2021-11-26-海牙战略研究中心-北海的高价值（英）_100页_12mb

Executive Summary
The report analyzes the growing economic and strategic importance of the North Sea, with a focus on security challenges. Offshore activities such as wind energy, shipping, and energy production are expanding, creating both economic opportunities and vulnerabilities. Security threats include criminal and terrorist activities, hybrid operations, and military actions, many of which leverage cyber capabilities. The study emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach involving a North Sea Authority to integrate spatial planning, security measures, and a coordinated response framework. Key recommendations include enhancing cybersecurity, strengthening physical protections, fostering international cooperation, and clarifying institutional roles.

Key Research Areas

• Economic Value: The North Sea is central to global trade, energy, and digital infrastructure due to expanding wind energy, LNG transport, and digital connectivity.
• Security Vulnerabilities: These are amplified by critical infrastructure, cyber threats, and the increasing sophistication of hybrid actors. The legal distinction between territorial and exclusive economic zones poses challenges.

Threat Categories

• Criminal and terrorist threats (piracy, hostage-taking, smuggling).
• Hybrid threats (sabotage, espionage, incursions).
• Military threats (physical attacks, cyber operations, denial of access).

Institutional Changes

• Establish a North Sea Authority (NSA) to coordinate spatial planning and security.
• Increase authority for the Netherlands Coast Guard (NLCG) to address the extended EEZ dilemma.
• Enhance cybersecurity and intelligence-sharing capabilities.
• Strengthen cooperation with European partners and integrate maritime security into broader national policies.