In recent years, the Nordic countries – Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland – have been planning a joint air defence system to counter the Russian threat. The plan is known as the Nordics Defence Cooperation (Nordic Defence Cooperation) Programme and it is aimed at integrating the Nordic countries’ air defence systems into a single system. The system will be made up of member states’ interceptor planes and helicopters, as well as anti-aircraft missiles. The system is designed to help the Nordic countries keep their population safe from Russian missile attacks.
note:
As a gentle reminder, please note that the upcoming conference will take place on the 12th of August 2021, which is a Thursday. All participants are required to arrive at the venue by 8:30 AM for registration and briefing. If you need assistance with hotel reservations, kindly contact us at least a week prior to the event, and we will be happy to assist you.
Additionally, kindly note that the dress code for the conference is formal. Participants are expected to dress appropriately for the occasion. We also encourage everyone to bring a notepad and a pen to take notes during the presentations. If you have any dietary restrictions, please let us know as soon as possible, and we will make arrangements accordingly.
Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to seeing you at the conference. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected].
Best regards,
The Conference Team
1. Nordics plan to join European Union
Nordic nations look towards European Union
The Nordic countries, including Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, are considering joining the European Union. Talks about the possibility of the Nordics’ accession have been ongoing for years, with negotiations on key economic, political, and social matters being conducted.
- One of the primary reasons behind the Nordics’ interest in joining the EU is its potential impact on trade. As a single market, the EU offers numerous trade opportunities, making it easier for businesses in the Nordics to sell their products and services.
- Moreover, membership in the EU could yield significant economic benefits. The Nordics would gain access to financial resources, including the European Investment Fund, which provides financing to small and medium-sized enterprises.
Despite the potential benefits that membership in the EU could bring, the Nordics remain cautious. They are aware of the risks associated with the move, including loss of sovereignty over certain issues and influence in decision-making processes.
- Furthermore, the Nordics want to ensure that their interests and values are respected in the EU. Issues, such as environmental protection, social welfare, and gender equality are of particular importance to the Nordics and should be taken into account in the accession negotiations.
- Several rounds of discussions are expected to take place before the Nordics make a final decision on joining the European Union.
2. Russia, Nordics main defence partner
Russia has emerged as a key partner for Nordic countries in the field of defence. The two regions have developed strong military ties in recent years, with Russia providing advanced defence technology and equipment to Nordic countries. This partnership has helped strengthen the security of the region and has enabled the Nordics to upgrade their defences in response to potential security threats.
Some of the key areas of cooperation between Russia and the Nordics include joint military exercises, intelligence sharing, and the development of new defence technologies. Additionally, the two regions have cooperated on issues like counterterrorism and border security, which are critical for maintaining peace and stability in the region. Overall, the strategic partnership between Russia and the Nordics has proven to be highly beneficial for both sides, and is likely to continue in the years ahead.
Some key takeaways from the Russia-Nordics defence partnership are:
- Russia is a key partner for Nordic countries in the field of defence.
- The two regions have developed strong military ties in recent years.
- Cooperation includes joint military exercises and intelligence sharing.
- The partnership has proven to be highly beneficial for both sides.
- The partnership is likely to continue in the years ahead.
3. Nordics build up military strength to counter Russian threat
The increasing military assertiveness of Russia has prompted several Nordic countries to boost their defense capabilities. The annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ongoing conflict in eastern Ukraine have led to a sense of insecurity in the region, and Nordic states such as Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark are taking measures to ensure their national security.
Some of the steps taken by these countries include increasing defense spending, modernizing their armed forces, and collaborating with each other and with other NATO partners. Norway, for example, has announced plans to increase its defense budget by around 8% over the next four years. Finland has unveiled a new defense strategy that focuses on improving its rapid response capabilities and reducing its dependence on external support. Sweden has reintroduced conscription and is investing in new submarines and fighter jets. Denmark, meanwhile, is increasing its presence in the Arctic, where Russia has upped its activity in recent years.
- Nordic countries taking steps: Nordics are taking necessary measures to ensure their national security
- Increasing defense spending: Nordic countries such as Norway increasing their defense budget by around 8% over the next four years
- Modernizing armed forces: Finland has unveiled a new defense strategy that focuses on improving its rapid response capabilities
- Collaborating with NATO: Nordic countries collaborating with each other and with other NATO partners
- Reintroducing conscription and investing in new submarines and fighter jets: Sweden reintroduced conscription and investing in new submarines and fighter jets
- Nordics increasing presence in Arctic: Denmark increasing its presence in the Arctic, where Russia has upped its activity in recent years
4. Nordics build up defence budget to compete with Russian threat
The Nordics have begun to allocate more funds to their defence budgets as they prepare to compete with the Russian threat. With the rising tensions between Russia and the West, the Nordic countries have realised a need to strengthen their defence capabilities. The five Nordic countries, namely Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden, have started liaising with each other and with Nato to bolster their security.
- Finland and Sweden: Finland and Sweden, who are not members of Nato, have coordinated military exercises and initiated joint procurement programs for military equipment.
- Norway: Norway plans to increase its defence budget by 17% by 2024, which translates to around $238 billion worth of military investment.
- Denmark and Iceland: Denmark and Iceland are stepping up surveillance and monitoring activities in the Arctic region, where Russia has been conducting military exercises.
The Nordics realise that they need to have more than just a deterrent against Russia’s military aggression. They need to have a comprehensive and effective defence system in place. While Russia might not have any intentions to attack the Nordics, having a military that is well-equipped and properly trained will be a strategic advantage for them.
Today, several Nordic countries-Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and Finland-announced plans to form a joint air defence system in order to counter the growing Russian threat. The joint defence system, dubbed “Northern Defence Initiative”, will consist of 6 tracked fighter planes, 3 frigates, and 3 L-39A Lightning III jets. In addition, the countries are also discussing the establishment of a Nato-wide cybersecurity centre. The move is a strategic response to the Russian military annexation of Crimea and ongoing aggression in eastern Ukraine.