BackEstonian Presidency 2025–2026 focused on Ukraine, Norway and the Action Plan update
Estonia held the Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region starting from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026. During the term, focus was on finalising the Action Plan, supporting Ukraine and welcoming Norway to the Strategy.
During the EUSBSR Presidency year, Estonia emphasized the principle of continuity and built on the achievements and successes of previous Presidencies in implementing the Strategy’s three overall objectives: “Save the Sea”, “Connect the Region” and “Increase Prosperity”.
“I wish Denmark every success for their Presidency, particularly in implementing the Strategy’s recently updated Action Plan and continuing the support for Ukraine. I would also like to thank the Member States for their support during Estonian Presidency in updating the Action Plan, organizing the Annual Forum in Tallinn and welcoming Norway to the Strategy.” – Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia.
Read the Presidency report here.
Action Plan update process is concluded
The main priority of the Estonian Presidency was the Action Plan update, with the objective of effectively finalising this process while ensuring a smooth start to the implementation phase immediately following its approval by the European Commission.
Given the security environment in the Baltic Sea region, particular emphasis was placed on resilience and sustainability, taking into account that strengthened cooperation across policy areas is a critical factor in supporting these objectives. The resulting Action Plan provides a clearer and more structured framework for macro-regional cooperation. It clarifies priorities, governance roles and impact, introduces a clearer logic across the Actions and is supported by more consistent indicators.
The National Coordinators Group approved the updated Action Plan on 3 March 2026, with a slight amendment added on 5 June 2026. The European Commission will finalise the approval process by the official publication of the Action Plan as a European Commission Staff Working Document in the coming months.
Read more about the updated Action Plan here: “Implementing the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region is an act of resilience”.
Norway joined the Strategy as a full member
The dialogue between Norway and the EU states bordering the Baltic Sea intensified and gained new momentum starting from 2025. In October 2025, Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Espen Barth Eide, officially sought membership in the cooperation framework. As of 18 May 2026, Norway became a full member of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region.
As a member state, Norway becomes a part of the joint strategic leadership and agenda setting for transnational cooperation in the Region. The formalised cooperation underlines Norway’s role as a like-minded partner in addressing shared territorial questions not only in the field of civil security and resilience, but also health-related issues, innovation ecosystems, and social cohesion.
Norway’s accession demonstrates the political attractiveness of the Strategy and confirms its continued relevance and openness as an effective framework for cooperation in the Baltic Sea region.
Read more about Norway’s accession here: “Norway is now a full member of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region”.
Baltic Sea Region cooperation continues to contribute to the recovery of Ukraine
Supporting Ukraine’s recovery and EU accession process has been a priority of the Strategy since December 2022, when closer cooperation with Ukrainian stakeholders began. The updated Action Plan further strengthens cooperation between the Baltic Sea region countries and Ukraine through projects and policy dialogue.
Russia’s war against Ukraine has shifted the priorities of the Baltic Sea region countries, strengthening the focus on resilience, civil protection, health preparedness, energy security and North–South transport corridors connecting Ukraine with the Baltic Sea region. Ukrainian experience is increasingly seen as valuable for the whole region, especially in crisis management, infrastructure protection, cooperation between volunteers and authorities and societal resilience.
Read more about cooperation with Ukrainian stakeholders here: “Baltic Sea Region cooperation contributes to the recovery of Ukraine”.
Annual Forum concluded the Estonian Presidency term
Estonia hosted the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2026 in Tallinn on 12–13 May, preceded by the BSSSC Day of Cities and Regions on 11 May. The Forum focused on strengthening resilience in the Baltic Sea region by enhancing the capacity not only to withstand shocks but also to adapt, collaborate and thrive in an era where crises are becoming the new normal. It addressed four interlinked challenges: security and geopolitical uncertainty, demographic shifts and regional competitiveness, climate change and the Baltic Sea environment, governance, implementation gaps and financing.
Read more about the Annual Forum here: “The EUSBSR Annual Forum 2026 was all about resilience”.
Denmark takes over the Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region National Coordinators Group after Estonia, starting on 1 July 2026.
