Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said on Wednesday that he will push for the creation of a joint initiative for the control and security of waters in the Baltic Sea, analogous to the already existing "air policing" for NATO airspace, reports News.bg.
This statement was made within the framework of his two-day visit to Sweden, where he will participate in a meeting of the prime ministers of the Baltic and Scandinavian countries.
General response to threats in the region
Tusk's idea is aimed at strengthening cooperation between countries in the region that share concerns about the growing threat from Russia.
"I will convince our partners of the need to immediately create a "maritime police" – a joint venture of the countries located on the Baltic Sea," Tusk said.
In view of the ongoing escalation of the conflict in Ukraine, NATO countries are strengthening collective defense measures. Tusk's idea aims to expand this approach to maritime security to include countries bordering the Baltic Sea, including Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and Germany.
Conversation focus
During the meeting with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristerson and other regional leaders, discussions are expected to cover:
- Transatlantic relations: Efforts to strengthen coordination between European countries and the US, especially in light of the war in Ukraine.
- Regional security: The potential for joint action to protect the strategically important waters of the Baltic Sea.
- Policy towards Ukraine: A unified response to Russia's aggression and future support for Kiev.
Wide support for the initiative?
Scandinavian and Baltic countries are likely to be interested in the proposal, as the region already faces increased Russian naval operations and incidents involving underwater pipelines and cables.
Tusk emphasized the importance of cooperation to address common security challenges, which is a key part of the efforts of NATO and partners in the region.