Baltic States – CIS, EU – Baltic States, Latvia, Legislation, Security

Asked about the agreement made by the Nordic countries for closer cooperation in the area of defense and additional support for the Baltic countries, which would increase regional security, Lasis told LETA that Latvia has always supported closer cooperation in the area of security and defense between the Nordic countries if it improves the security situation in the Baltic sea region.

''Similar to cooperation amongst the Baltic States, the cooperation format amongst the Nordic countries develops a common vision on security, facilitates the development of military capabilities, as well as the compatibility of armed forces,'' he said, adding that such closer cooperation amongst two EU members (Sweden and Finland), one NATO and EU member (Denmark), and two NATO members (Norway and Iceland), will promote NATO-Finnish and NATO-Swedish cooperation, as well as cooperation between NATO and the EU, especially on the regional level.

At the same time, the ministry spokesman pointed out that it is important for closer security and defense cooperation in the Nordic-Baltic 8 format as well, pointing out that this cooperation format has become ever so important in the wake of Russia's aggression towards Ukraine and enhanced military activity in the Baltic sea region.

''We expect that the importance and cooperation intensity of this format will only increase,'' Lasis said.

As reported, calling Russia the biggest challenge to European security, Nordic nations agreed on closer defense ties and increased solidarity with the Baltic states on last week, aiming to increase regional security through deterrence.

Writing in a joint declaration, the defense ministers of Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland said Northern Europe must prepare for possible crises or incidents because of Russia.

"Russia's leaders have shown that they are prepared to make practical and effective use of military means in order to reach their political goals, even when this involves violating principles of international law," the ministers wrote in a joint statement.

"There is increasing military and intelligence activity in the Baltics and in our northern areas," the ministers said. "The Russian military is challenging us along our borders and there have been several border infringements in the Baltics."

"Russia's actions are the biggest challenge to the European security," the ministers said. "Russia’s propaganda and political maneuvering are contributing to sowing discord between nations, and inside organizations like NATO and the EU."

The ministers said that closer cooperation in the Nordics and solidarity with the Baltic would improve security through deterrence as it would lift the threshold for military events.