During its CBSS Presidency, Estonia paid special attention to hybrid threats, including the so-called shadow fleet, and proposed the creation of a common code of maritime conduct for the Baltic Sea and North Sea countries. A memorandum of understanding on protecting critical underwater infrastructure was also signed, marking an important milestone in deepening regional cooperation. Under the leadership of Estonia, practical forms of cooperation supporting Ukraine were also developed, involving Ukrainian partners in the work of CBSS expert groups, in particular the Civil Protection Network and the Anti-Trafficking Working Group.
One of the most important achievements of the Estonian Presidency of the CBSS was the report and recommendations compiled by former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis on the future of the Council. The report stressed the need to strengthen the role of the CBSS as a forum for strategic security dialogue in the Baltic Sea region. In light of Russia’s ongoing aggression against Ukraine and the resulting tense security situation, Estonia considers it important that security discussions are at the centre of CBSS’s activities.
Estonia will now focus on the Presidency of the European Union Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region. The EUSBSR is a framework for cooperation between eight EU member states bordering the Baltic Sea, which aims to promote the protection, regional connectivity and economic prosperity of the Baltic Sea.
The main objective of the Estonian Presidency of the EUSBSR is to complete the renewal of its founding document, the Action Plan. Given the challenging security environment, Estonia prioritises strengthening resilience and sustainability, as well as intensifying cooperation between the Strategy’s 14 policy areas. Promoting good governance, external communication of the strategy and greater involvement of Ukraine in the strategy will be key focus areas.
The Estonian presidency of the EUSBSR runs until 30 June 2026 and ends with the annual strategy forum taking place in Tallinn on 9 and 10 June 2026.
