Forsvarsudvalget 2009-10, Udenrigsudvalget 2009-10
FOU Alm.del Bilag 166, URU Alm.del Bilag 250
Offentligt
NB8 wise men report
IntroductionIn the spring of 2010, Latvia and Denmark in their capacities as the presidents of the BalticCouncil of Ministers and the Nordic Foreign Policy Cooperation, respectively, decided toestablish a wise men group to look into how to advance cooperation between the Nordic andBaltic countries (NB8) in order to strengthen relations and address common regional andglobal challenges more efficiently. This report is the result of that initiative.To prepare the report we carried out a regional roundtrip in June 2010. Despite the shortnotice, it proved possible to set up valuable meetings with ministers, parliamentarians, seniorofficials, researchers and representatives from civil societies. We are grateful to all those whowere prepared to meet us and share their ideas and suggestions.The recommendations included in this report are based on specific proposals or general ideaspresented to us during the roundtrip. Our initial focus was on NB8 cooperation regardingforeign and security policy. However, it soon proved impossible to focus on these issues only.We have therefore included recommendations in some other important areas as well.Our report consists of two major parts – a visionary part and the recommendations. In thevisionary part we have aimed at taking a wider look at the development in the past, presentand future of the NB8 cooperation, and we have tried to indicate the general shortcomings weshould address today. In the recommendation part we have included concrete suggestions inthe following fields:Foreign political dialogueCooperation on diplomatic representationsCivil security, including cyber securityDefense cooperationEnergyThe NB8 brand
Although some of the areas have already been touched upon in other conceptual documents,for instance the Stoltenberg Report from 2009 and the EU Baltic Sea Strategy, our goal hasnot been to create an alternative to those documents. We have rather aimed at taking a lookat the issues from a specific NB8 angle and producing ahands onreport with very specific andconcrete recommendations.As a follow-up to our recommendations, the NB8 foreign ministers should take stock at theirmeeting in August 2011.
Valdis Birkavs
Søren Gade
RigaAugust 2010
Copenhagen
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NB8 relations – Past, Present and FutureHow have Nordic-Baltic relations developed?Historically the countries of the region have been interlinked and interacted for centuries, withmutual trade being the decisive factor facilitating this interaction. The most profound bond,however, was created during the 1990s when issues other than trade formed the major part ofthe cooperation agenda. The Nordic countries were among the strongest supporters of theBaltic countries’ independence and their public support considerably influenced public opinionworldwide. Later they were also the first to open their borders, introducing visa-free regimeswith the Baltic countries. This created a profound affinity with the Nordic nations in the Balticcountries and formed solid ground for further formal and informal cooperation.When the Baltic countries regained their independence and during their integration into theEuropean and transatlantic structures, they were strongly supported by their Nordic neighbors.The Nordic and Baltic countries interacted in various fields and at various levels; networkingand cooperation were established among politicians, civil servants and civil societies. TheNordic countries actively assisted the Baltic countries in their preparations for integration intothe European Union (EU) and NATO, considerably accelerating the entire process. Theyoperated persuasively and actively within the EU and NATO to defend the Baltic countries’integration interests.During this period the Nordic countries were highly visible in the Baltic countries and a verysolid tradition of Nordic-Baltic cooperation was founded. There was general understanding ofthe added value of stronger Nordic-Baltic cooperation in both the Baltic and the Nordiccountries. For the Baltic countries, the value added was the Nordic countries’ expertise andsupport, which allowed the major foreign and security policy goals to be achieved. For theirpart, the Nordic countries wanted to strengthen relations with their Baltic neighbors and tocontribute to a foundation for economic prosperity and political stability in the region. Thecooperation was also built on a sense of community and solidarity among small countries.The cooperation mode changed after the Baltic countries joined the EU and NATO. The Nordiccountries took a less active approach, leaving more room for the Baltic countries to adjust totheir new status in Europe. This resulted in less active participation in the Baltic countries’further political development, for example scaling down advisory support and guidance. TheBaltic countries themselves were euphoric about the great goals they had achieved, while atthe same time striving hard to adjust to the new environment and join the everyday workinglife of the EU and NATO structures.Notwithstanding the fact that solid consultation mechanisms (both formal and informal) werecreated within the international organizations (for instance, NB6 within the EU), the sense ofcommon focus or objectives somewhat faded. The potential of the political cooperation of theeight countries was left neither fully utilised nor further developed.Somewhat paradoxically, the lack of comprehensive political NB8 cooperation came at thesame time as Nordic businesses actively started entering the Baltic business sphere, mainlythrough direct investments and partnerships.The tradition and practice of the cooperation were maintained through the establishedstructures and procedures and the formalized communication. However, the well-developed
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cooperation framework could have been used more successfully to send timely political signalsor look for comprehensive solutions to the challenges facing the region.
