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Innovative societies Water-smart societies Climate-neutral societies 

Interreg makes
a difference!

Explore how people in the Baltic Sea region have been benefitting
from our projects.

#MadeWithInterreg solutions for

Cleaner waters

Cleaner waters thanks to viable monitoring system, new methods for removing micropollutants from wastewater and sharing knowledge

What are we doing?

Coordinated actions are the key to cleaning Baltic Sea waters efficiently. Interreg projects that bring people together across sectors and countries stand behind many of them. Not only do they introduce new systemic methods to clean wastewater, but also ensure the spread of knowledge of those methods in the region. Trust in project recommendations directly translates into new policies and investments. In a long run, cooperation in projects exceeds original partnerships and builds grounds for new initiatives and actions to respond to arising challenges.

Examples of #MadeWithInterreg solutions:
  • a platform collecting best practices in smart water operations
  • a risk assessment system to monitor concentrations of micropollutants
  • novel methods to clean wastewater from micropollutants, e.g. pharmaceuticals
  • new technologies to reduce phosphorus losses
  • enhanced water treatment to improve water quality in lakes

 

What we’ve achieved so far? 

The Baltic Sea is one of the most heavily eutrophicated seas in the world. Interreg projects helped improve wastewater treatment, which is one of the factors influencing eutrophication. At the beginning of the 2000s, more than 20 cities collected best practices in water management and shared them with other city administrations around the Baltic Sea region. In 2009-2013, projects showcased that it was possible to reduce discharges of nutrients from wastewater treatment facilities to the level set in the Baltic Sea Action Plan of HELCOM. The HELCOM Action Plan targets were stricter than the EU requirement.

In 2016-2021, projects in cities and villages focused on improving the treatment of wastewater from residents and industries. Partners in projects tested new technologies that increased nutrient removal and reduced energy consumption in cities such as Daugavpils, Gdańsk, Tartu, Jūrmala, Kaunas, and Grevesmühlen. Rural municipalities benefitted from solutions like septic tanks and soil infiltration in Kolgaküla, Gennarby, Ainaži, and Leitgiriai. In other projects, partners tested the pre-treatment of wastewater at poultry, meat, and dairy factories in Leszno, Doruchów, Põltsamaa, and Jelgava. Following this joint work, the partners synthesised more than a hundred examples of smart water operations. Using this knowledge, they helped develop the new Baltic Sea Regional Nutrient Recycling Strategy of HELCOM, and revise the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan. These two strategic documents help achieve a healthy state of the Baltic Sea.

 

Ongoing projects

The ongoing projects explore new methods to clean wastewater more efficiently and better monitor concentrations of harmful substances and micropollutants in water environments. They address various stages of water management, starting from pollution prevention at its source, extending to robust monitoring and risk assessment practices, and culminating in the adoption of advanced wastewater treatment technologies. The projects aim to influence policy-making processes and implement practical measures for long-term improvements.

 

Supporting the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region 

Our projects play a vital role in achieving the ambitious goals of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) to save the Baltic Sea. In collaboration with the coordinators of the EUSBSR policy areas Nutri, Bioeconomy, Hazards, and Tourism, our projects make water and wastewater management more efficient and less resource-intensive in cities, rural areas, and tourist destinations. Together, our projects and the EUSBSR coordinators drive changes in water-related policies in our region, ensuring that the outcomes of our projects are integrated into legislation and continue to contribute to clearer, cleaner waters in the region.

 

Explore project solutions in more detail:

EMPEREST

Eliminating Micro-Pollutants from Effluents for REuse STrategies
The project EMPEREST tests advanced treatment technology that helps water utilities and companies better remove organic micropollutants such as PFAS or pharmaceuticals from wastewater.
Read more about the project

APRIORA

Improved risk assessment for strategic water management to reduce micro-pollutant emissions in the Baltic Sea Region
In the project APRIORA, environmental protection agencies and wastewater treatment plants get equipped with a GIS-based risk assessment system to monitor and model concentrations of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) in order to improve water management and reduce emissions.
Read more about the project

BEACON

Application of biological effects methods in monitoring and assessment of contaminants in the Baltic Sea
In the project BEACON, public authorities and governmental organisations develop harmonised methods to assess contamination in the Baltic Sea waters, sediment and biota.
Read more about the project

