Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden are taking courageous actions to strengthen regional security. For years they have proven their desire to cooperate not only in word but with the Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) initiative, founded in 1992. This alliance allows these small northern European states to collectively wield influence in international politics and security, especially as global tensions continue to rise.
The NB8 countries, though each severely limited in global influence on their own, understand that there’s power in numbers when it comes to confronting shared threats. These countries are under increasing strain from geopolitical rivals. That same cooperative framework of the NB8 today is crucial to upholding a robust defense posture. Among other things, this makes Finland a crucial member of this coalition. Its peacetime armed force consists of 24,000 personnel, which can rapidly be expanded into a wartime army of 180,000 troops. On top of this, the country has a strategic reserve of 870,000 trained soldiers, adding even more muscle to its defensive posture.
On an individual level, Sweden has gone to great lengths to prepare its citizens to face crises—man-made or otherwise. The government mailed out a revised version of this booklet to five million households explaining what to do “in the event of crisis and war.” This initiative reflects the growing awareness among NB8 countries about the importance of civilian preparedness amid rising tensions in Eastern Europe.
Arguably the crown jewel of Nordic-Baltic cooperation is the Nordic Airpower Concept. This collaborative effort enables Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish air forces to operate seamlessly as a unified force during high-readiness full-scale joint air operations. Such integration undeniably improves their collective defensive capabilities and fortifies their response to any future, larger, or more complex threats.
The NB8 members have all played roles in supporting Ukraine during its efforts to counter Russian invasion and aggression. So they sided with the Franco-British “coalition of the willing.” They provided military support, yes, but much-needed political support to Ukraine as it fought for independence. This solidarity goes hand-in-hand with their bipartisan agreement on the need for defense and deterrence in the face of Russian aggression.
Moreover, the NB8 countries have deepened relations with the United Kingdom and the Netherlands through the Joint Expeditionary Force. This partnership places a premium on high-readiness forces — like F-35s — that can quickly respond to crises. With this move, it shores up collective security efforts in the region.
Denmark is preparing to take the Council of the European Union’s rotating presidency in July. In parallel, Baltic states are currently engaged in heated discussions over Estonia’s proposal for a combined Baltic defense line. This budget request uses cutting edge technologies including artificial intelligence and sensor technologies for border monitoring and counter-drone defense. Their goal is to build up a much healthier, more adaptable defense infrastructure by means of their eastern borders.
Finland’s commitment to civil defense can be witnessed by the nation’s thousands of bomb shelters where there’s intent and resourcefulness. These shelters are deeply resourced and there’s space for everyone. Today’s prep further exemplifies the nation’s initiative to protect civilians on the battlefield during times of war and conflict.
“The world is changing rapidly … the most important thing is to rearm Europe.” – Mette Frederiksen
Those NB8 countries see both Ukrainian independence and the defeat of Moscow’s advance on their own turn as essential to their national interests. In supporting Ukraine they are directly improving not just regional stability, but their own security environment. This lens has cultivated an impressive degree of solidarity among the Nordic-Baltic countries.
Additionally, Baltic states are actively engaged in building a joint defensive line on their eastern borders, modeled on Ukraine’s frontline defenses. This new initiative is proof of regional leaders’ dedication to doing all they can to improve their security through coordinated action.