Enhancing Cross-Border Collaboration and Regional Security at the 12th Baltic Excellence Programme

The recent gathering of civil defence experts from across the Baltic Sea Region in Helsinki on 19-21 March 2023 marked a significant milestone for regional security efforts. Over three intensive days, crisis management specialists convened to exchange knowledge, learn from one another, and establish professional connections across borders.

Hosted by the Ministry of the Interior of Finland under the current Finnish presidency of the CBSS, the 12th Baltic Excellence Programme (BEP) brought together 40 experts from eight countries to delve into critical topics surrounding preparedness, civil defence, and comprehensive security.

Since its inception in 2012, the Baltic Excellence Programme, originally known as the Baltic Leadership Programme, has aimed to establish a network of civil security actors in the Baltic Sea Region. By combining theory with practice, the programme equips participants with the necessary tools and information to navigate cross-border collaboration in an intercultural context.

This year’s event served as a platform for in-depth discussions on a range of pressing issues, from measuring population readiness to withstand different crises to examining the role of businesses in national resilience. Participants explored concepts such as the “72 hours” principle, delved into the significance of self-preparedness and compared civil defence organisational structures across Estonia, Lithuania, Poland, and Finland.

The programme featured a diverse range of activities designed to provide participants with both theoretical insights and practical experiences. With a focus on the Finnish comprehensive security model, the programme included a guided tour of the renowned Merihaka civil defence shelter and featured lectures from esteemed institutions such as the Finnish National Rescue Association (SPEK), Laurea University of Applied Sciences, and the Finnish Environment Institute. Workshops and exercises led by institutions like the Swedish Defence University, Riga Technical University, and the Union of the Baltic Cities Safe Cities Commission complemented the theoretical sessions.

The final day of the event was dedicated to the continuation of the BALTinnoSEC initiative, piloted by the CBSS in Warsaw last year, which fosters dialogue between businesses and security stakeholders. The Confederation of the Finnish Industries offered insights into the role of private companies in contributing to the country’s comprehensive security and emergency supply.

Beyond the formal sessions, participants had the opportunity to bond over cooking in simulated emergency scenarios and enjoy traditional Finnish sauna experiences, fostering camaraderie and collaboration among attendees.

During the current Finnish Presidency of the CBSS, the Ministry of Interior of Finland played a pivotal role in organising the event, underscoring the commitment of the CBSS to promoting regional security and cooperation. Through initiatives like the BEP, the CBSS continues to strengthen the network of civil security actors in the Baltic Sea Region, laying the groundwork for effective cross-border collaboration in addressing security challenges.

For more information about the CBSS Civil Protection Network, please visit the following link.