1.   In Soviet times, those states provided the Kremlin with a substantial section of the Baltic coastline.

2.   In Soviet times, those states gave the Kremlin control over a substantial section of the Baltic coastline.

3.   Norway and Iceland also are members, although they have no Baltic coastline, and the European Union Commission also takes part in the council.

4.   Russia has only a small amount of Baltic coastline and could benefit from having greater access to the sea.