Call for increased Nordic civil-military cooperation

‘It is important that the Nordic countries create a foundation for close civil-military cooperation across our national borders. Together we can more effectively support national defence, while also safeguarding the fundamental functionality of civil society and protecting the civilian population,’ said Minister of Justice and Public Security Emilie Enger Mehl.

Now all five Nordic countries are members of NATO, creating the basis for increased cooperation in this area. As part of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO), the Nordic defence ministers met last week, and there too the importance of Nordic cooperation on civil emergency preparedness and total defence to support NATO’s deterrence and defence was emphasised.

Instability in other parts of the world also has an impact on Nordic security. The Nordic countries are closely intertwined through geography, values and traditions, and they share many of the same challenges. The ongoing war in Ukraine has revealed new needs for cooperation in civil emergency preparedness. Under Norway’s Presidency, the Nordic countries have strengthened their shared understanding of the need for civil-military cooperation, joint coordination and planning.

‘Together with my colleagues from Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Sweden, I have today discussed how we can together increase our civil protection and emergency preparedness to address the ever-growing scenario of challenges we face. We have also agreed on a set of conclusions where we establish the importance of a strengthened Nordic cooperation on civil matters,’ said Ms Mehl.   

‘Important areas for cooperation are Nordic scenarios for armed conflict and crises, including hybrid threats, joint planning of Host Nation Support within NATO protection of the civil population as well as participation in civil-military exercises,’ added Ms Mehl.   

The Nordic cooperation on civil protection and emergency preparedness (the Haga Process) was established in 2009.  The goal is a strong and resilient Nordic region, with the capacity to prevent, prepare, handle, restore and learn from serious accidents and disasters. Since 2013, Haga has worked on capacities for mutual support among the countries. 

Thursday’s meeting marked the close of Norway’s Presidency of the Haga Process.  Finland takes over the reins in 2025, when it will simultaneously hold the Presidency of NORDEFCO.

‘I am looking forward to further development of the close Nordic cooperation on civil protection and emergency preparedness under the Finnish Presidency,’ Ms Mehl said.