Policy paper

In the context of deepening geopolitical instability following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, this policy paper explores the strategic convergence between the Nordic countries—Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland – and Eastern European states such as Romania, Ukraine, and the Republic of Moldova. As NATO’s northern and eastern flanks face increasing security risks, fostering multidimensional cooperation between these regions becomes not only timely but essential.

This paper argues that closer Nordic-Black Sea collaboration offers an opportunity to build a more resilient, secure, and sustainable European region, capable of facing both traditional and hybrid threats. It presents concrete policy directions for joint action in the fields of defence, innovation, cybersecurity, health, energy, economy, and climate diplomacy.

This paper makes the case for a forward-looking regional vision that links Nordic stability with Black Sea resilience, highlighting Romania’s potential as a strategic gateway for deeper integration, economic opportunity, and security cooperation. The proposed framework reinforces the idea that collective action across Europe’s north-south axis is vital for shaping a united, democratic, and green Europe.

Author: dott.ric. Cătălin-Gabriel Done, Vice President of ESGA Romania, Expert in Nordic Security and Cooperation, e-mail: catalin-gabriel.done@esga.ro