Centrum Balticum Foundation will organise a discussion on circular economy in Baltic Sea ports at Europe Forum 2026 in Turku, Finland, on 27 August 2026. The session, Harbours of Change: Circular Economy in Baltic Sea Ports, brings together experts from across the Baltic Sea Region to discuss how ports can drive the transition towards more circular and sustainable operations.
Organised as part of the Interreg Baltic Sea Region project Circular Ports, the session combines keynote presentations with a panel discussion, offering perspectives from the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) Policy Area Ship (PA Ship), the Port of Turku and the Circular Ports project.
The session highlights how Circular Ports is helping ports across the Baltic Sea Region turn circular economy ambitions into practical action. Through pilot activities carried out in different port environments, the project explores locally relevant circular economy challenges and opportunities. The programme also showcases how international cooperation supports the development and wider adoption of circular economy solutions in ports.
As the session takes place on Baltic Sea Day (27 August), the concluding panel discussion will reflect on how circular economy initiatives in ports can contribute to a healthier Baltic Sea, what challenges still remain, and what actions are needed to accelerate the transition towards more circular ports.
The session is free of charge and open to everyone. Participants are welcome to attend in person at Europe Forum in Turku or follow the programme online via the event livestream.
Europe Forum is Finland’s leading European policy forum, promoting open, science-based dialogue between policymakers, researchers, civil society, businesses and citizens. The central theme of this year’s event is “Building EU’s success on values, innovations, and security.”
Session details
Harbours of Change: Circular Economy in Baltic Sea Ports
Date: Thursday 27 August 2026
Time: 10:00–10:45 (EEST)
Venue: Turku City Theatre, Itäinen Rantakatu 14, Turku, Finland
Speakers
- Milla Harju, Senior Specialist, EUSBSR Policy Area Ship Coordinator, Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom
- Markku Alahäme, Technical Director, Port of Turku Ltd
- Stefan Breitenbach, Head of Project Department, Port of Hamburg Marketing (Lead Partner of Circular Ports)
- Oskar Wanat, Specialist for Trade and Secondary Raw Materials, Metkom (Circular Ports)
- Tomasz Laskowicz, PhD, University of Gdansk (Circular Ports)
- Murat Bayram, Director, Non-Ferrous Activities, EMR Group (Circular Ports)
Moderator
- Kirsi Ahlman, Deputy Director, Centrum Balticum Foundation
We warmly welcome everyone interested in circular economy, sustainable ports and the future of the Baltic Sea to join us at Europe Forum 2026!
Registration for Europe Forum is now open. Register for the Europe Forum on 26–28 August 2026 here.
Participation is free of charge, and those unable to attend in Turku can also follow the session live online via the Europe Forum livestream without registration.
