to increase the adaptation of societies and promote better use of available resources to mitigate to the climate change impact in the Baltic Sea Region and Europe.

With reference to the ERB Executive Board the Task Force will have two concrete activities:

  1. To map ongoing and planned initiatives in the ERB regions regarding renewable energy sources (RES)
    1. Regional development strategies, plans, roadmaps etc.
    2. Involvement of citizens, NGO’s, business, labour market, educational and research sectors
    3. Future infrastructure and energy corridor plans
    4. Labour market issues, such as initiatives to mobilize skilled labour force
    5. Technology aspects, such as development and testing of new technologies
    6. Security aspects, such as measures regarding cyber security
    7. Other relevant aspects
  2. To identify potential joint ERB efforts, such as lobbying, exchange of knowledge or experiences, and joint project initiatives

 

The Task Force has a time frame from August 2023 until June 2024, when an eventually continuation will be decided.

Climate change is a process that refers to long-term climate changes. These changes include an increase in atmospheric temperature, changes in precipitation, distribution of ice and snow, rising sea levels, and other related effects. The main reason for these changes is the increased emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere by humanity, primarily as a result of the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and oil. We are increasingly struggling with climate change such as droughts or floods, which means that the subject of water is a very important aspect. The WaterMan project promotes water reuse in the Baltic Sea region. It adds a new element to water management that can make water supply more climate resilient.

As part of the WaterMan project, on June 5-6 2023, a meeting of project partners was held in Schweinfurt, Germany. Participants were greeted by the project leader, project manager and representative of the Berlin Center for Competence on Water, the host of the meeting.

On the first day project partners had a chance to participate in a study visit to the site of the Nutzwasser project. It is a part of the special funding program of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research called “Water technology: reuse”. The aim is to develop new, highly flexible and needs-based management strategies for water reuse for urban and agricultural irrigation in a practical way. During the study visit the participants saw interesting solutions for drinking water treatment, e.g. using ozonation or UV light. Chemical products are often used to purify water, which can have a negative effect on other factors.

A workshop followed,  during which participants discussed technologies, legal frameworks and how to work with recipients. A representative of the NutzWasser project presented the problems related to the mentality of people and their approach to water. There is less and less drinking water in the world, so we should ask ourselves: do we have to use tap water for everything, e.g. watering lawns or washing cars? NutzWasser project already started awareness-raising talks with the residents. There are also a lot of manufacturing companies in their region that use water to cool their machines. Jörg Drewes, the project leader, shared his experience and explained transitions taking place in the project.

In the second part of the workshop, the host of the event KWB (Competence Center Water Berlin) gave a presentation related to the use of water. Topics covered included:

  • basic definitions, reclaimed water sources and components
  • water reuse options and uses, including potential stakeholders
  • water treatment technologies for reuse (“fit for purpose”)

The second day of the meeting focused on the part of the workshop, where water treatment methods and tools were presented. The host of the meeting gave a presentation on risk management and risk assessment in the context of water reuse (with examples from the work of the Berlin Water Competence Centre). The presentation also included an introduction to risk, risk assessment and management according to the WHO and EU Standards for water quality and risk assessment and management according to methods of quantitative and qualitative risk assessment. An interesting element of the presentation was the chemical and microbiological risk assessment.

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was presented as a decision support tool. It presents the options for choosing the best processing technology for a given purpose, including the benefits and burdens for the environment. A partner from the Berlin Competence Center presented examples of water and how they use the method and possibilities of LCA – Life Cycle Assessment.

Another presentation concerned the review of available tools for preparatory research and the introduction of free external tools to support decision-making in the context of water reuse (MultiReuse tool and Poseidon tool).

Partners from Poland (Gdańsk University of Technology) and Sweden (Kalmar Municipality) continued the discussion on tools supporting water reuse. The WaterMan project will use research tools such as:

  • Extreme Weather Layer – a spatial planning system that reduces flood risk in urban areas
  • GIS – determining the location of water retention
  • Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment (QMRA) – chemical risk assessment

The last part of the day was devoted to a summary of two days of workshop and a study visit. The project manager summarized the partners’ talks and each participant had the opportunity to comment on the event.

The available tools and methods of preparatory research during the pilot activities were discussed. Partners discussed the issues that can be explored in surveys. An important aspect pointed out by all the participants was the level of awareness of residents and authorities regarding water resources, their quality and methods of treating and saving drinking water. This will be an important aspect in the project, so that local and regional authorities increase their level of knowledge and awareness of the above-mentioned topic.

Finally, internal issues and the next steps were discussed. The next meetings and study visits were planned in such a way that everyone had the opportunity to enrich their experience and knowledge in the subject of water. Issues related to the promotion and dissemination of knowledge about the project and the activities carried out were mentioned.

