CBSS Political Directors address regional security in Warsaw

Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine and the strengthening of security cooperation in the Baltic Sea region were the main topics of a meeting of Political Directors of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS), held in Warsaw on 15 January 2026.

The Political Directors of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the CBSS member states addressed the continued use of sanctions, ongoing support for Ukraine, and efforts towards a just and lasting peace with appropriate security guarantees for Kyiv.

They also discussed hybrid threats in the Baltic Sea region, including the activities of the "clunker fleet", also referred to as the "shadow fleet", and attacks on critical subsea infrastructure.

The participants underscored the need for the CBSS to respond more effectively to emerging security challenges, in line with the Foreign Ministers' Declaration adopted in Vihula, Estonia, in May 2025, highlighting the Council's role as the only intergovernmental organisation bringing together all Baltic Sea Region countries except Russia to address shared challenges in the region.

The outcome of the meeting will inform preparations for the upcoming CBSS ministerial meeting planned for spring 2026.

The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs convened the Political Directors' format, with the intention that this higher-level format be continued by future presidencies. Adam Bugajski, Political Director and Director of the Security Policy Department of the Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, chaired the meeting.

Poland currently holds the Presidency of the CBSS and has prioritised regional security during its term.