The role of Baltic local authorities in responding to major oil spills (Local and Regional Action No. 4) (2005)

The Congress of Local and Regional Authorities of the Council of Europe, in co-operation with the Association of Finnish Local and Regional Authorities, organised the international conference on "the Role of Baltic Local Authorities in Responding to Major Oil Spills" in Helsinki from 9-10 February 2004. This publication presents the main statements and presentations of the Conference. The event was attended by over a hundred and fifty delegates from across Europe, including representatives of local and regional authorities, representatives of the various Baltic Sea organisations, representatives of the oil and related industries, port authorities and coastal emergency services.The Conference provided a platform for discussion on ways of reducing the risk of major oil spills; the role and responsibilities of different levels of territorial authorities in responding to such disasters, how best to prevent and prepare for oil spills, including training, co-operation and technical solutions; the international and national legislative framework and responses of the shipping and maritime industries.The Conference provided a platform for discussion on ways of reducing the risk of major oil spills; the role and responsibilities of different levels of territorial authorities in responding to such disasters, how best to prevent and prepare for oil spills, including training, co-operation and technical solutions; the international and national legislative framework and responses of the shipping and maritime industries.