Tasks and objectives

Oslo – Norway passed the Presidency on to Germany
© picture alliance / Arco Images GmbH

Ships in the harbour in front of Oslo City Hall

Oslo – Norway passed the Presidency on to Germany

© picture alliance / Arco Images GmbH

After the fall of the Wall and the accession of Poland and the Baltic countries to the European Union, there have been fundamental changes in the CBSS environment.

At their summit in Riga in 2008, the CBSS heads of government therefore adopted a comprehensive reform to align the Council with the new situation. CBSS work has been more project-oriented since, shaped by five long-term priorities: the environment, energy, economic development (particularly in the maritime economy), education and culture, and civil security.

Originally, the Council’s task was to overcome East-West confrontation by supporting the eastern Baltic Sea states on their path towards political stability, democratic institutions and a market economy.

This task largely fulfilled, the Council has become a widely copied role model for other regions, such as the Black Sea region or the Danube region. Today, the countries around the Baltic Sea enjoy very close political, economic and cultural relations; the region is a showcase for regional cooperation.

The collective Baltic Sea identity is reflected in a wide range of international networks, organizations and institutions. These cover all spheres – from cooperation between cities and regions to coast guards and the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference.

In its Communication of 23 March 2012 on EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region, the European Commission wrote in favour of increased cooperation with neighbours, primarily Russia. This involves the CBSS as a suitable forum for collaboration with non EU members, and Russia in particular, in the Baltic Sea region.

Last updated 02.07.2011