Günther calls for stronger Baltic Sea cooperation: focus on trade and security!

Günther calls for stronger Baltic Sea cooperation: focus on trade and security!

The German-Finnish Port Day took place in Lübeck on November 5, 2025, at which Prime Minister Daniel Günther found clear words about future cooperation in the Baltic Sea region. He took a look at the essential issues of economic stability, sustainable development and security in Europe. “We must further intensify our trade relationships and innovative projects,” said Günther, who emphasized the importance of these areas for the region. He is convinced that Schleswig-Holstein can benefit enormously from Finland's experience in the field of security and defense. After all, the country has the longest common border with Russia among the EU states and maintains its defense preparedness at a consistently high level.

An important part of the cooperation is also Finland's increasing defense spending, which could create new opportunities for joint defense projects. In order to put these aspects into practice, Günther is planning a delegation trip to Finland and Estonia at the end of November 2025, accompanied by Digitalization Minister Dirk Schrödter, Economics Minister Claus Ruhe Madsen and Energy Transition Minister Tobias Goldschmidt.

Investments in the future

As part of the national strategy, Schleswig-Holstein also has big plans for its port infrastructure. 140 million euros from the special infrastructure fund are to flow into the modernization and digitalization of the ports. Günther thanked those involved who are passionately committed to trade in the Baltic Sea region and the associated infrastructure projects. “There is a lot of potential for our country here,” he emphasized.

But the prospects for cooperation are not only regional. The Baltic Sea Council, founded in 1992 on the initiative of the foreign ministers of Germany and Denmark, is a crucial player in the region's geopolitical situation. Poland currently holds the annual rotating chairmanship and promotes regional security and the protection of critical infrastructure. These priorities are particularly relevant, especially when it comes to dealing with the Russian shadow fleet. It is the goal of the Baltic Sea Council to support the political and economic transformation of the region and thereby create not only stability, but also a regional identity based on sustainability and prosperity.

The EU Baltic Sea Strategy (EUSBSR), launched in 2009, places a further focus on preserving the Baltic Sea, connecting the region and creating prosperity. Annual forums provide a platform for exchange between different actors and evaluation of progress, which is intended to benefit the entire region.

At a time when geopolitical tensions are rising, it remains crucial that member states - including Germany, Denmark, Finland, Sweden and more - work together to address the challenges. This is particularly relevant since Russia suspended its membership of the Baltic Sea Council in March 2022 and all activities with Russia and Belarus have been paused since then.

The direction that Schleswig-Holstein and its partners are taking seems clear. The intention to actively work for a strong and secure Baltic Sea region will remain in the foreground. The upcoming trips and investments promise to make an important contribution to stability and cooperation in the Baltic Sea region.

You can find out more about this topic in the reports Duchy Direct and the Foreign Office.