Helsinki, Finland – Nordic leaders convened Monday to fortify regional security and resilience, addressing shared concerns and outlining collaborative strategies. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and Åland’s Lantrån Katrin Sjögren co-hosted the summit, drawing participation from the heads of government of Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and Iceland. Representatives from the Faroe Islands and greenland were also in attendance, underscoring the inclusive nature of the discussions.

Key Outcomes: Enhanced Defense Spending and Unified Stance

At a press conference following the meeting, Prime Minister Orpo emphasized the critical need to bolster Nordic preparedness in the face of evolving threats.A central component of this strategy involves increasing defense spending across the Nordic countries.

We are prepared and resistant. We see this collaboration as extremely critically important. We have made notable decisions to strengthen our security.
Petteri Orpo, Finnish Prime Minister

Addressing the Russian Challenge

Prime Minister Orpo explicitly identified Russia as a long-term threat to the security of the Nordic region and Europe as a whole. This assessment underscores the strategic imperative for enhanced regional cooperation and defense capabilities.

We are not afraid, we are strong, resilient and prepared.
Petteri Orpo, Finnish Prime Minister

Germany’s Role in Baltic Sea Security

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz attended the summit dinner as a guest of honor, highlighting Germany’s vested interest in the security of the Baltic Sea region. According to SVT’s Finnish correspondent Liselott Lindström, Germany’s involvement is crucial for preventing tense situations in the Baltic Sea.

Germany is also an Baltic Sea, so it is clear that the safety of the Baltic Sea and how to work together to better prevent tense situations from arising on the Baltic Sea is something that Germany can very much participate and discuss.
Liselott Lindström,SVT’s Finnish Correspondent

A Statement of Nordic Solidarity

The inclusion of leaders from the Faroe Islands and Greenland in this year’s summit is seen as a intentional move to address past criticisms and demonstrate solidarity with autonomous Nordic areas. This decision also serves as a subtle rebuke to past suggestions by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Greenland.

Norway’s Gahr Støre emphasized the unified support for Greenland and Denmark,reinforcing the Nordic commitment to upholding international law in the Arctic region.

We want to send this message everywhere, the Arctic is a regulated area and the Marine Law applies. We will stand by each society’s side that feels pressured. And I think we can show that today.
Gahr Støre, Norwegian Prime minister

Engaging Nordic Businesses in Preparedness

Beyond security policy, the summit also addressed economic competitiveness, with several large Nordic companies invited to participate. This initiative reflects Finland’s commitment to integrating preparedness across all sectors of society.

In this way you want to discuss with the companies in what way they can be part of the overall preparedness.
Liselott Lindström, SVT’s Finnish Correspondent