Sweden and Denmark will engage in an in-depth dialogue with France on how Europe's security can be strengthened, particularly concerning nuclear deterrence. This was announced by Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen in a joint statement.
The initiative, presented by France's President Emmanuel Macron, will include several European NATO countries. The joint statement indicates that the discussions will address how European countries can collectively contribute to strengthening deterrence in the nuclear domain.
According to the prime ministers, NATO membership forms the foundation for Europe's conventional and nuclear-based deterrence, with the alliance's defence guarantee in Article 5 as a central principle. The French initiative is described as a complement to NATO's existing nuclear deterrence and has been prepared in dialogue with both the United States and NATO.
Sweden and Denmark simultaneously emphasize that participation in the dialogue does not imply any change in the countries' nuclear doctrine. They also highlight the close cooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries, which have been informed about the initiative.
– It is important to underline that this does not mean that Sweden or Denmark will change their nuclear doctrine as a result of initiating this dialogue, the prime ministers state in the announcement.
The background is the deteriorating security situation in Europe, which according to the prime ministers, is the most serious since World War II.
– The security situation in Europe is the most serious since World War II, with a Russia that threatens its neighbours. We must be able to deter attacks and safeguard our own security and freedom. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen our collective defence capability, the prime ministers write.