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

In 2024, Sweden will coordinate the informal foreign and security cooperation formats of the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8) and the Nordic countries (N5). The NB8 and N5 are led by foreign ministers, who meet several times a year to discuss current issues. During the year, focus will be on strengthening security cooperation in the region and continued support to Ukraine.

Responsible ministers
Maria Malmer Stenergard
Responsible ministries
Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Sweden’s priorities as coordinator of the NB8 and President of the N5

  • Sweden’s priorities as coordinator of the NB8 and President of the N5

    Sweden’s priorities as coordinator of the NB8 and President of the N5 are to strengthen and deepen the Nordic and Nordic-Baltic security policy dialogue and cooperation, remain committed to the regional unwavering support to Ukraine and its right to freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and promote continued global support for Ukraine and the international rules-based world order.

    Strengthen security cooperation in the region

    One important focus area for Sweden during this year will be to strengthen and deepen the security policy dialogue in the region.

    Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has changed the regional security situation. The strategic conditions are also changing in light of Finland’s NATO membership and Sweden’s future accession to NATO. This both necessitates and creates an opportunity for in-depth dialogue between the Nordic and Nordic-Baltic countries on how to strengthen security and stability in both the short and long term.

    Remain committed to the unwavering regional support for Ukraine’s right to freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity

    Another important priority for Sweden is to remain committed to the unwavering support for Ukraine and its right to freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    Continued joint regional support to Ukraine is necessary so that it can regain its territorial integrity and develop its defence capabilities and so deter future threats. Reconstruction, macro-economic and humanitarian support, continued reform efforts and holding Russia accountable for its violations of international law are all priority areas. Other priorities issues are further integration of Ukraine with the EU and support to Ukraine’s private sector.

    Ensure continued global support for Ukraine

    It is crucial to also maintain international support for Ukraine. Russia’s aggression is a threat to international peace and security. 

    A just, comprehensive and lasting peace based on the principles of the UN Charter is in the interest of the entire international community. We must stand up for the international rules-based order. Continued diplomatic outreach efforts to connect and build relationships with global partners are crucial to ensure the broadest possible support for Ukraine.

About the NB8 and the N5

The NB8 and the N5 are informal Nordic-Baltic and Nordic cooperation formats in the area of foreign and security policy. The NB8 and N5 are led by foreign ministers, who meet several times each year to deepen cooperation on current issues. In addition, hundreds of meetings at various levels are held each year.

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