Baltic Sea countries enhance information exchange to manage security risks
The security situation in the Baltic Sea has deteriorated. Russia is now relying on aging and less seaworthy vessels for oil transport, many of which are crewed by personnel with limited experience navigating the Baltic—particularly under demanding winter conditions. There have also been reported irregularities in the ships’ insurance coverage and flag states.
The risk of a serious maritime accident has increased, and any resulting oil spill would have severe consequences for both the region’s ecosystems and the free use of the sea for commercial traffic. In light of these mounting safety concerns, enhanced information sharing among EU member states is more vital than ever.
In February 2025, the European Commission introduced an action plan to improve the security of underwater cables, aiming to protect critical infrastructure. The plan encourages enhancing information exchange between member states. (EU Action Plan on Cable Security – EUR-Lex.europa.eu)
The goal of the Finnish Border Guard's project Development of the International Maritime Picture 2 is to create a technical capability to securely exchange surveillance data related to maritime areas with authorities in other EU member states and with EU’s decentralised agencies. CISE Classified Network enables the exchange of classified information.
Primary objective is to share and receive information with Baltic Sea countries
In May 2025, the Finnish Border Guard outlined which information it will share within the CISE (Common Information Sharing Environment). The aim is to improve data exchange particularly between the Baltic Sea countries. Discussions about information sharing are currently ongoing with the Baltic countries and the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA).
The first steps toward co-developing of CISE information exchange between the Swedish Coast Guard and the Finnish Border Guard have already been taken. Plans are also underway for EMSA to share some of its information with the Finnish Border Guard via CISE.
Technical working group begins its operations
During autumn 2025, the steps and timeline for technical implementation will be planned. The technical project group is responsible for the technical planning and implementation. The CISE development will be aligned with the schedules of other technical projects of the Finnish Border Guard as well as EMSA’s CISE Classified Network development timetable. The goal is that CISE is operational within the Finnish Border Guard, and that data is being exchanged by mid-2027.
External funding to support the development of Finland’s international maritime situational picture
With the European Union participating in the funding, the Development of the International Maritime Situational Picture 2 project is receiving funding from the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund (EMFAF). With the EMFAF funding, the safety of the seas will be improved by supporting initiatives that increase the maritime area monitoring and ensure sustainable use of these areas.
With the €1.4 million funding received from EMFAF, the Finnish Border Guard will plan and build CISE, through which maritime situational awareness data will be shared and received with EU member states.
More information about CISE:
