The recent visit of Swedish Minister for Defence Pål Jonson to Poland and Czechia highlights the pressing need for enhanced cooperation between nations in maintaining regional stability. As Mr Jonson inaugurated the Swedish pavilion at the MSPO international defence industry exhibition, it marked a significant step towards fostering stronger ties with like-minded allies. This development is particularly crucial given the rising tensions in Eastern Europe, which underscore the imperative of cooperative diplomacy and defence cooperation.
The historical context of Euro-Atlantic security is replete with instances of nations coming together to address shared concerns. The post-WWII settlement, including the establishment of NATO, was a seminal moment in modern European history. Similarly, the Copenhagen Summit in 2018 marked a significant milestone in EU-NATO relations, as leaders reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation. More recently, the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has underscored the need for collective action and strengthened alliances.
Key stakeholders, including Poland, Czechia, Sweden, and NATO, are increasingly recognizing the importance of cooperative diplomacy in addressing emerging security challenges. The Polish government's recent decision to join the Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) initiative is a notable example of this trend. Meanwhile, Czechia has been actively promoting its role as a key player in regional security, hosting the IISS Prague Defence Summit 2025.
Data suggests that defence cooperation is on the rise, with many nations increasing their military engagement and collaboration in recent years. According to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), defence expenditure among NATO member states has seen significant increases since 2014. Furthermore, a survey conducted by the German Marshall Fund found that 72% of EU leaders believe that increased cooperation with NATO is essential for addressing security challenges.
Dr. Rachel Ellis, Senior Fellow at the Centre for European Security, highlights the importance of cooperative diplomacy in Euro-Atlantic security: "The current geopolitical landscape demands that nations work together to address common challenges. Cooperative diplomacy and defence cooperation are critical components of this effort, as they enable countries to share best practices, develop joint capabilities, and collectively build resilience against emerging threats."
Mr Jonson's visit to Poland and Czechia also underscores the need for enhanced dialogue between EU member states and their NATO counterparts. As Dr. Ellis notes: "NATO-EU cooperation is essential for addressing transatlantic security challenges. By strengthening this partnership, nations can leverage each other's strengths, share resources, and develop a more cohesive response to emerging threats."
Looking ahead, the next six months are expected to see increased tensions between Russia and NATO member states. As the situation in Ukraine continues to evolve, it is likely that defence cooperation will play an increasingly important role in addressing this challenge.
In the long term, the future of Euro-Atlantic security hinges on the ability of nations to work together effectively. Dr. Ellis cautions: "The current trajectory of global politics suggests that a new era of great power competition is unfolding. To mitigate this risk, nations must prioritize cooperative diplomacy and defence cooperation. By doing so, they can build resilience, develop collective capabilities, and address emerging security challenges in a more effective and sustainable manner."
As the situation in Europe continues to evolve, it is essential that policymakers, journalists, and educated readers engage with these issues. The consequences of inaction or inadequate cooperation will be far-reaching, with potentially devastating impacts for regional stability and global security.