The conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) party in Germany has proposed a significant increase in surveillance across the Baltic Sea, citing escalating threats to security in the region. This recommendation comes in a policy paper reviewed by the German press agency dpa, which emphasizes the need for comprehensive monitoring in light of recent attacks on subsea cables, some of which are attributed to Russian operations.
The draft document outlines the urgent requirement for enhanced real-time monitoring capabilities and suggests the creation of a “transparent Baltic Sea.” This initiative would utilize advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to improve the overall security framework. The paper indicates that unmanned underwater drones would be deployed to patrol critical infrastructure, supported by a network of sensors designed to detect potential threats.
The CSU is set to finalize and adopt this policy proposal during a retreat of its members of parliament scheduled for next week in Bavaria. As the largest political force in Bavaria, the CSU operates exclusively within the state but also plays a key role in the national government coalition alongside its sister party, the Christian Democratic Union, and the center-left Social Democratic Party.
Calls for Strengthened Military Capabilities
In addition to advocating for enhanced surveillance, CSU parliamentary group leader Alexander Hoffmann has emphasized the need for Germany to take a leading role in European defense. Speaking to 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 defense and capable of deterrence.”
Hoffmann clarified that achieving this goal does not involve the establishment of a European army. Instead, he believes it requires closer integration of national armed forces across Europe. To support this vision, he called for substantial investment in the Bundeswehr, Germany’s armed forces, to address existing capability gaps and ensure technological sovereignty.
This dual approach reflects the CSU’s strategy to bolster Germany’s military readiness while also enhancing security in the Baltic Sea, a region increasingly viewed as vital to European stability. As discussions continue, the emphasis on combining advanced technology with military preparedness highlights the party’s commitment to addressing the evolving security landscape.
