From Germany’s perspective, Sweden and Finland’s NATO accession strengthens security and stability in the Baltic Sea region in at least three ways. Each point is ultimately a function of how the two new members bolster NATO’s strategic posture in the region and strengthen the transatlantic alliance at large.

For Poland, the Baltic Sea region has become over the last few years an area of growing relevance. Once primarily viewed as a Central European country, Poland is now increasingly seen as part of the Baltic or Northern region. 

After Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Denmark needed to completely shift its security paradigm. Before the invasion, the Danish defence budget amounted to 1.1 per cent of its GDP. It was only in 2023 when the main political parties agreed to reach a minimum target value of two per cent by 2030. 

The Baltic region is now supported by two strategic pillars: one in the North and one in Warsaw. In these turbulent times, Riga finds reassurance in knowing that if Latvia ever needs protection, its geographically closest allies are now treaty-bound to come to its aid.

The Baltic Sea is now almost entirely a “NATO lake”. Apart from Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast and a small coastal strip around St Petersburg, virtually every inch of its shoreline belongs to the Alliance. This is not just a map change; it is a game-changer for daily life and strategic thinking.