“ Democracy, Freedom of Speech, and Freedom of Association” Conference at the University of Copenhagen Friday, Nov , People-to-people' level of international cooperation in the region of BS, role and impact DARIA AKHUTINA, Association for cooperation with BS countries NORDEN, BS NGO FORUM and NETWORK +7(812)

People-to-people relations: HISTORICAL MISSION and Potential  It is an effective way to overcome the current tension and diminish the negative consequences of the political crisis  Means for finding democratic and legal solutions  Promote traditions of good neighbourhood, mutual trust

NGO in NW Russia in figures TOTAL: in NW Russia; Really “alive” about 10% of the total number

FIGURES Total In Russia: NGO; 10 – 15 million people participate in NGOs activities of 146 million population of Russia (about 10%) In 57% of NGOs are permanent staff 1-9 persons NWR - 2 nd place in Russia among the federal districts due to the number of registered NGOs

NB!!! NGOs differ by its creation foundation  Established by governmental bodies  Established by business/professional associations  Established by academia society: within universities, research institutions, etc.  Established by citizens’ initiative – most vulnerable kind of civic organizations

PROBLEMS Sustainability is not ensured  High dependence on project money, lack of finances for the routine activity  Lack of financial instruments available for NGOs The majority of financial instruments are established without consideration of need and specifics of the from NGOs and civil society sector  Lack of administrative resources  Lack of “project work” knowledge, lack of advanced language skills

Funding and Support  ENP CBC programs  ENP trans border BSR program  Nordic Council of Ministers  CBSS PSF  National Funding as: Swedish Institute Gorchakov Fund

The share of international project in NW Russia accordingly to spheres and types of cooperation activities

The share of international projects in NGOs activities %:

Baltic Sea NGO NETWORK and FORUM ESTABLISHED in 2001, FORUM is held annually in the auspices of CBSS Chairmanship; from 2006: statues of CBSS’ strategic partner. Serves not only as a meeting point for NGOs but also offers an opportunity for a dialogue between NGOs and Governmental structures from 11 CBSS member states

Baltic Sea NGO NETWORK and FORUM 2015: XIII BS NGO FORUM, ESTONIA, TALLINN, June UPCOMING : XIV BS NGO FORUM, POLAND, GDANSK, June

OUR COMMON Challenge  To create the conditions for regional cooperation on people-to-people level and NGOs  To provide higher involvement of NGOs in regional international project’ activities – encourage municipalities, academia, etc.  To ensure the financial instruments and support

Baltic Sea NGO NETWORK and FORUM “The Baltic Sea Region should be a region of peaceful cooperation. Despite any tensions at the political level, we are citizens of neighbouring countries and strive to maintain stability and development through dialogue and international cooperation”

Association for cooperation with BS countries NORDEN THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION! DARIA AKHUTINA