Under the presidency of Bornholms Regionskommune the 8 members of Euroregion Baltic keep on celebrating 25 years of cooperation.
On 15th May the ERB Executive Board 2nd meeting was hosted by Region Blekinge in Karlskrona.
The ERB President, Mr Mikeal Benzon, the Euroregion Baltic Executive Board and Euroregion Baltic Youth Board concluded the day with many issues on the agenda:
?establishment of the ERB EGTC
?European Grouping of Territorial Cooperation
?establishment of a Task Force for energy and circular economy
The participants of the meeting also had some interesting discussions in the joint political dialogue on youth and democracy with inspiration from Council of the Baltic Sea States , Region Blekinge and KulturCrew.
On 16th May, following the Euroregion Baltic Executive Board meeting, Region Blekinge hosted another great event – the Annual ERB Stakeholders meeting.
The conference ‘Baltic Sea Power for Regional Green Growth’ gathered some 60 participants from seven countries to talk about:
?energy
?multi-level cooperation
?new opportunities for business and jobs in our regions
The event was coorganized by EUSBSR PA coordinators for Education and Bioeconomy and the 8 member regions of Euroregion Baltic.
Trying to conclude the intense agenda we where presented:
?Region Blekinge vision and potential to grow
?Bornholm energy hub
?Euroregion Baltic potential to join forces
?the big picture of how the EUSBSR strategy work in practice
?highlights of the swedish year for EUSBSR strategy presidency 2022/2023
? and finally several examples for business potential bioeconomy and off-shore wind energy in our regions.
A big thank you to all our speakers and participants who made this day special!

Regional transnational, cross-sectoral, multi-level collaboration to secure and futureproof a sustainable energy supply, drive green transition and achieve local growth are key elements in the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region.

The development of offshore power generation (wind and hybrid), connecting new infrastructure, and servicing an expanding energy sector offers many opportunities to regions bordering the Baltic Sea.

Region Blekinge would like you to join  an intensive day of showcasing, discussion and workshops about how we can best support and make the most of the green growth associated with the powerful Baltic Sea.

Last chance to register!

More information here: Invitation_Baltic Sea Power_Karlskrona_16 May

The event is held back to back with the Euroregion Baltic Executive Board meeting and celebration of the ERB 25th anniversary.

 

The WaterMan project started in January this year and will run for three years with 16 full partners from 6 different countries (SE, DK, DE, PL, LT, LV, EE). The project itself aims to promote water reuse in the Baltic Sea region. It adds a new element to water management that can make the water supply more resilient to climate change. The key players in water reuse are local authorities and water companies, most of whom are still new to the topic.

One of the first activities of the WaterMan project was the kick-off conference in Kalmar and Västervik, which took place on March 14-16, 2023.

Participants of the project conference were welcomed by a representative of Kalmar County and GA-MA consulting. Except of discussing the basic issues related to the project, each of the partners presented themselves and their involvement in the project. ?? ?? ?? ?? ?? ??

The second day of the conference was dedicated to pilot activities. Participants had the opportunity to participate in a study visit in Gamleby and Västervik, where they saw the pilot sites in Sweden and the current solutions regarding flooding and drought. In pilot locations, representatives of the cities told us about the place and the idea for action. A representative of Gamleby talked about the existing 1st generation dam, its concept, experience and the use of retained water. As part of the pilot of the WaterMan project, they want to recirculate retained water by extending the use of retained stormwater from multi-dam. In the second town of Västervik, the participants got to know the plans and challenge the city is facing. With the opportunity to test a pilot solution, they want to recirculate retained water by planning 2nd generation multi-dam(s) and preparing a local model water reuse strategy.

The meeting was attended by a large representation from Poland, i.e. the City Hall in Braniewo, the Gdańsk University of Technology and the Association of Polish Communes Euroregion Baltic. The project includes both soft and pilot actions. One of such pilot sites will be in the City of Braniewo, which, with the cooperation and support of experts from the Gdańsk University of Technology, will implement the planned pilot project on the recirculation of retained water: in the form of an urban rain garden by a public swimming pool, reuse of water from a public swimming pool. In addition, a local model strategy will be prepared: Municipal water re-use strategy.

Additionally, pilot projects will be implemented in Lithuania, Latvia, Denmark, Germany and Sweden. All activities concern the subject of limiting the use of water in the Baltic Sea region. Example of pilot sites:

  • Recirculation of retained water: Storm water retention ponds in public areas,
  • Recirculation of retained water: Underground rain water retention reservoir,
  • Reuse of treated water: Reuse of WWTP water for hydrogen electrolysis power plant,
  • Recirculation of retained water: Improved purification of WWTP effluent for agricultural irrigation,
  • Large-scale reuse of water from wastewater treatment plants/adequate treatment for industrial and commercial purposes,
  • Mobile system for disinfection of treated sewage,
  • Dual pipe system in a public building.

Except of pilot activities, the project will be based on soft activities such as:

  • study visits,
  • international conferences,
  • workshops,
  • round tables,
  • data analysis,
  • creating models of water use strategies,
  • organization of awareness-raising and knowledge-extending events,
  • partner consultations,
  • promotion of activities and the project.

