(MENAFN) Turkish and European officials, diplomats, analysts, and industry experts convened in Istanbul on Wednesday for the conference “Maritime Dimension of Energy Security in the Baltic Sea and the Black Sea – Shared Challenges, Shared Horizons,” co-organized by the Polish Embassy in Ankara, the Polish Consulate General in Istanbul, and the Turkish Economic Development Foundation (IKV). The discussions highlighted growing vulnerabilities in Europe’s critical maritime energy corridors, as hybrid threats, geopolitical tensions, and the energy transition reshape regional security.

IKV Secretary-General Cigdem Nas emphasized the increasing strategic importance of the maritime domain, noting that energy security and protection of infrastructure are central to regional stability. Poland’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Maciej Lang, highlighted the resilience of energy supply chains and the importance of safeguarding undersea infrastructure as part of Poland’s EU Council priorities. IKV Chair Ayhan Zeytinoglu pointed to recent incidents involving Russian tankers near Türkiye’s exclusive economic zone as an example of escalating risks in the Black Sea.

Experts underscored the Baltic Sea as a dense hub of critical energy infrastructure, vulnerable to hybrid threats such as GPS jamming, sabotage of undersea cables, and interference from shadow fleets. Similarly, the Black Sea faces unique challenges due to nearby conflicts, the presence of mines, drone warfare, and the potential for Russian interdiction. Speakers emphasized that disturbances in either sea could have cascading effects on European energy security, highlighting the interdependence of the two regions.

Panelists called for strengthened coordination among NATO, the EU, and regional partners to respond to maritime threats. They stressed the importance of developing AI- and satellite-driven monitoring systems to detect potential disruptions early and improve situational awareness over offshore infrastructure, pipelines, and subsea cables.

Legal frameworks were also highlighted as insufficient for modern hybrid threats, with participants advocating updates to protect pipelines, offshore energy platforms, and critical subsea infrastructure from deliberate attacks or accidents. Redundant and resilient infrastructure was recommended to ensure continuity of energy supply in the event of disruptions.

Energy diversification was another key theme, with speakers urging expansion of LNG facilities, subsea renewable electricity exports, and alternative energy routes to reduce dependence on any single corridor or supplier. Protecting existing and planned infrastructure was seen as essential for sustaining long-term energy security, particularly as Europe transitions toward renewables.

Speakers concluded that hybrid threats, contested waters, and energy-transition pressures make maritime security a strategic priority. Ambassador Lang emphasized that cooperation between Türkiye, Poland, and European partners is essential to safeguard maritime energy assets and ensure regional stability across both the Baltic and Black Seas.

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