Research Project
Living up to expectations? German political ambitions and military role in the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic
The long-awaited German National Security Strategy from 2023 states that “The Federal Government will further expand its military presence in Allied territory for the protection of our NATO allies and will place this presence on a more permanent basis” (German Federal Government, 2023). This statement signals a clear intent to dedicate resources to deter and defend across Allied territory.
This project zooms in on the maritime domain and answer the following questions: How has the German approach to deterrence and defence in the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic developed since the announcement of the Zeitenwende in 2022? How can Norway and Germany enhance maritime cooperation bilaterally, and in a transatlantic multilateral context?
The project will contribute with knowledge and competence building about Germany’s evolving role as a military actor in the Baltic Sea and North Atlantic.
The project is funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Project Manager
Participants
Articles
German-Norwegian Maritime Security Cooperation is strengthened
New publications
The Maritime Zeitenwende: Germany in the Northern Waters
In this report the authors study recent developments in German maritime defence policy and practice with a particular view on German-Norwegian relations. These relations are crucial, as the current security landscape challenges old geographical domains, particularly a stark division between operations in the Baltic Sea and North Sea. These areas are now being re-defined in and through military activity and technological advancements to address the security situation – including the increasing importance of protecting critical infrastructure – which will further contribute to policy development in the short and longer term.