Nordic Council: Cyber threats should be tackled by way of closer co-operation

10.04.18 | News
Temasession 2018
Photographer
Auðunn Níelsson
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The governments of the Nordic countries should co-operate more closely on cyber defence and include the Baltic countries in their efforts. The Presidium of the Nordic Council approved the recommendation to the governments at its meeting on Monday on the basis of a proposal from the conservative group in the Nordic Council. The proposal is motivated by the daily exposure of the Nordic countries to serious cyber attacks – attacks which could harm the functioning of society.

“Unfortunately, these issues are becoming increasingly relevant in all our countries,” says Michael Tetzschner, President of the Nordic Council. The Nordic and Baltic countries are some of the most digitalised in the world. Estonia in particular is at the forefront of cybersecurity, with NATO’s Cyber ​​Defense Center of Excellence stationed in the capital, Tallinn. It is therefore natural that the Nordic countries integrate Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania into their co-operative efforts relating to cyber defence.

“Cyber threats pose a challenge that is shared by the Nordic and Baltic regions,” says Tetzschner. He points out that threats can be tackled by way of the countries systematically sharing their knowledge regarding the current status of threats and risks in cyber environments.
According to the proposal, existing co-operation on cyber defence within the context of NORDEFCO should be deepened. In addition, co-operation on cybersecurity with both the US and the EU could be increased. 

The Nordic Green Left party group in the council did not support the decision.

The Nordic Council’s proposal is in line with the action plan for increased cyber co-operation adopted by the Baltic Council and Nordic Council in November 2017.

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