Nordic Defence Cooperation

On 11–12 May, Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist took part in a meeting in northern Norway with his counterparts from the other Nordic countries. The defence ministers visited the Norwegian-Russian border and discussed strengthened Nordic cooperation.

The Nordic defence ministers met on 11 May 2022 in Kirkenes, Norway and gave the following statement.

On 11–12 May, Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist will travel to Kirkenes in Norway for a meeting on the regional security situation, held within the framework of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO).

The Nordic Ministers of Defence today discussed Russia's actions in Ukraine and gave the following statement.

The Nordic Ministers of Defence met virtually on 21 January to discuss the deteriorating situation in and around Ukraine. The ministers monitor the security situation in Ukraine closely, and continue to consult with each other through the NORDEFCO Crisis Consultation Mechanism.

We, the Nordic Ministers of Defence, follow the recent developments in and around Ukraine with great concern. Recent Russian military activity, especially the exceptional military build-up along Ukraine’s borders, is a worrying development, which may have a destabilising effect on our shared security environment.

On 9 November, Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist took part in the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) ministerial meeting. The meeting in Kirkkonummi, Finland was hosted by Finland’s Minister of Defence Antti Kaikkonen in conjunction with the Finnish NORDEFCO chairmanship in 2021.

A serious security crisis in the Nordic region would affect us all, and we need to be prepared and equipped to act together in peace, crisis and conflict. Coordination of national operational planning will improve our ability to act together if so decided.

On 29–30 June, the defence ministers of Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, met in Tuusula just north of Helsinki, within the framework of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO). The deteriorated regional security situation and further enhanced cooperation was the focus of discussions during the first physical NORDEFCO ministerial meeting since the outbreak of the pandemic.

Finland assumed the Chairmanship of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) on 1 January. Finnish priorities include strengthening and improving Nordic cooperation on peace, crises and conflict, as well as continuing work to implement NORDEFCO’s Vision 2025.