Poland takes over HELCOM Chairship from Lithuania
On 1 July 2026, Poland assumed the Chairship of HELCOM from Lithuania for a two-year term. During its Chairship, Poland will focus on three key priorities: advancing the implementation of the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (BSAP), strengthening HELCOM’s capacity to address environmental and geopolitical challenges and promoting the use of science-based knowledge in decision-making.
Mr. Marek Romsicki has been appointed as the Chair of HELCOM, with Mr. Tomasz Wenecki as the Vice-Chair.
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The implementation of the 2021 BSAP, HELCOM’s strategic programme for achieving a healthy Baltic Sea by 2030, will be a central focus for the new HELCOM Chairship. With the first reporting cycle on BSAP implementation recently completed and the 2026 HELCOM Ministerial Meeting taking place in Warsaw, Poland aims to encourage renewed commitments and continued stakeholder engagement in delivering the BSAP’s objectives.
Poland will also support discussions on strengthening HELCOM’s effectiveness in responding to emerging challenges in the Baltic Sea region. Particular attention will be given to environmental risks posed by the so-called “shadow fleet” and to ensuring that HELCOM remains resilient and capable of fulfilling its mandate.
Another priority will be advancing science-based knowledge within HELCOM. This includes progressing the fourth holistic assessment of the Baltic Sea (HOLAS 4) and updating the HELCOM Science Agenda, helping to ensure that HELCOM’s work continues to be guided by the best available scientific evidence. [...]
The HELCOM Chairship rotates among the Contracting Parties and plays an important role in guiding HELCOM’s work towards achieving a healthy Baltic Sea and strengthening regional cooperation on marine environmental protection.
Poland’s Chairship will run until 30 June 2028. [...]