Sweden and Denmark Strengthen Civil Preparedness Cooperation
Sweden and Denmark have signed a declaration to enhance civil preparedness cooperation in the Öresund region.
Key Points
- • Sweden signed a declaration of intent to enhance cooperation with Denmark on civil preparedness.
- • Focus is on protecting critical underwater infrastructure in the Öresund region.
- • Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin and Danish Minister Torsten Schack Pedersen signed the agreement.
- • The agreement aims to improve coordination between emergency services of both countries.
On June 12, 2024, Sweden and Denmark took a significant step to bolster their cross-border collaboration in civil preparedness by signing a declaration of intent focused on enhancing societal resilience, particularly in the Öresund region. The agreement was formalized during a visit by Sweden’s Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin to Bornholm, where he met with Danish Minister for Security and Preparedness Torsten Schack Pedersen.
This initiative is aimed at improving the protection of critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, which both nations consider vital for their security and the safety of their citizens. Minister Bohlin emphasized the strategic importance of the Öresund region, stating, "The security political situation underscores the importance of working closely with our allies. This declaration will strengthen the conditions for closer cooperation in several vital areas concerning civil defense and crisis preparedness." Meanwhile, Minister Pedersen noted that this cooperation is essential for enhancing societal security and preparedness, calling the agreement a significant asset for Denmark.
The visit by Minister Bohlin coincided with the Danish Folkemødet event, a political festival similar to Sweden’s Almedalsveckan, where he participated in discussions on resilience and emergency management. The agreement will enhance coordination between Swedish and Danish authorities and their emergency services, reflecting a commitment to safeguarding the region's infrastructure against potential crises.
This collaboration highlights the ongoing efforts by both nations to address shared security challenges and enhance their readiness for potential emergencies affecting the Öresund region, underlining a framework of joint action for future resilience measures.