The Baltic Sea is vital to the countries surrounding it. Geography dictates that the Baltic Sea is a key transportation route for both goods and people, as alternative routes are difficult or too long or do not exist at all. In addition to transportation, important information and energy connections also run beneath the surface of the sea. However, Russia’s war of aggression has begun a period of growing instability and uncertainty in the Baltic Sea Region. This current topic will be discussed in May at the Baltic Sea Region Forum, where an international panel of experts will discuss the security of maritime transport in the Baltic Sea.
Hybrid threats are a cause for concern
– The Baltic Sea countries experience growing concerns over hybrid threats, including sabotage of underwater energy and telecommunications cables, GPS jamming, and cyberattacks on maritime infrastructure. We will have to prepare for such disruptions in the future as well, says Kari Liuhto. Liuhto is a professor of intelligence studies and the director of the Centrum Balticum Foundation.
– There are many different questions related to maritime security. What role do border guards, navies, the EU and NATO play in ensuring maritime security? How can key infrastructure be secured so that the region’s economy and security of supply are not affected? How can the cybersecurity of maritime transport be ensured in a digitalized world? In this changed situation, is it possible to adhere to international agreements and legislation regulating maritime traffic? The discussion at the Baltic Sea Forum will not lack perspectives, Liuhto predicts.
Baltic Sea Region Forum 2025 is organised on Monday 12th of May 2025 at the University of Turku with the theme Safe and Secure Baltic Sea. We welcome you to join the audience in Turku, but it is also possible to follow the event online. Forum programme and registration can be found at the event website.
