Baltic Rim Monitor Articles
Russian Disinformation in Latvia
Of the Baltic states, Latvia has the largest proportion of Russians who constitute a quarter of the country’s population, and over 36% of residents in its capital, Riga. Yet, Moscow’s propaganda is not limited to the Russian language channels, nor is it just a Latvia’s problem. In fact, it is a threat to the whole NATO’s Eastern flank.
Nordics are Arming
New defence bills of Sweden and Norway will increase their defence budgets by 40% and 27%, respectively. Meanwhile, Finland’s purchase of new fighter jets and upgrade of its navy fleet will raise the expenditures by 54% between 2020 and 2021.
New Government in Lithuania
After Parliamentary Election held on 11 and 25 October, a new government will be formed in Lithuania. The rule will be taken over by a centre-right Homeland Union (HU), who declared a continuity of foreign policy, naming other Baltic states, Poland, and the US as key “strategic partners.”
Boris Johnson in Estonia. The British as a trusted ally
Great Britain is the second most important and trusted ally of the Baltic states, next to the United States.
The USA’s support for the Baltic states. Air defence as a priority
The United States is the key ally of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania both in the aspect of bilateral relations and within NATO.
New legislation in Finland will stop the Russian expansion?
Since January 1, 2020, foreigners from outside the EU living in Finland have to get permission from the Finnish authorities to buy real assets.
An important Russian spy in NATO released
Herman Simm sentenced to 12.5 years in prison in 2009 was released from prison in Tartu on December 23, 2019.
Finnish counterintelligence: Russia is the biggest threat
The annual SUPO report states that Russia is the biggest threat. The activity of China and the threat posed by the jihadists (“lone wolves”) are of limited nature and relate only to restricted areas.
Postal crisis in Finland. A minister deposed, Prime Minister in danger
After two weeks of strikes which severely handicapped connection and transport in Finland, it is time for the political settlement.
Reserved reaction to the Turkish blackmail
Just before the NATO summit in London, Turkey threatened to block the acceptance of the defence plans for the Baltic states and Poland if NATO does not help Ankara in the battle with Syrian Kurds.
Money laundering in Estonia. Russian secret services benefited?
Russian secret services were exploiting Estonia to finance their foreign operations – Estonian Minister of Finance Martin Helme claims.
An alternative to NATO? A firestorm in Estonia after the Deputy PM’s words
The government in Estonia together with other Baltic states is preparing a “plan B” in case NATO fails to ensure security – one of the Estonian journals quoted the words of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior, Mart Helme.
Latvia Softens Its Naturalisation Policy: Children of Stateless Persons to Receive Passports
Great Britain has started its military contingent rotation in Estonia – this time it is also an element of the extensive operation aimed to check the mobility capabilities of the British army in Europe.
Who is afraid of the American tanks in Lithuania?
The arrival of the American tank battalion to Lithuania has caused turmoil in the capital city of neighbouring Belarus.
Warsaw Institute
