“The Nordic Region must overcome challenges through solidarity and closer co-operation”

“The intensifying of Nordic co-operation on defence is a positive step, and is part of a trend that we have watched develop over several years. This includes the Stoltenberg report, the Declaration of Solidarity in 2011, and the creation of the Nordic governments’ defence policy co-operation body NORDEFCO”, says Marit Nybakk (Norwegian Labour Party).

Nybakk’s statement comes in conjunction with the feature published in Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten last week, in which the Ministers of Defence of Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and the Icelandic Minister for Foreign Affairs present their desire for closer military co-operation in the Region.

“The situation at both a global and regional level is more uncertain than ever. This is why it’s important for the Nordic countries to overcome challenges through solidarity and closer co-operation. Nordic co-operation is based on common values ​​and a willingness to tackle challenges together. Based on different security policy anchors, the Nordic countries work together closely within the framework of NATO and the EU.”

 Challenges to security policy

Nybakk also believes that challenges to security policy are coming in the form of cyber attacks, terrorism, the increased recruitment of IS-fighters, climate change, and not least war in the Middle East and the situation in Ukraine.

“It’s important for the Nordic countries to unite in condemning Russia’s violation of international law. From a Norwegian perspective, we also have a vested interest in not contributing to an increased level of conflict in the north. We have considerable experience of this through past periods of high tension.

 “To overcome these challenges and safeguard ourselves against surprises and misunderstandings in our immediate surroundings, it’s important that we work together on preparedness, surveillance, and joint exercises. Knowing what’s happening on land, at sea, and in the air is vital to this. This is something best done together.

“I therefore welcome the initiatives of the Nordic Ministers of Defence as outlined in the feature, and look forward to the intensification of efforts within the co-operation body NORDEFCO. On the part of the Nordic Council, we’ll continue to work for a stronger parliamentary basis for NORDEFCO,” concludes Nybakk, defence policy observer and Chair of the Social Democrats in the Nordic Council.

Chair of the Danish Delegation to the Nordic Council, Bertel Haarder (Denmark’s Liberal Party) welcomes the recent agreement to intensify Nordic co-operation on defence: Conclusive expansion of Nordic co-operation on defence