TIME IS UP – SANTA IS IN A SNOWSTORM: NORDICS-BALTICS-POLAND IN AN ERA OF ESCALATING AND EXISTENTIAL THREATS

Av Patrik Oksanen
Publicerad 17 April, 2025

At a time when the European security environment is increasingly defined by the growing threat from Russia, the need for strong leadership is greater than ever. In the Baltic Sea region – directly bordering Russia – this threat is especially pronounced. For some countries, it is more acute than for others.

What unites us in Northern Europe, however, is more than geography. It is a shared foundation of values, motivations, and long-term goals – a foundation where cooperation within the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) has played a central role. To preserve and strengthen this cooperation, a jointly defined target and decisive action are essential.

In this timely report, Patrik Oksanen, Resident Senior Fellow at Stockholm Free World Forum, analyzes the security situation in the Baltic Sea region and Europe at large. He presents concrete policy recommendations and issues a clear call to action. Together, the Nordic countries, the Baltic states, and Poland have the potential to be a driving force for stronger and more unified European security cooperation.

Patrik Oksanen är resident senior fellow vid Frivärld och ansvarig för CIDA. Patrik är verksam som frilansjournalist och föreläsare, samt ledamot av Kungliga Krigsvetenskapsakademien och Kungliga Örlogsmannasällskapet.