What is the current state of Nordic-Baltic relations?We have a very well-established cooperation framework. Besides the NB8 nations, severalregional organizations are also active, including the Nordic Council of Ministers, the BalticAssembly, the Nordic Council, the EU, the Council for the Baltic Sea States, the Council ofEurope and NATO. The practical cooperation is active in a wide range of spheres and ondifferent levels.At the same time a lot of activity is driven by habit and custom to maintain the existingpractices, procedures and structures rather than concrete common political cooperationobjectives.The global financial and economic crisis has proven our interdependency and made it evenmore important to cooperate both internationally and regionally. This also applies to theNordic-Baltic region, despite our national differences.Nordic-Baltic cooperation is much more than cooperation between and for governments. To alarge extent this cooperation also includes the peoples of the region. Unfortunately, at presentthe visibility of Nordic-Baltic cooperation to the wider public has somewhat diminished.Strengthened and more focused cooperation should therefore focus much more on where itcan make a difference and bring real added value at all levels with a view to creating concreteresults to the benefit of citizens, organizations and the business environment.
What should be our ambition for the future?The challenges dictated by globalization can only be tackled through enhanced internationaland regional cooperation. In many areas the cooperation of eight Nordic and Baltic countrieswould add strength and influence to the region as well as to the individual countries in theregion (an explicit example here is the performance of the six Nordic and Baltic countrieswithin the EU regarding the Baltic Sea Strategy). Collaboration among the Nordic and Balticcountries is also essential to boost the global competitiveness of the region.Closer interaction and pooling of resources among the eight Nordic and Baltic countries gainsadditional meaning when seen in the context of regional clustering tendencies both in Europeand globally, especially if considered in a 10-20 year perspective.The Nordic and Baltic countries have strong cultural and historical bonds, and we should striveat further developing these bonds and this identity in order to fully harvest the potential of theregion in a longer-term perspective. The stronger the region becomes in terms of economicdevelopment, living standard, public administration practices etc., the more competitive theNordic and Baltic region and each of its countries will be.The eight Nordic and Baltic countries must agree on a common agenda. All of the eightcountries must support this agenda, ensuring high level political commitment, ownership andawareness. In addition, there is a wide-spread perception that closer integration and the
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articulation of common interests and objectives by the three Baltic countries (inspired by theNordic countries’ cooperation experience and further developing the existing good cooperationpractices among the three Baltic countries) would contribute considerably to more goal-oriented Nordic-Baltic cooperation.However, it is important to stress that while they are aiming at closer cooperation andintegration within the region, each of the eight countries is maintaining its own unique identity.Each country has its own interests and national agendas. In this regard the Nordic-Baltic Eight”formula” is well suited to accommodating both interests – it is broad enough to allow eachcountry to develop its own identity and at the same time specific enough to imply belonging toa specific region with a certain set of values and qualities.There is no need for new regional structures; indeed, there are voices even advocating thedissolution of many of the existing ones which some find to be redundant or inefficient.However, if a relevant and active Nordic-Baltic agenda is set, the number and quality of thestructures would become an issue of secondary importance. Moreover, all these structures canbe put to good use if genuinely common and mutually important objectives and agendas arefound.The instruments and opportunities provided by the EU and NATO can be successfully used toadvance the common focusing of the eight Nordic and Baltic countries. For instance, the EUStrategy for the Baltic Sea Region provides an integrated framework response to the keychallenges facing the region. The well established networks of Nordic-Baltic cooperation mayeffectively contribute to the implementation of the strategy. In a number of areas, theStrategy may encourage more focused Nordic–Baltic cooperation. Closer coordination of theeight countries might also facilitate smoother EU-NATO cooperation.To be continuous and sustainable, formal Nordic-Baltic cooperation needs to be rooted in publicattitudes and opinions in both areas. As public opinion is determined by the visibility ofpartners and their activities, regaining the positive visibility of Nordic countries in Balticcountries and vice versa is crucial.The future of the Nordic-Baltic Eight should therefore focus on a common agenda, where closecooperation among the countries of the region would ensure the development of the entireregion and of each of its countries. It should increase the international political and economicinfluence of the region and give added value to the Baltic and Nordic countries.
