ABSTRACT
Economic growth and environmental performance are crucial for the functioning of modern industrial societies. Sustainable economic growth, in particular, has always been considered a guarantee for stable democracy. During the last three or four decades, however, voices were raised claiming that economic development has to include environmental aspects in order to be sustainable. According to this view, growth without environmental concern is considered to erode societal resources (WCED, 1987, p8). To achieve true environmental sustainability in the Baltic Sea Region, it is essential to reconcile economic imperatives with environmental needs. The wealth of Western nations is historically based on the exploitation of nature. One of the key questions for the future of sustainable development in the Baltic Sea Region is whether the newly democratized riparian countries will achieve similar levels of economic development without abusing the environment in the process. It is therefore essential that environmental governance of the Baltic Sea Region combines the goals of economic growth and environmental protection.
