1. NORDIC COOPERATION AND EUROPE
An Introduction

2. 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)

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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)

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

7. 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

8. 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?

9. 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

10. 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??