Iceland assumes the CBSS Presidency with resilience at the centre of its agenda

On 1 July 2026, Iceland has assumed the rotating Presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) for a one-year term, placing resilience at the centre of its programme.

Building on the work of the previous Polish Presidency and implementing the 2026 Sopot Declaration, which emphasises security and resilience in the Baltic Sea Region, Iceland will strengthen the region’s capacity to respond to current and emerging challenges.

“On 1 July, Iceland assumes the Presidency of the Council of the Baltic Sea States. Iceland will seek to further strengthen the role of the CBSS as a relevant, flexible, and forward-looking platform for cooperation in the Baltic Sea Region,” said Icelandic Foreign Minister, Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir. “By placing resilience at the core of its agenda, the Presidency will contribute to enhancing the region’s capacity to respond to current and emerging challenges, while upholding the shared values of democracy, security, human rights, sustainable development, and regional solidarity.”

Among its priorities, the Icelandic Presidency will continue efforts to address hybrid threats, maritime security, critical infrastructure protection, and the activities of Russia’s shadow fleet.

The cross-cutting theme of resilience will also shape the CBSS’s long-standing work on civil security, child protection, human trafficking, youth engagement, sustainable maritime economy, and cultural heritage.

In the area of civil protection specifically, Iceland will promote a whole-of-society approach to preparedness and resilience by strengthening cooperation between governments, local authorities, emergency services, civil society and the private sector.

Drawing on Iceland’s experience in responding to natural hazards, including recent volcanic activity on the Reykjanes Peninsula, the Presidency will also advance regional dialogue on disaster preparedness, early warning systems, crisis communication, and psychological resilience.

The Presidency will also focus on strengthening resilience among children in vulnerable situations, particularly refugee children, while enhancing cooperation between child protection and anti-trafficking authorities.

At the same time, the CBSS Task Force against Trafficking in Human Beings will mark its 20th anniversary with a programme centred on trauma-informed approaches to supporting victims and survivors of human trafficking, reducing demand for exploitation, and strengthening national anti-trafficking coordination.

Further priorities include continued cooperation with Ukraine and the CBSS Observer States, stronger youth participation, safeguarding cultural heritage as part of preparedness and resilience, and discussions on the future direction of cooperation on sustainable maritime economy.

The Icelandic Presidency will conclude on 30 June 2027, when the Presidency will pass to Sweden.

• More information about the Icelandic Presidency 2026-2027 is available here.