Yesterday and today, on 20 and 21 January, the Foreign Ministry’s Undersecretary for Political Affairs, Martin Roger, hosted the political directors of
the foreign ministries of the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8) in Tallinn. This was also the first meeting held under Estonia’s NB8 chairmanship.
At the meeting, the political directors of the eight countries discussed continued support for Ukraine and increasing pressure on Russia, including the importance of adopting the EU’s 20th sanctions package, particularly at a time when Russia has intensified its attacks against Ukraine, causing extensive destruction to energy infrastructure. “The Nordic and Baltic countries have been among the strongest political, economic and military supporters of Ukraine, and the group will continue to act in this leading role in 2026, jointly encouraging other partners to maintain and increase their assistance to Ukraine,” Roger said. In addition, Undersecretary Roger presented Estonia’s initiative under which Estonia added the first 261 Russian fighters who have fought in Ukraine to the Schengen entry ban list, and called on the Nordic and Baltic countries to do the same.
The political directors also discussed issues related to Greenland and the Arctic. “Our aim is NATO unity and continuous, effective coordination among Allies to ensure Arctic security, in line with the Alliance’s core purpose of defending its territory,” Roger said. The NB8 countries reaffirmed their solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland, and their support for the principles of international law, such as sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The meeting also focused on the situation in the South Caucasus and developments in the Indo-Pacific region.
The NB8 group includes Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland. Estonia holds the NB8 chairmanship in 2026.
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