Nordic-Baltic Cooperation

Context

The joint delegation of eight Nordic-Baltic countries, known as NB8, visited India to emphasize the importance of trust, dialogue, and cooperation in global affairs, particularly in light of geopolitical shifts and conflicts like Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Nordic-Baltic Cooperation

The Nordic-Baltic cooperation (NB8) is a regional cooperation format that was founded in 1992. It includes five Nordic countries and three Baltic countries.

The term “Nordic-Baltic cooperation” encompasses two main formats:

1. Nordic Cooperation (N5): This includes Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. It’s a long-standing and well-established collaboration built on shared values and fostering regional integration.
2. Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8): This broader format incorporates the N5 countries along with Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Established in 1992, it provides a platform for these eight nations to discuss regional and international issues.

Key areas of cooperation:

• Political and security: The ongoing war in Ukraine has put a spotlight on strengthening regional security cooperation within NB8.
• Economic: The focus is on creating a seamlessly integrated Nordic-Baltic market, fostering innovation, and promoting a sustainable green transition through digitalization efforts.
• Environmental: Addressing common environmental challenges like climate change and pollution is a crucial aspect of the collaboration.
• Cultural: The region boasts a rich cultural heritage, and fostering cultural exchange and collaboration is another area of focus. Benefits of cooperation:
  • Shared prosperity: By combining resources and expertise, the countries aim to achieve greater economic and social development.
  • Stronger regional voice: Cooperation allows the Nordic-Baltic region to speak with a unified voice on the international stage.
  • Addressing common challenges: The collaboration helps tackle regional issues like environmental protection, security threats, and migration effectively.

  Looking ahead, the Nordic-Baltic region aspires to become the “world’s most sustainable and integrated region by 2030.” This shared vision continues to drive collaboration efforts across various sectors.