The Stoltenberg report

The document outlines the status of a report on Nordic-Baltic security cooperation, commissioned by the leaders of those eight nations and to be prepared by Jens Stoltenberg. The report is intended to provide policy recommendations for strengthening regional defence and deterrence, with a focus on military cooperation and countering hybrid threats. The unexpected appointment of Stoltenberg as Norway's Finance Minister raises questions about the report's completion, but the document argues that, given its strategic importance and the approaching NATO Summit, the initiative is likely still underway, perhaps with adjustments to Stoltenberg's involvement. The report is set to address critical areas, such as support for Ukraine, integrated air and missile defence, technological innovation, and societal resilience.

# Status of the Stoltenberg Report on Nordic-Baltic Security Cooperation

The recently announced Stoltenberg report on Nordic-Baltic security cooperation appears to remain on track despite Jens Stoltenberg's surprise appointment as Norway's Finance Minister in February 2025. While this situation creates an unusual dynamic for the former NATO Secretary General, current evidence suggests the report preparation continues, though possibly with adjusted arrangements to accommodate his new governmental responsibilities.

## Background on the Nordic-Baltic Security Report Initiative

On January 15, 2025, the Heads of State and Government of the Nordic and Baltic countries (known as NB8) appointed former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg to prepare an independent report with policy recommendations aimed at advancing Nordic-Baltic security and defense cooperation[1][2]. This high-profile initiative represented a significant step forward in regional security integration, particularly following Finland and Sweden's NATO accession.

According to the announcement, Stoltenberg was tasked with analyzing and presenting recommendations on how to enhance regional cooperation to strengthen deterrence and defense capabilities[4]. The report was designed to primarily focus on military defense, while also addressing measures to counter Russian sabotage and other hybrid threats[1]. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized the opportunity created by having all Nordic and Baltic countries integrated into NATO for the first time in history[4].

The Swedish government's press release detailed specific thematic areas the report would explore, including: "Unified efforts in support of Ukraine, enablement of allied operations and regional posture within the framework of NATO defense planning processes, support to partners and international security operations, air warfare including integrated air and missile defense, the defense industry and technological innovation, countering hybrid threats and operations such as cyber and critical underwater infrastructure, and finally, societal resilience, security of supply, infrastructure and military mobility"[8].

When announced, the report was scheduled to be presented ahead of the NATO Summit in The Hague in June 2025[1][4][8].

## Stoltenberg's Appointment as Finance Minister

The situation became more complex when, on February 4, 2025, Stoltenberg was appointed as Norway's Finance Minister in a cabinet reshuffle following the collapse of Norway's governing coalition[5][6][7]. This appointment came as a significant surprise to many observers, as Stoltenberg had been expected to take on other international roles after stepping down as NATO Secretary General in October 2024[12].

The appointment occurred after the eurosceptic Center Party withdrew from Norway's governing coalition over a dispute about EU energy policy[5][7]. Stoltenberg's appointment was seen as strategic, particularly given his experience dealing with former U.S. President Donald Trump during his NATO tenure—a valuable skill as Norway positions itself for potential global trade conflicts[5][9].

## Impact on Stoltenberg's International Commitments

Stoltenberg's appointment as Finance Minister has clearly affected some of his planned international activities. Most notably, he was scheduled to become the chairman of the Munich Security Conference (MSC), a position he has temporarily relinquished due to his new governmental responsibilities[5][13].

The Munich Security Conference announced that Stoltenberg "will return to his pro-bono position at the helm of the MSC once he leaves public service"[13]. Stoltenberg himself confirmed this arrangement, stating: "I will return to the Munich Security Conference and my other responsibilities when my time as Finance Minister is over"[5][13].

This precedent with the Munich Security Conference suggests a similar arrangement might be in place for the Nordic-Baltic security report, though no official statements specifically addressing the report's status have been released following Stoltenberg's ministerial appointment.

## Current Status of the Nordic-Baltic Report

While the search results do not provide explicit statements about the status of the Nordic-Baltic security report after Stoltenberg's appointment as Finance Minister, several factors suggest the report initiative likely continues:

1. The report holds significant strategic importance for all eight Nordic and Baltic countries, having been commissioned by their Heads of State and Government[1][4][10].

2. Its scheduled presentation at the NATO Summit in June 2025—which is still only about three months away from the current date—gives it timebound relevance in the international security calendar[1][8].

3. Stoltenberg specifically mentioned returning to his "other responsibilities" beyond the Munich Security Conference position when his tenure as Finance Minister concludes[13], which could reasonably include the Nordic-Baltic report.

4. Unlike the Munich Security Conference chairmanship, which requires regular public appearances and event management, the report preparation is primarily an analytical and writing task that could potentially continue alongside governmental duties.

5. Historical precedent from the original 2009 Stoltenberg Report on Nordic cooperation (authored by Thorvald Stoltenberg, Jens' father) demonstrates the long-lasting impact and reference value such reports can have on regional security dialogue[14], making it unlikely the Nordic-Baltic countries would abandon this initiative.

## Conclusion

Though there is no definitive public statement addressing the specific status of the Nordic-Baltic security report following Stoltenberg's appointment as Finance Minister, the evidence suggests the initiative likely continues, possibly with adjusted arrangements. Given the report's strategic importance to regional security and its scheduled presentation at the NATO Summit in June 2025, complete abandonment seems unlikely.

The Nordic and Baltic countries have demonstrated significant commitment to advancing their security cooperation, particularly in the current geopolitical context. Whether Stoltenberg completes the report alongside his ministerial duties, delegates certain aspects of the work, or makes other arrangements, the strategic imperatives driving the report's commissioning remain unchanged. As the situation evolves, more explicit announcements regarding the report's status may emerge closer to the NATO Summit in June 2025.

Sources
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