Baltic ministers endorse closer collaboration to ramp up offshore energy - where does nature fit?

CCB • May 10, 2023

Yesterday, foreign affairs ministers from 8 EU Baltic Sea States* signed a declaration [1] emphasizing the need to tackle energy security challenges together, through practical cooperation but WWF and the Coalition Clean Baltic underline that nature must still be considered.

The declaration, adopted during the CBSS Baltic Offshore Wind Forum, builds upon previous commitments for a cooperative, regional approach to strengthen energy security and rapidly expand offshore renewable energy in the Baltic Sea. The ambition is to have at least 19.6 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030 - an ambitious sevenfold increase compared to the previous 2.8 GW.[2][3] The European Commission estimates that in the Baltic Sea alone, the potential for offshore wind power is 93 GW.[4] On one hand, this is an important step forward toward an energy-resilient and climate-neutral Europe. On the other hand, countries have also committed to meet global and EU biodiversity targets including protecting 30% of seas by 2030. Energy and biodiversity targets may come into conflict, if offshore renewable energy developments are not carefully planned. 


All infrastructure, even renewable infrastructure, has an environmental impact which must be considered. However, there are opportunities for offshore wind to go beyond emissions reduction and apply measures that can not only minimise environmental risks but potentially contribute to the enhancement of ecosystems. To make sure nature stays a priority in the face of rapid development – clear guidance for offshore renewables planning is needed.


A set of new guidelines [5] has been proposed by WWF and the Coalition Clean Baltic which includes a roadmap for effectively incorporating nature into the planning and identification of areas for developing offshore renewable energy in the Baltic Sea.


“Increasing offshore renewable energy is a very important step towards decarbonisaton, energy independence and security. However, reaching climate and energy ambitions cannot come at the expense of nature. We need joint actions and proper planning to allow protection and restoration of our marine ecosystems, which are much needed actions in the Baltic Sea," says Andrea Cervantes, CCB Biodiversity Officer.


“There is no doubt we need more offshore renewable energy in the Baltic Sea, and we welcome closer transnational collaboration to help achieve this, but nature must be included in the careful planning of this expansion. This is the only way to ensure we meet both energy and environmental targets," explains Johanna Fox, Director of the WWF Baltic Ecoregion Programme.


*Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Sweden (plus Iceland and Norway).


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NOTES:

[1] Berlin Declaration on Baltic Offshore Wind by CBSS Foreign Ministers - 9 May 2023
adopted at the CBSS Baltic Offshore Wind Forum. 

[2] Press release - Baltic Ministers endorse commitment for closer cooperation on offshore energy - 30 September 2020

[3] Baltic Sea countries strengthen cooperation on energy security and expansion of renewables

[4] Study on Baltic offshore wind energy cooperation under BEMIP

[5] WWF and Coalition Clean Baltic guidelines for planning offshore renewable energy in the Baltic Sea


WWF Baltic Ecoregion Programme - Is an ambitious and highly influential force working to conserve and restore the health of the Baltic Sea. The programme is comprised of WWF and NGO partners in each of the nine coastal Baltic Sea countries. Representing the region’s largest membership network, the programme’s approach has been to work with public and private sector partners toward ensuring a healthy, productive Baltic Sea through sustainable, ecosystem-based management. More info at: www.wwfbaltic.org


Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB) - Is a politically independent, non-profit association, which unites 27 NGOs, with over 1 500 000 members in all countries around the Baltic Sea. The main goal of CCB is to promote the protection and improvement of the Baltic Sea environment and its natural resources for present and future generations. More info at: www.ccb.se


CONTACT:

Hannah Griffiths Berggren

Communications officer, WWF Baltic Ecoregion Programme

hannah.griffiths.berggren@wwf.se

+46851511483


Federica Pastore

Communication Officer, Coalition Clean Baltic

federica.pastore@ccb.se

Job vacancy: Marine Policy Officer (parental leave cover)

