Minister for Community Safety and Emergency Preparedness Torsten Schack Pedersen and Sweden's Minister for Civil Defence Carl-Oskar Bohlin. (Photo Handout: Ministry for Community Safety and Emergency Preparedness)
Denmark and Sweden strengthen cooperation on civil preparedness and societal security
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Denmark and Sweden will in the future work closely together on civil preparedness and societal security. This was affirmed in a new declaration of intent signed today at the “Folkemødet” on the island of Bornholm by the Danish Minister for Societal Security and Preparedness, Torsten Schack Pedersen, and Sweden’s Minister for Civil Defence, Carl-Oskar Bohlin.
The declaration signifies a commitment to increased cooperation between the two countries, particularly focusing on the protection of critical underwater infrastructure in the Baltic Sea and the sharing of emergency resources during crisis situations. This could include materials for responding to floods or wildfires.
Both ministers stress the necessity of international cooperation in a time of growing threats arising from geopolitical unrest, climate change, and cyber attacks.
“In times like these, it is crucial that we not only consider societal security and preparedness within national borders but also across country boundaries and sectors. Closer cooperation with Sweden is a huge benefit for Denmark, especially in the Öresund region, and therefore, I am pleased that we have signed a declaration of intent today to enhance cooperation on civil preparedness and societal security,” stated Torsten Schack Pedersen.
His Swedish counterpart, Carl-Oskar Bohlin, also highlights the strategic significance of the declaration:
“It is very welcome that today we can sign this declaration of intent together with Denmark. The security-political situation underscores the importance of working closer with our allies. Our shared geography in the Öresund region is strategically important, both for ourselves and for NATO and the EU. The declaration of intent will strengthen the conditions for closer cooperation in several important areas regarding civil defense and crisis preparedness.”
The declaration of intent was signed in connection with the Swedish minister’s visit to Bornholm on the occasion of the “Folkemødet”.
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