Danish report calls for an Arctic security council

The report on Danish defense and security policy calls for a forum for security policy in the Arctic. “May increase trust in the High North”.

According to the report, the “increased military presence” in the High North leads to a growing need for an international structure for matters related to security policy in the Arctic.

Russia – a cause for concern

The report points to the fact that Russia, in other parts of the worlds, has demonstrated that the country is “prepared to disregard international rules and practice, and use military force, although this is not deemed to be part of Russia’s strategic thinking when it comes to the Arctic”.

The report therefore encourages Denmark to contact what is described as “relevant Arctic states” to see if there is any support for the establishment of a forum for security policy discussions.

Trust building effect

The commission responsible for the report believes that the mere existence of a forum for security policy in the Arctic could have a trust building effect, and that it could constitute a space for security policy dialogue between Russia and a number of Western countries, in cases where tensions are high.

The justification of the proposal goes on to state that an Arctic security council could contribute to additional trust building, for example through mutual exchanges of information on military movements or on expansions of military infrastructure.

A range of civilian responsibilities

The exchange of information is also important because the armed forces and coast guards of Arctic states participate in and undertake a wide range of tasks tied to civilian emergency preparedness, with no military purpose.

Denmark’s Ambassador to India, Peter Taksøe-Jensen, led the commission that presented its final recommendation to Danish Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen earlier this week. 

Not under the Arctic Council

The Ottawa Declaration affirms that the Arctic Council’s mandate excludes military security.

This is part of the reason why the Danish commission on security policy believes that there is a need for a new security council for the High North.

High North News has presented other aspects of the report in the article: Forskning, forsvar, fond og diplomati; Danmarks arktiske strategi. (Norwegian only)