The aim of the visit was to learn more about Nordic cooperation on total defence, host nation support, and regional preparedness. The visit followed an earlier study trip to Finland and reflects Sweden’s ambition to deepen cooperation with both Norway and Finland in the High North.
The delegation met Norwegian civil and military preparedness actors at both regional and national levels. Participants included Home Guard Districts 12, 14, 16 and 17, the Home Guard Staff, the Norwegian Joint Headquarters, the Nordland and Finnmark Police Districts, the County Governor of Nordland and Troms og Finnmark, and the Norwegian Directorate for Civil Protection.
The visit created space for open discussions about shared challenges, lessons learned, and how our countries are adapting to a new security environment.
Sharing experience
A key theme throughout the visit was the importance of Nordic unity within NATO, and Norway’s long-standing experience as a NATO member.
Both Norway and Sweden are strengthening their total defence systems, and the exchange focused on how civil-military cooperation is organized at different levels and how responsibilities are distributed.
The discussions provided a solid basis for mutual learning, and a clearer understanding of how the two countries build preparedness.
High North Cooperation as a key arena
The County Governors of Nordland and Troms og Finnmark shared insights from our work in High North Cooperation, including activities underway in the High North Cooperation Preparedness Forum.
These include joint risk assessments, host nation support, handling of information influence, hosting the annual international cooperation course, and development of networks. This work illustrates how essential regional cooperation is for strengthening preparedness in the north.
The visit confirmed that High North cooperation is a central arena for trilateral collaboration between Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The conversations highlighted a growing need for joint planning, cross-border coordination, and shared exercises in a more unpredictable security situation.
Overall, the visit strengthened relationships between Swedish and Norwegian authorities, clarified common challenges, and pointed to new opportunities for continued cooperation in the High North.
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