Stoltenberg: "Nordic security will suffer unless we work together"

"Without Nordic co-operation and sharing of the costs none of our countries will be able to afford the current defence provisions. In 25 years, we would be lagging well behind large nations such as France and Germany," Stoltenberg told a news conference on Tuesday.

In the spring, Stoltenberg presented a report on the subject of closer Nordic co-operation on foreign and security policy, e.g. on aerial surveillance and defence procurement. The President of the Nordic Council, Sinikka Bohlin MP (Swe), was more circumspect about future Nordic collaboration on defence.

"Our world is changing, and it is natural that the Nordic Council should follow developments. We already prioritise a safer future. But the future will tell whether, and how, we should work together on defence," she said

Video: What the Nordic Council can do in foreign and defence policy.

Defence and security policy are not part of official Nordic co-operation for sensitive historical reasons. However, according to Stoltenberg, the Nordic Council, which is gathered for its autumn meetings in Mariehamn, has an important role to play – keeping the debate alive.

Stoltenberg also took part, along with the former President of Finland, Martti Ahtisaari, in a seminar about the role of the Nordic Region in international crisis management. Ahtisaari pointed out that the Nordic Region has much to offer the international community as far as crisis management and peace building are concerned.

"We have a positive reputation abroad, and long experience of working together in international organisations, especially on development aid," said Ahtisaari who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2008 for his work as an international peace envoy.

He would also like to see Åland, known as 'the islands of peace', being used as a venue for international peace negotiations.

The Stoltenberg Report 

The Nordic Council's September meetings