Fifth meeting of the BSPC Working Group on Energy Security, Self-sustainability, Resilience and Connectivity in Stockholm

On 17-18 March 2025, the parliamentarians of the Baltic Sea states met in the fifth meeting of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) Working Group on Energy Security, Self-sustainability, Resilience and Connectivity (WG ESSRC) in Stockholm, Sweden.

Chair of the WG ESSRC and Chair of the Economics, Energy and Innovations Committee of the Baltic Assembly Andris Kulbergs opened the meeting by emphasizing that since the last meeting in Bergen in November 2024, significant progress has been made in various areas of discussions. However, the geopolitical situation has changed fundamentally and is still changing daily. Therefore, the WG ESSRC is required to coordinate and communicate on the issues to be able to come up with the necessary action. “The Baltic Sea countries should be the pillars of democracy, legality and fight for the rule of law and freedom of speech,” he emphasised.

Expert presentations

Professor at the Swedish Defence University and Maritime Systems Researcher at the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH) Hans Liwång informed that the underwater domain of the Baltic Sea presents unique and complex challenges, thus it requires specialized knowledge. Unlike incidents on land, where causes are quickly identified, maritime incidents can remain uncertain for long periods, leading to unnecessary speculation. A more structured approach to incident reporting and learning is needed to improve resilience. He also emphasised that increasing diversity in infrastructure, such as multiple cables with different technologies and operators, would enhance resilience against coordinated attacks. Lastly, maritime security should be approached from an international perspective rather than a purely national one.

Deputy Head of Security of the “Svenska kraftnät” Fredrik Gustavsson informed about “Svenska kraftnät”, which is the authority responsible for ensuring that Sweden's transmission system for electricity is safe, environmentally sound and cost-effective. They also conduct and support research projects to manage critical challenges to the national electricity grid and possible risks in the power system. Afterwards, Analyst at the Swedish Energy Agency Rebecka Bergholtz informed about the Swedish Energy Agency, which is the national authority for energy policy issues charged with promoting sustainable and resilient energy use and supply in Sweden. It supports research, innovation, policies and actions to enable the energy transition while increasing the overall resilience in the energy system.

Lastly, the members of the WG ESSRC had a chance to learn about two organisation – Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS) and Conference of Peripheral Mairitime Regions of Europe (CPMR) Baltic Sea Commission. Director General of the CBSS Gustav Lindström highlighted the three main areas of focus for CBSS: a safe and secure Baltic Sea region; sustainability and prosperity; and regional identity, which is what makes the Baltic Sea region unique. President of CPMR Baltic Sea Commission Tomas Mörtsell emphasised that they are an organisation of regions promoting a competitive, sustainable, resilient and stable Baltic Sea region. It is a part of a 50-year-old organisation gathering about 120 EU and non-EU regions facing similar challenges.

During the meeting, the members of the WG ESSRC also assessed the draft Interim Report of the WG and proposals for recommendations. It was agreed that the WG will reconvene in Tallinn in May 2025 for its sixth and final meeting, focusing on maritime cybersecurity and accelerating the transition to a single digital market resilient to internal and external threats.

Visits

As one of the central themes of the meeting was the development of sustainable and resilient transport solutions, the members of the WG ESSRC visited the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, where leading researchers shared insights on sustainable transport development, power grid evolution and industrial expansion in the Baltic Sea region. A demonstration at the Integrated Transport Research Lab (ITRL) showcased cutting-edge research in transport automation and electrification. The visit emphasized the role of technological innovation in shaping the future of mobility while ensuring energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

The meeting also highlighted advancements in maritime transport. Participants toured the headquarters of Candela, where they experienced the potential of electric hydrofoil boats in revolutionizing maritime transport. These vessels offer an energy-efficient alternative to traditional ferries and could play a key role in reducing emissions in the Baltic Sea region. A visit to the Swedish Coast Guard station on Djurö further reinforced the importance of safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring maritime security in the face of growing geopolitical uncertainties.

Photos

©  Secretariat of the Baltic Assembly