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10 December 2024Questions to the national and regional governments of the Baltic Sea states followingthe meeting of the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference Working Group on EnergySecurity, Self -sustainability, Resilience and Connectivity (ESSRC) on 24-26 November2024 in Bergen, NorwayOn 24 -26 November 2024 , the Baltic Sea Parliamentary Conference (BSPC) Working Groupon Energy Security, Self -sustainability, Resilience and Connectivity (ESSRC) held a meetingin Bergen, Norway . Among other issues, the parliamentarians addressed the growing threatposed by the Russian shadow oil tanker fleet in the Baltic Sea, as well as the recent and highlypublicised damage to two critical undersea cables in the Baltic Sea between Helsinki andRostock and Lithuania and Gotland.The recent developments in the Baltic Sea region , combined with the findings during theprevious meetings of the Working Group, underscore the escalating severity of the situationand highlight the urgent need for greater attention and action to address the growingchallenges to our shared maritime security and critical infrastructure. The recent incidentsdemand a robust and unified response. As a region that thrives on cooperation and sharedvalues, we must take collective action to mitigate these risks and safeguard our maritimeassets.Considering the above -mentioned , members of the BSPC Working Group on Energy Security,Self-sustainability, Resilience and Connectivity would like to pose several questions , whichrequire answers from national and regional governments to have a comprehensive overviewof the situation in the region:1. What measures are currently in place to monitor and regulate shadow fleet activities inthe Baltic Sea, and how can these be enhanced through regional and internationalcooperation, including improved intelligence sharing and rapid response mechanisms?2. Are there plans to enhance joint maritime patrols or surveillance systems as part ofthese broader efforts?3. What is the legal opinion of the governments on the recent incidents in the Baltic Sea?Do the governments have procedures or guidelines in place to address similar incidentsin the future? What is the plan of action of the governments in such cases?4. What coordinated measures can be adopted to strengthen the protection of criticaloffshore infrastructure, such as undersea cables and pipelines, from potentialsabotage?5. Is there a framework in place for shared intelligence and rapid response mechanismsamong Baltic Sea nations in the event of similar incidents? If not, how can the BalticSea states work together to establish one?6. What support mechanisms can be mobili sed to ensure that all nations in the regionhave the necessary resources and technical capabilities to respond effectively to suchchallenges?7. What role can regional and international organi sations, such as the Council of the BalticSea States and the International Maritime Organization , play in facilitating greaterintergovernmental cooperation on these matters?8. What are the specific gaps or limitations in existing legal frameworks, such asUNCLOS, regarding enforcement against illegal activities like sabotage of underseainfrastructure or shadow fleet operations? Are there ongoing or planned initiatives toaddress these gaps at the regional or international level, includi ng through newagreements or amendments to existing conventions?9. How can legal jurisdictions, such as those outlined in UNCLOS, be applied moredynamically to safeguard the region?2 10. In light of recent consultations between the Polish Prime Minister and Nordic and Balticleaders, is there a willingness among democratic Baltic Sea states to establish a regularhigh-level CBSS meeting at the heads of government level to ensure coordinated andunified action on critical infrastructure protection and maritime security? What stepscan be taken to facilitate the resumption of such meetings ?These issues are not confined to one nation or one border ; they threaten the very fabric ofregional stability and resilience. Together, our region must prioriti se maritime security andinfrastructure protection to ensure that the Baltic Sea remains a space for cooperation andsustainable development. We kindly ask you to treat this matter with the urgency it requiresand look forward to engaging in constructive dialogue on these critical issues.The BSPC WG ESSRC would greatly appreciate if it would get the governments' feedbackby 24 February 2025 to ensure that the BSPC Working Group can discuss the governmentstatements ' results in preparation for the next meeting of the Worki ng Group on 16-18 March2025 in Stockholm (Sweden).