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NB8 wise men recommendations
Foreign and security political dialogueHow can we increase the influence of the NB8?NB8 cooperation has several levels for foreign and security political dialogue. There aremeetings among prime ministers, foreign ministers, defense ministers and parliamentarians.There are also meetings among civil servants in different areas1. To some extent this dialogueworks well. However, there have only been a few cases where the NB8 voice has beenexplicitly heard internationally. Closer Nordic-Baltic cooperation within foreign and securitypolicy could lead to increased political influence when speaking with a common voice.Therefore, we deem it necessary to have strengthened and more efficient NB8 cooperation inthe foreign policy area, not least within international organizations.Within the framework of NB8 cooperation it has previously been suggested that we shouldspeak with a common voice, e.g. through joint political messages after NB8 ministerialmeetings. Such messages require proper prior planning and reflection. Therefore the hostnation of the next NB8 ministerial meeting should consider drafting joint messages and havingthem circulated prior to the meeting.1. More joint political statements should be issued after ministerial meetings.
How can we make the dialogue more efficient and relevant?During the wise men’s roundtrip in the region, it was suggested that NB8 meetings should bemade more efficient and relevant, e.g. by having even more focused agendas, includingcurrent foreign policy issues, and having relevant documents circulated ahead of the meetings.However, at the same time the importance of the informality, flexibility and pragmatism of thecooperation and the NB8 dialogue was stressed. Thus it seems necessary to strike a balancebetween efficiency and flexibility.2. One month ahead of each NB8 meeting the host nation should circulate a draft agenda,inviting the other NB8 nations to make additional suggestions for the final agenda. Theorganizers should aim at having even more focused agendas.It should be underlined that the content of the final agenda is always in the hands of the hostnation.
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See annex
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Taking the ministers’ full schedules into account, making more use of video conferences (VTC)should be considered. This could make it possible to hold meetings at short notice or in thecase of an emergency. VTC could also be used for pre-consultations prior to high levelmeetings or ministerial meetings in other organizations.3. NB8 dialogue should be improved by increasing the use of VTCs at the level ofministers and officials.
NB8 cooperation within international organizationsCooperation between the Nordic and Baltic countries is not limited to the NB8 structure. It alsoincludes international organizations such as the EU, NATO, the Council of Europe, the OSCEand the UN. Our recommendations in the following are inspired by meetings withrepresentatives from the region.
United NationsThe United Nations is unofficially divided into five geopolitical regional groups, within whichcoordination and cooperation take place concerning candidacies to UN positions. The Nordicand Baltic countries are divided into two separate regional groups, theWestern European andOthers Group(WEOG) andthe Eastern European Group,also known asCountries withEconomies in Transition(CEIT). More coordination and cooperation between the two groupsshould be possible with regard to the promotion of candidacies, thus increasing NB8 influenceat the UN.4. More NB8 coordination and cooperation within the UN regarding promotion ofcandidacies.
The World Bank and the International Monetary FundExtensive and well-functioning NB8 cooperation takes place within the World Bank and theInternational Monetary Fund, where the NB8 countries share a seat on the Board. This coope-ration could, however, be strengthened, if all NB8 countries were to play a more active role.5. More active participation within the NB8 group at the World Bank and the InternationalMonetary Fund.
The European UnionWork in the EU and the new decision-making procedures of the Lisbon Treaty have increasinglyshown the need for Member States to seek alliances in order to maximize their influence. TheNB6 countries meet informally at the level of prime ministers and foreign ministers prior tomeetings at the EU in order to exchange views and to compare notes. Norway and Iceland
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have previously been invited to meetings, which have had the aim ofstrengthening Nordic-Baltic influence at the EU. These meetings shouldcontinue and if possible be intensified, also at the level of civil servantsand experts. A lead nation for organizing such meetings should – whererelevant – be found, based on informal, existing rotation principles.At the same time, where relevant and within different policy areas, theNordic and Baltic countries should explore the possibility of formal or informal alliances withother groups of likeminded Member States, e.g. the Visegrad countries.6. More exchange of positions prior to EU meetings.Courtesy of the EU
Cooperation concerning diplomatic representationsHow can we improve our diplomatic representation globally through strengthened NB8cooperation?The Nordic foreign ministers have agreed to implement the recommendation of the Stoltenbergreport concerning strengthened Nordic cooperation on diplomatic representations. As a followup, the Nordic countries are currently preparing a report for the Nordic foreign ministersmeeting in November 2010 regarding the implementation of this recommendation.At present the Nordic countries already cooperate in parts of the world by either housing eachothers’ diplomats or – as in Berlin – by having some joint facilities adjacent to the embassies.In some places this cooperation has also included Baltic representation, although this seemsmore to be an exception. Latvia and Estonia are cooperating on representation in Cairo. Theimplementation of the EU External Action Service presents new opportunities which should beexplored further, e.g. regarding handling of consular issues.Sharing diplomatic facilities is a way of increasing diplomatic representation in parts of theworld where budgetary constraints and priorities would otherwise have prevented suchrepresentation. At the same time extended cooperation in this field could also contribute tomaking NB8 cooperation more visible.More should therefore be done in the area of joint diplomatic representation. A first step couldbe the setting up of an informal Clearing House where the NB8 countries could shareinformation about opportunities for housing other NB8 countries’ diplomats.7. An informal Clearing House regarding diplomatic representations should be set upamong the foreign ministries.
