The Role of Sweden and Finland in the Common European Security and Defence Policy

Summary of Preben Bonnén's article in RSAWSPJ no 2 2001.

This article intends to explain how and on which assumptions Sweden and Finland have tried and continue their efforts to gain influence in relation to the development of a Common European Security and Defence Policy (CESDP) as well as NATO’s role in relation to the CESDP. In this text, the significance of the neutrality of the two countries will also be examined. Finally, the article will look at perspectives for an intensified Nordic defence cooperation.

In Swedish politics the question of whether a CESDP is compatible with Sweden’s status as a neutral and non-aligned country has been under discussion for many years. It is a question that existed even before Sweden became an EU member. It was brought under examination once again in November, 2000 when prime minister Göran Persson endorsed the notion that neutrality was no longer topical.

However, this statement and new political direction on the part of the government should not be exaggerated. Even though the rhetoric is new, the starting point remains the same, that is, to maintain neutrality and non-alignment as the foundation of its security policy. This is not least because of the population which is still in favour of neutrality.

However, Sweden is not the only country uniting the policy of neutrality with increasingly comprehensive cooperation in the EU. In Finland, neutrality is inter-preted as "non-aligned and independent defence". On the other hand, Finland has no appreciable reservations towards the development of a CESDP (which was already found in the Treaty on European Union, TEU) and is, in fact, prepared to further develop the union.

When Finland acts differently than Sweden such conduct is deeply embedded in the experiences each has undergone during its history. Unlike Finland, Denmark and Norway, Sweden succeeded in remaining out of the war in 1940. The fact that Sweden has managed to maintain peace for more that 187 years means that the Swedish population has grown secure with its policy of neutrality.

For the same reason Swedish membership in NATO is not a prospect in the foreseeable future. However, NATO membership will not be a prerequisite for arranging a cooperation between the EU and NATO. The problem is more likely to be how far the EU will be able to pursue its own political priorities based on NATO assets and capabilities.

Aside from these problems and despite the different affiliations and not to mention reservations of the Nordic countries, they still take advantage of opportunities for joint cooperation. This is clearly illustrated by the decision by Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark in May, 2000, to establish a joint Nordic brigade, Nordic Coordinated Arrangement for Military Peace Support (NORDCAPS). The idea of NORDCAPS is that brigades be established and readily available for EU, NATO, OSCE and UN.

This Nordic defence cooperation should be intensified further (i.e. expanded to include an airborne and maritime unit as well). This would not only mean a better utilization of the countries’ already modest defence budgets, but also an influence in relation to the operation(s) in which they take part.