Nordefco Meeting in Helsinki

The Nordic defense ministers met in Helsinki within the framework of Nordefco, the Nordic defense cooperation. The agenda included regional defense cooperation, current NATO issues, and continued support for Ukraine. The meeting was led by Finland's Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen, as Finland is the chair country for Nordefco 2025.

In a joint statement, the defense ministers emphasized that Nordefco has entered a new phase following the signing of Vision 2030 in the spring of 2024. The Nordic countries will be able to conduct joint military operations to address future challenges.

– The core of the Nordic defense cooperation is the ability to act together to address both current and future challenges, the ministers stated in their joint statement.

During the year, Finland's chairmanship will prioritize the implementation of Vision 2030, the update of Nordefco's basic act, and cooperation in defense materiel and logistics. Among other things, work on harmonized military transport corridors will begin, something the defense ministers agreed upon last fall.

Defense Minister Pål Jonson (M) participated in the meeting and highlighted the importance of strengthened Nordic defense cooperation within NATO.

– In a time of growing uncertainty, the importance of NATO and Nordic cooperation increases. Together, we strengthen our defense, support Ukraine, and improve security in Europe, he wrote on X (formerly Twitter) after the meeting.