Baltic lawmakers push for joint cyber command to counter digital threats

RIGA — Baltic lawmakers on Friday called for deeper cybersecurity cooperation, warning that digital threats now demand urgent regional action. Ugis Rotbergs, vice chair of the Baltic Assembly’s Security and Defense Committee, told colleagues in Tallinn that nowhere is cooperation more critical than in cyberspace, where attacks can spread across networks in seconds before traditional defenses activate.

Rotbergs, a New Unity MP, urged the creation of a joint Baltic cyber command, coordinated regional threat detection exercises, and greater participation in international cyber drills. The appeal came during preparations for the 45th Baltic Assembly session, scheduled for Oct. 23 in Tallinn, where cybersecurity will be a central theme alongside defense, energy, and civil protection.

Janis Vucans, head of Latvia’s delegation, said the upcoming session would prioritize strengthening Baltic cooperation in security and resilience, including continued support for Ukraine. The meeting in Tallinn also included Latvian MPs Kaspars Briskens, Liga Klavina, and Juris Vilums, who joined discussions on the past year’s work and future priorities.