The Nordic Region Strengthens Double-Edged Defense Cooperation With the US, highnorthnews.com

Astri Edvardsen, journalist

In January, Sweden announced that it has started negotiations with the US on a bilateral agreement on defense cooperation – which Finland and Denmark did last year, respectively in September and February.

Up for negotiation are the terms of American military activity on the countries’ territory.

In the Nordic context, the three are following in Norway’s footsteps, whose agreement with Washington D.C. was signed in the spring of 2021 and approved by the Norwegian Parliament in the summer of 2022. Through this, four military bases in Norway, whereas two are located in the High North, have become ”agreed” areas – which the US has the right to unimpeded access and use.

In the big picture, this type of agreement facilitates desired American presence, but this presence can also present challenges. Some of them are linked to the US’ turn towards Asia and the associated emphasis on operational flexibility, as well as the polarization of American politics. Läs artikel

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