Foreign Ministers Gather in Estonia for CBSS Ministerial Session 2025 to Address Regional Security

At the Ministerial Session of the Council of the Baltic Sea States in Estonia, Foreign Ministers and high-level representatives met to address regional security challenges, reaffirm support for Ukraine, and strengthen cooperation on critical underwater infrastructure.

CBSS Ministerial Session 2025 in Vihula. Photo: Aron Urb/MFA Estonia

On 15–16 May 2025, Estonia hosted the Foreign Ministers and high-level representatives of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) for a high-level meeting at Vihula Manor, with a focus on regional security and the threat posed by Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” in the Baltic Sea.

In a joint statement – the Vihula Declaration – the ministers reaffirmed their united support for Ukraine, condemned Russia’s aggression and hybrid threats, called for stronger protection of critical underwater infrastructure, and highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and youth engagement.

CBSS Ministerial Session 2025 in Vihula. Photo: Aron Urb/MFA Estonia

At Vihula, the ministers also signed a Memorandum of Understanding on enhanced cooperation regarding critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, signalling a commitment to increased regional coordination on this issue.

The ministers also acknowledged the report by former Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves and former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis, appointed in January as high-level rapporteurs, or “Wise Persons”, and tasked with developing proposals for the future of the CBSS.

The 2025 Ministerial Session was organised by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs under Estonia’s one-year CBSS Presidency, which began on 1 July 2024. During its term, Estonia placed particular focus on increasing resilience and sustainability in the Baltic Sea Region. Poland will assume the rotating CBSS Presidency on 1 July 2025.

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Photos: Aron Urb / MFA Estonia