The Origin, Development and Perspectives of Nordic Co-Operation in a New and Enlarged European Union

In: Osterreichische Zeitschrift fur Politikwissenschaft, Volume 32, Issue 1, p. 19-32

Abstract

The conditions for Nordic security cooperation ought to be in many ways better than those for a European one. A network for contacts & cooperation between governments, officials, national assemblies, political parties, organizations of trade & working life exists. The association of "Norden" has referred to solidarity, mutual understanding & cooperation across the borders. In contrast to the various interstate cooperation modes -- like the establishment of SAS, Nordic Council, Northern passport union, Nordic industrial free trade area within the EFTA -- the Nordic countries have not been able to cooperate as intensively in the field of security & defense politics as one at first could expect. This is also due to the fact that Nordic cooperation traditionally functioned best within a broader European (& transatlantic) framework, & not in a specific Nordencentric sphere. In order that the Norden is to take advantage of its opportunities within the EU it is a prerequisite that the Nordic countries take a more relaxed & realistic attitude towards the development of a common European policy on security & defense. Today the Nordic countries have an opportunity that is far from utilized. But as long as Denmark, Sweden & Finland do not stop with this so-called "collective" Nordic reservation on defense, an optimal cooperation within the EU is long in coming. 38 References. Adapted from the source document.