Parliamentarians of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference from Finland, Estonia, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, and Sweden visited in Finland the EU’s eastern border of the Baltic Sea Region. This visit emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to security, readiness, cooperation, and countering hybrid threats at local, national, and regional levels within the Baltic Sea region.
On 29 April 2024, at the Vartius Border Station in Kuhmo, the participants witnessed firsthand the operational complexities of managing the EU’s external border. The Finnish Border Guard showcased a proactive strategy for safeguarding national borders, underlining the importance of regional cooperation to combat geopolitical threats effectively. This visit highlighted the crucial role of the Finnish Border Guard in ensuring border security and its cooperation with regional entities to address potential threats.
The next day, 30 April 2024, the participants visited the Kainuu Brigade, where they gained insight into its role in readiness and training personnel for the defence of Finland’s northern parts. The brigade’s efforts in forming units equipped for comprehensive defence were underscored, showcasing the importance of preparedness and training in maintaining national security.
Reflecting on the visit, parliamentarians stressed that the EU’s eastern border in the Baltic Sea Region must be secured against hybrid warfare, as exemplified by the orchestrated influx of refugees, as well as against all military threats. The parliamentarians emphasised the urgent need for a joint and coordinated border defence approach, highlighting the shared responsibility to defend the EU’s eastern borders. They called for heightened awareness, stronger focus, and enhanced cooperation among all democratic states of the Baltic Sea Region and the European Union, especially in light of Russia’s ongoing aggression and increasing threats.
Given recent geopolitical developments, the parliamentarians underscored that governments must prioritise developing a coordinated strategy to protect common borders, societies, and infrastructures more effectively. They stressed that the European Union should consider eastern border security a priority and allocate necessary resources to bolster cooperation and readiness within the Baltic Sea region.
In this context, the EU Commission President’s announcement during her visit to Lappeenranta, Finland, on 19 April 2024, to support Finland with 230 million euros and operational assistance from Frontex, including border guards and surveillance equipment, was widely welcomed. The parliamentarians view this as an essential step toward reinforcing the region’s security, urging immediate implementation.
This visit complemented the detailed deliberations of the BSPC Working Group on Energy Security, Self-sustainability, Resilience, and Connectivity (WG ESSRC) held on March 18, 2024, in Helsinki. These discussions focused on protecting critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, especially in the energy sector. Insights from this visit are intended to inform the BSPC Standing Committee during its meeting in June 2024, allowing for deeper engagement with the issues at hand.
Moreover, the parliamentarians plan to incorporate findings from this visit into the upcoming Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference under the Danish Presidency, scheduled for August 25-27, 2024, in Helsingør. The theme “Safety in the Baltic Sea Region” will take centre stage, where the defence will also be a crucial topic of discussion.
Highlights from Oulu and Kuhmo
Welcome Speech by Mr Ari Alatossava, Mayor of Oulu
The study visit began on 28 April in Oulu, where Mayor Ari Alatossava welcomed the attendees, highlighting Oulu as the largest urban centre in Northern Scandinavia with a significant technological hub, notably Nokia. The city’s efforts to diversify its focus with investments in various sectors, aiming to build a promising future for its citizens, were emphasised. Oulu has been selected as the European Capital of Culture in 2026, reflecting its ongoing commitment to cultural and technological development.
Presentation on 6G by Mr. Matti Latva-aho, University of Oulu
Mr. Matti Latva-aho of the University of Oulu presented the 6G Flagship project, shedding light on the future of wireless connectivity and the strategic collaborative efforts in 6G research. The project’s objectives, including resilience, security, and digital inclusion, were discussed. The research agendas are aligned with global collaboration to ensure Europe’s strategic advantage in next-generation technologies.
Environmental Insights by Ms. Satu Maaria Karjalainen and Ms. Anna-Kaisa Ronkanen
Ms. Satu Maaria Karjalainen and Ms. Anna-Kaisa Ronkanen from the Finnish Environment Institute highlighted the ecological importance and challenges of the Bay of Bothnia, emphasising the need for sustainable land use and cross-border cooperation. Their insights into the state of the bay and ongoing projects underscored the critical efforts required to preserve this unique ecosystem.
Visit to the LUMI Supercomputer at the CSC Data Center in Kajaani
Following their environmental insights session, the group transferred to Kajaani to visit the LUMI Supercomputer at the CSC Data Center. LUMI (Large Unified Modern Infrastructure) is a petascale supercomputer and, as of January 2023, the fastest supercomputer in Europe. Hosted at the CSC Data Center, LUMI exemplifies cutting-edge technology and sustainability in supercomputing.
During the visit, Mikko Kertuulo explained that the LUMI Data Center is a brownfield solution utilising approximately 10 MW of power. Notably, LUMI achieves a high Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) value, indicating optimal energy consumption. The heat generated by LUMI is fed into the city’s heating system, showcasing an impressive energy reutilization factor, which even allows the centre to achieve a carbon-negative status.
Mikko Kertuulo highlighted key elements essential for data centre sites, including electricity stability, heat reuse capability, connectivity, and ecosystem support. An undersea connectivity project is underway to link Finland with the USA and Japan, enhancing global connectivity.
LUMI is operated by a consortium of eleven countries with a total budget of 200 million euros. It supports various applications such as climate research, data science, plasma physics, and life sciences; 20% of its capacity is dedicated to industrial applications. The supercomputer aids in developing AI models and simulations, reinforcing its role in technological innovation and industry support.
Moving Forward
During the visit’s open discussions, participants underscored the importance of coordinated efforts at both the national and EU levels. The initiative to create a document outlining a unified strategy for handling eastern borders and related security issues was proposed, highlighting the need for shared responsibilities and collective action against hybrid and military threats.
The parliamentarians agreed on the necessity of political advocacy to ensure these insights influence broader European legislative and strategic frameworks. Concrete actions and closer cooperation are imperative to protect the Baltic Sea region’s security and stability, reinforcing the values of shared responsibility and collective effort in the face of evolving threats.
This visit has set a collaborative framework for future engagements, aiming to enhance security, readiness, and cooperation among the Baltic Sea states and the broader European community. With ongoing geopolitical shifts, the BSPC remains committed to fostering a united and proactive defence strategy for the region.