1. “ Democracy, Freedom of Speech, and Freedom of Association” Conference at the University of Copenhagen Friday, Nov 13 2015, 12.15- 18.00 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 norden@norden.spb.ru, +7(812)272-01-34 norden@norden.spb.ru

2. 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

3. NGO in NW Russia in figures TOTAL: 11 836 in NW Russia; Really “alive” about 10% of the total number

4. FIGURES Total In Russia: 125 000 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. Funding and Support 2014 - 2020  ENP CBC programs  ENP trans border BSR program www.eu.baltic.net www.eu.baltic.net  Nordic Council of Ministers www.norden.orgwww.norden.org  CBSS PSF www.cbss.orgwww.cbss.org  National Funding as: Swedish Institute https://eng.si.se; Gorchakov Fund https://eng.si.se

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

9. The share of international projects in NGOs activities %:

10. 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

11. Baltic Sea NGO NETWORK and FORUM 2015: XIII BS NGO FORUM, ESTONIA, TALLINN, 10-11 June UPCOMING - 2016: XIV BS NGO FORUM, POLAND, GDANSK, June WWW.BSNGOFORUM.NET

12. 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

13. 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”

14. Association for cooperation with BS countries NORDEN THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION! WWW.BSNGOFORUM.NET www.norden.spb.ru norden@norden.spb.ru DARIA AKHUTINA