Nordic governments pledge tighter cooperation amid security challenges

Helsinki - The eight Nordic governments pledged on Monday to step up joint civil preparedness efforts, citing mounting global instability, hybrid threats, and the growing urgency of climate and security challenges.

In a joint statement released after a meeting of Nordic prime ministers and heads of government in Turku, southwestern Finland, the leaders of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the autonomous territories of Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Aland vowed to strengthen their collective ability to withstand crises - from cyberattacks to energy disruptions - through deeper cross-sector and cross-societal cooperation.

The Nordic bloc announced the upcoming launch of a Security of Supply Network later this year and plans to deepen collaboration with Ukraine in civil protection. Cooperation with the Baltic States will also be expanded, particularly in defending critical infrastructure and coordinating emergency responses.

The leaders backed closer alignment with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and the European Union (EU), and supported the development of strategic military transport corridors. They urged enabling the Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) to fund defense-related and dual-use infrastructure projects, according to the statement.

Other key areas flagged for joint action include nuclear safety, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, cross-border healthcare, energy security, and financial market stability.

The leaders underscored the vital role of the private sector in safeguarding value chains and accelerating the green transition. They also reaffirmed commitments to democratic governance, digital inclusion, and gender equality as essential components of a resilient society.

The statement also stressed the importance of ensuring participation from Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Aland in the Haga cooperation framework, which aims to enhance Nordic coordination, mutual learning, and civil-military planning - while respecting the demilitarized status of Aland.