Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has called for stronger cooperation between the Nordic countries, arguing that closer coordination is increasingly important as the region
faces a more challenging security environment.
Speaking at the annual meeting of Nordic prime ministers and leaders of the autonomous Nordic territories in Denmark on 20 August, Orpo said the countries share common security interests, particularly in relation to developments in neighbouring regions. The meeting also addressed the impact of social media on children and young people and the need for closer coordination in regulating major technology companies.
“Nordic cooperation has become increasingly important in the current security landscape,” Orpo said, stressing that the Nordic countries should build on the cooperation already established in recent years.
He highlighted security in the Nordic countries’ surrounding areas as a common priority and said governments should continue working together to strengthen regional resilience and defence capabilities.
The Finnish prime minister also underlined the importance of maintaining a united Nordic position on Russia’s war against Ukraine. According to Orpo, the Nordic countries have provided sustained assistance to Ukraine, both in supporting its ability to defend itself and in efforts aimed at achieving a durable and just peace.
“Nordic countries have supported Ukraine consistently over the long term,” Orpo said, adding that continued unity would remain important as the war and wider European security challenges evolve.
Defence and regional security were discussed at the beginning of the gathering, when the Nordic leaders visited the Høvelte military barracks in Birkerød. The visit provided an opportunity to examine aspects of Denmark’s defence capabilities and discuss broader security challenges facing the region.
The talks later moved to Marienborg, the Danish prime minister’s official residence, where the leaders turned to a wider range of issues affecting Nordic societies.
One of the central subjects was the growing influence of social media on children and teenagers. The Nordic governments discussed how technology platforms affect young people's everyday lives and how authorities can respond to potential risks while ensuring that digital services remain accessible and useful.
Orpo said the issue is particularly relevant because Finland, other Nordic countries and the European Union are all considering how technology companies should be regulated and how children can be better protected in the digital environment.
He welcomed the fact that Nordic governments were addressing the issue collectively, suggesting that closer coordination could help countries develop more effective approaches to a challenge that extends well beyond national borders.
The summer meeting is held every year by the country chairing the Nordic Council of Ministers. Denmark and the Faroe Islands hosted this year's gathering, bringing together the Nordic prime ministers and heads of government of the region's autonomous territories.
The discussions reflected a broader effort to strengthen Nordic cooperation not only on traditional defence and security matters but also on issues such as technology, children's wellbeing and the resilience of Nordic societies. Orpo's call for deeper cooperation comes as the Nordic countries increasingly coordinate their policies in response to a rapidly changing European security environment. Photo by valtioneuvosto.fi