In formal terms,  the South Baltic Programme  it is the so-called multilateral cross-border cooperation programme created on the maritime border between the southern Baltic Sea regions. In practical terms the South Baltic Programme is a completely new cooperation area where cross-border cooperation structures have not been set at a full scale yet.

The overall objective of the South Baltic Cross- border Cooperation Programme 2007 – 2013 is to strengthen the sustainable development of the South Baltic area through joint actions increasing its competitiveness and enhancing integration among people and institutions.