Ministerial Meeting 15 November

Statement by Deputy Director-General Helle Pilsgaard, Danish Ministry of Environment

Mr. Chairman, Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen.

First I will use the opportunity to express my gratitude to you Mr. Chairman, and to the Polish hosts for an excellent arrangement. I am sorry that I was not able to participate in yesterday’s event. I know from my delegation that it was a big success. 

Two days ago there was held a general election in Denmark. The Government and its supporting party still have a slight majority. However, the Prime Minister has yesterday announced that a new Government will be formed within short time. Unfortunately not in time for this meeting.

It is also the reason that Denmark – as you have noted - is not represented today by the Minister of Environment. Ms. Connie Hedegaard was well informed of the plan, and supported the effort. I know that she was looking forward to participate in this meeting.

Due to the Danish constitutional legislation we will have to make a waiting reservation. This implies also that we will not be able to take part in the negotiations during the ministerial meeting.  

Accordingly, the Danish Government coming into office will as soon as practicable express its final position on the BSAP and related documents, including the amendment to annex III and the recommendations.

It is important to state that Denmark strongly supports the efforts to protect the Baltic Sea Environment and has - together with the other Contracting Parties - been actively involved in the process of preparing the Baltic Sea Action Plan.

Mr. Chairman, Ministers, ladies and gentlemen.

I will congratulate you Mr. Chairman once again for hosting this meeting and I hope that you and the participants gathered here today will succeed in presenting a final plan for the benefit of our dear and vulnerable Baltic Sea.

Thank you for your attention.