On 1 July 2025, Estonia assumed the Presidency of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), taking over from Poland. Building on the work of previous presidencies, Estonia’s main focus will be to finalise the revised Action Plan and ensure a smooth transition to its implementation. The new Presidency aims to advance the Strategy’s three core objectives: Save the Sea, Connect the Region, and Increase Prosperity.
Priorities under Estonia’s Presidency
In light of the evolving security environment in the Baltic Sea region, resilience and sustainability will be key themes. Strengthened cooperation across policy areas, effective governance, and stronger external communication will be central to Estonia’s approach. The Presidency will also prioritise increasing Ukrainian involvement in relevant actions and projects.
The role of macro-regional strategies
The European Commission’s 5th Report on the implementation of macro-regional strategies underlined the value of macro-regional strategies in addressing common challenges such as demographic change and the green and digital transitions. In today’s context of geopolitical instability, such strategies strengthen resilience at both national and regional levels.
Cooperation with Ukraine
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the EUSBSR has initiated several forms of cooperation with Ukrainian stakeholders. Current projects focus on immediate support, sustainable rebuilding, and preparing the path towards full EU membership.
Next steps
Over the coming year, Estonia will provide strategic guidance, facilitate decision-making, and coordinate the National Coordinators Group — the Strategy’s executive body. The Presidency will conclude on 30 June 2026, marked by the EUSBSR Annual Forum to be held on 9–10 June 2026 in Tallinn.
