The Nordic countries must be prepared for threats of all kinds

Government ministers and their deputies responsible for civil preparedness and provision in the Nordic countries met in Oslo on 28 November. The meeting took place in new circumstances, with all of the Nordic countries now members of NATO. Finland was represented at the meeting by Interior Minister Mari Rantanen.

"We must be prepared for threats of all kinds, with joint planning of civil preparedness and cooperation between Nordic civil authorities that corresponds to arrangements that are already in place for military defence. This includes such aspects as learning from one another and engaging in joint exercises," Mari Rantanen explains.

There are also plans to reinforce Nordic civil-military cooperation under all circumstances.

Minister Rantanen also addressed the issues of hybrid influencing and the protection of critical infrastructure, noting that the Nordic countries must be prepared for such influencing and for associated countermeasures.

"The benefits of close Nordic and international cooperation include formulating a common scenario and sharing information," Rantanen notes.

The practical impact of recent damage to telecommunication cables between Finland and Germany was minimal.

Finland to preside over Haga cooperation in 2025

The Haga framework for Nordic cooperation in crisis preparedness has brought together the ministers responsible for civil preparedness and provision at regular intervals since 2009. This cooperation is increasingly important in the current security policy situation, which has been significantly exacerbated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Finland will chair the Haga process in 2025, with a view to promoting even closer collaboration between Nordic public authorities responsible for civil preparedness. It will also seek to strengthen civil-military and other interdepartmental cooperation.

Civil preparedness refers to measures taken by various public authorities to ensure the vital functions of society, basic supplies for the population, and the functional capacity of government in a crisis. The civil preparedness responsibilities of the Ministry of the Interior include rescue services and civil defence.

Inquiries:
Kimmo Kohvakka, Director General for Rescue Services, tel. +358 29 548 8400, [email protected]
Communications Unit, [email protected] (requests for interviews with Mari Rantanen, Minister of the Interior)