From January 1, 2026, Estonia will chair the North Baltic Eight (NB8) – a regional format of cooperation that includes Denmark, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Finland, and Sweden. This information is reported by sources familiar with regional cooperation.
From the same day, Estonia will also assume the NB8 chairmanship. The main tasks are to strengthen regional partnership, elevate NB8’s profile on the international stage, and deepen the region’s strategic integration, according to the press service of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The NB8 countries together are considerably larger, more visible and more influential than they are individually. We want to be seen as a united and strong region that, despite the relatively small sizes of its states, is one of the key economic and political partners in the Euro-Atlantic space”
– Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna
Prospects of Estonia’s NB8 chairmanship
Among the priorities are continued comprehensive support for Ukraine and maintaining the region’s leading role in shaping influence on Russia.
Estonia’s NB8 chairmanship will last throughout 2026.
“Cooperation of Northern European and Baltic countries is a multiplier of our joint security, economic power, and political influence. Our aim is to be leaders both in supporting Ukraine and in strengthening transatlantic ties”
– Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna
Estonia’s NB8 chairmanship will continue in 2026.
According to plan, the chairmanship should focus efforts on increasing pressure on Russia and establishing the region’s influence in the context of security and stability in the Euro-Atlantic space.