On 1 July 2011 the Federal Republic of Germany will assume the Presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States. On Monday, 27 June, Minister of State Werner Hoyer, on behalf of the Federal Government and Germany’s northern Länder, will present the programme for the German Presidency during a panel discussion.

The motto for the German Presidency of the CBSS is “pioneer of cooperation and symbol of regional identity in the Baltic Sea area”. Germany wants to make the CBSS a modern, effective body with unmatched potential to actively promote the further development of the Baltic Sea Region.

Furthermore, the German Presidency will continue to push the CBSS long-term priorities: economic development, environment, energy, education and culture, and civil security.

A highlight of the German Presidency will be the Summit of Heads of Government on 30/31 May 2012, which will be hosted by the Federal Chancellor.