Estonian CBSS Presidency Hosts Expert Meetings and Events on Civil Protection, Maritime Sustainability, and Child Participation
A series of expert meetings and seminars in Tallinn took place under the Estonian Presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), bringing together three CBSS expert groups to review ongoing work and discuss progress in areas such as civilian sheltering, green shipping corridors, and child participation, in line with Estonia’s priorities. The Presidency concludes on 30 June 2025.
Sustainable maritime economy takes centre stage
On 12–13 May 2025, the CBSS Expert Group on Sustainable Maritime Economy (EGSME) held its second seminar under the Estonian Presidency. The event focused on maritime digital twins and green shipping corridors, featuring technologies such as Mindchip for monitoring harbour environments and automated ferry berthing systems. Estonia also introduced the Baseline Report on Digital Twins and Green Shipping Corridors, which will soon be available on the CBSS website.
Civil protection experts discuss civilian sheltering
From 13–14 May 2025, civil protection authorities from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, Poland, Denmark, and Ukraine met for the regional seminar “Shelters – Different Systems, Same Purpose”, hosted by the Estonian Rescue Board. The event, part of the CBSS Civil Protection Network (CPN), focused on enhancing shelter strategies in times of crisis, particularly armed conflict. Discussions covered shelter accessibility, legal frameworks, and public preparedness, complemented by field visits to shelters across Tallinn.
Advancing child participation in practice
On 14–15 May 2025, Tallinn hosted a joint seminar and CBSS Expert Group on Children at Risk (CAR) meeting on meaningful child participation. The event included the launch of the new guide “Implementation of the Child’s Right to Participate”, developed by the Estonian Social Insurance Board in cooperation with CBSS CAR experts. The guide offers practical support for professionals seeking to embed children’s voices in decision-making in child protection processes.