Sweden, Nordic-Baltic allies sign agreement on civilian protection

Sweden, together with Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Poland, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) aimed at protecting civilian populations in the Baltic Sea region and Nordic countries during crises or, in a worst-case scenario, war.

The agreement enables the temporary movement of people across borders if emergencies arise, including mass evacuations. Officials cited lessons from Ukraine, where coordinated civilian relocations helped sustain national defense efforts while safeguarding vulnerable populations, Caliber.Az reports via the Swedish Government.

The MoU was finalised following a digital meeting hosted by Sweden on February 6, attended by representatives from the other signatory nations. The pact outlines joint planning for evacuations, including transport logistics, border control measures, designated evacuation corridors, registration and reception procedures, and protection for at-risk groups.

“We are NATO members and neighbours who are mutually dependent on each other for our security. This MoU expresses our desire to further deepen cooperation in our region and to strengthen our joint preparedness,” said Sweden’s Minister for Civil Defence, Carl-Oskar Bohlin.

By Sabina Mammadli