Twelve NATO member states have agreed to take greater responsibility for maritime security in the North Atlantic, the Baltic Sea, and the Arctic. The commitment was presented at the NATO summit in Ankara (Turkey) and includes, among other things, deeper cooperation on command, intelligence, exercises, and situational awareness.
In a joint statement, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom commit to strengthening Europe's and Canada's contribution to deterrence and defence in the northern maritime areas.
The countries state that they will develop cooperation across the full spectrum of naval operations, strengthen maritime command capability, and prioritise investments that improve shared situational awareness across all operational domains. The statement also highlights an increased focus on innovation to develop future naval capabilities.
According to a press release from the Norwegian government, it was Norway that took the initiative for the cooperation.
"With this initiative, Europe and Canada are making a significant contribution to strengthening security in the North Atlantic and the High North. It is a direct response to the United States' call for other countries to take greater responsibility for security within alliance territory," says Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
Støre also states that the countries will deepen cooperation on intelligence, maritime command and control, the protection of maritime lines of communication, and freedom of navigation.
"The northern maritime areas are not only important for Europe, but also crucial for the defence of North America," he says.
The joint statement emphasises that the cooperation will take place in close coordination with the United States and contribute to stronger European responsibility within a stronger NATO.