500 Experts Convene in Tallinn to Shape the Baltic Sea Region’s Future

May 7, 2026 Emma Walker – News Editor News

Over 500 experts and decision-makers will gather in Tallinn from May 11 to 13 to address the security, economy, and future of the Baltic Sea region.

The event marks the 17th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR). Hosted at the Kultuurikatel, also known as the Creative Hub, this is the third time the Estonian capital has served as the venue for the forum, having previously hosted the gathering in 2010 and 2018.

This year’s forum centers on the theme of resilience, a priority for Estonia during its current presidency of the strategy. The discussions come as the region faces a combination of demographic shifts, climate concerns, and geopolitical volatility that officials say necessitate deeper strategic cooperation.

Tallinn Mayor Peeter Raudsepp stated that the resilience of the region is not forged by national governments alone. “The security, continuity, and competitiveness of the Baltic Sea region are not shaped solely by nations,” Raudsepp said, adding that cities have evolved beyond being simple end-points of policy to become places where cooperation and practical solutions are developed to directly affect the daily lives of citizens.

Estonian Minister of Foreign Affairs Margus Tsahkna noted that the current security and economic climate makes boosting resilience more critical than ever. Tsahkna said the objective of the forum’s discussions is to contribute to the enhanced connectivity, security, and prosperity of the region.

The forum’s agenda is divided into three primary areas of focus: the geopolitical landscape and regional security, the environmental condition of the Baltic Sea, and the challenges posed by demographics in relation to economic competitiveness.

The event will be preceded on May 11 by Cities and Regions Day, which will specifically examine how local governments can bolster regional resilience.

The Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) Secretariat, the primary intergovernmental forum for the area, has indicated that resilience must be viewed in a broader context, stating that it is far more than just a quick recovery from a crisis.