Representatives of the Baltic States, the Nordic countries and the United States met on 1–2 June in Tallinn and Narva for a regular session of the E-PINE (Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe) format, reaffirming the importance of strengthening transatlantic security. Latvia was represented by Juris Poikāns, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Participants discussed current security challenges in the Euro-Atlantic area, above all the consequences of Russia’s war against Ukraine, alongside preparations for the upcoming NATO summit in Ankara and the importance of developing the defence industry. They highlighted the need to intensify joint action and societal resilience as hybrid threats grow, border-security challenges increase and risks in the Baltic Sea region rise, including from Russia’s shadow fleet.
Poikāns stressed that the security situation demands even closer coordination among allies and greater investment in defence, alongside unwavering support for Ukraine and continued pressure on Russia. Discussion also touched on the wider international agenda, including the situation in the Middle East.
For the Baltic energy sector, the relevance is indirect but real: the shadow-fleet activity and hybrid threats flagged at E-PINE are the same risks now driving protection of subsea cables, pipelines and offshore infrastructure across the region. Established in 2003 to strengthen US cooperation with the Baltic and Nordic states, E-PINE remains a standing platform for political dialogue on security, foreign policy and economic cooperation.