8. Each NB8 country should identify at least one diplomatic representation which shouldbe able to host diplomats from other NB8 countries.
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Exchange of diplomats among the ministries of foreign affairs would contribute to improvingmutual cooperation and understanding at working level. This already takes place, but onlybilaterally. This practice could later be expanded to other ministries and fields.9. Possibilities and practical aspects of exchanging diplomats among the MFAs should beexamined.
Civil securityHow can Nordic-Baltic cooperation protect the environment and strengthen the surveillance ofthe Baltic Sea?Each year thousands of ships cross the Baltic Sea, which is a difficult area for navigation due toits narrow seaways and shallow waters. Each year 120-140 accidents occur in the Baltic Sea,mostly in the form of groundings. In the EU’s Strategy for the Baltic Sea, the greatest of fourmain challenges is to make the region an environmentally sustainable area.Transportation of oil and other potentially hazardous cargo is increasing in the Baltic Sea. Thescenario of an oil spill disaster with consequences as seen recently in the Gulf of Mexico cannotbe ruled out. More should therefore be done to protect the Baltic Sea region from falling victimto environmental damage.
Public Awareness and fighting pollutionThe Helsinki Commission (“HELCOM”) works to protect the marine environment ofthe Baltic Sea against all sources of pollution and is an intergovernmentalcooperation between Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland,Russia, Sweden, Germany and the EU. Within the framework of HELCOM anambitious program called “The Baltic Sea Action Plan” (BSAP) was adopted in2007. BSAP aims at restoring the ecological status of the Baltic marineenvironment by 2021 and addresses all of the main environmental problemsCourtesy of HELCOMwhich affect the maritime environment of the Baltic Sea.
As part of the BSAP, the involved countries have committedthemselves to ensuring Public Awareness concerning theenvironmental aspect.A way forward for increased NB8 cooperation in this fieldcould be to establish a“Marine Environmental Watcher”program in all NB8 countries. Inspiration could be takenfrom the program coordinated by the Royal Danish Navy(www.sok.dk), a program which 12,500 people so far havejoined. If a Watcher detects an oil spill or some other kind ofpollution somewhere in Danish waters, that person can contact the Navy, using one centralCourtesy of the Royal Danish Navy
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phone number. Based on the call, the Navy will assess the situation and ensure full nationalcoordination in order to identify the party responsible for the pollution and to have it cleanedup.10. All NB8 countries should have a Marine Environmental Watcher program.When the program has been introduced in all NB8 countries, informal exchange of bestpractices and information should take place among the countries.In order to protect the environment in the Baltic Sea, proper legislation also needs to be inplace. Harmonized NB8 legislations could make it more difficult for polluters to escape justice.The Nordic countries have legislation in place for issuing fines to polluters, but the same is notthe case in the Baltic countries. Informal capacity building already takes place between theNordic and Baltic countries in this field, but more should be done.11. The legislation in the NB8 countries should be harmonized with the aim of fightingpollution in the Baltic Sea.
Marine Search and Rescue (SAR)Within the field of Search and Rescue (SAR), many different fora alreadyexist and could be further explored and utilized. Since 1989 the Nordiccountries have had theNordredSAR cooperation, which makes itpossible for the Nordic countries to give mutual assistance inemergencies. Today the cooperation includes regional and local cross-border cooperation within civil protection, police, and marine search andrescue. This cooperation could be expanded to include the Balticcountries and thus bring added value to NB8 cooperation as well asNordred. A first step could be to grant the Baltic countries observerstatus in Nordred.12. The Baltic countries should be given observer status in Nordred.In order to expand mutual understanding and knowledge of each other’s emergencycapabilities and to increase mutual cooperation in this field, NB8 participation in annualemergency exercises should be given priority. Every year during the first week of May theBaltic SAREX exercise takes place near the Danish island of Bornholm, with the participation ofmany of the countries around the Baltic Sea, including some of the NB8 countries. It wouldcontribute to the capacity building of the participating nations if they could take turns hostingthe exercise, as seen with HELCOM’s annual marine exercise BALEX DELTA. In that connectionthe individual host nations could draw on Danish experience and expertise.13. The Baltic SAREX exercise could be hosted by a different country every year.
