We stand at the threshold of an exciting future with a new millennium and an enlargement of the European Union. What implications will this have for co- operation in the Baltic Sea region? 
Europian Union enlargement in the Baltic Sea Region - the role of cities, regions and states is the theme of our conference in Stockholm. The integration of the Eastern European countries has been raised into high relief in the aftermath of recent events. Shadows from a bygone age still linger on. These events show how important it is that law and justice is upheld, and that respect for life and property become the norm throughout all of Europe, concepts that are central to the European Union's enlargement process. Union of the Baltic Cities will continue its efforts to build new bridges across the Baltic Sea. The best way of doing this is by creating channels of communication between the cities and regions of Western and Eastern Europe to facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences. 
Secure economic development 
The ambition with the enlargement is to secure economic development in our region and to maintain a good social standard. The countries around the Baltic Sea are engaged in a number of projects aiming to bring cities, regions and countries together. Large resources have been allocated for this purpose. But there are still opportunities for the realisation of more good projects. 
Strengthen local democracy 
The conference in September is aiming to discuss the new possibilities of the enlargement. The issue of democracy is very important in this discussion. Democracy is to a great extent local, it has its roots on a local level. In light of this it is obvious that enlargement is a vital issue for the cities around the Baltic Sea and for Union of the Baltic Cities to continue its work in developing fruitful co-operation around the Baltic Sea.

Conference Programme 
The General Conference will be officially opened in the morning on September 24. Apart from speeches on the conferencetheme, a special workshop will be also organised. This workshop will be organised parallel to the UBC Commissions' meetings that will take place in the afternoon. The second day will be devoted to the internal UBC matters such as reports, elections, budget, etc. 
In the afternoon on September 24 the conference will move to Stockholm International Fairs where the Scandinavian Travel Market is organised. Scandinavian Travel Market will provide a valuable market place, where members of the tourism and travel trade - from more than 20 countries - can meet each other and exchange information and experience and also do business. Stimulating panel debates and useful seminars will all enhance the trade fair programme and make it even more attractive to trade visitors travelling from the entire Baltic Sea Region. A special interest from these target groups as well as representatives of the press will most certainly be aimed at the exhibiting members of Union of the Baltic Cities and the activities planned for Friday the 24th. 

Best Environmental Practice in Baltic Cities Award Ceremony 
The intention of the award, initiated by the Commission on Environment, is to en courage all member cities to develop their 
environmental administration, management and services in innovative ways for the good of the whole municipality and its citizens. The intention is not to look for the absolutely very best overall environmental management, but to look for innovative practices which function well in the local circumstances of the applying cities. The award will be presented in the City Hall on September 25. 
The conference also contains a social programme, such as sightseeing, lunch in the City Hall and a visit and dinner at Vasa museum.

Sunrise over the Old Town in Stockholm