Nordic co-operation on foreign and security policy (N5) has a long history and broad political and public support. The countries largely share a common security environment and perception of threats. All the Nordic countries are also members of NATO. Cooperation has been carried out for decades, for example, in peacekeeping and crisis management operations. Nordic defence policy cooperation has been deepened through the NORDEFCO framework (Nordic Defence Cooperation).

Finland’s cooperation with the other Nordic countries, especially Sweden, is already diverse due, for example, to the deteriorating security situation in the Baltic Sea and the rest of the surrounding area.

Nordic defence cooperation also includes NATO’s common deterrence and defence packages. According to the Ministry of Defence, this will strengthen and complement the defence capabilities of the Nordic countries, as well as those of the entire Euro-Atlantic area. Working together, the Nordic countries can strengthen security in the region and promote global security. Nordic interaction can also selectively promote other key pillars of Finland’s security and defence policy, including NATO cooperation and the EU’s security and defence policy.

The importance of cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries (Nordic-Baltic, NB8) is emphasized. The NB8 Group discusses topical foreign and security policy issues from both a global and European perspective.

At the same time, the diversity of security threats in Finland’s neighbouring areas has increased – threats such as hybrid influencing, uncontrolled migration and terrorism, as well as security challenges related to new technologies. In addition to the challenges, they offer needs for cooperation.