The Baltic summit is a meeting of heads of state and government that takes place once every two years in a different Baltic country. It is an informal meeting where the leaders discuss issues of common concern in the region, such as economic growth and security. The summit is also an opportunity for the leaders to meet with their counterparts one-on-one, without the pressures of formal diplomatic meetings or media attention.
- Baltic summit organisers call for more regional investment
As the EU and Russia continue to struggle to find a solution to the ongoing refugee crisis, European leaders are desperately searching for ways to boost regional cooperation. With the Baltic States especially feeling the brunt of the crisis, leaders have committed to increasing regional investment as a way of helping to alleviate their growing economic burden.
- Baltic summit organisers warn of potential security risks
The summit in Tallinn, Estonia, of the eight leaders of the Baltic countries has been marked by protests by locals against a perceived lack of security. The summit was meant to be a chance for the leaders to discuss common security threats and organise joint efforts against them. But it has instead become an opportunity for locals to vent their displeasure against the foreign leaders they view as not doing enough to help the region recover from its Soviet past.
A large number of people have taken part in demonstrations against the summit in both Lithuania and Estonia. Some of these demonstrations have turned violent, resulting in broken windows and damaged property. The Baltic leaders have also faced criticism from some quarters over what they are perceived to be prioritising during their time in Tallinn – rather than focusing on economic recovery and social cohesion, they are being accused of prioritising their own bilateral ties with Russia.
- Baltic summit organisers plan to use social media to engage public
Social media has become a key tool for communicating with and engaging the public. From Twitter to YouTube, social media platforms allow users to share information and engage in conversation. These platforms are ideal for mobilising people to take action, both offline and online. Social media can also be used to promote an organisation's cause or campaign. For example, a cause-related hashtag can encourage members of the public to join a movement and share their support.
One way that organisers can use social media to engage the public is by using it to communicate updates about the summit itself. By sharing information on social media, organisers can reach a wide audience. This can be particularly useful when large numbers of people are travelling to attend the summit. The summit may also be broadcast online via streaming services such as YouTube. Organisers can use these broadcasts to promote the event and draw in new participants.