Baltic Sea nations establish rapid hybrid security task force

Interior ministers from Baltic Sea nations have agreed to establish a Rapid Hybrid Security Task Force to improve operational coordination against hybrid threats. The agreement was reached during a security meeting held at the Mürwik Naval Training Center in Flensburg, Germany.

The task force will be represented by state secretaries from the interior ministries of the participating countries. Its primary objectives are to ensure operational communication channels and to jointly develop assessments of hybrid threats. This initiative aims to transform the Baltic Sea region from a ‘collective risk zone’ into a ‘collective defense zone’ by enabling faster incident investigation and more effective deterrence.

Officials highlighted a sharp increase in the frequency and intensity of hybrid attacks, including drone and cyberattacks, espionage, disinformation, covert operations, and attacks on critical infrastructure. German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt noted the rising use of ‘disposable agents’ in these activities. Additionally, participants concluded that the European Union’s 2028–2034 budget period should prioritize drone defense technologies and regional operational cooperation.