Strong support for Ukraine and focus on democracy in new Nordic-Baltic co-operation agreement
Timo Suslov, Baltiska församlingens president, och Jorodd Asphjell, Nordiska rådets president
Focus on Ukraine
The agreement states that the Russian invasion of Ukraine is a threat to global security and that the Baltic and Nordic countries, with their proximity to Russia, are particularly vulnerable. The Nordic and Baltic countries should continue to strongly support Ukraine and work towards ending the Russian aggression and bringing about peace.
“Now, more than ever, we must show our strength and unity – together we should continue to demonstrate strong support for Ukraine for as long as it’s needed,” says Jorodd Asphjell, President of the Nordic Council
Democracy and human rights
Another focal point is efforts to underpin democracy, the rule of law, and human rights, particularly in co-operation with the countries of the EU’s Eastern Partnership. This was also brought up by Jorodd Asphjell in his speech during the meeting with the Baltic Assembly.
“In these times, we’re particularly grateful for the role and extensive experience of the Baltic Assembly and the Baltic countries as a bridge between east and west. Our two organisations stand for democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. These values are under immense pressure and we have to fight for them every day,” said Asphjell.
Co-operation within cyber security
Cybersecurity is another topic that features in the co-operation agreement. During the meeting in Tallinn, the delegations visited NATO’s cyber security centre, the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence. Efforts to counter fake news and propaganda from authoritarian regimes represent an important area of co-operation, and the Nordic Council feels that the Nordic governments could work together more both among among themselves and with the Baltic region.
“Although the Nordic Council of Ministers has an ad hoc council of ministers for digital issues which includes the Baltic countries, we want to work to make this council of ministers permanent,” says Victoria Tiblom, a member of the Presidium of the Nordic Council.
The Nordic Council was represented by the President of the Nordic Council Jorodd Asphjell, Nordic Council members Lars Püss and Victoria Tiblom, and Secretary General of the Nordic Council Kristina Háfoss.
