The members of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) have decided to suspend Russia from further participation in the Council’s activities in response to the situation in Ukraine.
Belarus has observer status on the Council and is being suspended because of its role in the attack.
‘It is deeply regrettable that Russia has created a situation where we, the other 11 members, no longer find it possible to maintain cooperation with Russia within the framework of the CBSS. Russia is one of the co-founders of the Council and has played an active role until now,’ said Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Anniken Huitfeldt, who is currently leading the CBSS cooperation. Norway has held the Presidency of the Council since July 2021.