AdvIQwater

Improving quality of BSR waters by advanced treatment processes
The project AdvIQwater tests photocatalysis, fungal treatment and biofilms methods to efficiently clean wastewaters from pharmaceuticals.
Read more about the project

NonHazCity 3

Reducing hazardous substances in construction to safeguard the aquatic environment, protect human health and achieve more sustainable buildings
The project NonHazCity 3 helps municipalities, entrepreneurs and individuals construct and renovate buildings with tox-free materials in order to protect health and the environment.
Read more about the project

TRUST ALUM

Building trust in target groups for ALUM treatment - an effective, yet misunderstood method for water quality improvement
The project TRUST ALUM helps public authorities in the Baltic countries make better use of ALUM water treatment and improve water quality in lakes.
Read more about the project

MUNIMAP

Baltic Sea Munitions Remediation Roadmap
The project MUNIMAP develops a legal and administrative framework for public authorities to initiate joint remediation of dumped munitions from the Baltic Sea and Skagerrak, which pose threats to the marine ecosystem and hinder the maritime economy.
Read more about the project

SEABAS

Strategic ecosystem-based planning for sustainable future of the Baltic Sea
SEABAS enables public authorities, international organisations, and NGOs to integrate sustainable marine resource use, balanced human activity at sea, and ecosystem protection into maritime spatial planning, using harmonised monitoring, data-sharing tools, and policy recommendations. SEABAS consolidates outcomes from 8 EU projects.
Read more about the project

LowTEMP

LowTEMP
The Interreg project LowTEMP brought together 19 partners from nine countries and 30 associated organisations to improve strategic tools on planning, financing, installing and managing Low Temperature District Heating systems allowing to significantly decrease heat loss.
Read more about the project

INTERACTIVE GARDENS

Integrated system for interactive public garden development in Baltic Sea Region
In the project INTERACTIVE GARDENS, public authorities develop a system of interactive public gardens in order to improve health services for people, and thus better meet their well-being, social and educational needs.
Read more about the project

CM

Cross Motion
The Interreg project CM helped audio-visual and videogame industry boost their businesses and enter new markets by teaming them up with traditional sectors of education, tourism and healthcare, and innovating their products with audio-visual content.
Read more about the project

Blue-Green Bio Lab

Blue-Green Bio Lab across the BSR
The project Blue-Green Bio Lab helps local authorities intiate bio-industrial symbioses among aquaculture, agriculture and industry to reduce emissions while producing more consumer goods.
Read more about the project

Liveability

Liveability - Designing public services for resilient neighbourhoods
The project Liveability trains public administrations in innovative ways to engage people to create liveable and attractive city environments that adapt to people’s needs.
Read more about the project

ECOPRODIGI

ECOPRODIGI
The project ECOPRODIGI made the processes in the maritime industry more eco-efficient and sustainable by introducing cutting-edge digital solutions.
Read more about the project

PRECHARGE

Predictive Smart Car Charging
The transition to emission-reduced transportation involves various challenges that still ask for appropriate solutions. In order to increase the share of electric vehicle, suitable, affordable and reliable electric vehicle support infrastructures are needed, such as EV charging infrastructures. The PRECHARGE seed money project aims to develop project applications referring to: Knowledge and technology transfer between participating partners (“Predictive Smart Charging”). Implementation of demonstration sites and proof-of-concepts for intelligent EV charging infrastructures Translation of “Predictive Smart Charging” into the Baltic Sea region Reaching social acceptance and public awareness for intelligent EV charging technologies based on artificial intelligence and machine learning including data protection and security. Lowering the barriers for the use and thus strongly enhancing the distribution of electric vehicles in the region.
Read more about the project

Blue Platform

Bioeconomy for Blue Growth in the Baltic Sea Region – a platform project to capitalize on the outputs of complementary transnational projects
Blue Platform compiled solutions from Interreg and Horizon projects in blue bioeconomy to pave the way for emerging economic opportunities that explore innovative and sustainable uses of marine resources.
Read more about the project

REAVES

REAVES – Resilient Ecosystems for AV&M Entrepreneurial Support
REAVES project platform drives the way for a coherent cross-sectoral support strategy for the film, gaming, and music industries in the Baltic Sea region, helping authorities, education, and industry actors retain young talent and keep the cultural and creative industries resilient and thriving. REAVES consolidates outcomes from 22 EU projects.
Read more about the project