Courtesy of Nordred
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Civil protectionCooperation could also be enhanced in the field of civil protection, e.g. by increasing the levelof information between the countries. Currently the NB8 countries do not have the relevantcontact information at hand should they need to contact colleagues in other countriesinstantaneously in case of an emergency.14. An informal information network should be established, listing the capabilities of eachnation and contact information for relevant people and institutions in case of anemergency.On the basis of the “Haga Declaration” of 27 April 2009, the Nordic countries cooperate on e.g.commonly agreed thematic projects with the purpose of mutual exchange of experience andcloser cooperation. This cooperation could be expanded to the Baltic countries as well.15. Useful information, experience and knowledge could be exchanged by having observersfrom other NB8 countries participate within the framework cooperation of the HagaDeclaration.
Emergency exercisesThe NB8 countries each hold national emergency exercises, but inviting observers to theseevents mainly takes place on ad hoc basis. Having observers would give added value to thehost nation as well as to the observers and would also further enhance cooperation on jointemergency actions.16. Observers from the NB8 countries should be invited to major national emergencyexercises.A specific emergency exercise could be held for NB8 countries only, preferably based on a jointrisk scenario. The first one could take place in the jubilee year 2011 (the 20thanniversary ofthe Baltic countries regaining their independence), which could also have the effect ofincreasing public awareness of NB8 cooperation. If possible, the exercise could take placeback-to-back with the NB8 foreign ministers meeting in August.17. An annual NB8 emergency exercise could be held, the first one, if possible, in August2011.
Civilian capabilitiesHow can we utilize civilian capabilities better?When it comes to cooperation on civilian assistance to disaster areas, theInternationalHumanitarian Partnership(IHP) should be mentioned. This comprises informal cooperationbetween the national civil protection authorities in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland,Estonia, the UK and the Netherlands. The cooperation normally entails operational services inthe form of support modules. These modules are designed for rapid deployment to support UN
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missions, but can also be deployed to support other organizations, e.g. the EU’s CivilProtection Mechanism. The cooperation has been successful, and the modules have been usedin many disaster situations all over the world, most recently in Haiti.The IHP is also in charge of the only international civilian humanitarian exercise (“TRIPLEX”),which is held every two years with participants from international organizations, the militaryand civil protection organizations.18. All NB8 countries should be encouraged to apply for membership of the IHP.In order to use the Nordic-Baltic civilian capacities efficiently, a joint pool of resources shouldbe established with the aim of deploying personnel to areas in need of stabilization or capacitybuilding. For example: if one NB8 nation was to receive an appeal from the OSCE for civilianassistance in the field of good governance, but was unable to find the necessary nationalresources, that nation could then use the NB8 pool of resources to find the required personnelin another NB8 country.19. An NB8 pool of civilian resources should be established.It should be explored how to further utilize theBaltic Defence College(BALTDEFCOL) byoffering relevant courses e.g. in Rule of Law for people figuring in the NB8 pool of resources.20. More courses should be held at BALTDEFCOL with the aim of further strengthening theNB8 pool of resources.
Cyber securityHow can we improve cyber security?Attacking a country’s Internet systems not only has security implications for the nation’sdefense, but also for the citizens’ feeling of security and the community’s sense of stability.Cyber attacks on Estonia in 2007 were to a large extent aimed at public services, e.g. theCentral Bank. It could have had serious implications for the financial stability of Estonia hadthe Bank taken a serious hit.Strengthened cooperation in this field could takeadvantage of the work being done at the CooperativeCyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) inTallinn, Estonia. This Centre, being accredited byNATO’s North Atlantic Council (NAC) as an InternationalMilitary Organization and funded by several NATO allies, is also opento NATO partner countries and institutions.
Courtesy of CCDCOE
The Nordic countries have agreed on the recommendation in the Stoltenberg report to enhancecooperation concerning cyber security and are currently looking into the implementation of thisrecommendation. One way of doing this could be to establish an informal Nordic cyber securitynetwork, focusing on the civilian aspects of cyber security. At a later stage such a networkcould be expanded to include the Baltic countries as well. However, a precondition for such a
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Nordic-Baltic network would be to have well-functioningComputer Emergency ResponseTeams(CERT) in all NB8 countries and to have a multilateral security agreement. A first stepcould therefore be to carry out capacity building where needed.21. Capacity building of Computer Emergency Response Teams in relevant NB8 countriesshould be implemented.When well-functioning CERTs are present in all NB8 countries, a next step could be to look athaving a multilateral Nordic-Baltic security agreement to enable cooperation concerningclassified documents.
