Three decades ago, the Baltic Council of Ministers was founded primarily to build among three States a sense of confidence, cohesion, cooperation, and commonality, and to strengthen our freedom and independence.
Over the three decades, the cooperation of the Baltic States has been marked by an increased scope of annual tasks and agendas and helped to establish the Baltic States as a recognized geopolitical area. Regional cooperation and integration of the Baltic States has significantly contributed to substantial economic prosperity, stability, and security, at the same time representing a remarkable success story in the Baltic Sea region and wider European context. The Baltic Council of Ministers made significant contributions to the visibility and impact of the Baltic States in the region, the EU, and NATO, making the Baltic Sea region itself a safe place to prosper and develop.
We mark the 30th anniversary of the Baltic Council of Ministers at a time when Russia’s unprovoked and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine reminds us that peace in Europe should not be taken for granted. We reiterate our commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes and as much as necessary for Ukraine to win the war. Ukraine’s victory against Russia and future membership in NATO and EU is the only way to ensure a lasting peace and stability in the Euro-Atlantic area.
Over those 30 years, the Baltic States have proven themselves as strong and reliable European and transatlantic contributors to collective defence, particularly having in mind our geographical proximity to Russia – the most serious and direct security threat in Europe. The Baltic Council of Ministers was instrumental in advancing the common understanding and approach of the Baltic States towards defence and security in the Baltic Sea area. 30 years after, the Baltic Council of Ministers will continue its efforts on strengthening defence and security, promoting economic development and welfare, as well as developing energy and transport sectors of the region. The Baltic States will continue advancing and defending common interests in the European Union.
We are confident that the Baltic States will continue to work together for the benefit of their people and remain close partners and allies in the international community, sharing common democratic values and goals in the European Union and NATO, as well as regional security aspirations, thus building together a strong, prosperous, and forward-looking Baltic Sea region.
