Minister Byrne Launches Nordic Baltic Strategy

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, today launched Ireland’s refreshed Nordic Baltic Strategy in Iveagh House. The refreshed strategy sets out a vision for deepening cooperation with our Nordic-Baltic neighbours and promoting our shared values to increase Ireland’s influence and impact in the region.

Speaking after the event, Minister Byrne said: “Ireland has deep and enduring relations with the Baltic States, from the early years of Independence as members of the League of Nations to more contemporary links through membership of the EU, OSCE, and the UN. Engagement with the Baltic States is a key priority for Ireland and this update to the Nordic Baltic Strategy expresses the many and varied areas of cooperation between us.

“As smaller states and open innovative economies on the northern edges of Europe, we have a shared interest in championing the rule of law and we stand steadfastly with Ukraine. The updated Nordic Baltic Strategy provides greater political impetus and endorsement for our ongoing cooperation.”

Minister Byrne opened the launch with a speech followed by a fireside chat with Estonian Ambassador, Kairi Künka, Latvian Ambassador, Juris Štālmeistars, and Lithuanian Ambassador, Jonas Grinevičius. Minister Byrne and the Ambassadors discussed the Minister’s recent visit to the Baltic States, the ongoing cooperation between Ireland and the Baltics in support of Ukraine, shared policy goals, and the future of bilateral relations between Ireland and the Nordic-Baltic region.

The event was attended by diplomatic representatives from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Sweden, as well as prominent business and community leaders from the Baltic community in Ireland.

ENDS

Press Office

12 December 2025