European Allies are increasingly taking more responsibility for our own security and we, the Nordic nations, are ready to further contribute to carrying our part of the burden. Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine is the most pressing challenge to our security. We remain committed in our support for Ukraine with both political, military, financial, and humanitarian assistance.

During the meeting in Oslo, we exchanged views on how the Nordic cooperation can be further developed. The first day included participation from the Nordic Chiefs of Defence, as well as General Nick Perry, Commander of Joint Force Command Norfolk, under which all Nordic nations are now gathered.

A NORDEFCO-Haga meeting was held, where the Nordic Defence Ministers met with colleagues from the Nordic Ministries of Preparedness and Civil Defence to share perspectives on how the Nordic countries can work together to further improve civil-military cooperation as well as strengthen resilience in our societies. The ministers also took part in the Atlantic Future Forum, which gathered defence, security and technology leaders on the HMS Prince of Wales.

On the basis of the Vision for Nordic Defence Cooperation 2030, which was signed in 2024, we have made efforts to enhance our cooperation in a range of areas, including our ability to command and conduct combined joint operations, capability development, material and acquisitions, enablement and more.

The Nordic Air Forces have made substantial progress in their ability to fight together as one. The establishment of the NATO Forward Land Forces in Finland marked a new milestone for collective defence in the Nordic region and for developing the Alliance’s Arctic capabilities. We have also worked to increase our cooperation on military security of supply matters. We set a target in 2023 to triple the ammunition production capacity in the Nordic countries by 2030, and applaud the progress and investments and note that we are on track to reach this milestone. Furthermore, we welcome the initiative of the Nordic Compass in bringing the industry together to help build Nordic defence capabilities.

As stated in Vision 2030, the Nordic Defence Cooperation complements and contributes to European security and NATO’s collective defence. To further enhance the Nordic defence cooperation, and realize the potential in our defence cooperation in line with the Vision for 2030, we have today agreed to start the process of developing a Nordic Defence Cooperation Agreement. This work will be fully in line with NATO’s efforts.

A Nordic Defence Cooperation Agreement will provide the necessary legal framework to take our cooperation even further and facilitate the work of our Armed Forces. Thus, the agreement will demonstrate our shared commitment to NATO and further contribute to Allied deterrence and defence.