Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Norway, and Iceland have often been described as cousins who share a common heritage but drifted apart, just like relatives who gather at marriages and funerals and to take care of some shared family-related practicalities. The geopolitical shift following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine changed everything, and today, the Nordic countries are perhaps closer than ever.
Finland and Sweden have traditionally viewed Nordic cooperation as a guiding principle, especially during the Cold War. However, after joining the European Union in 1995, both countries’ focus shifted from the Nordic capitals towards Brussels. Ministers and officials continued to visit their peers in the neighbouring country, but the intensity and relevance of the discussions gradually declined.
Denmark joined the EU in 1973, whereas Norway and Iceland have chosen to stay outside. So far, Finland is the only country using the euro, while other Nordic countries use their krona as currency. Norway, Denmark, and Iceland joined NATO in 1949, while Finland and Sweden remained neutral after World War II.
The Nordic countries’ cooperation peaked from the late1950s to the 1970s, when they were forerunners in regional integration. One of the most progressive initiatives was allowing travel without passports within Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden in 1958.
The Nordic countries have several forums for cooperation in different sectors of the society. The most important platforms for policy-related cooperation are the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers, where politicians and officials meet to discuss issues of common interest. However, the lack of engagement and a shared agenda has left these political bodies somewhat toothless, although the possibility to gather among neighbours and friends regularly has value as such.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 changed the Nordic countries’ views of themselves and their roles in a larger European and global context. Finland, with a 1340-kilometre border to Russia, applied for membership in NATO together with Sweden, and both countries are now members of the alliance, with the other Nordic countries and Estonia. Finland and Sweden have increased their military cooperation during the last decade and will continue to do so as NATO members.
The threat from an aggressive Russia has revived the ties between the Nordic countries, and they are now very much aware that together, they are both stronger and safer. They also know that the Nordic region today has a much more considerable geopolitical significance.
These insights have a much broader impact since the Nordic countries can, if they choose to do so, combine their strength and have a larger impact on decision-making on a European and global level. Thanks to a large supply of green energy, they can also attract investments, for example, in fossil-free industry.
Photo: Magnus Fröderberg / norden.org
