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From a Baltic Point of View, Baltic Sea Unit, Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency: When Kitty Kubo first heard about the Baltic Sea Strategy, she was sceptical as to its value.

"My first impression was ‘just another paper'. What's the point of doing this at EU level when, from what I understand, there were bilateral, regional and other initiatives underway. However, on further reading I soon realised that it wasn't actually an additional thing at all but an attempt at coordinating the already existing initiatives, add missing bits and boost the visibility of the whole region within the EU."

Kitty says that talking about cooperation requires joint interests and equal partners, but the present strategy consists of a diverse set of countries where some are world leaders in innovation, while others are still catching up. As countries differ, it is important for them to share a future vision.

"I think innovation could be the common denominator for the Baltic Sea Strategy; being renowned as a region where new solutions are tested and standards created with the ultimate aim of improving life for all European citizens. The strategy covers a considerable market in which we can develop and experiment in new ways of doing things through IT, in private and, more importantly, public sector services."

What is most important in achieving positive development in the region?

"We need to make this region attractive, not only for our citizens to stay and tourists to visit, but also for foreign talents and capital looking for the best place to innovate and grow. I have three children of my own and I hate thinking about their future in

Estonia consisting of folk dancing or singing to Asian tourists. But if we are not able to compete with Asia, that is our reality."

When asked what the optimum outcome would be from the Baltic Sea Strategy from Estonia's point of view, Kitty says to be careful not to limit our view to the Baltic Sea corner of the world.

"If we want to grow further and ensure that some parts of manufacturing and services still remain in this part of the world, we need a more proactive approach towards the BRIC* countries. Maybe we could cooperate more in entering the BRIC markets, but also in attracting capital from them."

*BRIC is an acronym referring to Brazil, Russia, India and China.

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