On 27 November, Prime Ministers of the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8) convened in Sweden, Harpsund. Highlighting Poland’s significant contribution to regional security, Poland’s Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, was also invited to participate.
The summit marked the conclusion of Sweden's presidency coordinating the informal NB8 foreign and security policy cooperation format. Foreign Minister Baiba Braže was representing Latvia in the place of Prime Minister Evika Siliņa, reaffirming Latvia’s commitment to ongoing NB8 cooperation. Discussions among the participants focused on enhancing the Baltic Sea region’s resilience to hybrid threats, addressing current security policy challenges, strengthening transatlantic relations, and NATO’s role in fortifying the Baltic Sea region and the Euro-Atlantic area.
The participants unanimously agreed on the need to ensure the broadest possible international support for Ukraine to achieve victory against Russia’s war of aggression and to secure a comprehensive, just and lasting peace. The prime ministers also expressed their support for Ukraine’s full integration into the European Union and NATO, pledging continued military, political and humanitarian assistance. In a press conference following the summit, Baiba Braže highlighted the position and intentions of Latvia:
“We, together with the allies, must do what it takes to constrain Russia, including work on further sanctions against Russia – to reduce its revenues, which allows it to fund the war of aggression against Ukraine. It is no less important to monitor compliance with sanctions in the EU at the national level, as well as to prevent violations or possibilities to circumvent the sanctions. Currently, in times of increased intensity and workload, this is done by Latvia’s competent authorities, which guard the external eastern border not only of Latvia, but of the EU and NATO. As a country bordering both Russia and Belarus, we are the first EU security line, and investment in security is our priority.”
Demonstrating unity and resolve, the prime ministers adopted a joint declaration on strengthening security in the Euro-Atlantic area and supporting Ukraine. The declaration states:
“In the coming months, we will step up our support, including to the Ukrainian defence industry, and we will invest in making more ammunition available to Ukraine. Ukraine’s courage and resilience will be backed by strong and steadfast support by our countries whereby military assistance is an integral part. We encourage others to do the same.”
The NB8 countries collectively represent the second-largest provider of military aid to Ukraine, following the United States. This group comprises Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. The previous NB8 meeting at the prime ministers’ level was held in Finland in 2017. Video recording of a press conference by the heads of government, which took place on 27 November, is available here.
Photo: Magnus Liljegren, Government offices of Sweden
