The Nordic-Baltic Eight: Policy Brief Series
Institute of International AffairsIn this new policy brief series, the eight leading institutes of the Nordic-Baltic Eight countries commit to closer collaboration on analysis and research. The aim is to deepen understanding of the evolving security, political, and societal dynamics shaping the Nordic–Baltic region amid renewed great-power competition.
The Nordic-Baltic Eight series of jointly published topical briefs is a collaboration between the eight leading institutes in the Nordic–Baltic region. The initiative aims to enhance understanding of the region’s shifting security, political, and societal landscape in an era of renewed great-power rivalry. The series seeks to generate shared insights, foster informed policy dialogue, and contribute to the region’s strategic resilience.
The views expressed in the policy briefs are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the participating institutes. New briefs will be published on this webpage on a continuous basis as they are released.
The eight institutes involved are:
The Swedish Institute of International Affairs (UI),
Danish Institute of International Studies (DIIS),
The Finnish Institute of International Affairs (FIIA),
The Icelandic Institute of International Affairs (IIA),
The International Centre for Defence and Security (ICDS),
The Institute of International Relations and Political Science at Vilnius University (TSPMI),
The Latvian Institute of International Affairs (LIIA),
The Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI)
Policy briefs
The circles of security: The role of the NB8 in (Northern) European security
No. 2 - April 2026
Authors:
Hiski Haukkala
Kristi Raik
Russia’s war against Ukraine has profoundly worsened Europe’s security environment, but it has also spurred deeper regional cooperation. The challenge now is to ensure that this growing number of initiatives remains purposeful, adds concrete value, and strengthens both the EU …
How to implement a full maritime services ban on Russian oil
No. 1 - March 2026
Authors:
Henrik Wachtmeister
Daniel Spiro
Henrik Praks
The EU is considering a full maritime services ban on Russian oil. While the final proposal and decision are still pending, the measure would replace the current oil price-cap regime by prohibiting European and allied companies from providing …