ValueStreams

Cross border value streams from nature - valuable natural products from industrial side streams for natural cosmetic, food and beverage industry
There is already a number of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Baltic Sea region that have developed and are marketing natural products based on local raw materials. However, most of them lack resources to develop new products and to improve their business. The project ValueStreams aims is to provide expert and technological support to companies in order to enable them to progress ideas of their own, and to help them find collaborators with similar interests. The planned main project shall focus on side streams and raw materials regularly and richly available.
Read more about the project

BSN_powerhouse

Baltic Science Network - A Science Powerhouse
The Interreg project BSN_powerhouse enabled researchers, research infrastructures, higher education institutions to improve transnational exchange and capitalise on research capacity.
Read more about the project

TforFLM

Transformers for the future labour market
The employment landscape changes constantly and new occupations or specialties become much desirable whilst other disappear. The ability to anticipate and prepare for future skills requirements, job content and the aggregate effect on employment turns out to be critical for businesses. In order to develop the intellectual and social capital needed for the future, the project focuses on supporting the structure of “transformers”: a new occupation dedicated to helping young people develop necessary skills for the future labour market.
Read more about the project

OpenRisk II

Tools for shared & dynamic maritime traffic risk picture of the Baltic Sea region
The project OpenRisk II equips maritime authorities and intergovernmental organisations with the risk assessment and risk management tools and thus helps to minimise maritime accidents and their footprint on the marine environment.
Read more about the project

BaltCityPrevention

Baltic Cities tackle lifestyle related diseases – The development of an innovative model for prevention interventions targeting public health authorities in the Baltic Sea Region
The Interreg project BaltCityPrevention helped public health authorities in the cities around the Baltic Sea to better promote healthy lifestyle, introduce eHealth technologies and strengthen cooperation between public health authorities and business.
Read more about the project

EcoDesign Circle 4.0

EcoDesign Circle 4.0
EcoDesign Circle 4.0 helped design centers, industrial designers and companies to integrate services and digital tools in development of solutions.
Read more about the project

Change(K)now!

Innovative approaches to behavior change in consumption pattern for fostering reduction of hazardous substance to the Baltic Sea
The aim of Change(K)now! is to build momentum for tackling hazardous substances by understanding and transferring knowledge about what makes plastic marine litter campaigns and communications so successful so as to promote the behavioural changes needed for sustainable lifestyles and a healthy Baltic Sea.
Read more about the project

BSR CLIMATE BUDGET

Cities and regions for a BSR climate resilient development by means of climate budgeting
Municipalities have made the commitment to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to reach the climate change mitigation goals. Carbon budgeting efforts pin down emissions targets, but do not include financial or management measures. In contrast, climate budgets elevate the climate mitigation contribution of a project or measure as a primary consideration in financial budgeting and negotiation processes. The project explores this concept to support its introduction in planning and decision making practices.
Read more about the project

NSB CoRe

North Sea Baltic Connector of Regions
In the project NSB Core, spatial and transport planners and other experts representing local, regional and national authorities from six countries developed a joint vision on how to ensure better integrated and accessible eastern and southern parts of the Baltic Sea region.
Read more about the project

BSR DeepTech Launch

Deep Tech Entrepreneurship Launchpad - developing efficient model for fostering STEM entrepreneurship among students and young researchers, to increase deep tech innovation in economy
In the project BSR DeepTech Launch, business, research and education institutions empower talented students and young researchers to start up their deep tech businesses and speed up green and digital transition.
Read more about the project

Easy Energy

Easy Energy Efficency solutions for public buildings and small companies in the BSR
The project Easy Energy guides municipalities and enterprises on how to reduce energy consumption in existing buildings with simple and inexpensive measures, like insulation and water/electricity, and prepares energy practitioners to advise on low-tech energy-efficient solutions in the future.
Read more about the project

BalticBiomass4Value

Unlocking the Potential of Bio-based Value Chains in the Baltic Sea Region
The project introduced new knowledge to sustainably use biomass as a reliable source of energy.
Read more about the project

BSRCulturalPlanning

Cultural planning as a BSR tool for co-creating collaboration and innovation among citizens and between citizens and authorities, on inclusive, sustainable development of city public space.
Social inclusion is a growing challenge for the Baltic Sea region. A better use of public space in cities is a possible solution to closer connect the people. BSRCulturalPlanning intends to adopt cultural planning as a method to stimulate interactions among varied groups of citizens. The project aims to bring together departments in municipalities responsible for cultural and urban departments as well as experts in cultural planning, and work together on better use of public spaces.
Read more about the project

