In spring 2025, a delegation from Narva-Jõesuu visited Karlskrona, laying the groundwork for cooperation between the two Baltic Sea cities.
At the turn of March and April, representatives of the City of Narva-Jõesuu travelled to Karlskrona, Sweden, with the aim of developing bilateral cooperation. Discussions between the two cities began in January 2025. Both municipalities have expressed strong interest in collaboration in the fields of culture, education and environmental development, as well as in participating in joint international projects.
The Narva-Jõesuu delegation included Mayor Maksim Iljin, Head of the Hobby Centre Natalja Mjatšina, City Government member Lennart Lepajõe and Development Specialist Natalia Orava. The reception by Karlskrona Mayor Peter Glimvall and his team was exceptionally warm. Estonia’s Honorary Consul Paula Eninge, who met the delegation at the Honorary Consulate in Karlskrona — formally considered the territory of the Republic of Estonia — introduced potential areas of cooperation and confirmed her intention to visit Estonia in summer and take part in the ESTO celebrations taking place in Narva and Narva-Jõesuu in June.
At the turn of March and April, representatives of the City of Narva-Jõesuu travelled to Karlskrona, Sweden, with the aim of developing bilateral cooperation. Discussions between the two cities began in January 2025. Both municipalities have expressed strong interest in collaboration in the fields of culture, education and environmental development, as well as in participating in joint international projects.
The Narva-Jõesuu delegation included Mayor Maksim Iljin, Head of the Hobby Centre Natalja Mjatšina, City Government member Lennart Lepajõe and Development Specialist Natalia Orava. The reception by Karlskrona Mayor Peter Glimvall and his team was exceptionally warm. Estonia’s Honorary Consul Paula Eninge, who met the delegation at the Honorary Consulate in Karlskrona — formally considered the territory of the Republic of Estonia — introduced potential areas of cooperation and confirmed her intention to visit Estonia in summer and take part in the ESTO celebrations taking place in Narva and Narva-Jõesuu in June.
During the meeting, both sides presented their cities and discussed potential areas of cooperation, including:
- tourism development,
- coastal infrastructure,
- youth projects and educational exchange programmes,
- environmental protection and coastal area management,
- the development of public services including digitalisation,
- sustainable regional development.
The Narva-Jõesuu delegation was also given a brief tour of Karlskrona, becoming acquainted with the city’s historical heritage and modern infrastructure. Particular interest was shown in local initiatives focused on renewable energy and community engagement.
The next important step in strengthening cooperation is planned for June 2025, when the Mayor of Karlskrona will pay a return visit to Narva-Jõesuu. The purpose of the visit is to become acquainted with our city and to sign a memorandum of intent, forming the basis for a future formal cooperation agreement.
It is important to emphasise that participation in international programmes — such as the Baltic Sea Region Interreg Programme — requires reliable partners when preparing joint applications. Cooperation between Narva-Jõesuu and Karlskrona opens new opportunities for successful participation in international initiatives.
The next important step in strengthening cooperation is planned for June 2025, when the Mayor of Karlskrona will pay a return visit to Narva-Jõesuu. The purpose of the visit is to become acquainted with our city and to sign a memorandum of intent, forming the basis for a future formal cooperation agreement.
It is important to emphasise that participation in international programmes — such as the Baltic Sea Region Interreg Programme — requires reliable partners when preparing joint applications. Cooperation between Narva-Jõesuu and Karlskrona opens new opportunities for successful participation in international initiatives.
Interesting facts about Karlskrona
Karlskrona: The Venice of Sweden
- Karlskrona was founded in 1680 as a Swedish naval base and was named after its founder, King Charles XI. The name “Karlskrona” means “Charles’s Crown.”
- Population: 66,301.
- The city is located on an archipelago of 33 islands in the Baltic Sea and is considered the sunniest location on Sweden’s southern coast. The islands can be visited by regular boats departing from the Maritime Museum.
- The city’s main economic sectors are shipbuilding, information technology and tourism. Karlskrona actively participates in numerous international networks and projects.
- In 1998, the historic city centre of Karlskrona was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The city represents an exceptional example of a well-preserved planned naval town in Europe. Its centre includes architectural elements inspired by earlier structures in other countries, which in turn later influenced the development of similar cities elsewhere.
Photo: Visit Karlskrona. A city built on 33 islands.