Poland Assumes Presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States - Aiming for a Safe and Sustainable Baltic
On 1 July 2025, Poland will take over the annual rotating presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) for the fourth time. As the only high-level political dialogue forum uniting all Baltic Sea region countries—alongside the EU, Norway and Iceland—the CBSS plays a vital role in maintaining regional cooperation, especially in the face of ongoing geopolitical shifts. Russia, previously a member, was suspended and subsequently withdrew from the Council in May 2022.
In brief
Poland will assume the annual rotating presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States for the fourth time on 1 July 2025. The Council of the Baltic Sea States brings together the Baltic coastal states, the European Union, Norway and Iceland, and since 2022, after the suspension and withdrawal of Russia, it remains the only platform for high-level political dialogue in the region. During the Polish presidency, the priorities will be the protection of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and countering the shadow fleet that circumvents international sanctions. Four working groups operate within the Council, including on sustainable maritime economy and civil protection.
The CBSS operates under three long-term priorities: strengthening regional identity, building a sustainable and prosperous region, and ensuring a safe and secure Baltic Sea area. Four active working groups currently address key challenges in the region: sustainable maritime economy, anti-human trafficking, child protection, and civil security.
During its presidency, Poland intends to reinforce these initiatives while placing additional emphasis on regional security and resilience. Core areas of focus will include the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, combating the so-called “shadow fleet” involved in sanction evasion, and responding to current security threats—including the war in Ukraine and continued hybrid risks posed by Russia.
Warsaw also underlines the need to make better use of the CBSS framework, adapting its mechanisms to today’s strategic realities. Strengthening political dialogue, promoting coordination in crisis preparedness, and enhancing maritime cooperation will be key to fostering a safer, more sustainable Baltic Sea region.
Poland’s presidency marks a crucial opportunity to align regional efforts and reinforce collective responses to common challenges in one of Europe’s most strategically significant maritime basins.
Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier
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