Background and Methodology of the VASAB Vision 2040
Acknowledging challenges, trends and the need for strong coordinated policies and experience exchange across the Baltic Sea Region and beyond, VASAB Committee for Spatial Planning and Development of the Baltic Sea Region (VASAB CSPD/BSR) in 2017 started the process of updating the Long-Term Perspective. It was long journey to new VASAB Vision 2040 until on 13th December 2022 VASAB CSPD/BSR in its 88th meeting approved the VASAB Vision for the Territorial Development of the Baltic Sea Region in 2040.
VASAB Vision 2040 sets long-term territorial perspective comprising the land-based and maritime spatial elements of the Region, respecting its diversities and specificities, and embracing sustainability, integration and cooperation throughout.
To guide and support stakeholders, VISION proposes potential future actions to be jointly implemented with stakeholders in order to cope with challenges across various levels, sectors and borders.
Preparation of the VASAB Vision 2040 took place from 2021 by the end of 2022 and was steered by VASAB CSPD/BSR and led by a partnership of Spatial Foresight GmbH and Nordregio, both together having a long experience in EU policies, territorial cooperation, visions and scenario development, development and implementation of strategies, a considerable focus on the Baltic Sea Region and a long track record of working together.
The VASAB Vision 2040 was developed through an open, participatory and co-creative process. It engaged stakeholders at different governance levels (EU, macro-regional and national), including the thematic coordinators of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, other pan-Baltic organizations and national and local key stakeholders through series of events and targeted thematic workshops.
Report: Stakeholder Involvement - from co-creation to consultation
