The EU joined 10 other members of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) Friday to declare the suspension of Russia and Belarus from the activities of the CBSS in response to “Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine.” The other involved members were Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, and Sweden. 

The declaration strongly condemned Russia’s illegal use of force and rejected the possibility of continued cooperation with Russia: “In the current circumstances Russia should not enjoy the benefits of, and participation in, any CBSS-led cooperation. We will ensure the suspension of Russia from the proceedings, work and projects of the CBSS and its working bodies until cooperation under the fundamental principles of international law has become possible again.”

Belarus was suspended from the CBSS as an observer state and condemned for allowing Russia to use its territory for aggression against Ukraine.

The CBSS, established in 1992 through the Copenhagen Declaration, serves as a regional forum for “cooperation and coordination among the Baltic Sea States.” The organization was founded on adherence to the UN Charter, the Helsinki Final Act, the Paris Charter and other documents of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Its political decisions have affirmed the goals of peace, cohesion and democracy.

The CBSS is guided by three long-term priorities–regional identity, sustainable and prosperous region, and safe and secure region. During its suspension, Russia will not have access to programs such as the CBSS Project Support Facility to co-finance the development and implementation of Baltic Sea macro-regional cooperation projects.

In light of its armed attack against Ukraine, Russia is facing suspension from a host of international organizations. On February 26, the Council of Europe suspended Russia’s right to representation in the Committee of Ministers and in the parliamentary assembly. The World Bank has halted all programs in Russia and Belarus. The UN World Tourism Organization is slated to hold an emergency session to deliberate Russia’s membership suspension. UK Home Secretary Priti Patel announced Monday that she has called on Interpol to take a decision on the immediate suspension of Russia’s access to its systems.