Presidium of Nordic Council meets in Finland – visit to President and discussions on security policy

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, security and defence policy have been discussed at length within the framework of the Nordic Council. During the Presidium meeting in Finland, discussions took place on recommendations concerning both the recovery in Ukraine and Nordic security and defence in the new geopolitical reality that the countries of the Nordic Region now find themselves in. The Nordic Council believes that a comprehensive defence report should be compiled for the Nordic Region in order to assess how co-operation on defence can evolve in the future. A proposal for enhanced self-sufficiency in the production of energy and food was also debated.

Furthermore, the Presidium of the Nordic Council is also working on developing proposals for a possible update of the Helsinki Treaty, which regulates official Nordic co-operation. A potential update could include defence and security policy.

In connection with the meeting, the Presidium was also invited to a meeting with the Finnish President, Sauli Niinistö. The agenda covered foreign affairs, security, and defence issues, with a special focus on Nordic co-operation.

“We had a good discussion with the Presidium of the Nordic Council on foreign affairs, security, and defence issues. Together we’re strong when it comes to creating security,” says President of Finland, Sauli Niinistö.

The entire Presidium of the Nordic Council participated in the meeting, which took place at the Finnish President’s residence, Mäntyniemi.

“Given the current global situation, it’s crucial that the Nordic countries work together within the field of security policy. Together, we can be a force for stability and peace. The theme of Iceland’s presidency programme for the Nordic Council in 2024 is Peace and Security in the Arctic, which means that the topic will remain high on the agenda in the future,” says Helge Orten, Vice-President of the Nordic Council.

The Presidium also tabled a new proposal for the Nordic governments to deepen their co-operation with the Baltic governments in order to strengthen the economies, freedom, and right to self-determination of both regions. The Baltic countries and the Baltic Assembly are already high-priority partners for the Nordic Council.

The Presidium of the Nordic Council, acting as a plenary assembly, adopted a recommendation on investments in offshore wind power. The Nordic Council advocates streamlining regulatory processes for offshore wind power projects in the Nordic Region, fostering co-operation in research and education in the field of technology, and encouraging Nordic grid companies to work together for an even more integrated Nordic power grid.