Coordinating security in the Baltic Sea region - Gathering of the Baltic Sea Council in Wismar
The coastal cities of the Baltic Sea are set to witness a significant gathering as Germany hosts the Baltic Council meeting in the historic Hanseatic city of Wismar. This regional organization, founded in 1992 and based in Stockholm, comprises 12 member states, including Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Sweden, Iceland, Norway, the European Union, and most recently, Russia, although the latter withdrew in May 2022.
During Germany's one-year presidency, the focus has been on three key themes: energy security, youth exchange, and munitions clearance. The political and security situation in the Baltic Sea region has significantly changed due to Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, making these priorities even more critical.
The foreign ministers will convene for discussions on energy security, including offshore wind power, during their working lunch at the Stadtgeschichtliches Museum Wismar in the Schabbellhaus. In line with this, companies from Germany and Baltic countries have agreed to expand the grid infrastructure for transmitting electricity from Baltic offshore wind farms.
The expansion of renewable energies, particularly offshore wind power, is a key goal for strengthening energy security in the Baltic Sea region during Germany's presidency. The Baltic Council meeting in Wismar will also see the exchange and presentation of technology for munitions clearance in the old harbor of Wismar. Munitions and ordnance pollution on the seabed is a historical burden in the region, and technology for its clearance is a crucial step towards a cleaner Baltic Sea.
In addition to these technical discussions, the Baltic Council meeting will serve as a forum for political dialogue and practical cooperation in response to the changed security situation. The strengthening of democratic societies through education and youth exchange is another priority during Germany's presidency. Youth representatives from member states of the Baltic Council will present projects to strengthen societal resilience in the region during the meeting in Wismar.
The German-French Ministerial Council, focusing on economic and security policy, has also been organized during Germany's current presidency. The three main topics discussed include economic cooperation with strategic projects, security policy collaboration, and strengthening European unity and partnerships.
Foreign Minister Baerbock has invited her counterparts from the member states of the Baltic Council for a meeting in Wismar on June 1 and 2. The Baltic Council, over the years, has developed into a broad network of interstate cooperation in numerous fields around the Baltic Sea. As the region navigates through challenging times, the Baltic Council meeting in Wismar promises to be a significant step towards a more secure, sustainable, and resilient Baltic Sea region.
