The North Sea Conference explored the future of cooperation
On 13-14 June, over 200 professionals from across the North Sea Region convened in Fredrikstad, Norway, for the annual North Sea Conference. The Conference was jointly organised by the North Sea Commission and the Norwegian County of Østfold.
The Conference theme was setting the course for the future, and delegates discussed the future direction of North Sea cooperation. Strategies for the region were in focus as well as the new budgetary and administrative framework for European Territorial Cooperation resulting from the proposed EU Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF). Another key topic was Brexit and how it will affect future North Sea Region cooperation.
Delegates debated all the current and emerging challenges and opportunities that exist in the region and how to best cope with them. There was a clear recognition of the importance of human aspects in scaling up solutions and creating changes on the ground at the necessary speed.
The Conference offered plenty of opportunity to network and exchange experience, through thematic workshops and at coffee and lunch breaks as well as a mingling event at the end of the Conference.
In conjunction with the Conference, the North Sea Region Programme organised two full-day workshops in Fredrikstad - an Idea Generation Camp for project developers and a Communication Bootcamp for ongoing projects.