Iceland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) from Poland on 1 July 2026 at a time of profound geopolitical challenges in the Baltic Sea Region. The regional security context continues to evolve rapidly, requiring strengthened cooperation, enhanced preparedness, and sustained political coordination among the CBSS Member States.

For over three decades, the CBSS has provided a unique framework for fostering mutual understanding, building trust, and enhancing political dialogue, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections across the Baltic Sea Region. Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and its subsequent suspension and withdrawal from the CBSS, the CBSS has increasingly taken on an enhanced focus on matters related to the region's evolving security context, providing a unique platform for dialogue, information sharing, and strategic messaging on topical security policy concerns.

The importance of strengthening the ability of countries and societies to withstand current security and environmental challenges has grown significantly in recent years. This is particularly relevant in the Baltic Sea Region, where growing pressure from Russia's hybrid threats has heightened the need for resilience, preparedness, and closer regional cooperation.

Reflecting this, theIcelandic Presidencywill placeresilienceat the centre of itsprogramme. It will continue to build on the practical cooperation and achievements of previous presidencies, in line with the CBSS's three long-term and mutually reinforcing priorities:

Building on the excellent work carried out by the Polish Presidency, Iceland will focus on strengthening both the political and practical dimensions of the CBSS. Follow-up and implementation of the2026 Sopot Declarationwill be key, particularly continued cooperation at political and expert levels on emerging security challenges affecting the region, including the activities of the shadow fleet, hybrid threats, and risks to critical infrastructure and maritime security. Emphasis will be placed on ensuring complementarity with existing regional and international structures and avoiding duplication of efforts.

Seethe Priorities of the Icelandic Presidency of the Baltic Sea States2026 - 2027.