International Associations and Political Developments relevant to Maritime Policy in the BSR

Within numerous international associations and political developments which affect a maritime policy in the Baltic Sea region of particular importance are activities and policy developments of International Maritime Organization (IMO). Its main task is to develop and maintain a comprehensive regulatory framework for shipping including safety, environmental concerns, legal matters, technical co-operation, maritime security and the efficiency of shipping. All CBSS Member States are IMO members.

All CBSS Member States are members of United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), under which works also Multi-year expert meeting on transport and trade facilitation. The Report of its last Meeting on 8–10 December 2009 emphasizes the role of public and private partnerships for the development of infrastructure to facilitate trade and transport.