Baltic and Nordic parliamentarians focus on AI, democratic resilience, and support for Ukraine


On 9 - 10 December 2024, the annual summit of the Baltic Assembly and the Nordic Council was held in Oslo, Norway.

In the opening of the summit, the Member of the Presidium Enn Eesmaa highlighted the history and significance of the cooperation between the Baltic Assembly and the Nordic Council. “This longstanding partnership, which is rooted in shared values, history and common regional interests, fosters stronger political, economic, and cultural ties between our people. It also helps us enhance the collective stability and prosperity of the Baltic and Nordic countries. Together, the Baltic Assembly and the Nordic Council play a vital role in shaping the future of the region through mutual collaboration and coordinated action. The Annual Summit is another successful example of our cooperation,” said Enn Eesmaa.

During the summit, parliamentarians discussed the role of AI in reinforcing democratic resilience, with a focus on ethical frameworks for its utilisation and strengthening collaborative efforts to address its societal impacts. Further discussions also examined the challenges posed by democratic backsliding in Europe, strategies to enhance transatlantic partnership, and measures to maintain steadfast support for Ukraine.

Vice Chair of the Security and Defence Committee Uģis Rotbergs elaborated on security situation in the region. He said that without securing victory in Ukraine, reestablishing the rule of law in Europe will remain an unattainable goal. He continued by saying that in confronting the current challenges, honesty about the readiness is essential. “We must also abandon naivety about the kind of neighbour we are dealing with, as adversaries will exploit every opportunity to further their goals,” added Uģis Rotbergs.

Invited expert introduced the discussion on the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in reinforcing democratic resilience. Christopher Hoff, Senior Adviser at IKT Norway, highlighted the need for greater cooperation in AI development across the Nordic and Baltic regions, emphasizing ethical and responsible approaches. He stressed the potential of the region, being the 5th largest in Europe and 10th globally, to establish a shared voice in the EU, fostering innovation and strategic knowledge. Hoff introduced the concept of a Nordic-Baltic AI Centre to proactively promote responsible AI adoption, enhance international competitiveness, and encourage collaboration.

Baltic parliamentarians also had the opportunity to attend the Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony that took place in Oslo City Hall. The ceremony contained artistic performances and the speech of Jørgen Watne Frydnes, Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee. Nihon Hidankyo was represented by the co-chairs Terumi Tanaka, Shigemitsu Tanaka and Toshiyuki Mimaki. Terumi Tanaka gave the Nobel Prize lecture on behalf of Nihon Hidankyo. The 2024 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Nihon Hidankyo was awarded for the activism against nuclear weapons.

During the summit, the Baltic Assembly was represented by Member of the Presidium Enn Eesmaa, Vice Chair of the Health, Welfare and Family Committee Antoņina Ņenaševa, Vice Chair of the Security and Defence Committee Uģis Rotbergs and Member of the Security and Defence Committee Meelis Kiili.

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©  Secretariat of the Baltic Assembly

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