Government of Norway

04/30/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/30/2024 04:19

Nordisk forsvarsministermøte på Færøyene: Et nytt kapittel for nordisk forsvarssamarbeid

The Nordic countries are committed to strengthening the deterrence and defence of the Nordic region and the Euro-Atlantic Area. The Nordic countries are prepared and able to conduct combined joint military operations to manage both present and future challenges together and with allies of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Nordic Defence Cooperation complements and contributes to European and transatlantic security and collective defence.

The Nordic countries share fundamental values and security interests. Nordic defence cooperation has developed through the NORDEFCO framework, bilateral arrangements and trilateral initiatives. Closer defence cooperation between the Nordic countries strengthens security and defence, promotes regional security and stability, facilitates crisis management, and strengthens the military capabilities. The Nordic countries continue to enhance cooperation on total defence to improve resilience.

Aligning Nordic defence cooperation with NATO supports and contributes to the collective defence of the Alliance. As NATO members, the Nordic countries are committed to assist each other and other allies. Furthermore, the Nordic countries will align defence capabilities in accordance with national interests and defence responsibilities in NATO.

Nordic defence cooperation will enhance NATO's posture in Northern Europe and contribute to the security of the Alliance as a whole. Nordic defence cooperation is aligned with NATO planning and concepts. Furthermore, Nordic defence cooperation complements and adds value to the EU, bilateral defence arrangements, and regional cooperation formats such as the Joint Expeditionary Force.

Objectives

To operationalise this Vision, by 2030 Nordic defence cooperation will be enhanced in the following areas (not limited to):

  1. Strategic dialogue and consultations on current issues and the security situation, including cooperation on situational awareness and escalation management
  2. Ability to conduct, and command, combined joint operations, through common operations planning, complementary to national and allied planning
  3. Host Nation Support and logistical support to enable common operations and facilitate allied military support and reinforcement
  4. Military mobility to, between and through the Nordic countries by ensuring minimal restrictions of movement
  5. Capabilities, based on strategic and operational requirements, in alignment with NATO processes, and opportunities in relation to EU tools and initiatives
  6. Defence materiel cooperation for increased interchangeability, including joint acquisitions, based on capability development and requirements, in alignment with NATO processes, NORDEFCO operational needs, and opportunities in relation to EU tools and initiatives
  7. Military security of supply for improved resilience e.g. by strengthening the Nordic defence industrial base
  8. Total defence to secure adequate support from all sectors of society to the defence sector in all threat scenarios and situations

Where appropriate, other relevant actors will be included or coordinated with.

Tórshavn, the 30th of April 2024,

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Troels Lund PoulsenMinister of Defence of Denmark
For the Ministry of Defence of Denmark

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Antti Häkkänen
Minister of Defence of Finland
For the Ministry of Defence of Finland

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Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland
For the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland

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Bjørn Arild Gram
Minister of Defence of Norway
For the Ministry of Defence of Denmark

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Pål Jonson
Minister for Defence of Sweden
For the Ministry for Defence of Sweden