On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte co-hosted a Summit of Baltic Sea Allies in Helsinki alongside President Alexander Stubb of Finland and Prime Minister Kristen Michal of Estonia. At the Summit, Mr. Rutte announced the launch of a new NATO military initiative called “Baltic Sentry,“ aimed at strengthening critical infrastructure protection. This initiative will enhance NATO’s military presence in the Baltic Sea and improve the Allies’ ability to respond to destabilising acts.
During the meeting, leaders across the region discussed the increasing threat to critical undersea infrastructure. The Secretary General pointed out that recent sabotage had damaged energy and communication cables. However, he expressed confidence that “by working together with all Allies – we will do what it takes to ensure the safety and security not only of our critical infrastructure but of all that we hold dear.“
“Baltic Sentry“ will involve a variety of military assets, including frigates and maritime patrol aircraft. Mr. Rutte also announced deploying new technologies, including a small fleet of naval drones. He emphasised that NATO will collaborate with Allies to integrate national surveillance assets, all aimed at enhancing the protection of critical undersea infrastructure and improving response readiness.
NATO will operate within the Critical Undersea Infrastructure Network, which includes industry partners, to explore additional ways to protect infrastructure and bolster the resilience of underwater assets. NATO Secretary General also accentuated the necessity of strong enforcement measures, noting that Finland has shown that firm action within the legal framework is achievable.
“Ship captains must understand that potential threats to our infrastructure will have consequences, including possible boarding, impounding, and arrest,” he stated.
Allies participating in the Summit signed a joint declaration, the text of which is available here.
