Baltic parliamentarians highlight the link between the environment and security in the Baltic Sea

On 3-5 May 2026, the parliamentarians of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) gathered in Turku for a study visit. The programme combined high-level discussions with field visits, highlighting the interconnected challenges of environmental degradation and regional security in the Baltic Sea area.

The group of parliamentarians travelled to the Qvidja research farm in Parainen, where several experts provided insights into the current state of the Baltic Sea, identified critical marine hotspots, and presented innovative approaches such as regenerative farming. These discussions underscored the urgency of addressing environmental pressures affecting the ecosystem and long-term sustainability of the Baltic Sea region.

Later that day, the formal session opened at Forum Marinum, where Kristina Herbst, President of the BSPC and President of the Schleswig-Holstein Landtag, welcomed participants. Keynote contributions were delivered by Janne Jaakkola, Commander of the Finnish Defence Forces, and Henri Vogt, Professor of International Politics at the University of Turku, who reflected on the prospects for regional cooperation in the Baltic Sea amid ongoing transformations in the global order. Representatives of the Regional Council of Southwest Finland, including Malla Rannikko-Laine, Director of Advocacy, and Heidi Saaristo-Levin, Director of Planning, provided insights into the state of the Archipelago Sea, its designation as an EU Strategic Area of Special Interest, and ongoing marine spatial planning efforts in the coastal regions of Finland. The session also featured Jörgen Pettersson, Speaker of the Åland Parliament and BSPC Rapporteur on Integrated Maritime Policy. Discussions underscored the evolving security environment in the Baltic Sea region and highlighted the need for closer cooperation in addressing both traditional and non-traditional challenges.

Throughout the meeting, parliamentarians reflected on two central questions: the deteriorating health of the Baltic Sea and the increasingly complex security situation in the region. Participants concluded that these issues are closely interconnected, requiring coordinated responses that bridge environmental policy, maritime governance and defence cooperation.

The Baltic Assembly on the visit was represented by Vice President Jānis Vucāns and Member of the Health, Welfare and Family Committee Edita Rudelienė.

Photos

© Secretariat of the Baltic Assembly