New CBSS Policy Brief addresses the instrumentalisation of migration as a hybrid threat

The publication, Instrumentalisation of Migration in the Baltic Sea Region - A Hybrid Threat at the Intersection of National Security and Human Rights, examines the instrumentalisation of migration by Belarus and Russia as part of a broader spectrum of hybrid threats facing the Baltic Sea Region. It highlights how vulnerable people seeking safety have been deliberately exploited to exert political pressure on neighbouring states and the European Union, creating complex challenges at the intersection of security, migration governance, and human rights.

The policy brief builds on discussions held during a regional expert seminar organised by the CBSS and the Ministry of the Interior and Administration of Poland in Warsaw on 17 April 2026. The event brought together representatives of ministries, border authorities, researchers, and other experts from across the Baltic Sea Region to exchange experiences and strengthen a common understanding of the phenomenon.

Against the backdrop of a deteriorating regional security environment, the publication explores the legal and policy dimensions of migration instrumentalisation, including its recognition under EU law and its relevance to regional security cooperation. The brief argues that addressing this challenge requires a comprehensive approach that combines effective border management and security measures with the protection of fundamental rights, anti-trafficking safeguards, and accountability for state actors responsible for orchestrating such practices.

By offering legal, operational, and policy perspectives, the publication contributes to ongoing regional efforts to strengthen resilience against hybrid threats and support coordinated responses among CBSS Member States.

• Read the policy brief and its recommendations here.