As of 1 January 2026 Estonia will assume the coordinating role as chair of the Nordic-Baltic (NB8) cooperation format, with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation, increasing the international visibility of NB8, and deepening the region’s strategic integration.
According to Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna, NB8 has developed into the most important platform for political coordination in the region. “NB8 must be firmly established as a cross-regional centre of political cooperation through which we pursue our shared objectives,” Tsahkna stressed. During the 2026 coordinating period, Estonia intends to use the NB8 format as its primary international political coordination tool at the level of leaders, ministers, senior officials and diplomats.
Another key objective is to strengthen the global image of NB8 as a group of highly like-minded countries with a strong and unified identity. “Together, the NB8 countries are significantly larger, more visible and more influential than when we act individually. We want to be seen as a unified and strong region that, despite the relatively small size of its countries, is one of the most important economic and political partners in the Euro-Atlantic space,” said the Foreign Minister. In 2026, Estonia plans to raise awareness of the nature of NB8 and to highlight the region’s role in the global economy and international politics.
Estonia also aims to take Nordic-Baltic regional integration to the next level, with particular attention to cooperation in defence, culture, digital affairs and the economy. “NB8 is already one of the most closely integrated regions in Europe today, but the potential for cooperation has not yet been exhausted,” Tsahkna noted. Cooperation will also be expanded across ministries in order to enhance the region’s competitiveness, security and resilience.
The chairing priorities also include continuing comprehensive support for Ukraine and maintaining a leading role in exerting pressure on Russia. Collectively, the NB8 countries are among the world’s largest supporters of Ukraine, and all NB8 countries are NATO members, actively contributing to the implementation of Alliance decisions. “Nordic-Baltic cooperation is a force multiplier for our shared security, economic strength and political influence. Our goal is to lead both in supporting Ukraine and in strengthening the transatlantic bond,” Tsahkna emphasised.
Estonia will chair the NB8 format from the beginning until the end of the year 2026.