Standing Committee
The BSPC Standing Committee (SC) is the highest decision-making body of the BSPC between the annual Conferences. The Standing Committee considers and decides on strategic issues concerning the mission, political priorities, working modes, finances and administration of the BSPC. The Standing Committee has the overall responsibility for preparing the annual Conference and for overseeing the structures and functions of the BSPC. The Standing Committee consists of parliamentarians from all national parliaments, regional parliaments and parliamentary organizations throughout the Baltic Sea Region. The Standing Committee convenes at least four times per year (beginning of the year, spring/summer, in connection with the Conference, and in fall). The first SC meeting of the year should include a report from the CBSS and could also include progress reports on EU Northern Dimension, EU Baltic Sea Strategy, and EU Integrated Maritime Policy. The SC also serves as Drafting Committee during the annual Conference.
Previously, the BSPC Enlarged Standing Committee had been the BSPC’s highest decision-making body between the annual conferences. It was in operation 2008-2011. The Enlarged SC was discontinued at the 20th BSPC in 2011, and replaced by the new Standing Committee. The provisions for the new SC are laid down in the Rules of Procedure for the BSPC, adopted by the 20th BSPC.
The BSPC Standing Committee is chaired by the BSPC President. The digital 29th BSPC unanimously appointed Mr Pyry Niemi, Sweden, as President of the BSPC in 2020-2021. As Vice-President of the BSPC for 2020-2021 was appointed Mr Johannes Schraps, German Bundestag.
