Poland will propose a maritime policing programme in the Baltic Sea, modeled after NATO’s air surveillance missions, Prime Minister Donald Tusk announced on Wednesday.
In a statement from Warsaw, Tusk described the plan as a “joint initiative of Baltic Sea countries” that share concerns over threats from Russia.
Tusk is set to attend a Baltic summit of Nordic and Baltic leaders in Sweden, where discussions will focus on regional security, transatlantic relations, and European support for Ukraine.
Baltic and Nordic leaders meet amid growing geopolitical tensions
The summit in Harpsund comes at a pivotal time, as Nordic and Baltic countries face increasing uncertainty. Last week, a high-speed fiber-optic cable connecting Finland and Germany was severed, and a key link between Lithuania and Sweden was also damaged, raising concerns about potential external interference.
Prime ministers from the Baltic and Nordic nations, along with Poland’s Donald Tusk, accepted an invitation from Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson to discuss geopolitical challenges ahead of Donald Trump’s second presidential term.
“We will discuss the defense of Ukraine, our own countries, and a shared security strategy in an increasingly uncertain world,” Kristersson stated in a recorded speech last week.
Europe urged to strengthen security autonomy
At the summit, Kristersson highlighted Europe’s need for greater security autonomy. “When the wind is blowing hard in the world, it’s crucial to stay open-minded and well-prepared,” he said during a press conference on Tuesday (26 November).
Kristersson revealed that during his recent meeting with Trump, they discussed European security, particularly support for Ukraine and mutual cooperation. He emphasized that Italy, the UK, France, and Germany all agree on the importance of Europe assuming more responsibility for its security.
“The United States cannot be expected to cover European NATO defence costs in the long term,” Kristersson added.
Submarine communications cable sabotage suspected
The summit is particularly timely following last week’s damage to two undersea cables—one connecting Finland and Germany and another linking Sweden and Lithuania in the Baltic Sea. Both incidents occurred in Sweden’s exclusive economic zone, sparking regional security concerns.
Media reports suggest the damage may have been caused by a Chinese cargo ship, the Yi Peng 3, which is now under the surveillance of the Danish navy in the Kattegat Strait.
In response, Finland and Sweden announced plans to form a joint investigation team, and Swedish prosecutors launched a preliminary probe into potential sabotage. However, Swedish officials remain cautious, with Kristersson stating, “We are not making accusations or conducting a criminal investigation at this stage.”
The Swedish government has contacted Chinese authorities regarding the ship and expressed willingness to allow the vessel into Swedish waters for further investigation.