Defense cooperationHow can we improve and strengthen NB8 defense cooperation?NB8 defense cooperation entails annual meetings of defense ministers as well as cooperationon the ground,e.g. at theBaltic Defence College(BALTDEFCOL) in Tartu, Estonia. The Nordicand Baltic countries have also cooperated outside the region by providing support to theMultinational Staff Officer Center in Kiev, Ukraine.The Nordic-Baltic defense cooperation is working very well, especially bilaterally andtrilaterally, as well as within EU and NATO operations. But more could be done, especiallymultilaterally. In that regard it would be natural to look at the Nordic defense cooperation(NORDEFCO). NORDEFCO is based on five different areas of cooperation:1. Strategic development (including research and longer term strategic analysis)2. Capabilities (including armament/acquisition and logistics)3. HR and education (e.g. vocational training)4. Training and exercises5. Operations (e.g. the Nordic Battle Group within the EU)22. All NB8 countries should be encouraged to contribute to the EU Nordic Battle Group20112.Nordic cooperation is not limited to the Nordic region. Regional capacity building takes place inthe Western Balkans and in Africa. In the Balkans, the Baltic countries are part of thiscooperation.23. Including the Baltic countries in the Nordic cooperation in Africa should be considered.
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With respect to the defense dimension of the EU, Denmark has an opt-out and will thereforenot be able to contribute to the Nordic Battle Group.
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Well-functioning cooperation exists at BALTDEFCOL, which is a joint Balticdefense academy. The main objective of BALTDEFCOL is to provide highstandard military education and training according to NATO standards andthe needs outlined by the Baltic governments. BALTDEFCOL is open to allstudents from NATO nations or EU member states as well as students fromcountries which are part of NATO’s Partnership for Peace (PfP). The Nordiccountries participate with instructors, secondment of students (from theCourtesy of BALTDEFCOLNordic countries and as well as from other countries) and financially.Based on an independent international review carried out in 2009, a new five yearDevelopment Plan for BALTDEFCOL was adopted by the Baltic defense ministers in May 2010.In the Development Plan the need for multinational involvement was stressed, including theimportance of having foreign instructors and lectures. The Nordic countries could do more tosupport the goals set out in the Development Plan, e.g. by sending more students andinstructors to BALTDEFCOL.24. More instructors and students from the Nordic countries should be sent toBALTDEFCOL.Utilizing BALTDEFCOL for one day events or seminars could also be considered, inviting highranking speakers such as defense ministers or chiefs of defense.25. Short seminars should be organized at BALTDEFCOL, inviting high ranking speakers.Enhancing cooperation with NATO and the EU regarding hosting courses at BALDEFCOL shouldalso be considered, courses which are normally held at NATO or EU facilities (e.g. theEuropean Security and Defence College).26. Enhance cooperation with NATO and the EU regarding courses to be held atBALTDEFCOL.
EnergyHow can the NB8 cooperation contribute to increased energy security and energy efficiency?A new Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan (BEMIP) was launched by the EuropeanCommission in November 2008 and afterwards also included in the EU Strategy for the BalticSea Region. The main goal of the initiative is the full integration of the three Baltic countriesinto the European energy market through the strengthening of interconnections with their EUneighboring countries and through the adoption of the Nordic model for implementing the EUaquis with regard to the internal market for electricity. Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia,Lithuania and Sweden participate in this cooperation as well as Germany and Poland. Norwayholds observer status.The debate on energy has to a large extent been focused on the question of energy security,including the issue of energy supply, especially the traditional energy sources (fossil andnuclear). There seems to be less focus on the issues of renewable energy sources (biomass,water and wind) and energy efficiency.
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Concerning renewable energy sources, the NB8 region holds the potentialfor utilizing them to a far greater extent than today for the benefit of theentire region, especially the environment in the region. Enhanced NB8cooperation within the field of energy should therefore focus on how toincrease the utilization of renewable energy sources.For decades the issue of energy efficiency has been high on the agenda inthe Nordic countries, and they have developed considerable competencesin this field. This should be used to everyone’s advantage within NB8cooperation. Reducing energy consumption would benefit not only theenvironment, but also the economy, since the cheapest and greenestenergy is the energy which is not used.
