PõhjamaadeBalti

PõhjamaadeBalti, often written Põhjamaade–Balti koostöö in Estonian, is the umbrella term for regional cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic states. It encompasses political, economic, cultural and security-related cooperation among the Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden) and the Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania). The term is closely associated with multilateral forums such as the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8), the inter-parliamentary Baltic Assembly, and the Nordic Council of Ministers.

The collaboration emerged in the post-Soviet era as the Baltic states sought closer ties with their Nordic neighbors and with the broader European community. The NB8 format, established in 1998, provides a high-level platform for dialogue on political, economic, security and infrastructural issues. The Nordic Council of Ministers and the Baltic Assembly serve as long-standing intergovernmental and interparliamentary channels, while sectoral ministerial meetings address areas like energy, environment, research, education and culture.

Key areas of PõhjamaadeBalti cooperation include economy and trade, energy interconnection and sustainability, transport and infrastructure, digital innovation, science and education, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. The framework also supports regional security cooperation and disaster preparedness, aligned with broader European and transatlantic objectives.

Significance lies in promoting regional stability, sustainable development, and closer integration with EU and NATO frameworks, while reinforcing shared values such as democracy, human rights and open markets. The term continues to denote a dynamic, practice-oriented relationship among eight neighboring states.