The Baltic employers’ organisations have agreed on shared priorities for strengthening competitiveness, resilience and security – issues that matter to both the Baltic States and Europe as a whole. The joint position was developed by the presidents and leadership teams of the Employers’ Confederation of Latvia (LDDK), the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists (LPK) and the Estonian Employers’ Confederation. 

The Baltic States’ location on the EU’s eastern flank, limited market scale, shallow capital markets and high dependence on international trade increase their exposure to geopolitical and economic shocks. Continued growth therefore requires EU support, a secure energy supply at internationally competitive prices, resilient infrastructure, a predictable investment environment and the full involvement of businesses in crisis preparedness. Strong and competitive Baltic economies contribute directly to Europe’s security and ability to respond to crises. 

The organisations will work to advance these shared priorities at national and EU levels. In Latvia, LDDK will advocate for their inclusion in the next government’s policy declaration. In Estonia, the parliamentary elections next spring will provide an opportunity to raise them in discussions with the new government. In Lithuania, they will also be taken forward as part of preparations for the country’s 2027 Presidency of the Council of the European Union. 

The Baltic States have the potential to become an even more competitive, resilient and dynamic region. To realise this potential and strengthen the region’s role in Europe, Baltic employers call on their national governments and the EU institutions to act jointly on six priorities: 

1. Business for resilience – strengthen economic security and make business part of preparedness; 

2. A budget for a new reality – create a strong eastern-flank dimension in the next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF); 

3. Stronger together – build a Baltic Defence Zone and scale up defence production; 

4. A connected Baltic region – complete strategic connectivity infrastructure and ensure a secure energy supply at competitive prices, with a stable environment for investment; 

5. Talent for growth – raise productivity and make the Baltics a destination for talent; 

6. A hub for innovation and growth – make the Baltics Europe’s easiest place to invest, test and scale. 

Andris Bite, President of LDDK, said:

“The Baltic States face common geopolitical and economic challenges, which means that competitiveness and security can no longer be considered in isolation. This joint position sets out what we can do together and what action is needed from the European Union to support these efforts. We must use national and EU funding wisely, coordinate investment more closely and create a business environment that keeps the Baltic region attractive to investors even in uncertain times. At the same time, businesses must be full partners in crisis preparedness – involved not only in developing plans, but also in putting them into practice.” 

The coming years will give the Baltic States an opportunity to translate these priorities into concrete decisions at both national and European levels. 

Vidmantas Janulevičius, President of the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists (LPK), said:

“The Baltic States share the same strategic challenge: we need stronger economies to strengthen our security, and greater security to create the conditions for investment and growth. This requires closer Baltic cooperation, better access to European and private financing, competitive energy, stronger defence and industrial capacity, and a business environment that allows companies to invest, innovate and scale. Ahead of Lithuania’s EU Council Presidency, we should turn these shared priorities into concrete European action.” 

Baltic employers also see opportunities for closer cooperation with their Nordic neighbours, Poland and other regional partners, particularly where working together can add scale. 

“The Baltic States can achieve much more when we act together. Our economies and businesses are closely connected - our organisations even share a number of members - so it makes sense to learn from each other, find practical solutions together and speak with a stronger voice. At the same time, we should look beyond the Baltics and work closely with our Nordic neighbours, Poland, and other regional partners wherever this adds scale and strengthens resilience. Employers have an important role in bringing a practical business perspective to the table and turning shared priorities into concrete action,”

said Hando Sutter, CEO of the Estonian Employers’ Confederation. 

The Baltic employers’ organisations will continue discussions on advancing these shared priorities at their next meeting in Lithuania in April 2027.