N5 and NB8 – Nordic and Nordic-Baltic cooperation on foreign and security policy

Today, October 29, at a meeting in the cooperation format between the Nordic Ministers for Foreign Affairs (N5) there was an exchange of views with Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, leader of the Belarusian democratic forces in exile, on the situation in Belarus and on how best to support the Belarusian democratic movement.

When the Nordic Council holds its 76th Session in Reykjavik on 28–31 October, the focus will be on peace and security in the Arctic and Nordic regions.

On 16 October 2024, the Nordic-Baltic countries’ foreign ministers visited Odesa, Ukraine. The visit took place against the backdrop of intensified Russian attacks against Ukraine resulting in further loss of lives, injuries and widespread destruction. The needs are immense, especially within the energy sector, as Ukraine prepares for its third winter since Russia’s full-scale invasion. The Nordic-Baltic countries are united in their unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine. During the visit, a substantial Nordic-Baltic winter package was announced in response to Ukraine’s most pressing needs, including energy, social infrastructure and humanitarian support. The support aims to alleviate the suffering caused by Russia’s attacks by contributing to basic needs such as heating and clean water during the cold winter months.

On 15 October 2024, the Nordic-Baltic countries’ foreign ministers will travel to Moldova. The visit comes ahead of the concurrent presidential elections and referendum on Moldova’s future relations with the European Union on 20 October. The Nordic-Baltic ministers are showing support for Moldova’s reforms and resilience in the face of intensifying hybrid attacks, and will share their experiences of membership and close relations with the European Union.

On 18 September, Minister for International Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade Benjamin Dousa will host a meeting of Nordic development cooperation ministers in Stockholm. The meeting is taking place within the framework of Sweden’s Presidency of N5 – the informal foreign and security cooperation format between the Nordic countries. The agenda includes support to Ukraine, links between migration and development assistance, support to free and fair elections, the global green transition and Nordic collaboration with the private sector on innovation.

On 12–14 August 2024, Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström and other Nordic foreign ministers are travelling to Nigeria and Ghana within the framework of Sweden’s Presidency of N5 – the informal foreign and security cooperation format between the Nordic countries. The ministers will discuss topics including global security, multilateral cooperation and increased trade and investment.

In 2024, Sweden is responsible for coordinating foreign and security cooperation of the Nordic countries (N5) and the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8). In this role, Sweden has chosen to highlight three main priorities: strengthening security policy cooperation in the region, maintaining unwavering support for Ukraine’s right to freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and securing continued global support for Ukraine.

On 19–20 June, Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström will host a meeting of the Nordic foreign ministers in Stockholm. The meeting will take place within the framework of Sweden’s Presidency of the N5 – Nordic cooperation on foreign and security policy.

Today, Nordic heads of government signed a joint declaration on the future of Nordic competitiveness, growth and security. The declaration was signed in connection with the Nordic summit hosted by Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson on 13 May in Stockholm.

Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström is launching a high-level group that will provide expert support to Ukraine’s Government during its EU accession process.

On 9–10 April, Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström will host a foreign and security policy meeting in the Nordic-Baltic format (NB8) in Visby.

Opinion piece, The Hindu, 24 February 2024, by Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Denmark, Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Estonia, Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Finland, Bjarni Benediktsson, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Iceland, Krišjānis Kariņš, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Latvia, Gabrielius Landsbergis, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lithuania, Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Norway, Tobias Billström, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sweden

On 21-23 February, Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström will visit New Delhi in the company of Nordic Baltic colleagues to attend the annual Raisina Dialogue. The trip will be undertaken jointly within the framework of the Nordic Baltic cooperation, the NB8. This is the second year in a row that Minister Billström will attend the Raisina Dialogue.

On 20 February, Mr Billström will visit Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore), India. The agenda includes meetings with representatives of Karnataka State, discussions with Swedish and Indian companies on digitalisation and new technologies, addressing the Confederation of Indian Industry and a visit to the Indian Space Research Organisation.

Today, Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström presented the Government’s 2024 Statement of Foreign Policy in the Riksdag. The Government’s most important foreign policy priorities are support to Ukraine, Sweden’s NATO membership and deepened cooperation in the neighbourhood.

On 14 February, Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström presented the 2024 Statement of Foreign Policy in the Riksdag. Check against delivery.

On Monday 5 February, Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström and Minister for EU Affairs, with responsibility for Nordic affairs, Jessika Roswall informed the diplomatic corps of the priorities for the N5 and NB8 and the Nordic Council of Ministers, all of which will be chaired by Sweden this year. Around 100 diplomatic representatives attended the briefing.

Speech by Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström for the diplomatic corps at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs in Stockholm, Monday 5 February. Check against delivery.