…The complexity and scale of the challenges at hand means that no European state can face them alone – the need for European cooperation is greater than ever. The current security situation calls for all European countries to engage in creating a Europe that is united and has the capacity to take responsibility for its own security. This is why Sweden was an active partner in the creation of the European Global Strategy and why we welcome the creation of the Permanent Structured Cooperation, PESCO…
The significance of the Baltic Sea Region to European security has increased. Russia has over the past few years showed a more challenging behaviour including violations of its neighbour’s territorial integrity. The military-strategic situation has deteriorated and the region has become less secure. Russia is clearly seeking to increase influence over what it considers as its area of interest. Sweden believes that challenges to European security must be met through cooperation and joint action. But on the national level, every country must take their share of the responsibility…
Germany and Sweden have a long tradition of co-operation bilaterally and multilaterally within the EU and within the framework of Sweden´s partnership with NATO. Our bilateral co-operation is excellent in the area of defence. To high-light the cooperation between our countries, me and the German Minister of Defence Dr von der Leyen signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) in late June this summer…
A strong transatlantic link is important for both European and American security. For the stability in the Baltic Sea Region, US and NATO presence is necessary. Sweden have a long-standing cooperation in the area of defence with the United States, which was consolidated last year through our Statement of Intent (SOI). It was signed by Secretary of Defence Carter and me, and was confirmed when I met with Secretary Mattis in May this year. The SOI covers five broad areas: Interoperability, Training and Exercises, Armament Cooperation, Research and Development and Multinational Operations. We have taken important new steps both at the political and at the military level…
The importance of Sweden’s partnership with NATO has grown as a result of the worsened security situation in our close vicinity. Political dialogue on common security challenges and how to counter them is essential and we are looking to further strengthen our cooperation with NATO in regional crisis. This includes modalities for information exchange, de-conflicting of activities and mechanism for political and military dialogue. About two weeks ago, our status as member of the Enhanced Opportunities Programme was renewed by the NAC. EOP is the bedrock of our cooperation with NATO and an important part of our defence and security policy. Läs talet