PRESS

arrangements typically involve nations in geographical
proximity. The following subsections detail some
of these arrangements.
Nordic Defence Cooperation.
Established in 2009, the Nordic Defence Cooperation
(NORDEFCO) framework has reinforced an already-existing
history of cooperation among the Nordic
countries of Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden,
and Iceland. Defense cooperation has focused on joint
training, exercises, and capability development.
Indeed, NORDEFCO holds promise to be the most
advanced regional grouping in the years ahead. At a
December 2013 meeting, NORDEFCO nations agreed
on a future plan of action, outlined in the Nordic Defence
Cooperation 2020. 8 The plan calls for air surveillance
patrols (by Sweden, Finland, and NATO members,
Norway and Denmark) over Iceland.
NORDEFCO also announced its Cooperation Air
Transportation initiative for using air transport assets
and, possibly, in the future, pooled efforts in the areas
of maintenance, spare parts, and procurement. Nordic
countries will also, according to the December 2013
plan, focus on developing joint rapid deployment
capabilities, including Arctic missions, along with developing
new rules and processes for enhancing prospects
for joint procurements.
The Visegrad Group.
The Visegrad Group (VG), established in 1991,
consists of the Central European nations of Poland,
Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. The VG
was formed to increase cooperation among the four
countries in a range of policy areas, including defense.
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