BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 19. Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kęstutis Budrys participated in the Berlin Security Conference on November 18, joining a high-level discussion titled “The North: From the Baltic States to the Arctic Circle – Threats, Risks, and Mitigation,” Trend reports via the Lithuanian MFA.
During the panel discussion, Minister Budrys emphasized the growing strategic significance of the Arctic for Euro-Atlantic security, stressing the need for a unified Allied approach to address regional challenges. He pointed out that developments in the High North have direct implications for the Baltic region, highlighting that any instability in the Arctic could have immediate repercussions on maritime routes, military mobility, and the security of critical infrastructure.
Budrys also drew attention to the emergence of hybrid threats in the northern region, such as electronic interference, cyber risks, and activities that may undermine freedom of navigation. He underscored that the NATO membership of Sweden and Finland now links the Baltic Sea and the Arctic into a cohesive strategic continuum, thereby enhancing collective defense preparedness.
The minister further noted that China's growing presence in the Arctic, promoted by Beijing as economic and scientific cooperation, is increasingly pertinent to regional security. According to Budrys, China's involvement in Arctic infrastructure, mineral resources, and research initiatives necessitates vigilant monitoring and coordinated assessment among NATO Allies.
Budrys welcomed the fact that NATO is already taking active steps to strengthen its posture in the region, including enhanced air defense, intelligence, and maritime surveillance. He highlighted Allied investments in ice-capable vessels, Arctic-trained forces, and joint exercises, stressing that Lithuania supports these measures.
He further underlined the strong cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries in assessing risks and harmonizing response tools. Budrys stated that the Baltic region’s extensive experience in addressing hybrid threats, protecting underwater infrastructure, and maintaining robust maritime surveillance is directly applicable to strengthening security in the Arctic.