Canada and Nordic-Baltic Nations Deepen Security Cooperation as Russia Threats Drive New Alliance

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Canada and the Nordic-Baltic Eight have strengthened their cooperation on Euro-Atlantic security, defence, critical infrastructure and support for Ukraine following the first Canada-NB8 ministerial meeting in New York City.

Canada and NB8 Convene for First Ministerial Meeting

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna and Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand convened foreign ministers from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden for the first Canada-Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) ministerial meeting.

The meeting brought Canada together with eight Nordic and Baltic countries to discuss shared security, economic and geopolitical priorities across the Euro-Atlantic region. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the rules-based international order, international law and the principles of the UN Charter.

The participants also stressed that borders should not be changed through force and agreed to maintain close coordination through institutions including the United Nations, OSCE, NATO and the European Union.

Why Are the Arctic, Baltic Sea and North Atlantic Important?

The ministers described the Baltic Sea, North Atlantic and Arctic as interconnected areas of Allied security, highlighting the importance of cooperation across these strategically significant regions.

Particular attention was given to threats against critical infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, as well as hybrid activities. The countries also discussed the need to strengthen collective resilience against foreign information manipulation and interference.

The meeting reflects the increasingly connected security environment facing Canada and its European partners, where maritime security, energy infrastructure, defence readiness and economic security overlap across regional boundaries.

How Will Canada and Europe Strengthen Economic and Defence Links?

Canada and the NB8 identified practical areas for deeper cooperation, including defence industrial collaboration, maritime security, critical infrastructure protection and economic security.

The ministers also reaffirmed the importance of EU-Canada relations in advancing trade diversification, resilient supply chains and strategic partnerships. Canada highlighted its role in European security, including through its agreement with the European Union to participate in the SAFE instrument.

The discussions place economic resilience alongside traditional defence cooperation, recognising the importance of secure supply chains and protected infrastructure to wider Euro-Atlantic stability.

What Did Canada and NB8 Say About Ukraine?

Ukraine remained a central focus of the ministerial meeting, with Canada and the Nordic-Baltic countries reaffirming their support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The ministers committed to maintaining support for Ukraine for as long as required and to coordinating their efforts so that assistance remains complementary and responsive to Ukraine’s changing needs.

They also emphasised the objective of achieving a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in Ukraine and reiterated Ukraine’s call for Russia to agree to a full and immediate ceasefire.

The ministers further stressed the need to maintain international pressure on Russia over its ongoing aggression, particularly in relation to attacks affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.

What Role Will Canada Play in Ukraine’s Recovery?

Canada welcomed the participation of senior NB8 delegations at the Pathways to Peace: Second International Conference on Returning Ukrainian Children, Detained Civilians, and Prisoners of War, scheduled for September 28-29 in Toronto.

The ministers also welcomed Estonia’s plans to host the next Ukraine Recovery Conference on January 28-29, 2027.

The conference is expected to provide another platform for international cooperation on Ukraine’s recovery, reconstruction and long-term resilience, areas in which Canada and the Nordic-Baltic countries have reaffirmed their continued engagement.

What Comes Next for Canada-NB8 Cooperation?

The countries agreed to maintain close contact and regularly convene through the Canada-NB8 format.

Norway’s forthcoming NB8 chairmanship will provide another framework for advancing cooperation on security, defence and resilience. The participating governments also intend to continue working together on hybrid threats, critical infrastructure protection, maritime security and defence industrial cooperation.

The first Canada-NB8 ministerial meeting therefore establishes a broader platform for practical coordination between Canada and the Nordic-Baltic region. Its agenda links European and Arctic security with Ukraine support, economic resilience and protection of critical infrastructure, while creating a mechanism for continued ministerial engagement.