By CCB • February 24, 2026
Coalition Clean Baltic – CCB is a politically independent network, uniting 28 environmental non-profit organizations, as well as partners and experts from 11 countries surrounding the Baltic Sea. The main goal of CCB is to promote the protection and improvement of the environment and natural resources of the Baltic Sea region by encouraging new and constructive approaches and engaging people to become part of the solution instead of part of the problem. CCB Secretariat is based in Uppsala, Sweden. About the Role Coalition Clean Baltic (CCB) is seeking a Marine Policy Officer (parental leave cover) to join its International Secretariat and contribute substantively to regional and EU-level marine advocacy, with a particular focus on the Baltic Sea. The Marine Policy Officer will support the implementation of EU and international marine environmental policy frameworks — notably the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), the EU Maritime Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD) and the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP) . All work is grounded in the promotion of ecosystem-based management. The role includes close collaboration with the rest of the Secretariat team as well as CCB member organisations to deliver policy initiatives, advocacy actions, and strategic programme objectives. The Marine Policy Officer will also support the International Secretariat in fundraising, with a focus on the EU LIFE operational grant application. Key Responsibilities Policy & Advocacy Support the implementation of CCB’s strategic plan on marine biodiversity policy. Contribute to marine policy advocacy at EU and at Baltic Sea regional levels (e.g. HELCOM, EU Commission expert groups). Provide input to the implementation and revision of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Collect evidence and views to provide NGO inputs to the forthcoming EU Ocean Act and related initiatives. Support the implementation of the Helsinki Convention and Baltic Sea Action Plan. Engage in the revision processes related to the Marine Spatial Planning Directive (MSPD). Programme & Grant Delivery Provide critical support in fundraising, i.e. project proposal development, especially for securing core grant funding (e.g. for the EU LIFE Programme and potentially Horizon programme). Contribute to CCB´s project management, implementation and reporting activities for various projects. Coordination & Monitoring Closely coordinate marine biodiversity policy work with CCB member organisations. Monitor global, EU, and regional marine policy developments. Liaise with partner NGOs and civil society organisations. Communications & Policy Products Draft position papers, policy briefings, consultation inputs and technical reports on relevant files. Support communications and outreach on marine policy issues. Help organise workshops, conferences, and stakeholder events. Represent CCB in policy dialogues, expert groups, and stakeholder forums at the EU and Baltic Sea level. Cross-organisational Support within the Secretariat and its members Contribute to other CCB thematic working areas as required. Profile We are seeking a policy professional who is: Solutions-oriented and adaptable Experienced in advocacy or campaigning Collaborative and team-driven Passionate about marine conservation Organised, diplomatic, and stakeholder-confident Required Qualifications & Experience Demonstrable professional experience in marine or environmental policy. Working knowledge of key EU frameworks, particularly the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Knowledge of Helcom BSAP is an asset. Postgraduate qualification in marine science, ecology, conservation, water management, or related discipline with substantial marine focus. Eligibility to work and travel within the EU (citizenship or valid permit) with residency in Sweden. Excellent written and spoken English. CCB also welcomes applicants from broader environmental policy/law backgrounds who can demonstrate relevant knowledge. Desirable Skills Experience within the NGO or civil society sector preferred. Advocacy or campaigning experience within the EU, the Baltic Sea or international environmental policy processes. Working knowledge of a Baltic Sea region language (e.g. Swedish, Danish, Finnish, German, Polish, Latvian, Lithuanian, Estonian).

CCB´s submission to the EU Call for Evidence on the Ocean Act

By CCB • February 19, 2026
Uppsala, February 2025 - CCB supports the Ocean Pact and Ocean Act objectives for improving coherence, coordination and effectiveness of EU ocean governance. Yet, in order to achieve this, the Act has to deliver truly ecosystem-based management of our seas and make reaching Good Environmental Status, as defined in the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), a cornerstone of the Act. The Ocean Act can set us on a path to recovery of the marine environment under a sustainable and just blue economy, but only if the Act includes the points outlined below and is implemented swiftly and fully.