Courtesy of Vestas WindSystems A/S
Furthermore, using renewable energy sources and reducingenergy consumption lessen the dependence on external energysources of a more traditional kind and thus improve theindividual country’s energy security.Cooperation concerning reducing energy consumption,improving energy efficiency and promoting the utilization ofrenewable energy sources in the NB8 countries in generalPicture showing the isolation standard of ashould be established, with special focus on the Baltichouse. Courtesy of Rockwool Internationalcountries. The importance of having a high level politicalA/Scommitment behind such an initiative as well as strictdeadlines should be underlined. Furthermore, the political commitment must be supported byfinancial possibilities to strengthen the cooperation. This could e.g. be in the shape of loansfrom the Nordic Investment Bank to projects aiming at improving energy efficiency.27. Each NB8 country should select a national representative for a high level workinggroup. Six months after its establishment, the working group should present an actionplan with specific recommendations for the expansion of renewable energy sources andimproved energy efficiency in the NB8 countries.Another way to strengthen cooperation on energy could be to enhance research anddevelopment cooperation. Since 2008, the Nordic countries have had a five year joint Nordicresearch program(“Nordic Top Research”),focusing on climate changes, energy and theenvironment. The cooperation is based on funds from the participating countries. Including theBaltic countries in this cooperation could be considered.28. Including the Baltic countries in the Nordic Top Research program could be considered.
The NB8 brandHow can we strengthen the visibility of NB8 cooperation?Nordic-Baltic cooperation is working well in a number of areas. However, key stakeholders andordinary citizens do not seem to have sufficient knowledge of NB8 cooperation. Much morecould therefore be done in the field of Public Diplomacy.
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2011 marks the 20thanniversary of the Baltic countries regaining their independence. Thejubilee year could be used as a platform for highlighting NB8 cooperation through joint events.Special cultural and historical bonds exist between the Nordic and Baltic countries. The jubileeyear could be used to manifest and highlight these bonds.29. Each NB8 country should select a national representative for a working group, whichshould present specific suggestions for events to take place during the jubilee year.Another suggestion could be a regional conference, involving journalists, historians,researchers and others with special interest in and knowledge about the Nordic-Balticcooperation. The focus of the conference should be the present Nordic-Baltic cooperation andfuture possibilities. The conference could take place back-to-back with the Nordic-Baltic foreignministers meeting in August 2011 and by doing so achieve synergy between the two events.30. A regional conference should be held, focusing on Nordic-Baltic cooperation.The ministers meeting itself should also be highlighted, e.g. through better media coverage.31. A joint article by all NB8 foreign ministers should be made prior to the ministersmeeting.The recommendations in this report will be discussed at the NB8 foreign ministers meeting inRiga in August 2010. After a decision has been taken on which recommendations are to beimplemented, stocktaking should take place in connection with the annual NB8 foreignministers meeting in order to ensure smooth implementation and follow up, where needed.32. A stocktaking session regarding the wise men recommendations should be part of theannual NB8 foreign ministers meeting.There are many activities within NB8 cooperation. There are meetings of ministers,conferences for academics, exchange of students, etc. However, the information concerningthese activities seems hard to find. Some NB8 countries have information concerning thecooperation on the website of their foreign ministry, but unfortunately this is not a generaltrend.33. All NB8 countries should have at least a generic NB8 website on their foreign ministry’swebsite.
34. Sector ministries – such as the ministries of education – should be encouraged toinclude information on mobility schemes and funding opportunities for collaborativeactivities.
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Informing the public about the NB8 framework would not onlyprovide people with more knowledge about the cooperation, butit could also strengthen the future cooperation itself by gettingCourtesy of NordPlusmore students interested in the exchange program of e.g. the NordicCouncil of Ministers (NordPlus). This could help improve the situation of under-utilization ofstudent and research exchanges as recognized in the EU’s Strategy for the Baltic Sea.Another way to improve knowledge of cooperation and mobility is to support the convergenceamong NB8 countries to European standards and the Bologna process on matters such asdegree structures, quality assurance and university management. The OECD has a longtradition of organizing international reviews of its member countries, thus providing input fornational processes of change. It could be relevant to use NB8 cooperation to carry out Nordicreviews of e.g. the Baltic higher education systems. The recommendations of such reviewscould subsequently be transformed into concrete collaborative improvement projects, e.g.funded by the EU. The reviews should be financed with funds, e.g. from the Nordic Council ofMinisters.35. Nordic reviews of the Baltic higher education systems should be carried out.NB8 cooperation could also be highlighted by giving a few, but prestigious, scholarships tostudents or young researchers who e.g. carry out research concerning Nordic-Balticcooperation, including the issue of public opinion. The scholarships could be financed by funds,e.g. from the Nordic Council of Ministers.36. Specific NB8-scholarships should be offered.Finally, the student and research exchanges could benefit from including the Baltic countries inNordic university cooperation. In 1995 the Nordic university cooperation,NUS,was establishedbetween the five Nordic countries. The aim of this cooperation – which is supplemented by theNordic Association of University Administrators,NUAS– is to ensure mutual informationconcerning the development of higher education and research in the Nordic countries and toimprove Nordic cooperation in this field. NUS also aims at coordinating the national universitybodies’ participations in international cooperation.37. The Baltic countries should be included in the NUS and NUAS cooperation.Within the Nordic countries, and to some extent within the Baltic countries, people seem tohave a fair degree of knowledge about the neighboring countries, whereas in general this doesnot seem to be the case within the NB8. One way of improving general knowledge andfostering people-to-people contact could be through cross-border and, in particular, twin-citiescooperation.38. Larger NB8 cities should be encouraged to have at least one twin-city in one of theother NB8 countries.
