Perceptions of crisis preparedness and security of supply in the Nordic region have undergone major changes. The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the fragility of many of the critical flows on which the Nordics depend for their security of supply. At the same time, the crisis heightened concerns over Nordic cooperation. Now, the war in Ukraine is causing further disruptions to critical supply chains, including energy, food, medical and raw material imports and serves as yet another reminder of the need to prepare for similar disruptions elsewhere and having a resilient system in place that can tackle a variety of threats.
A concrete consequence of Russia’s aggression has also been the shift in international alliances as it nudged Finland and Sweden towards NATO membership. While their membership will enable deeper operative planning with other Nordic NATO member states, it cannot entirely replace Nordic cooperation. It will, however, increase the strategic importance of the whole region also from Russia’s perspective. How can a region as interconnected as the Nordic best enhance its resilience in the current security environment? What concrete actions should be taken at a Nordic level to better prepare it for future crises and global supply disruptions?
The seminar is part of the research project ‘Managing Competitive Interdependence in Northern Europe: Nordic Security of Supply in the Age of Disruption’ and marks the launch of its final report titled ‘Nordic Resilience: Strengthening Nordic Cooperation in the Age of Disruption’. The project has been funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers.
PROGRAMME:
Opening remarks and chair:
Mika Aaltola, Director, FIIA
Introductory remarks:
Dag Wernø Holter, Senior Advisor, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Presentation of the report:
Mikael Wigell, Research Director, FIIA
Comments:
Wivi Wagello-Sjölund, Ministerial Adviser, Ministry of the Interior of Finland
Nuutti Nikula, Head of Strategy, National Emergency Supply Agency of Finland
Closing remarks:
Thomas Blomqvist, Minister for Nordic Cooperation and Equality, Finland
