Let's get involved!
Inteview with Per Bødker Andersen, UBC President

What should be the role of the UBC in the "Baltic Europe" in the upcoming decade?

The UBC is first of all a network of cities in which the citizens expect ba­sically the same public services. Good governance showing respect for democracy and transparency in decisions. Despite historical and cultural differences we help each other by exchanging experiences on different topics - and we do it for free. The challenges for the coming decade are many. A change in demography, unemployment, climate change, social balance and more, are all items to be dealt with by local authorities - both in the biggest as well as the smallest cities of the Baltic area. In this respect we can benefit from the diversity around the Baltic Sea, meaning that precisely the different historical and cultural backgrounds will be to the benefit of development in our region. We do have all the needed skills and we know how to cooperate.

How do you see your role as the UBC President in activating the Baltic cities to implement the UBC Strategy?

I see my role as sort of a moderator - but of course also as a chair responsible for urging the member cities to implement and further develop the UBC strategy. This surely cannot be done in a single way, but it must adapt to the different conditions within the national state and local authorities.

How the UBC President sees the role of the organisation he is the leader of, in integrating the local governments and strengthen­ing the sense of'Homo Balticus'? (Baltic identity)

Local authorities are part of the government structure in each coun­try around the Baltic Sea. We are not lobbying organisation - but "full members" of the official government within the frames set for the LG by national Parliaments. As such we can contribute by working closely together and by putting up common goals for different areas of interest. But I think it should be underlined once more, that Homo Balticus is not just "one headshape". Homo Balticus is the identity of the diversity and mutual respect around the Baltic Sea.

How could the UBC contribute to deepening the economic cooperation and improv­ing business environment in the BSR?

Through the work of the Business Commission, the UBC contributes actively to the development of business relations amongst the member cities as well as all parts of business society in the countries. And we also look beyond the borders of the Baltic Sea area, as we are convinced, that wider cooperation with other organisations in different parts of the world is one of the answers to growth in our region.

Which other organisations could be the UBC's potential cooperation partners on the European level and internationally?

We are already cooperating with other networking organi­sations in Europe and in USA/ Canada. In Europe I can mention the Forum of Adriatic and Ionian Cities & Towns, the Conference of the Atlantic Arc Cities and CECICN. We are represented in the Committee of the Regions with observer status, and I have the pleasure of being member of the CoR -and the possibility of promoting our points of view. USA/Canada is the Great Lakes network. I find it extremely important to connect to e.g. a Chinese counterpart within the next few years, as I see possibilities for trade, research and other business relations as very prosperous.

Any other comments related to the UBC Strategy?

I guess that I have answered also about the UBC Strategy in my answers. But I would like to add that the EU Baltic Sea Strategy is of the utmost importance for all of us and emphasize the UBC will be an active and constructive player in the coming years in this cooperation as well.

Promotion of the Baltic Sea Region's image is thought to be an integral part of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. How can, in your opinion, the UBC member cities contribute to creating the BSR brand?

Each and every member city of course acts within the regulations of the national Parliament. But 8 out of 10 states in the UBC family are members of the EU. Therefore there is a need for the UBC and the member cities to be aware of the possibilities for influenceing every corner of the common EU policy within different political frameworks in order to put the Baltic fingerprints on todays and tomorrows political development. In fact, it can be said very simply: Involve yourselves even if the EU system may seem stiff.

What is the future of the UBC in your opinion?

Our common future in the Baltic Sea Region is the future of the UBC as well. We must follow up on new trends. Closer cooperation with other Baltic organisations will emphazise the interests of the region as a whole even more. This cannot be done without the participation of the cities. Therefore you shall still see a vivid and policymaking UBC. In our region and in the EU.