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Final remarksThe task we were given by the Latvian and Danish foreign ministers was to look at how NB8cooperation could be strengthened. The recommendations presented in this report could alllead to added value for NB8 cooperation as well as for the individual NB8 countries.But it should be stressed that implementation of the recommendations is not sufficient in itself.For NB8 cooperation to further develop, also in the longer run, political will, considerations andawareness are essential. We have recommended that a stocktaking of the implementation ofour recommendations should take place at the foreign ministers meeting in the jubilee year of2011. It is our hope that the foreign ministers meeting will confirm that such a politicalcommitment does exist.
NB8 STRUCTUREBaltic Council ofMinisters
Nordic Council ofMinisters
Prime Ministers[annually]Defense Ministers[annually]Ministers for Culture[ biannually]Ministers for Justice[ biannually]Ministers for Energy[ meetings within BASREC]17
Foreign Ministers[annually, August+ In the margins of UNGA, September]Ministers for Equal Opportunities[annually ]
Ministers for Finance[ no fixed schedule]
Ministers for Research & Development[ every third year]
Ministers for Fishery etc.[ no fixed schedule]
NB8 STRUCTUREBaltic countriesState Secretaries[annually]Justice/Human Rights[annually in prep. of UNHRC]Chemical weapons[twice a year]OSCE consultations[annually]Export control regime[twice a year]Directors of administration[annually]Civilian Crisis Management Consultations[annually]18
Nordic countries
Political Directors[twice a year, February/August]
Nordic Baltic Legal Contact Group[2-3 times a year]
Council of Europe[annually]
UN Directors[annually]
Chiefs of Protocol[annually]
Security Policy Consultations[biannually]Research and Development[2-3 times a year]Policy planners[Not established yet]
Migration consultations[no fixed schedule ]
Heads of Information[annually]
Fishery etc.[annually]
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NB8 STRUCTURE
NB8 parliamentariansmeetings [annually]Baltic Assembly
Nordic Council
Speakers of parliament[no fixed schedule,several times a year]
Chairmen of theForeign AffairsCommittees[twice a year]
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Logos and picturesAll logos and pictures used in this report are brought with permission of the EuropeanCommission, HELCOM, the Royal Danish Navy, Rockwool International A/S, Vestas WindSystems A/S, Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence, Nordred, NordPlus andBALTDEFCOL.
FrontpageFrontpage generated by using Wordle (www.wordle.net)
LinksBaltic Assembly:www.baltasam.orgBaltic Defence College (BALTDEFCOL):www.bdcol.eeBEMIP(Baltic Energy Market Interconnection Plan):http://ec.europa.eu/energy/infrastructure/bemip_en.htmCooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence:www.ccdcoe.orgEU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region://eu.baltic.net/Baltic_Sea_Region_strategy.7428.htmlHaga Declaration:http://www.fmn.dk/videnom/Documents/Deklaration%20Haga-deklarationen%20slutlig%20(4).pdfHELCOM:www.helcom.fiInternational Humanitarian Partnership (IHP):www.ihp.nu
NB8 foreign ministriesDenmark:www.um.dkEstonia:www.vm.eeFinland:http://formin.finland.fi/Public/default.aspx?Iceland:www.mfa.isLatvia:www.mfa.gov.lv/en/
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Lithuania:www.urm.ltNorway:www.regjeringen.noSweden:www.sweden.gov.se/sb/d/2059
Nordic Association of University Administrators (NUAS):www.nuas.orgNordic Council of Ministers/Nordic Council:www.norden.orgNordic Investment Bank:www.nib.intNordPlus:www.nordplusonline.orgNordred:www.nordred.orgRoyal Danish Navy:www.sok.dkStoltenberg report:http://www.regjeringen.no/upload/UD/Vedlegg/nordicreport.pdf
