Icelandic Presidency of the Baltic Region Heritage Committee 2026 – 2027

Iceland holds presidency in Baltic Region Heritage Committee 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, taking over from Poland, at a time of profound geopolitical challenges in the Baltic Sea Region. The regional security context continues to evolve rapidly, requiring strengthened cooperation, enhanced preparedness, and sustained political coordination among the CBSS Member States.

For over three decades, the CBSS has provided a unique framework for fostering mutual understanding, building trust, and enhancing political dialogue, cultural exchange, and people-to-people connections across
the Baltic Sea Region. The importance of strengthening the ability of countries and societies to withstand current security and environmental challenges has grown significantly in recent years. This is particularly relevant in the Baltic Sea Region, where growing pressure from Russia’s hybrid threats has heightened the need for resilience, preparedness, and closer regional cooperation.

Reflecting this, the Icelandic Presidency will place resilience at the centre of its programme. It will continue to build on the practical cooperation and achievements of previous presidencies, in line with the CBSS’s three
long-term and mutually reinforcing priorities:

• Safe and Secure Region,
• Sustainable and Prosperous Region,
• Regional Identity.

Cultural Heritage

Cultural heritage is a core element of the Baltic Sea Region’s shared identity and contributes significantly to regional cohesion. The Icelandic presidency in the Baltic Region Heritage Committee will focus on the role of cultural heritage in preparedness and community resilience. Coordination between cultural heritage professionals and emergency responders is essential in the contemporary environment. Emphasis will be placed on the importance of strengthened coordination between cultural heritage institutions, civil protection authorities, and emergency response agencies. It is important that member states commit to safeguarding cultural assets within their jurisdictions and take measures for protection in the face of natural hazards and armed conflict.

Surveying, documenting, and systematically collecting and sharing data on tangible and intangible heritage are core requirements for effective heritage management and protection. This intersects with other government functions, including spatial planning, construction, infrastructure development, maritime safety, and regulatory enforcement. It also affirms heritage as a clearly defined resource with social and economic value.