Sweden, France Sign Letter of Intent on Defense Cooperation

The ministers of defense of France and Sweden signed a letter of intent on defense cooperation aiming to strengthen stability in Northern Europe.

The Franco-Swedish cooperation reaffirms their commitment to the Mutual Assistance Clause - Article 42.7 of the Treaty on European Union and is expected to promote stability in the Baltic Sea region. The letter also reaffirms their will to promote international law, to defend the European security order as well as a robust and balanced transatlantic relationship.

The two parties are eager to develop new axes of bilateral cooperation, complement existing efforts and take advantage of current structures to tackle strategic dialogue on security and defense issues, Intelligence sharing, boost research and development, extend cooperation in the field of defense capability development. The countries are also looking to strengthen interoperability between armed forces and enhance the capacity to conduct joint operations. The signatories also are looking at new avenues for cooperation in the fight against hybrid threats and “gray area” activities in coordination with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the European Union.

Sweden and France have planned to achieve these targets through increased practical cooperation between the armed forces and respective defense agencies and participating in joint training exercises. The Signatories are also eager to work together on multinational operations and sharing of strategic information.

The letter of intent, signed in English and French is not legally binding under international law.