On 17 September, representatives of Estonian and Lithuanian employers' organisations visited the Employers' Confederation of Latvia (LDDK). The meeting focused on the priorities shared by all three countries and on future cooperation to coordinate the positions of Baltic employers at regional and European Union level.

The main objective of the meeting was to identify the issues on which Baltic employers' organisations need to act together. The parties agreed on common objectives and will develop a coordinated position reflecting the shared business challenges and interests of the three countries, with a view to presenting it to representatives of all three governments.

LDDK President Andris Bite: "The Baltic States face many challenges in common, and a growing number of issues can no longer be addressed effectively at national level alone. Our economies are closely interconnected, and businesses face similar competitiveness and security challenges. By strengthening cooperation among employers, we can align our positions in a timely manner and speak with a stronger voice in representing the interests of the Baltic region."

During the discussions, business representatives paid particular attention to the impact of the current geopolitical and security situation on businesses, the investment environment and the competitiveness of the Baltic States. They also discussed the need to strengthen the region's economic resilience, connectivity, energy security and access to labour, as well as business involvement in preparedness for a range of crisis scenarios.

President of the Lithuanian Confederation of Industrialists Vidmantas Janulevičius: “Regional cooperation is a key prerequisite for economic and societal security in the Baltic States. In the current geopolitical environment, the active involvement of business organisations in policymaking—ensuring that the interests of the Baltic region are effectively represented—is more essential than ever.”

The discussions highlighted the importance of coordinated action by the Baltic States, the need for simple and predictable framework conditions for business, and the development of EU policies that take account of the Baltic region's geopolitical circumstances and strategic importance.

CEO of the Estonian Employers' Confederation Hando Sutter: “The Baltic countries share the same geopolitical challenges, while also having similar strengths and potential. We even share several members across our associations. Therefore, it is very logical for the three Baltic business representative organisations to share best practices and sharpen our common expectations towards politicians.”

At the conclusion of the visit, the Latvian, Lithuanian and Estonian employers' organisations agreed to strengthen their cooperation and to coordinate and communicate joint positions more regularly on issues of importance to the Baltic States, thereby representing the interests of employers across the region. The next trilateral meeting is scheduled to take place in Lithuania in April 2027.