New Northern Frontiers

High North and Baltic Sea Security in Transatlantic Context

Thursday January 29, 2026
2:30 PM (doors open at 2:15)

Organized by

The High North and Baltic Sea are important regions for Europe and the world. Both regions play a critical role in ensuring transatlantic security and is home to states renowned for their political stability and strong institutions – among which are NATO, the European Union and the Arctic Council. The region has been standing tall as a major provider of security and economic growth for Europe. Finland and Sweden’s NATO membership creates a strategic continuity between the Baltic Sea and High North regions.

Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and growing militarization of the High North impact the security of the North Atlantic and the Baltic Sea. The High North remains a key strategic pillar of Russia’s while Russian military thinking, viewing it and the Baltic Sea as one continuous military theater. Its actions in both regions aiming to limit freedom of navigation and increase tensions pose a direct threat to NATO infrastructure and the security of its allies. China’s High North ambitions continue to grow posing new challenges for Europe and the U.S.. Any conflict in the North will have a direct impact on the Baltic Sea region, from changes in naval deployment to hybrid threats like GPS jamming or cyberattacks.

This expert discussion aims to explore the shifting geopolitical roles of the European High North and Baltic Sea regions within the broader Euro-Atlantic context. Key will be examining the strategic importance of these areas in terms of NATO security, climate change, energy access, and military posturing. Our speakers will draw on current geopolitical tensions and emerging threats to best assess how the seniority of these regions influences transatlantic cooperation while balancing regional priorities against global challenges.   

* Space is limited. RSVP to dcoffice@pism.pl

Agenda

2:30 | Welcome

• H.E. Urban Ahlin – Ambassador of Sweden to the United States
• Alina Polyakova – President & CEO, CEPA
• Paweł Markiewicz – Executive Director, Polish Institute of International Affairs Washington D.C. Office

2:45 | Keynote Opening

• Senator Lisa Murkowski

3:00 | Expert Panel and Q&A

The High North and the Baltic – Threats, Risks, Mitigating Challenges

Speakers:

• Tymon Pastucha, Energy Policy Analyst, the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM)
• Erik Brattberg – Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Brzezinski Global Strategies
• Catherine Sendak – Director, Transatlantic Security and Defence, CEPA
• Sophie Arts – Fellow, Security and Defense, Arctic, N. America & N. Europe, GMF US

Moderator: Paweł Markiewicz – Executive Director, PISM Washington D.C. Office

4:15 | Wrap-up remarks

• TBA

4:30 – 6:00 | Networking Reception