CSU Demands Enhanced Surveillance of Baltic Sea Amid Rising Threats
The conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) party in Germany is advocating for increased surveillance of the entire Baltic Sea, citing rising security threats. According to a policy paper reviewed by the Deutsche Presse-Agentur (dpa), the CSU describes recent attacks on subsea cables, allegedly linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, as unacceptable. The document emphasizes the need for improved real-time monitoring to protect critical maritime infrastructure.
The CSU’s proposal aims to establish a “transparent Baltic Sea” by incorporating advanced technologies and artificial intelligence. The plan includes deploying unmanned underwater drones to patrol essential areas, supported by a comprehensive network of sensors. This initiative is set to be formally adopted next week during a CSU parliamentary retreat in Bavaria.
As the dominant political force in Bavaria, the CSU is part of the governing coalition alongside its sister party, the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), and the centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD). In a related context, CSU parliamentary group leader Alexander Hoffmann emphasized the urgency of strengthening Germany’s military capabilities. In an interview with the Sunday edition of the Welt newspaper, Hoffmann stated, “Germany must take responsibility and provide the strongest conventional army in Europe so that, together with our alliance partners, we are ready for defence and capable of deterrence.”
Hoffmann further articulated that achieving this goal does not necessitate the formation of a European army. Instead, he called for closer integration of national armed forces across Europe. “To do that, we must massively invest in our Bundeswehr, close capability gaps and gain technological sovereignty,” he added.
The CSU’s push for enhanced surveillance and military readiness reflects broader concerns regarding regional security in Europe, particularly in light of escalating tensions in the Baltic region. As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the party’s proposals aim to ensure Germany plays a pivotal role in maintaining stability and security in Europe.
