Finland's defence minister, Antti Hakkanen, expressed serious concerns about the increased hazard of armed conflict in the Baltic Sea. Although he does not believe that conflict is inevitable, a series of incidents involving critical infrastructure and activities of Russian shadow tankers are of concern.
During the beginning of the National Defence Course in Helsinki, Minister Hakkanen stressed that the situation in the Baltic Sea was becoming increasingly tense. According to him, the hazard of armed conflict has increased significantly, but this can be prevented by introducing effective defence and safety measures.
Sensitive Critical Infrastructure
Hakkanen pointed out an expanding threat to maritime critical infrastructure specified as offshore cables and gas pipelines. An example of this is fresh harm to the EstLink 2 and Balticconnector cables, which connect Finland to Estonia. fresh incidents have been associated with operations of utilized cargo ships, including Russian shadow fleet tankers, as well as Chinese units.
In 1 case, suspicions fell on an Eagle S oil tanker flying the flag of the Cook Islands and was banned from shipping after detection of method defects. This kind of incidental is worrying as it may have serious consequences for maritime safety and the region's economy.
Risk of environmental damage
Minister Hakkanen besides pointed out the hazard of environmental harm resulting from the exploitation of outdated tankers on the Baltic routes. The activities of these ships may lead to major environmental disasters which may have long-term consequences for the Baltic Sea environment.
Cooperation between the countries of the region
The Finnish minister called for cooperation from the countries of the region, which will make the Baltic more safe and stable. According to Hakkanen, only joint actions can prevent the hazard of armed conflict and environmental damage.
If the countries of the region take care of common security, the Baltic Sea will become an area of opportunities for trade, information and energy transmission," Hakkanen stressed. Support for global cooperation is crucial to maintaining stableness and safety in the region.
Figures
According to European Commission data, the Baltic Sea is 1 of the busiest maritime routes in Europe, with more than 15% share in planet oil production. all year, around 15% of planet maritime trade flows through the Baltic Sea.
Therefore, as Minister Hakkanen stressed, it is crucial that the countries of the region cooperate to keep stableness and safety in the region. This is the only way to avoid the hazard of armed conflict and environmental damage.
Prevention of conflict risk
In order to prevent the hazard of conflict, Finland shall work towards strengthening global cooperation in the region. The country is an active associate of the Council of the Baltic Sea States, which focuses on developing cooperation on security, the economy and the environment.
Finland besides cooperates with another countries of the region, specified as Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, to keep stableness and safety in the region.
In the future, Finland plans to proceed its efforts to strengthen global cooperation and keep stableness and safety in the Baltic Sea region.
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Increased hazard of conflict in the Baltic Sea: Finland calls for enhanced cooperation
