Finland and USA Starts Negotiations about Defence Cooperation

This fall, Finland and USA will start discussions around a Defense Cooperation Agreement (DCA). This is reported by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

The agreement will provide a framework and a legal basis for regular defense cooperation between the two countries, as well as serve as a springboard for intensified cooperation if they consider it required by the security situation. More specifically, it will define the status of American forces when they operate on Finnish territory, in addition to practical concerns, such as taxes, customs, and recognition of qualifications.

The negotiations come as a result of previous Finnish-American cooperation. The countries' ministries of defense agreed on a letter of intent in 2016 and their respective presidents agreed to further the defense cooperation in March this year. 

The DCA is a legally binding agreement and the negotiations are expected to last for around 1 to 2 years. Once a draft agreement is ready, it will be considered by the Finnish Parliament in accordance with chapter 8 of the Finnish Constitution.

The USA has agreements of this type with several countries, including Norway. In June, the Norwegian Storting approved a supplementary agreement on defense cooperation with the US (Supplementary DCA). This provides two "agreed areas" in Northern Norway and opens for a wide American exercise of authority and power on Norwegian territory. 

"Opening negotiations with Finland shows that the United States is committed to security in Finland and Europe. Finland’s membership in NATO will not diminish the importance of bilateral cooperation with the United States. Instead, it will open up new opportunities for cooperation. The DCA will enhance Finland’s readiness for NATO membership," writes Finland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.