Norway joins EU Baltic Sea cooperation amid heightened security focus

On May 18, Norway said that it has joined the European Union’s Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR), a framework aimed at coordinating responses to shared regional challenges, including security.

Non-EU member Norway will join existing participants Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland in the initiative, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The Baltic Sea region has remained on heightened alert following a series of disruptions to power cables, telecom links and gas pipelines since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, prompting closer cooperation on infrastructure protection and maritime security.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide said the move would deepen cooperation with the bloc in a strategically important area.

"Membership will strengthen Norway's cooperation with the EU in a region that has become central to European and Norwegian security," said Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

Norway will also gain access to expanded collaboration on maritime coordination, surveillance and security, he added.

The EUSBSR, established in 2009, seeks to improve coordination on shared regional challenges and promote a greener, more competitive and more resilient Baltic Sea area. Its objectives also include ensuring clean and safe shipping and stable energy markets across the region.