Norway joins the group of EU countries. It will cooperate, among others, with Poland
Norway has become a member of the EU cooperation for the Baltic Sea region. Oslo had previously sought participation in the EUSBSR. The decision comes at a time when the Baltic Sea is becoming increasingly important for Europe's security.
The EUSBSR analyzes, among other things, security in the Baltic Sea region.
Fot. Trondheim Havn, Flickr.com (CC BY-SA 2.0)
The importance of cooperation between countries around the Baltic Sea has increased after Russia's aggression against Ukraine. One example is the monitoring of the so-called Russian shadow fleet. The EUSBSR (EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region) already includes Sweden, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, and Poland. Now, Norway has joined this group.
Norway enters the game for the Baltic Sea. In the background: the Russian 'shadow fleet' and rising regional tensions
Russia's war against Ukraine has strengthened cooperation among countries in the region. The Baltic Sea has become one of the key areas for European security. There is increased focus, among other things, on ship movements. This also applies to vessels referred to as the Russian 'shadow fleet'.
Norwegian media recall the case of the tanker Jin Hui. On May 3, the Swedish Coast Guard and Swedish police boarded the ship. The authorities acted on suspicion of sailing under a false flag. The case shows why control in the Baltic Sea has become one of the topics of cooperation.
Norwegian media recall the case of the tanker Jin Hui. On May 3, the Swedish Coast Guard and Swedish police boarded the ship. The authorities acted on suspicion of sailing under a false flag. The case shows why control in the Baltic Sea has become one of the topics of cooperation.
In the photo: a vessel used by Sjøforsvaret, the Norwegian Navy.Photo: NCGKYSTVAKTEN, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Norway in the fight for security. It wants to be visible in the region
Norway obtained membership in the EUSBSR after previous efforts. According to Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, this strengthens Oslo's cooperation with the EU. It is also expected to increase Norway's influence in the region. The minister's statement was quoted in a press release from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Eide pointed to new opportunities for participation in maritime cooperation, monitoring, and security. He also emphasized the importance of cohesion and resilience in Norway's immediate surroundings. The EUSBSR aims to make the region greener, more competitive, and more resilient. In recent years, the strategy has been adapted to a more challenging situation.
Eide pointed to new opportunities for participation in maritime cooperation, monitoring, and security. He also emphasized the importance of cohesion and resilience in Norway's immediate surroundings. The EUSBSR aims to make the region greener, more competitive, and more resilient. In recent years, the strategy has been adapted to a more challenging situation.
As part of the EUSBSR, cooperation with Ukraine has also been strengthened in various areas. The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development announced invitations for additional participants from Norway. These include public institutions, companies, and civil society organizations. Programs may cover the sea, energy, economy, transport, culture, health, civil defense, and resilience to crisis situations.
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