Dear UBC Friends,

  It seems evident that the modern civilisation is based on energy. Being based on energy means, however, being dependent on energy supplies, prices of crude oil, natural resources etc. There is no doubt that energy matters and is one of the most sensitive issues in the contemporary world becoming the key topic in policies of many states and organisations. Moreover, energy is also a highly prioritized global environmental issue as its production has a harmful impact on environment. Bearing these facts in mind, Europe is discussing now the new strategy for Sustainable, Competitive and Secure Energy. Will the single European energy market emerge in the near future? Undoubtely, the Baltic Sea actors should take a chance and create a common balanced energy market in the region. This issue of the Bulletin presents our member cities' experience with the energy supply security problems and environmental impact of its production. Their stories prove that there are great opportunities in the Baltic Region as far as renewable energy is concerned. Finally, the answers on how to utilize the governmental and EU regulations on energy for the benefit of cities and consumers are also presented.

  European Union policy consequences are visible in the Baltic Sea Region not only in the energy field. Since 2004 the Union of the Baltic Cities with other Baltic organisations has been lobbying in Brussels on the new EU Cohesion Policy 2007 - 2013, 3^rd objective - the European Territorial Cooperation. Some of its assumptions are not suitable for the Baltic cooperation and should be changed - first of all the proposed 150 km limit for cross-maritime-border cooperation. The European Commission's suggestion of cooperation within the transnational strand indicated in its reply to our first joint statement is not satisfying - the proposed thematic areas within the transnational strand have very little to do with the tasks of the local authorities. That is why in April 2006, the UBC, B7 Baltic Islands Network and BSSSC signed the 2^nd Joint Statement still opposing the limit of 150 km and applying for complement of thematic areas within transnational part of the programme with those which are essential for municipal cooperation. To be even closer the European policy, the UBC should be officially represented in Brussels. The Stockholm Region Office offered to function as the UBC antenna that will speak on behalf of our member cities.

  Recent months have been also full of other international activities of the Union. UNITAR and UBC formalized their working relations signing the memorandum of understanding. This agreement allows to undertake joint actions in the field of human recourses development with mutual benefits. The time since the VIII General Conference in Turku has been also fruitful as far as our Baltic activity is concerned. The Maritime Logistics Policy Paper has been prepared and sent to member cities for comments. As the Baltic Sea transport is developing so fast, a need to create a policy that would cover the entire scope of maritime logistics in the region has become obvious. This policy concerns the development of transport and infrastructure, safety and the environment and logistics information technology in the region. I believe this document will help UBC to take part in consultations regarding the European Union maritime policy.

  The need for common actions is also significant when we are facing the global social problems. Thee UBC Board upon the initiative of the city of Umea signed the Statement against trafficking. Unfortunately the number of trafficked women and children is still increasing. The document commits the UBC members to undertake all possible efforts to prevent this problem.

  As you can see there are many challenging tasks for UBC and its members to be faced this year. I hope they motivate us to even more intensive actions.

  With Baltic Sea greetings

Per Bodker Andersen President