Nordic Council opens session focused on security

The 78th session of the Nordic Council begins in Helsinki on Monday, with security and defence at the centre of the agenda, mbl.is reports. It runs until Thursday under the theme “General security in the Nordic countries.”

Dagbjört Hákonardóttir, a Social Democratic Alliance MP and chair of the Icelandic delegation to the council, is among seven Icelandic MPs attending.

Dagbjört said the council’s discussions have shifted in recent years towards comprehensive security and general preparedness, away from social issues. “In the past, our positions on security and defence did not unite us, and these issues were not discussed. That is now a thing of the past. We stand wholeheartedly with Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion, and that will always be the common thread,” she said.

She said Nordic cooperation was marked by trust and received cross-party support. “We are incredibly fortunate to be able to rely on social cohesion and trust. When we trust one another, it is easier to build the societal security needed to deal with sudden challenges. We know the world is changing, and the discussions reflect that. We feel stronger together,” she said.