Ökad militär press mot norr driver Norden tätare samman

The Nordic Council meets this week here in Stockholm Discussions on increased cooperation from industry to defense are on the agenda Much to address Russia's increasing aggression in the Arctic and the Baltic Sea Many Nordic leaders believe that Ursula von der Leyen's leadership in the EU It is crucial to address the increased threat from Russia She has been as clear as were from day one regarding the support for Ukraine Clear in her view of Russia Only precise as we know that climate change and competitiveness go hand in hand They do not oppose each other It's quite a few things We have respect for the fact that she listens to more countries than just the Nordic ones That's how it must be I think she is doing a very good job It's great that she's confirmed to come here and meet all the parliamentarians in Stockholm Discussions on granting Russian assets to Ukraine have stalled This makes it harder for Ukraine to buy Swedish Gripen fighter jets Either we act in the clear or we simply give up and then it's all over for Ukraine We will have to find these funds from each member state's own national budget Very large amounts Otherwise we use the resources we have available which are originally Russian So that they are involved and finance the damage they have caused in Ukraine For most it is a completely obvious conclusion It does not mean that there are no legitimate legal issues The commission now has a few weeks to sort out what are probably complex legal issues Then one returns with a concrete proposal I never say hello until a decision has been made I have good hopes It was very much a Nordic procurement that really wanted to make a concrete decision at the European Council in December