At a time where European integration processes are reaching higher education, the Bologna Declaration signed by 29 European ministers in 1999 has set an ambitious goal - to establish the European Higher Education Space by 2010.

This goal must be backed by academic action in univerisities. In this respect, networking has proved to be an efficient and reliable mechanism for establishing coherence without interference. It must be mentioned here the Nordic universities have a rich experience in regional cooperation as do the Baltic universities.

In view of the above, drawing from the Bologna declaration and our past experience, as well as looking into the future with increasing economic, cultural and political cooperation in mind, the organisers of the 8th CBUR propose the main theme of the conference as follows: Is there a Baltic Sea University Space in Europe?

Looking forward to seeing you in Tartu.

Jaak Aaviksoo

President of CBUR