All articles tagged with #nordic countries
Nordic diplomats with NATO intelligence say there is no evidence of Russian or Chinese ships near Greenland, undermining Trump’s justification for U.S. control and prompting sharp criticism from Nordic leaders; Greenland's parliament reaffirmed its desire to govern itself.
Storm Johannes caused fatalities and widespread disruptions across Nordic countries, including Sweden, Norway, and Finland, with power outages, travel cancellations, and weather-related incidents, but no injuries reported.
A severe winter storm named Johannes swept across the Nordic countries, causing one death in Sweden, widespread power outages affecting thousands, and significant transportation disruptions across Sweden, Finland, and Norway, with wind speeds nearing hurricane levels and hazardous conditions reported.
Businesswoman Halla Tomasdottir has been elected as Iceland's next president, winning 34.3% of the vote in a field where the top three candidates were women. Tomasdottir, who is on leave from her role as CEO of The B Team, will take office on August 1, succeeding President Gudni Th Johannesson. Iceland's presidency is largely ceremonial but holds veto power over legislation. Tomasdottir campaigned on issues like social media's impact on youth mental health and the role of artificial intelligence.
The World Happiness Report for 2024 has been released, with Finland once again topping the list as the world's happiest country. Nordic countries dominate the top rankings, while the United States drops out of the top 20 for the first time. The report also includes separate rankings by age group, revealing a decline in happiness among young people in some parts of the world, particularly in North America. However, there are welcome gains in happiness in several Eastern European countries. The report highlights the factors contributing to happiness and notes that despite challenges, young people globally have shown improved life satisfaction and enduring benevolence.
Tesla is hiring a Nordic public policy expert as its dispute with labor unions in the region escalates. The company has been embroiled in a standoff with Swedish trade union IF Metall over its refusal to sign collective bargaining agreements. Solidarity strikes have been launched by workers across multiple unions in Sweden and other Nordic countries. Several pension funds have divested from Tesla due to its refusal to enter into agreements with labor unions. Tesla is now seeking a public policy and business development manager to ensure that the political and regulatory frameworks in the Nordics support its mission. The outcome of the standoff remains uncertain, with the possibility of Tesla folding or Scandinavian union solidarity falling apart.
Denmark has reached a 10-year defense agreement with the United States, allowing American soldiers and military equipment to be stationed on Danish soil. The agreement, which follows similar deals with Finland and Sweden, will be signed later this week and implemented after necessary legislation is adopted in about a year.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made an unannounced visit to the Netherlands, including a visit to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and meetings with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte and members of parliament. Zelenskyy is expected to deliver a speech entitled “No peace without justice for Ukraine” and deny Russia’s claims of an attempted drone attack on the Kremlin by Ukraine. Nordic countries attending a summit with Zelenskyy pledged their support for Ukraine in its war against Russia, promising ongoing “political, financial, humanitarian and military support”.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Helsinki to secure greater firepower for his country's armed forces as they prepare for a possible counteroffensive against Russia. The Nordic countries have been among Kyiv's strongest backers since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The US plans to send Ukraine about $300 million in additional military aid, including artillery rounds, howitzers, air-to-ground rockets, and ammunition. Military analysts think Ukraine is targeting supply lines in the Russian rear while gearing up for a possible counteroffensive amid improving weather conditions and as it receives large amounts of weapons and ammunition from its Western allies.
Sweden has expelled five Russian diplomats for "activities not compatible" with their diplomatic status, following Norway's expulsion of 15 Russian diplomats. Nordic public broadcasters have also released an investigative documentary series on Russian spying activities in the region. The Swedish Security Service believes every third Russian diplomat in the country works for one of Russia's intelligence agencies under diplomatic cover.
Nordic countries' public broadcasters have accused Russia of operating a state-run programme using spy ships disguised as fishing vessels in the North Sea. The ships are allegedly capable of attacking wind farms and communication cables. Danish broadcaster DR has released a clip showing a reporter approaching one of the ships, Admiral Vladimirsky, and being confronted by an armed man onboard. The investigation is led by DR, along with broadcasters NRK in Norway, SVT in Sweden, and Yle in Finland.
Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark have agreed to operate their combined fleet of around 250 fighter jets as a unified Nordic air defense, hoping to deter Russia by working together. The joint force will be a worry for Russia, boasting a significant number of top-tier fighter jets, including F-35s. Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO in May 2022, jolted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine into ending decades of their position of "non-alignment."
The air forces of Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Denmark have agreed to operate their combined fleet of around 250 fighter jets as a unified Nordic air defense, hoping to deter Russia. The joint force will be a worry for Russia, boasting a significant number of top-tier fighter jets, including F-35s. Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO in May 2022, jolted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine into ending decades of their position of "non-alignment."
Air force commanders from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden have signed a letter of intent to create a unified Nordic air defense aimed at countering the rising threat from Russia. The move to integrate the air forces was triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February last year. The intention is to be able to operate jointly, based on already known ways of operating under NATO. Sweden and Finland applied to join the transatlantic military alliance last year, but the process has been held up by Turkey, which along with Hungary has yet to ratify the memberships.
The Nordic countries have signed a Joint Declaration of Intent to deepen air force cooperation and create a joint Nordic air force comprising over 250 modern front-line combat aircraft. The initiative aims to strengthen air force cooperation between the four Nordic states and develop a strong regional air defense. The Air-Defense Operations Concept (ADOC) proposes the development of an integrated management structure for planning and executing air operations, a flexible and sustainable support system, joint air situational awareness, and joint training and exercise activities between the four Nordic air forces. The move comes as Finland and Sweden are primed to join NATO, allowing for a "mini NATO" to be created.