On 11 May 2026 investigators of the Marine Accident Investigation Department of the Transport Accident and Incident Investigation Bureau, Aleksandrs Pavlovičs and Signe Klusa, participated in the international Steering Group meeting of Policy Area Safe — PA Safe — under the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, EUSBSR, held in Tallinn on 11 May 2026. The meeting took place during the Estonian Presidency of the EUSBSR and was chaired by Annabel Keerd, representative of the Estonian Ministry of Climate.
The meeting brought together representatives of the Baltic Sea Region countries, including Estonia, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark, Poland and Latvia. During the meeting, participants discussed the progress achieved so far within PA Safe, activities implemented by the Policy Area Coordinators, the development of ongoing and new projects, as well as future objectives and priorities for the coming years. Particular attention was paid to the future coordination of PA Safe, taking into account the expected changes in the coordination structure.
Participants highly appreciated the role of EUSBSR and PA Safe in strengthening cooperation among the Baltic Sea Region countries. This cooperation format enables countries to jointly identify maritime safety and security needs, develop practical projects and attract support for activities that are important for the entire region.
One of the key topics discussed was the resilience of winter navigation and the continuity of port operations under ice conditions. The experience of the past winter demonstrated the need to strengthen the region’s preparedness for challenging ice conditions in a timely manner, including by assessing the capacity of tugboats, icebreakers and other support vessels. A situation in which ice conditions significantly restrict navigation or interrupt port operations in the Baltic Sea Region must not be allowed.
The participation of TAIIB in the PA Safe meeting strengthens Latvia’s involvement in regional cooperation and promotes the exchange of experience on issues related to marine accident investigation, safety recommendations and the improvement of preventive measures in the Baltic Sea Region.