A new report, “Baltic Sea – Safeguarding Security, Nature, and Trade Against Russia’s Bullying,” was published on 25 November 2025, bringing together expert insights on the geopolitical situation in the Baltic Sea and the steps needed to strengthen regional security, environmental protection and economic resilience.
BalticSeaH2 was pleased to contribute to the publication as coordinator and communications lead of the BalticSeaH2 project. Our section, “Hydrogen as a New Backbone for Europe’s Energy and Industry” (written by Susanna Kupiainen), examines how a cross-border hydrogen economy can reinforce security of supply, support industrial competitiveness and accelerate the green transition.
Clean energy as part of regional resilience
The report outlines how geopolitical tensions in the Baltic Sea have intensified, particularly in areas where coastal states have limited powers to respond to Russia’s activities. Hybrid threats, disruptions to subsea infrastructure and the pressure placed on borders have created vulnerabilities for trade, energy systems and the marine environment.
In this context, the report highlights that clean energy solutions are not only climate measures but also part of a broader effort to increase stability and resilience. Cross-border hydrogen infrastructure is one of the emerging tools that can reduce dependence on fossil fuels, diversify supply routes and create new industrial opportunities across the region.
BalticSeaH2: Europe’s first large-scale cross-border hydrogen valley
BalticSeaH2 is building Europe’s first major cross-border hydrogen valley across southern Finland and Estonia, with a wider impact across the Baltic Sea Region. With 40 partners from nine countries, the project is developing an integrated hydrogen ecosystem that links production, storage, distribution and industrial use.
Key developments underway include:
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More than 20 demonstrations and over 10 investment cases
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Approximately €3 billion in total investments under development
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Annual hydrogen production potential of 60,000 tonnes
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Enabling industries across the region to use or sell clean hydrogen and its derivatives
These efforts support the broader goals discussed in the report: reducing strategic vulnerabilities, strengthening cooperation between Baltic Sea countries and ensuring that clean energy becomes a foundation for both security and competitiveness.
A shared effort for a more secure Baltic Sea
Russian hybrid activities have forced Baltic Sea democracies to increase preparedness and deepen cooperation within NATO and the EU. The report concludes that, with coordinated action, the region can manage these challenges while continuing to protect its environment and maintain vital trade links.
We thank all partners and collaborators involved in BalticSeaH2, and Toivo for initiating and advancing this important discussion.