Federal Environment Minister Peter Altmaier represented Chancellor Merkel at the summit meeting of heads of state and government of the Baltic Sea riparian countries in St Petersberg on 5 April 2013. The Presidency in the Baltic Sea Council is currently held by Russia. Discussions at the meeting focussed on the strengthening of public-private partnerships in order to mobilise investments in environmental protection measures. Federal Environment Minister Peter Altmaier commented: "The long-standing intensive regional cooperation has contributed to making the Baltic Region a model for sustainable development. However, we are still faced with enormous environmental and energy-related challenges which require massive investments. In this we need the support of the private sector."
One of the aims is to counter eutrophication (nutrient input) in the Baltic Sea by means of aedequate environmental standards in agriculture and the introduction of a special shipping zone. Climate action will be another focus of increased regional cooperation; the aim is in particular a coordinated development of renewable energies and energy-related infrastrucure which will help to improve the efficiency and stability of the energy markets. The joint development and implementation of regional strategies for adaptation to climate change will also play an important role. Extensive investments - also from the private sector - will in particular be needed to implement energy-related initiatives.
Further information
Plenary address by Federal Environment Minister Peter Altmaier