Security in Northern Europe and the Arctic is affected by both long-term change and more immediate threats. Climate change, shifting geopolitics, technological development and economic interdependence are all transforming the region. At the Baltic Sea Region Forum 2026 these key drivers are studied in three interconnected panel discussions.
The High North: From periphery to a battlefield of the great powers
The High North is no longer a remote periphery. Melting ice opens access to new sea routes, fisheries and substantial natural resources. At the same time, military activity and strategic signalling in the region have increased. This panel will examine how competition between the great powers, NATO’s evolving role and Russia’s position in the Arctic influence stability in the North. It will also consider whether existing governance frameworks are strong enough to manage rising competition.
Will strategic intelligence keep up with the changing environment?
Understanding change early is a key element of security. Today’s threats are often complex, fast-moving and difficult to detect, including hybrid operations, cyber activity and technological disruption. This discussion focuses on how strategic intelligence supports decision-making in such an environment. How can governments combine traditional intelligence with open-source analysis and new technologies such as AI? How can cross-border cooperation enhance situational awareness while maintaining trust? The panel will highlight the role of intelligence not only in crisis situations, but in long-term strategic planning.
Securing critical resources and infrastructure
Modern societies depend on secure access to energy, raw materials and functioning transport networks. At the same time, geopolitical tensions, technical failures and deliberate interference place a threat to supply chains and infrastructure. This panel will focus on the resilience of supply chains, ports, undersea cables, energy grids and emerging infrastructure linked to the green transition. It will also address questions of dependency and diversification: where are the region’s vulnerabilities, and how can they be reduced?
Online registration is open
Although each panel highlights a specific dimension of security, the themes are closely connected. We welcome you to explore these linkages and consider how Northern Europe and the Arctic can strengthen resilience while preserving cooperation. All seats for in-person participation are fully booked but online registration is open at the event website.
