NORDIC COOPERATION AND EUROPE An Introduction

Institutions in Europe Uniquely large number (large, medium and small groups) Nordic Cooperation with large C = one of many (smaller) ‘sub-regional’ groups With small c can also be Nordic collaboration inside, or in relation to, larger institutions In theory also in relation to larger powers, BUT…..(USA, Russia)

How to think about institutional choices Nearly always wrong to see insts. as alternatives or (necessarily) competitors More like people wearing clothes Like people, states seek protection/cover; good value; something that suits them Typical Nordic combination: just one strong institution and/or opt-outs plus NordicCoopn+other local groups

The Nordic Pattern NATO EU Iceland Yes No Denmark Yes+Optout Yes+Optouts (NoEMU) (Greenland/Faeroe not in EU) Norway Yes+Optout No Finland No Yes+ EMU Sweden No Yes (No EMU)

Functionality of Nordic Cooperation (with large C) Not ‘hard’ defence (recently soft security) Not ‘hard’ economic (single market, legal regulation) BUT single travel area Role 1: social/cultural coop’n, ‘soft harmoniz’n’+mutual help--> sim. standards Role 2: crossing dividing lines (Cold War and now), diversity not damage (‘balance’) Future -? (Stoltenberg report; perm’t limits)

Putting the functions together Hard Sec Soft Sec Hard Econ NATO YES NO NO EU NO YES YES No.Co. NO YES NO

Briefly on NATO+ Nordic coopn Cold War: strategic protection through US linkage (for all five!), local military restraint After Cold War: Finland/Sweden as partners Peace missions BUT Iraq split Blips over ESDP and EU/NATO Now: High North

EU and Nordic Cooperation Formal recognition (Passport Union) Norway+Iceland in EEA + Schengen Consultation: all 5 in NoCo since early 90s, later Den/Swe/Fin meetings But ‘who speaks for Northern Europe?’: new local rivals to NoCo inc EU’s own Northern Dimension; Balts/Poles as full members; EU/Russia bypassing Nordics?

Common Nordic inputs in EU? First the limits: practical (power), strategic, and political/atmospheric (personalities) Definite: - transparency, fin’l control - gender, other civil rights - environment - aid - ESDP/peace missions inc. civ-mil - enlargement inc. Balkans, Turkey

The BIG REMAINING QUESTION Will the Nordics ever work together more closely outside the EU - for what benefits?? Or will they only form a real ‘bloc’ when and if all are inside??