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Nordic countries to further deepen defence cooperation

Government Communications Department
Publication date 15.8.2022 19.36
Press release
Nordic Prime Ministers Magdalena Andersson (left), Sanna Marin, Jonas Gahr Støre, Mette Frederiksen ja Katrín Jakobsdóttir Oslossa Munch-museon edustalla.

In their meeting in Oslo on Monday 15 August, the prime ministers of the Nordic countries confirmed that they would further develop their cooperation on defence and security. As Finland and Sweden become members of NATO, the Nordic countries will become allied partners, which opens up new opportunities for cooperation. The new security situation in Northern Europe also featured prominently in the Nordic prime minsters’ discussion with German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

“The accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO does not reduce the importance of Nordic cooperation; on the contrary, it gives us the opportunity to set our goals even higher. Together we will strengthen security and stability across NATO,” Prime Minister Sanna Marin said at the meeting of the prime ministers.

In Oslo, the Nordic prime ministers adopted a joint declaration on developing security and defence cooperation. It states that Russia’s war of aggression has changed the security situation in the whole of Europe and that the Nordic countries have a responsibility to protect freedom and common values. The accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO will make the Nordic countries allies, opening up new opportunities for cooperation. The Nordic countries will further develop their cooperation by participating actively in strengthening NATO as a military and political actor, conducting Nordic exercises and training in close cooperation with NATO and its member countries, seeking synergies and strengthening the resilience of their societies.

A second important item on the agenda at the prime ministers’ meeting was protecting the seas and promoting the use of renewable energy. The prime ministers signed a separate declaration on this topic.

In connection with their meeting in Oslo, the Nordic prime ministers held a separate meeting with Federal Chancellor of Germany Olaf Scholz. Topics on the agenda for the discussion included European security and Russia, the new security architecture for Northern Europe, and the green transition and energy security in Europe.

Before the prime ministers’ meeting, Prime Minister Marin met for a bilateral discussion with the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre. Marin thanked Støre for Norway’s support for Finland’s NATO membership. The two prime ministers also discussed cooperation between Finland and Norway in the areas of security, defence and the green transition.  
 
Inquiries: Lauri Voionmaa, Special Adviser (International Affairs), tel. +358 295 160 306 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU and International Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office.