The value of multilateral Baltic cooperation lies in the multiple connections between partners – governmental, local governments, and non-governmental – which foster the creation of unique expert networks, enable the exchange of information and good practices, as well as undertaking of joint, coordinated actions. Intergovernmental political cooperation is complemented by a valuable project dimension. On the one hand, the Baltic Sea region includes extremely important partners, such as Germany and the Baltic and Nordic countries, with which a dense network of connections has been established. On the other hand, there is a number of opportunities offered by dozens of multilateral cooperation structures such as: the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), the Helsinki Commission (HELCOM), the Committee on Spatial Development of the Baltic Sea Region (VASAB), the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference, the Baltic Sea States Subregional Co-operation (BSSSC), and the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR).

The Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), established in 1992, of which Poland is a co-founder, is the only forum for high-level political dialogue between all countries of the region (plus Norway, Iceland, and the EU/EEAS). It is also a driving force for multilateral cooperation in the region (Russia was suspended from membership and subsequently withdrew from the Council in May 2022).

Poland’s Presidency, which began on 1 July 2025, is our fourth annual rotating presidency of the CBSS in history. As it coincides with a period of exceptional threats in the Baltic Sea, it will undoubtedly differ from previous ones – a special significance of the northern direction in Polish foreign policy is important here (the fundamental role of the Baltic Sea as a transport and trade route, including its role in oil and gas transport and electricity production; the consistency of views with the Nordic and Baltic countries on many issues) and recent events in the region (threats to critical infrastructure, shadow fleet).

Poland highly values the political cooperation at the CBSS forum so far, as well as achievements of individual expert groups. Although there is still a justified need to develop regional cooperation in such fields as economy, infrastructure, energy, environmental protection or culture, the rapid changes in the geopolitical situation in the region have brought to the fore the need to develop collaboration related to the security of the Baltic Sea countries.

The present geopolitical situation, as well as intensified hybrid and disinformation activities, which particularly affect the Baltic Sea region, require a comprehensive response that goes beyond the traditional understanding of security. In this context, the Polish Presidency will strive to strengthen the political pillar of the organization through a more focused approach to regional security issues.

The three long-term priorities of the CBSS are: Regional Identity, Sustainable and Prosperous Region, and Safe and Secure Region. Currently, there are four bodies operating within the CBSS structure: Expert Group on Sustainable Maritime Economy (Poland is represented by Ministry of Infrastructure), Task Force Against Trafficking in Human Beings (Ministry of the Interior and Administration), Expert Group on Children at Risk (Ministry of Family, Labour and Social Policy), and Civil Protection Network (National Headquarters of the State Fire Service of Poland).

The Council of the Baltic Sea States - website 

Polish Presidency 2025-2026 priorities 

The EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), established in 2009, is one of the four macro-regional strategies of the European Union. It covers Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Germany (the northern federal states). Cooperation within the EUSBSR is carried out at multiple levels — governmental,regional, and local — with the involvement of research  and academic institutions, regional cooperation structures, non governmental organizations, as well as the business sector.

Three main objectives of the Strategy:

1. Save the Sea,
2. Connect the Region,
3. Increase Prosperity.

Activities under the EUSBSR are divided into fourteen thematic areas, four of which are coordinated by Poland:

1. Nutrients – State Water Holding Polish Waters in cooperation with Finland;
2. Innovation – the Ministry of Education and Science in cooperation with Estonia and Finland;
3. Culture – the Adam Mickiewicz Institute in cooperation with Germany (the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein);
4. Tourism – the Pomeranian Regional Tourist Organization in cooperation with Finland.

The main decision-making body within the EUSBSR governance structure is the Group of National Coordinators, composed of one National Coordinator from each Member State. In Poland, the role of National Coordinator is performed by a representative of the Department of European Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, supported by the Working Group for the Coordination of EUSBSR Implementation.

National Coordinator for the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
European Policy Department
E-mail: dpe.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl; 
Tel. +48 22 523 9175