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Joint defence policy for a sustainable Nordic Region

A robust and sustainable Nordic Region requires joint defence and security policies. In addition to the shape of Nordic foreign and defence co-operation, there was great focus at the Nordic Council theme session in Stockholm on the link between security policy and a sustainable society.

Apr 11, 2013

Finland's Minister of Defence, Carl Haglund, this year's Chair of NORDEFCO. Photo: Magnus Fröderberg/norden.org

Photographer
Magnus Fröderberg/Norden.org

The invited ministers, Finland's Minister of Defence Carl Haglund, and his Swedish colleague Karin Enström, Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, and Finland's Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja were all clear in their view of the importance of an informal Nordic co-operation in Foreign, Defence and Security areas. These should as now be built on a joint economic synergy and characterised by practical thinking and pragmatism. At the same time Carl Haglund spoke of a future vision for co-operation and Espen Barth Eide called for a joint defence concept.

"Together we make up a large geographical area with a sparse population", said the Norwegian Foreign Minister, and said that this fact could be the reason for joint Nordic conceptual solutions.

MPs Helgi Hjørvar from Iceland and Høgni Hoydal from the Faroe Islands were two of those who raised the large geographical areas in the Arctic and the need for a broader view on the question of societal security.  Safety at sea in the Arctic is a key issue in the Nordic Council as well as other threats to the environment and people in the Arctic being brought about by climate change.

"In the seas around Iceland are accidents waiting to happen", said Helgi Hjørvar, and called for preparatory joint Nordic measures.

The Danish Minister for Nordic Co-operation, Manu Sareen, warned against fears of talking about security risks in the Arctic.  Many people express great interest for the natural resources which are being revealed because the ice is melting. No-one wants conflict or confrontation, he believes, and we must therefore have a dialogue on how we face both environmental and security challenges in the area.

The Haga Agreement between the ministers who deal with crisis and contingency planning in the Region will be updated in the autumn. In a letter to the responsible ministers, the Nordic Council Presidium requests that this should include a point on frequent dialogue with the Nordic Council.

"This should contribute to a necessary parliamentary, i.e. popular, backing of defence and security policies, according to the President of the Nordic Council, Marki Nybakk.

Contacts

Bodil Tingsby
Phone +45 33 96 03 57
Email bot@norden.org