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Foreign Minister Tsahkna in Riga: Baltic cooperation needs to shift gears

Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs

14.11.2025 | 15:04

On 14 November, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna was in Riga for the 31st meeting of the Baltic Council, alongside a trilateral meeting with the foreign ministers of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.

During the meeting, Tsahkna discussed regional security and cooperation with his Latvian counterpart Baiba Braže and Lithuanian counterpart Kęstutis Budrys, including Estonia's upcoming presidency of the Nordic-Baltic and Baltic cooperation formats in 2026. Transatlantic relations, continued pressure on Russia to end its war, and support for Ukraine were also on the agenda.

In his address to the 31st Baltic Council session, Tsahkna outlined Estonia's priorities for its 2026 presidency of Baltic cooperation, stressing the need to shift gears.

"Baltic cooperation has served us well. We've achieved its original goals: our independence is secure, occupying forces have left our countries, and we are fully integrated into the European Union, NATO, and other international organisations," Tsahkna said. "Now we need a 'Baltic Cooperation 2.0' — more modern, flexible, and effective, with less bureaucracy."

According to Tsahkna, Estonia's priorities for the 2026 presidency include security, cross-border connectivity — particularly the completion of Rail Baltic — and support for Ukraine.

"These goals cannot be achieved by Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania alone," Tsahkna noted. "Fortunately, we are part of the Nordic-Baltic cooperation format (NB8), which in recent years has gained new momentum and become the leading platform for addressing regional issues."

"Next year, Estonia will not only lead Baltic cooperation but also hold the presidency of the NB8 format. Through this dual presidency, we aim to integrate NB8 and Baltic cooperation more closely than ever, to achieve our shared goal with Nordic allies — securing the region's safety and prosperity," the Foreign Minister said.