(Meeting of Nordic Defence Ministers, Joensuu, Finland, 10 May 2005) Norway, Sweden and Finland have reached agreement to collaborate in the establishment of a so-called “battlegroup” to be placed at the disposal of the EU. The three countries have also agreed to include Estonia in this collaboration. The agreement sets out the framework and principles for this collaboration and clarifies practical aspects. It also states that any decision to deploy the force must be made on a national basis and that we will retain full control over the use of Norwegian forces.

The background to the agreement lies in the EU’s decision to establish 13 so-called battlegroups, each consisting of about 1500 military personnel. The aim is to establish flexible rapid reaction forces capable of deploying at short notice to take part in operations to maintain or re-establish peace and security. The concept has been developed in conjunction with the UN and the forces are intended to reinforce the UN’s crisis management capability. Participation in an EU operation presupposes that a clear mandate has been established under international law.

Defence Minister Kristin Krohn Devold made it clear last autumn that it was the Government’s intention to participate in such a battlegroup together with other Nordic countries, and negotiations have been held in recent months paving the way for a collaborative agreement on the establishment of a Nordic Battlegroup. Sweden, Finland and Norway have now reached agreement on such collaboration and this collaborative agreement will be high on the agenda for today’s meeting of the Nordic defence ministers in Finland. Defence Minister Kristin Krohn Devold will make a statement in the Storting about the agreement on 2 June.