Light in the Dark

Light in the Dark – Increasing resilience in rural and coastal tourism in the northern Baltic Sea Region by developing off-season experiences
The project Light in the Dark helps small and medium-sized enterprises in the tourism sector create an off-season nature-based offer to attract tourists to rural and coastal areas of the northern Baltic Sea region all year long.
Read more about the project

R-Mode Baltic 2

Ranging Mode Baltic Sea test bed evaluation
R-Mode Baltic 2 improved the earlier introduced alternative to satellite navigation systems and helped shippers navigate safer in the Baltic Sea.
Read more about the project

ConnectedByBiobord

Biobord open innovation platform connecting bioeconomy developers in BSR
The project upgraded and extended the earlier developed digital innovation platform for bioeconomy developers Biobord.
Read more about the project

TENTacle

TENTacle - Capitalising on TEN-T core network corridors for prosperity, growth and cohesion
The Interreg project TENTacle equipped public authorities and industry around the Baltic Sea with recommendations on how to benefit from the core transport network corridors in order to boost prosperity and growth around the Baltic Sea.
Read more about the project

SmartAging

Nordic Vitality Environments/​ Smart ageing with Nordic wellness indoors​
This project SmartAging empowers care providers and public authorities to enhance the well-being and daily lives of seniors by integrating smart home solutions and tailored training.
Read more about the project

SUMPs for BSR

SUMPs for BSR – enhancing effective Sustainable Urban Mobility Planning for supporting active mobility in BSR cities
The project SUMPs for BSR helps smaller municipalities develop and apply sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPs) to encourage shift towards people's active mobility and thus a healthier lifestyle while reducing traffic emissions at the same time.
Read more about the project

Watertour

The integrated tourism offer on inland waterways
The international waterway E70 stretches from Antwerp via Berlin inland waterways node, northern Poland, the Kaliningrad region up to Klaipeda in Lithuania. The project aims to develop a harmonised inland tourism offer along the waterway and to team up business, local authorities, tourism associations and other involved actors to expand and better promote touristic services.
Read more about the project

BSGI

Baltic Sea Game Incubation – Piloting Network Activities to Foster Game Incubation in the BSR
The project BSGI equipped game incubators and business developers with tools that allow them to be better prepared in a fast growing and constantly developing industry.
Read more about the project

HUPMOBILE

Holistic Urban and Peri-urban Mobility
The HUPMOBILE project provided city authorities, infrastructure operators and transport providers with tools for holistic sustainable urban mobility planning.
Read more about the project

ORMOBASS

Operational R-Mode Baltic Sea System to support resilient navigation
To ensure safer navigation at the Baltic Sea, the project ORMOBASS introduces a terrestrial R-Mode system that replaces global navigation satellite systems in case of disruptions, and warns ships about increased navigational risks.
Read more about the project

Solutions stay with the people: listen to our #InterregVoices

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© UBC SCC/Mariia Andreeva

Thanks to Interreg (...), we created momentum for essential aspects of sustainable water management connected to climate change, for example improving the wastewater and storm water management, reducing water pollution, and increasing the application of circular economy principles. [IWAMA; BSR Water]

 

 

 

Agnieszka Ilola 

Head of Secretariat, Union of the Baltic Cities, Sustainable Cities Commission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© Dmitry Frank-Kamenetsky

I can name a large number of examples of project outputs directly integrated into the regional policy framework. The first one is the recommendation on sludge handling. It was largely based on the PURE project. What’s more, the technologies tested in the project PURE to treat wastewater are in regular use now.

 

 

 

Dmitry Frank-Kamenetsky

 Special Advisor to HELCOM

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

© City of Turku

Thanks to Interreg projects, we have improved our public services for our citizens. Our water treatment facility has been involved in benchmarking water management processes and our water management processes have continuously been improving. Now, we have even better water quality and managed to keep the price of our water services at a moderate level.

Minna Arve

Mayor of Turku, Finland

#MadeWithInterreg solutions by topic

Agriculture

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Attractive cities for people

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Cleaner waters

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Energy efficiency

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Fewer hazards

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Health &
well-being

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Healthy & sustainable
food

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