Finland and Sweden to set up joint EU rapid action military force

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Finland and Sweden have agreed to set up a joint rapid action force for use in crisis management operations of the European Union.
      The Swedish government has said that its proposal for the reform of its defence forces will include a mention of the intention to set up a joint force with Finland. The proposal may come before the Swedish Parliament on Friday.
      The Finnish government is to decide on the issue later in the autumn. Politicians have seen Sweden as the most natural partner for Finland.
     
Finland is also seeking to join another EU combat unit being set up by two NATO countries - Germany and The Netherlands. It would contain only a few dozen Finnish soldiers - possibly a unit specialised in biological or chemical weapons.
      The Finnish-Swedish joint force would contain about 1,000 Swedish soldiers and 200 Finns. Most of the Finnish soldiers would probably be military professionals trained in special operations.
      As the EU has agreed that such forces should contain 1,500 soldiers, a third party would be needed. Poland has indicated interest, but Sweden has not warmed to the idea. Finland would like Germany or Britain to be involved.
      There has been some disagreement in Finland between politicians and the military establishment on whom to join forces with. Soldiers would prefer working with NATO countries, while the politicians, including Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen (Centre), see Sweden as the best partner for Finland.
     
Originally Sweden had suggested that it might set up the whole unit of 1,500 soldiers on its own, dropping Finland out of the picture completely.
      However, the suspicions of the Finnish military were allayed when Finland learned that Sweden’s government is committed to cooperation with Finland.
      Finland may ultimately be involved in two or even more combat groups, but these groups would not be abroad at the same time. Parliament and the government are expected to set a limit to the number of Finnish rapid deployment troops who can be involved in an operation at the same time.
     
The EU defence ministers are to announce during their so-called resource meeting on November 22 how much each EU country will contribute to the combat units, and what countries will set up units together.
      The issue is to be discussed at an unofficial defence ministers’ meeting which began on Thursday evening in The Netherlands. Finnish Defence Minister Seppo Kääriäinen (Centre) is attending the gathering.


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Finland and Sweden to increase military cooperation (9.6.2004)
  Finland could be invited to NATO military exercises in coming years (28.5.2004)
  Finnish special forces could be used in NATO operations (7.4.2004)

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