The last day of the kick-off conference was devoted to the administrative and financial part of the project. The Leader Partner familiarized the partners with the procedures, rules and deadlines that are in the program. The leader and partners agreed on an action plan for this year, including another physical meeting and further online meetings. The last issue raised during the third day was the signing of the Partnership Agreement and the deadlines that partners must pay attention to when it comes to reporting substantive and financial activities.

On 2nd March 2023 the Euroregion Baltic Executive Board met in Rønne, Bornholm to officially commence its work for the 2023.

The representatives from Blekinge, Kalmar, Kronoberg, Klaipeda, Pomorskie, Warmia and Masuria Region, Association of Polish Communes ERB (online), ERB Youth Board and also special guests from BOFA Bornholm and BEOF Bornholm were warmly welcomed at the premises of Bornholm Regionkommune.

This year’s first Executive Board meeting was particularly important due to another changing presidency. The previous presidency held in 2022 by Warmia and Masuria Region represented by president Mr Gustaw Marek Brzezin was officially handed over to the Municipality of Bornholm and Mr Mikael Benzon, who became the new ERB president. The meeting was even more important as it officially started the celebrations of the 25th Anniversary of the establishment of the Euroregion Baltic.

During the meeting the Board Members not only discussed the ERB goals and activities implemented in 2022, future activities and steps planned for 2023, proposal of establishing a new task force within ERB for climate change and green transition (CCGT Task Force), but also current geo-political situation and its impact on both BSR cooperation and Euroregion Baltic. Also representative of the Water Core Group, Mr Torben Jørgensen presented report on the activities implemented in 2022.

This years first day of ERB Executive Board meeting was  concluded with a great presentation by Senior Researcher, Ms Trine Villumsen Berling from the Danish Institute for International Studies (DIIS): Is energy politics security politics? Is the green transition?

 

“United by the Sea in Action for a Blue and Green Future – An Innovative, Sustainable, Attractive and Active South Baltic”.

Please take a look at the call for proposals for the Interreg South Baltic Programme 2021-2027.

The call for proposals will run until 15 February 2023.

The programme aims at actions focusing on economic, environmental and social development, natural and cultural heritage and cooperation between different heritage actors and cooperation between different actors in the area. Above all, the programme aims to improve the quality of life for residents through the blue and green growth of the area.

Applications for projects under the 1st Call for Proposals can be submitted under all axes of the Programme Priorities and Measures.

PRIORITY 1 – Innovative South Baltic

PRIORITY 2 – Sustainable South Baltic

PRIORITY 3 – Attractive South Baltic

PRIORITY 4 – Active South Baltic.

The budget for the entire call is: 79.9 million EUR

The application package and supporting materials can be found in the Call for proposals section of the Programme website – here

Project applications should be submitted through the WOD2021 system.

In addition, the Joint Secretariat has scheduled online meetings.

Online meetings: 26 January, 2 February and 9 February 2023 from 10.00-12.00 CET

Applicants can also ask specific questions about the WOD system prior to the online meeting by using the registration form or send questions to ami.sthb@southbaltic.eu

The Joint Secretariat is providing a series of individual consultations (online or in person at JS headquarters).

The consultations will take place from 23-25 January and 30 January – 1 February 2023.

Registration for individual consultations will be open until 18 January 2023

Registration Link

In order to register for the consultation, the owner of the project idea must complete the project idea template.

If you want to develop and implement your ideas while building your brand among international partners, we encourage you to take advantage of this call and we, as the Secretariat of the Association, will support you in developing your proposal and building consortia to find the best and well-fitting solutions for your needs.

On 9th December 2022, following the Annual Forum of ERB Stakeholders held in Olsztyn, the Euroregion Baltic Executive Board members met for the last time in 2022 to conclude the passing year, under the presidency of Warmia and Masuria Region. The meeting was hosted by ERB President, Mr Gustaw Marek Brzezin, Marshal of Warmia nad Masuria Region.

The Board discussed the ERB goals and activities implemented in 2022, future activities and steps planned for 2023 and above all, the future structure and further form of cooperation of the network.

The culmination of the two days meeting in Olsztyn, was the invitation from ERB President Mr Gustaw Marek Brzezin to the Baltic edition of a gala celebrating international cooperation of Warmia & Masuria Region.The meeting, organized in Kuźnia Społeczna in Olsztyn, started with the welcoming speeches from Marshal Brzezin & Mr Jacob Trøst, Mayor of Regional Municipality of Bornholm and ERB Vice President.

The highlight of the evening was the concert perfomed by artists from Bornholm – Helene Holm Nielsen & Torsten Borbye Nielsen, presenting some traditional Danish music.

It was a truly Baltic evening with great music from Bornholm & delicacies from around the Baltic Sea Region.

The content of this website is the sole responsibility of the author and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the European Union, the Managing Authority or the Joint Secretariat of the South Baltic Cross-border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020. The project UMBRELLA is partly financed from the Interreg South Baltic Programme 2014-2020 through the European Regional Development Fund.