Fællesudtalelse fra de nordisk-baltiske regeringsledere

We, the Heads of Government of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden stand united in strengthening Nordic-Baltic cooperation on security and defence, resilience, competitiveness and in contributing to a stronger Europe.

We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity and its right to self-defence in the face of Russia’s illegal war of aggression. Our aim is to achieve a comprehensive, just and lasting peace, based on international law and the UN Charter. We will work to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position to achieve that and to increase pressure on Russia to agree to a full, unconditional and immediate ceasefire to engage in meaningful negotiations. As some of the largest contributors of military assistance to Ukraine, we remain committed to sustained support and encourage others to do the same. Ukraine is already a strategic security partner to NATO. We will continue working to anchor Ukraine more firmly into the Euro-Atlantic community, reaffirming that Ukraine’s future is in the EU and NATO. We support Ukraine’s swift accession to the EU, including the opening of all negotiation clusters. We will continue political, security, defence and economic cooperation, and we will contribute to Ukraine’s long-term reconstruction. 

Russia remains the most significant and direct threat to Euro-Atlantic security both now and in the long-term. Belarus continues to enable Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine and its growing use of hybrid, cyber, sabotage, and disinformation activities aim to undermine our security and stability. It is Russia’s war that is the cause of drone incursions into NATO Allies’ airspace. Russia’s attempts to weaken support for Ukraine and destabilise our societies will not succeed. We will strengthen cooperation among ourselves, with Ukraine and with other partners in responding to malicious activities, increase the resilience of critical infrastructure and maintain long-term pressure on Russia through sanctions, further measures targeting the energy and financial sectors, and the shadow fleet, limiting sanctions circumvention and ensuring accountability. We will aim to strengthen defence industrial cooperation, regional supply chains and cooperation in defence procurement.

We will continue deepening cooperation across all domains, including in the field of cybersecurity and AI. We will work to mobilise support for EU efforts and increased funding for the rapid implementation of European defence readiness initiatives, including Eastern Flank Watch.

We look forward to the upcoming NATO Summit in Ankara. NATO remains the cornerstone of our collective security. A strong NATO built on transatlantic unity guarantees the security and stability of the entire Euro-Atlantic area and benefits Europe, Canada and the United States. We are committed to doing our part to strengthening NATO. European Allies are taking greater responsibility for Europe’s security through increasing our defence investment, enhancing capabilities and by scaling up our defence industry, including through efforts within the EU. The Nordic-Baltic countries are committed to meeting NATO’s 5% GDP annual defence investment target well in advance of 2035.

We will support regional competitiveness, innovation and industrial capacity through more integrated Nordic-Baltic markets and stronger cross-border value chains. We will promote closer cooperation in regulation, innovation and investment, reduce fragmentation and help companies scale across the region. We will explore opportunities to further integrate Nordic-Baltic capital markets and facilitate cross-border investment across the region. We will strengthen financial sector crisis preparedness and resilient payment services.

The Nordic-Baltic region has built strong digital governance systems. We will deepen cooperation on secure cross-border data exchange and protection, interoperability and resilient digital and AI infrastructure, noting the importance of secure and trusted connectivity. Our aim is to create a more integrated Nordic-Baltic digital area. We will work to develop interoperable digital platforms and cross-border public services. We will bolster preparedness against disruptions affecting digital infrastructure and mitigate risks.

Artificial intelligence will play a growing role in security, public administration and economic development. We will develop and implement shared and secure AI capabilities, including advancing regional cooperation on infrastructure, data and computing capacity. We will promote responsible and secure use of AI, including in crisis management, security and public services.