Conference focusing on security and political cooperation in the Baltic Sea region and beyond.
05.06.2026
Polish Embassy in Iceland, Varðberg, and the Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs are hosting a conference at the Nordic House on Wednesday, 10 June 2026, focusing on security and political cooperation in the Baltic Sea region and beyond. The event is being held at the conclusion of Poland's presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), ahead of Iceland assuming the presidency on 1 July 2026.
The conference will examine the key challenges and opportunities in cooperation among the states of the region, including the protection of critical infrastructure, responses to hybrid threats, GPS signal interference, coordination of security matters, and continued support for Ukraine. Iceland’s main priorities during its upcoming presidency will also be presented, with an emphasis on enhanced cooperation, sustainability, and regional solidarity.
Programme: The venue opens at 09:00, and the programme begins at 09:30. The event will conclude shortly after noon.
Radosław Sikorski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, will address participants via video link.
Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir, Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, will deliver the keynote address, in which she will discuss Iceland’s priorities during its presidency of the Council in 2026–2027.
Panel I will focus on the Polish presidency, its achievements, and the political priorities for the coming months. The discussion will be moderated by Davíð Stefánsson, Chairman of Varðberg. Opening speakers will include Artur Harazim, Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland; Anna Hjartardóttir, Director of International Affairs at the Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs; and Gustav Lindström, Executive Director of the Council of the Baltic Sea States.
Panel II will address security issues in the Baltic Sea region and beyond. The discussion will be moderated by Aleksander Kropiwnicki, Head of the Polish Embassy. Among those taking part in the discussion will be Jónas G. Allansson, Director of Defence Affairs at the Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and Katarzyna Barcikowska, Chair of the Committee of Senior Officials of the Council of the Baltic Sea States.
The conference is open to the public, but registration is required due to limited seating capacity. Registration is available here: https://forms.office.com/r/KvjhmxR9AP
The event will be conducted in English and streamed live on the Varðberg website and through media outlets.
