Nordic Council discusses shadow fleets in the Baltic and the invasion of Ukraine
Øresundsbroen
Security in the Baltic Sea under scrutiny
During the theme discussion Shadow Activities in the Baltic Sea, experts and members of the Nordic Council focused on the mounting security challenges in the region, including the use of ‘shadow fleets’ – civilian vessels conducting military, intelligence or destabilising operations disguised as legitimate activities.
Lars-Christian Brask, chair of the Danish delegation to the Nordic Council, stressed the importance of working more closely together on these matters.
“We are seeing increasing activity, with foreign actors operating in the shadows to destabilise our society. We have seen destruction of critical infrastructure throughout the Baltic Sea and across Nordic borders. It is crucial that the Nordic Region stands united and bolsters our ability to respond to and deal with these threats.”
Marking the third anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine
Three years after the invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian ambassador to Denmark, Andrii Yanevskyi, attended the meeting to discuss the current situation and continued Nordic support for his nation.
The President of the Nordic Council, Heléne Björklund, stressed the importance of continued Nordic support.
“Three years on from the invasion, we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine. Our commitment to democracy and peace in Europe is unwavering, and we will continue to support Ukraine in its fight for freedom.”
Read the statement by the Presidium of the Nordic Council on the occasion of the third anniversary of the attack on Ukraine here.
Important discussions in the Presidium and committees
In addition to the joint meetings about shadow fleets and Ukraine, the Nordic Council committees and Presidium discussed a number of crucial issues for the future of the region.
The Presidium paid particular attention to cross-border freedom of movement, especially infrastructure and transport, and international issues, including support for Ukraine.
- The Committee for Growth and Development discussed Nordic digital solutions and setting up a Nordic knowledge centre for dealing with artificial intelligence.
- The Committee for Welfare in the Nordic Region considered a proposal to improve gender equality in climate policy, a theme the Nordic Council will also focus on at the UN Women’s Summit CSW69 in March.
- The Committee for a Sustainable Nordic Region discussed how to align investments in green energy generation with respect for Sámi rights. It forwarded a proposal to the Welfare Committee and the Growth Committee for further consideration prior to a potential plenary debate on the issue.
- The Committee for Knowledge and Culture also discussed Sámi issues, including a proposal to produce more Sámi teaching materials and train more teachers as there is a shortage despite great interest in the Sámi languages.
The policy proposals discussed at the Copenhagen meeting will now be considered at the Nordic Council Theme Session in Helsinki on 1 April, when the Council will continue its work to strengthen unity and security for the benefit of the people of the region.
