Security in the Baltic Sea region: Greifswalder discuss upgrading and threats

Security in the Baltic Sea region: Greifswalder discuss upgrading and threats

One of the most pressing topics in the Baltic Sea area is the security, which focused on the current “Greifswald EuropaStarge”. Christina Stremming, who wrote her doctoral thesis on the security situation in this geopolitically sensitive region, provided valuable insights. Her findings were presented by the chairman of the European Union Vorpommern-Greifswald, Niels Gatzke. According to Stremming, a growing need for security is reflected in the Baltic Sea area, which is closely linked to current geopolitical developments, especially the Russian war of attack in Ukraine. A strong topic was also the increasingly discussed acceptance of military armaments in Germany, such as [NDR] (https://www.ndr.de/mecklenburg-vorpommern/greifswalder-ueber-sicherheit-im-ostseeraum ,MvregioGswald3482.html) reported.

The opinions during the event divorced. While some votes advocated talks with the Russian President Putin, others saw an acute threat in Russia. In particular, the neighboring countries in the east, which are historically shaped by invasions and military conflicts, find the threat situation high, which Stremming also emphasized. In her analysis, she called for a serious examination of the security needs of these countries and a stronger cooperation to ensure security in the Baltic Sea area.

geopolitical situation and military activities

The maritime space of the Baltic Sea is not only a place of trade, but has also developed into a key location of global majorities. In recent years, hybrid threats, such as sabotage files and drone inserts, have come into focus more, as is made clear (https://www.swp-berlin.org/10.18449/2023a06/). The NATO countries, which are shaped by the history of the division during the Cold War, reacted accordingly and put their military in increased willingness.

A central aspect of this situation is the role of Germany, which is increasingly under pressure to take on a more active role in the security policy of the Baltic Sea. The hesitant attitude is perceived as potentially dangerous by the Eastern European neighbors. The current geopolitical context, reinforced by the aggressive military policy in Russia, presents NATO and especially Germany with challenges. An example of this is the militarization of Kaliningrad and the implementation of military exercises by Russia in the Baltic Sea.

The importance of transatlantic cooperation

The security of the Baltic states and Poland will be increasingly dependent on transatlantic cooperation. Here the America First Policy in recent years, especially during Donald Trump's presidency, is critically reflected. NATO's Member States demand that the uncertainties result from this policy to coordinate their strategies and defense efforts. In addition, it should be observed that, based on historical experiences and perceptions, these countries increase their defense spending to react to the changing threat situation, as international politics explains.

As the Monday evening showed in Greifswald, the key to safety in the Baltic Sea area is in cooperation. A joint effort and the seriousness of the perspectives of the partner countries are essential to ensure that the stability in this sensitive region is sustainable.