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 

Poland acts as coordinator of four EUSBSR Policy Areas:

1. PA Nutri – National Water Management Authority (PGW Wody Polskie), together with Finland;
2. PA Innovation – Ministry of Science and Higher Education, together with Estonia and Finland;
3. PA Culture – Adam Mickiewicz Institute, together with Germany (the federal state of Schleswig-Holstein);
4. PA Tourism – Pomorskie Tourist Board, together with Finland.

The function of the National Coordinator for the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region is performed by the European Policy Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The National Coordinator is supported by the Working Group for the coordination of the implementation of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region in Poland, which consists of representatives of Ministries, Managing Authorities of National and Regional Operational Programmes, Polish Coordinators of the Policy Areas, Offices of the Marshals of Voivodships, and Baltic organizations based in Poland. The National Coordinator prepares annual reports for the Chair of the Committee for European Affairs on the activities of the Working Group for the coordination of the implementation of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region in Poland.

From 1 July 2024 until 30 June 2025 Poland chaired the meetings of the National Coordinators of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region.

EUSBSR Annual Forum 2025 will be held on 29-30 October 2025 in Sopot.

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