Statement by the Council
At the Nordic-Baltic Summit in Harpsund, Sweden, our nations reaffirmed a united stance against Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion and the killing of hundreds of thousands of innocent lives, as well as support for the Ukrainian Victory Plan. Our countries take the responsibility of being Europe’s front-line defenders of democracy and freedom seriously. Together we are one the largest per-capita contributors of aid to Ukraine. While we welcome the joint statement from the summit that commits to supporting Ukraine’s Victory Plan and strengthening our joint deterrence, it is clear that more is needed. We must ensure Ukraine’s victory and by extension Europe’s security.
As nations with shared histories of resisting Russian aggression, we understand better than most the stakes at hand. Ukraine’s fight is not only their fight but also ours. To preserve peace and stability in Europe, we must act decisively and ambitiously.
- Securing Ukrainian Energy Infrastructure
Russia’s hybrid war does not stop at the battlefield. Recent attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure is an attempt to weaken the country’s resilience leaving millions without power during a harsh winter. Ensuring Ukraine’s grid remains operational is critical not just for its survival but for its ability to resist and rebuild. The Nordic-Baltic region must take the lead in providing technical and material support to not only protect the energy infrastructure but also readiness and resilience. We should commit to supplying energy resources, advanced equipment, and expert collaboration to secure Ukraine’s energy future.
- Expanding Sanctions Against Russia
Sanctions are one of our most effective tools to weaken Russia’s war machine. Recent reports on the Russian economy supports this claim. But while significant progress has been made, more can be done. The Nordic-Baltic countries must push to expand the scope of existing sanctions. This also includes other countries and individuals who actively support the Russian war machine and work to circumvent international sanctions. Equally critical is ensuring that sanctions are both airtight and effective. Loopholes risk undermining their impact, so making sure systematic follow-ups are being conducted are essential. Initiatives should be established to monitor compliance, measure effectiveness, and close any ability for Russia and its allies to circumvent sanctions. By regularly assessing the impact of sanctions, we can ensure they deliver maximum pressure on Russia.
- Strengthening National Resilience and Public Support
The war is not only fought on the ground but also in the hearts and minds of our citizens. Russia’s hybrid warfare ranging from disinformation campaigns to human trafficking actively seeks to destabilize our societies and divide our nations. The Belarusian and Russian tactics of exploiting migrants to pressure neighboring countries are reminders of how atrocities abroad have direct consequences at home. If Europe struggles to manage the refugee flows from the Middle East and North Africa we must not allow dictators to act with impunity and fueling crises. They will inevitably affect us all.
As front-line nations the Nordic-Baltic region has a unique responsibility. Our borders to Russia and historical experiences of its aggression give us a deeper understanding of what’s at stake. While some European countries may hesitate due to their physical distance from the conflict or their lack of shared history with Russian oppression, we cannot hesitate. Ukraine is taking the fight now with the ultimate price at stake, but it is a fight we all share.
The Nordic-Baltic region has a unique and historic role to play in this fight. We still hear the stories from relatives who lived through Russian occupation. Others see its lingering scars in divided communities. Together we must carry the responsibility to ensure this chapter of European history does not repeat itself.
Stine Bentzen
President
Teodor Johansson
Secretary General
Laurynas Vilkas
Vice President
Julia Tornqvist Lohse
Vice President
Tomas Kurenniemi
Vice President