Municipalities across the Baltic Sea Region face growing challenges as climate change intensifies heavy rainfall and environmental standards tighten. Stormwater runoff carries nutrients, heavy metals, and microplastics into rivers, lakes, and the Baltic Sea, increasing pollution and flood risks. Rapid urban growth further strains outdated drainage systems, making it difficult to balance climate resilience, water protection, and sustainable urban planning.

The project helps municipalities, utilities, regulators, and communities manage stormwater more sustainably through transnational cooperation. It addresses barriers such as fragmented responsibilities, unclear legal frameworks, and limited experience with nature-based solutions like wetlands, green infrastructure, and permeable surfaces. Key activities include – mapping stakeholders to clarify roles, – building cross-regional networks of stormwater managers, – hosting workshops on legal and technical challenges, – and developing a joint methodology to apply local ecosystem-based solutions.

By sharing knowledge and practical tools, the project will strengthen cooperation, reduce pollution and flood risks, and help cities meet EU water and climate standards. The results will contribute to cleaner waters, climate-resilient infrastructure, and healthier communities across the Baltic Sea Region.

Helping SMEs and public organisations in the South Baltic area learn about and use AI through training, coaching and practical demonstrations. The HumanAIze project enhances AI awareness, skills and adoption among SMEs and public organisations in the South Baltic area through training, coaching and practical cross‑border demonstrations of AI‑driven solutions.

Main objectives:
Boost AI literacy and competencies, support SME and public‑sector uptake of AI, and showcase practical AI solutions through cross‑border cooperation.

Main activities:
Deliver training and coaching for managers and staff; run practical cross‑border pilot demonstrations of AI applications in business and public services; develop guidelines, toolkits and case studies; facilitate peer learning and mentorship; and carry out dissemination and matchmaking between solution providers and end users.

More about project
https://southbaltic.eu/projects-and-success-stories/hai-humanaize/

The main objective of the project is to engage small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and strengthen their capabilities (knowledge, skills and networks) needed to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations:
– Organization of regional AI seminars presenting best AI practices and industrial applications.
– Consulting SMEs to assess challenges and improve AI implementation strategies.
– Dissemination of information about the project and its results, ensuring that the knowledge gained during the project is widely shared and accessible.
– By implementing these activities, we will strengthen the Baltic region’s Artificial Intelligence ecosystem, increase the readiness of SMEs to implement AI solutions, and promote science and business cooperation.

The IBBI project explores the potential of blockchain technologies to transform manufacturing and industrial production in the South Baltic region, especially in the context of the Industry 4.0 and 5.0 revolutions. With increasing digitalization and societal changes, the initiative focuses on integrating blockchain to increase the competitiveness of SMEs in the green and blue sectors.

Main objectives:
The project aims to raise awareness, deploy innovative blockchain solutions and promote cross-border cooperation to support the deployment of green innovative technologies. It highlights the role of blockchain in improving supply chains, industrial processes and resource allocation to increase environmental performance and logistics efficiency.

Main activities:
The activities include the establishment of a South Baltic Industrial Blockchain Training Centre and a cross-border cooperation network. The project provides cross-border training and practical pilot cases for the application of blockchain technologies in specific industrial areas. It also develops consulting and coaching services to promote blockchain adoption, thereby increasing the competitiveness of stakeholders in the South Baltic region in the blue and green sectors. By effectively integrating blockchain, the initiative supports more efficient and sustainable industrial operations, fosters innovation and competitive advantage in times of global change.

More about project
https://southbaltic.eu/projects-and-success-stories/ibbi-industrial-baltic-blockchain-initiative-2/

RoundGoby. Promoting commercial fishing of Round Goby in the Baltic Sea.

About the project.The round goby in the Baltic Sea is an invasive fish species that currently dominates many coastal regions of the Baltic Sea. It is continuously expanding its range and poses a threat to the Baltic Sea’s biodiversity. The “Round Goby” project will promote the fishing of round gobies by exploring population management opportunities, developing jointly approved fishing methods and reporting systems, as well as creating and introducing high-value products made from round gobies to local markets.

DeCoInter – Decarbonization of the Maritime Sector and Its Impact on Green Energy Transition is an international initiative that supports the transformation of ports in the South Baltic Sea region into active contributors to the green energy transition. As maritime transport remains a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, seaports are uniquely positioned to accelerate decarbonisation both as major energy consumers and as hubs for energy storage, distribution, and innovation.

The project directly supports the goals of the European Green Deal and the REPowerEU strategy by promoting the use of renewable energy sources and alternative fuels such as hydrogen, methanol, ammonia, and electrification in port areas. Recognising that technological development must be complemented by strategic planning and stakeholder cooperation, DeCoInter brings together research, digital tools, pilot actions, and training. It aims to strengthen the capacities of ports, local authorities, energy providers, and academia to implement effective and sustainable energy transition strategies.

DeCoInter project objective is to support the energy transition of the SBA regions and ports by implementing blue renewable energy and making green fuels available in the maritime sector.

The project plans to analyse the capacity and needs in the South Baltic Area in the field of energy transition. Based on the results,the digital tool for mapping and prioritizing energy transition of seaport related activities will be developed. Next, the Port Energy Transition Strategy will be drafted and pilot tested, green fuels value chain will be developed, knowledge exchange, trainings and capacity building of stakeholders implemented.

The project involves 9 partners from Poland, Lithuania, Sweden, Denmark and Germany: port authorities, academic institutions, association of local and regional authorities, SME and NGOs. The project is led by The Association of Polish Regions of Baltic Adriatic Transport Corridor (PL).

• Port authorities & operators
• Local municipalities & logistics companies
• Energy sector entities
• Academia & students
• Regional policy – makers and innovation clusters

The main objective of DeCoInter is to enable ports in the South Baltic region to lead the green transformation of the maritime and transport sectors. The project addresses both the supply and demand aspects of the energy system, ensuring technical readiness, strategic alignment, and regional coordination.

Specific objectives include:

• Developing a methodological framework for Seaports Energy Transition Strategies, including infrastructure prioritisation and policy development
• Creating a scenario-based model for the development of a green fuels value chain, covering production, transport, distribution, and consumption
• Raising awareness among port stakeholders about low-emission technologies, energy efficiency, and regulatory frameworks
• Designing and piloting digital tools that support decision-making related to investments and emission reduction
• Promoting cross-sectoral and cross-border cooperation among public authorities, port operators, universities, and the energy sector
• Delivering targeted education and training programs for students and professionals in the fields of maritime logistics and renewable energy