About the BSPC Working Group on Security, Countering Hybrid Threats, Resilience and Parliamentary Democracy (SCIRPD)

Working Group onStrengthening Cyberand Information Resilience toPromote Democracy 11 September 2025APPROVED BY THE STANDING COMMIT TEE ON 17 DECEMBERPROGRAMMEIntroductionMain considerations about creating aBSPC WG that deals withstrengthening the cyber andinformation resilience to promotedemocracyScope of WorkAgenda for the WG and main topicsto be covered during the meetingsMandate and FocusTimeframe and format for the workof the WGSound Basis andthe Right Timefor DiscussionsNowadays , digital technologies have become integral to political,economic, and social systems . Societies in the Baltic Sea region highlydepend on digital infrastructure for communication, commerce, publicservices, and democratic processes. As a result , cyber threats anddisinformation campaigns not only endanger technological s ystems butalso undermine trust, stability, and security in the region . Tackling thesechallenges collectively requir es a platform for creating cohesive policiesand strategies .The BSPC has consistently demonstrated a strong interest in addressingcyber and information resilience to safeguard the democratic Baltic Searegion. Establishing a dedicated working group will enable BSPCmembers to collaboratively tackle current and emerging challenges,harnessing opportunitie s to strengthen cooperation among Baltic Seastates in these critical areas.The WG will build upon the discussions on strengthening digitalconnectivity initiated by the WG on Energy Security, Self -Sustainability,and Connectivity, which conclude d its work in August 2025.Scope of WorkCybersecurity and digital connectivity in the regionCyberattacks on critical infrastructure have escalated,threatening societies and economies, and highlighting theneed for regional cooperation. Strengthening digital resilienceamong Baltic Sea states requires collaboration to addressvulnerabilities in i nterconnected systems. Additionally, the riseof AI, quantum computing, and other technologies introducesboth opportunities and risks, underscoring the importance ofcollective political efforts to regulate and responsibly utilisethese advancements. The main topics to be discussed include1) moving towards unified cybersecurity and digital policiesand regulations ; 2) fostering more coordinated incidentresponse mechanisms; and 3) enhancing cooperation betweenthe public and private sector s.Strengthening democracy against the weaponi sationof informationElections and public trust are increasingly threatened by cyberintrusions and disinformation campaigns, necessitatingpolitical discussions to safeguard democratic institutions.Disinformation is also used as a tool of influence, with stateand non -state actors exploiting digital platforms to spreadfalse narratives and destabilize societies, calling forcoordinated action and joint initiatives. The main topics to bediscussed inc lude 1) a unified regional strategy to addressdisinformation ; and 2) creating consistent frameworks toaddress privacy concerns, ethical use of AI, and digital rights .Mandate and FocusThe WG on Strengthening Cyber andInformation Resilience has been launchedat the 3 4th BSPC on 24–26 August inMariehamn, Åland Islands. It will operatewithin a two -year mandate.The primary focus of the WG is on thepolitical recommendations , which will beelaborated during the meetings of the newWG, but also on the exchange ofknowledge and practices between thecountries. The interim report will bepresented during the 3 5th BSPC , but thefinal report – during the 3 6th Conference.The WG is expected to hold at least twomeetings a year and prepare a set ofpolitical recommendations for the annualresolutions of the BSPC.***The BSPC approved Meelis Kiili for theposition of WG Chair. He is a member ofthe National Defence Committee of theEstonian Parliament and the Security andDefence Committee of the Baltic Assembly.He has been Commander of the EstonianDefence League and Estonian MilitaryRepresentative at NATO SupremeHeadquarters Allied Powers Europe. Otherdelegations will nominate candidate s forthe position of Vice-Chair .