Finland and Sweden strengthen their cooperation in Stockholm

The governments of Finland and Sweden met in Stockholm on Monday 16 September to accelerate and deepen cooperation between the two countries. The joint meeting adopted a declaration which covers cooperation in several key sectors of society.

The joint meeting of governments discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in areas that are essential for the future of their societies. The issues raised by the ministers included crime prevention, readiness and preparedness, education, innovation and the mental and physical wellbeing of young people.

Following the discussions, the governments adopted a declaration aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries at the Nordic level, in the EU and in NATO.

“We are neighbours and friends. And we need cooperation, now more than ever. Today, we adopted a declaration that will deepen our relationship both internationally and bilaterally. The declaration addresses a wealth of matters, including our support for Ukraine, infrastructure, energy, and Nordic joint action,” says Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.

The declaration covers topics such as:

• A safe Europe that has access to clean energy, and a free Nordic region without cross-border barriers and with stronger civilian and military infrastructure
• Importance of NATO cooperation and continued strong support for Ukraine
• Joint action to strengthen competitiveness at national and EU level, and the role of bioeconomy and nuclear power in ensuring a comprehensive green transition
• Closer cooperation to fight crime, including protecting the EU's external borders
• Attracting international highly qualified labour
• Further developing research, development and innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, mobile networks and biotechnology
• Joint effort to improve children's and young people's health due to concerns about increased screen time, reduced physical activity, and problems with concentration
• Continued cooperation in the field of culture and international tourism

 “As Nordic countries, we are very familiar with winter conditions and understand the importance of icebreaker expertise. I am pleased to see closer cooperation in this field, too,” says Prime Minister Orpo.

Continued strong support for Ukraine also came up when Prime Minister Orpo and Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson took part in the demonstration of solidarity with the people of Ukraine, which is held every Monday in Stockholm.

At the event, Prime Minister Orpo said that all of Finnish society stands by Ukraine.

“Last week, the Finnish Government approved the 25th defence materiel package for Ukraine. All in all, the assistance which the Government has promised to deliver to Ukraine amounts to more than EUR 3.2 billion. But the Government's actions are only part of Finland's broad approach to support. Finnish people, towns and businesses are working together with Ukrainians. Today, it has been great to see how people in Sweden get together, Monday after Monday, to express their support for Ukraine,” said Prime Minister Orpo.

On Monday, the prime ministers also attended a business seminar, while the other ministers had a programme of visits with their counterparts.

During the joint meeting of the governments, Finland and Sweden signed two letters of intent. Finland's Minister of Transport, Communications and the Interior Lulu Ranne and Sweden's Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin signed a letter of intent concerning the joint planning of the protection of the civilian population. Minister of Economic Affairs Wille Rydman and Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin signed a letter of intent on the joint planning of security of supply.

The Finnish and Swedish governments last held a joint meeting in Hämeenlinna (Tavastehus) in 2009 during Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen's term in office.

Inquiries: Marja Koskela, Diplomatic Adviser, tel. +358 295 160 978 and Anne Sjöholm, Head of Communications for EU Affairs, tel. +358 40 537 0733, Prime Minister’s Office