Baltic Rim Economies: Finland and Sweden cooperate for a more resilient society
Finland and Sweden have a long history of close cooperation in the field of civil preparedness. Nordic societies are generally considered resilient towards crises. The latest Baltic Rim Economies review focused on the relation between Finland and Sweden and the theme of civil preparedness was examined from various angles.
Finland-Sweden cooperation in a test
As Carl
Marklund states in his article, Finland and Sweden have relatively similar
economic structures, they are heavily dependent upon their export industries
and share commitment to overall similar political values. Therefore, it is
evident that Finland and Sweden can benefit substantially from further collaboration.
Today, arenas such as NATO will serve as testing grounds for continued Finnish-Swedish cooperation, thus raising the question as to how Finnish-Swedish bilateral links are likely to develop in near future. Crises are historically prone to generate tension and divergence. It will therefore be of particular interest to observe how the two neighbours will handle the challenges ahead, Marklund says.
Police authorities cooperate at all levels
Police
authorities in the Nordic countries have worked together for decades collaborate
in crime prevention, Police Director Hannele Taavila writes in her
article. It is already possible for the Finnish and Swedish police to pursue a
suspect across national land borders. Officers conducting the pursuit also have
the right of detention. In addition, Finland and Sweden may organise joint
operations to maintain public order and security and to combat crime, as well
as other joint operations.
Furthermore, the competent authorities of our two countries may assist each other in major events, disasters, and serious accidents, Taavila explains. The deepening of police cooperation between two countries will also continue in the future.
Hannele Taavila: Deepening police cooperation between Finland and Sweden
Baltic Sea region cooperation to increase resilience
In his article
the Director General for Rescue Services Kimmo Kohvakka talks about the
role of the Council of the Baltic Sea States (CBSS). Its activities have gained
more importance due to the drastically changed safety situation in the Baltic
Sea Region.
Russian aggression against Ukraine has strengthened the need in the CBSS member states to cooperate with respect to resilience of the citizens, preparedness in the region and for more harmonised practices. During the Finnish presidency (July 2023 – June 2024) common priorities focus on citizens to strengthen their safety and security awareness, resilience and their own preparedness, Kohvakka tells.
Kimmo Kohvakka: Collaboration within the civil protection between the Nordic Countries
See all articles of Baltic Rim Economies 3/2023
