Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway are part of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO). This cooperation started in 2009 and primarily aims to increase the countries’ defence capabilities and enhance our possibilities to take joint action if a crisis arises in our neighbourhood.
NORDEFCO is conducted at both military and political level and includes cooperation on training and exercises, logistics, international operations and defence equipment.
Close Nordic defence cooperation increases the military capability of the Nordic countries and enhances our possibilities to take joint action if a crisis arises in our neighbourhood. Nordic defence cooperation thus contributes to increasing overall deterrence and security in Europe.
The one-year chairmanship of NORDEFCO rotates between the Nordic countries.
As chair, Sweden will lead the cooperation this year, with the Ministry of Defence responsible for coordinating NORDEFCO meetings at policy level.
Sweden last held the chairmanship of NORDEFCO in 2019.
Sweden and Finland’s applications for NATO membership, and Denmark’s decision to take part in EU defence cooperation, mean that there are new conditions for Nordic defence cooperation.
The Swedish chairmanship will focus on how Nordic defence cooperation is affected by, and needs to be adapted to, these new security and defence policy developments.
One of the priorities for 2023 is to develop a new vision for Nordic defence cooperation.
On 1 January, Sweden assumed the chairmanship of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO). As chair, Sweden is focusing on continued support to Ukraine and adapting cooperation to the new defence and security policy situation in Europe.
Published · Article from Pål Jonson , Ministry of Defence
