Published 09 August 2022
Minister for Defence Peter Hultqvist, Denmark’s Minister of Defence Morten Bødskov and Norway’s Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram met on 8 August in Malmö. They discussed enhanced cooperation between the three countries to contribute to security and stability in the Baltic Sea region.
The security situation in the region has deteriorated considerably in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
“We need to be prepared and equipped to act together in times of peace, crisis and conflict. Strengthened cooperation between Sweden, Denmark and Norway is important,” says Mr Hultqvist.
In September 2021, Denmark, Norway and Sweden signed a trilateral Statement of Intent on enhanced operational defence cooperation.
In April 2022, the Government decided that the Swedish Armed Forces and their Danish and Norwegian counterparts would establish a military coordination group for this purpose.
When Mr Hultqvist met his Danish and Norwegian colleagues in Malmö, they discussed how to further enhance this cooperation and what Swedish NATO membership may involve.
“The ability to conduct co-ordinated military operations gives us an opportunity to control the southern Baltic Sea, the Baltic Sea inlet and the North Sea, and take responsibility in a crisis. This ability is a vital common interest for Denmark, Norway and Sweden,” says Mr Hultqvist.
Shortcuts