Estonia takes over NB8 chair with Ukraine support as priority

31 December, 20:52

The Estonian flag. Photo: TIMO ANIS/AFP via Getty Images

Estonia is to become chair of the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) from 1 January 2026, a regional cooperation format that also includes Denmark, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Finland and Sweden.

Source: ERR, Estonian Public Broadcaster, citing Estonia's Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Estonia's Foreign Ministry said that its goals during the chairmanship are to strengthen regional co-operation, raise NB8's profile internationally and deepen the region's strategic integration.

Quote: "NB8 countries together are significantly bigger, more visible and more influential than individually. We want to be seen as a single and strong region which, despite the relatively small size of our states, is one of the key economic and political partners in the Euro-Atlantic space."

More details: Among Estonia's priorities are continuing comprehensive support for Ukraine and maintaining a leading role in applying pressure on Russia.

Estonia's NB8 chairmanship will run throughout 2026.

Background:

Starting from 1 January 2026, Cyprus has taken over the EU Council's rotating presidency for six months.
Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides has promised that his country will make support for Ukraine a priority of its presidency of the Council of the EU, which begins on 1 January.
Cyprus has also said it plans from January to "decisively promote" EU enlargement.

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