Øyvind Halleraker, first vice chair of the Norwegian Storting’s Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence, took part in a meeting of foreign affairs committee leaders from the eight Nordic and Baltic countries at the Riksdag in Stockholm on Tuesday, 13 October. The committee leaders also met with Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström.

Russia and Ukraine

“The EU’s restrictive measures towards Russia must be retained as long as the terms of the Minsk agreements have not been fulfilled,” Øyvind Halleraker said after the meeting.

He cited the NATO Parliamentary Assembly’s call, issued at its meeting in Stavanger on 12 October, for the EU to tighten the measures if Russia fails to live up to the Minsk agreements.

“Norway will follow the EU if the measures against Russia are strengthened,” said Halleraker, who received the support of the other meeting participants.

“At the same time,” he added, “it is important for Norway to maintain practical cooperation with Russia in the north.”

Refugee crisis and extremism

Also discussed at the meeting were the refugee crisis in Europe and the Syrian situation, with particular focus given to concerns about Russia’s use of military force.

“There is a risk that Russia’s military operations in Syria could worsen the conflict,” said Halleraker. “The battle against extremism could be weakened, and military support for Assad could make the regime less willing to find a political solution.”

In her introductory remarks, Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström said the EU must stand united in resolving the refugee crisis. She also expressed concern over Russia’s behaviour in Syria. In Sweden’s view, it is important to support Ukraine and maintain the restrictive measures against Russia for as long as the Minsk agreements remain unfulfilled.

Magnus Ranstorp, Research Director at the Swedish Defence University, described EU-related efforts to counteract extremism and recruitment of foreign fighters.

The foreign affairs committee leaders meet twice a year to discuss current foreign policy issues. The next meeting will be held in Estonia.