The Scandinavian union of defense is the fallen through attempt at an agreement of defense between the Sweden, the Norway and the Denmark, following the Second world war. Denmark and Norway having been occupied by the Germany, and Sweden having undergone important economic repercussions , the three countries was all of the opinion that a union of defense would be from now on moreover high importance to avoid a repetition of the undergone catastrophes.

The position of Finland

The Finland, which had known and just lost its second war against the Soviet Union (war known as of continuation), entered a situation of dependence with respect to its powerful neighbor, with the detriment of his relations with the Scandinavian countries. For this reason, the country could not be associated with any military cooperative project.

The failure of the project

Norway and Denmark join NATO

The Scandinavian union of defense provided that the three countries signatories would preserve their sovereignty, but that they would speak with one voice as regards foreign affairs and of safety.

The project of union was discussed within a committee united during the Hiver 1948 - 1949, but the increasing tensions resulting from the Cold war and the decision of the the United States of America to create NATO involved its abandonment: when it became obvious that future Western alliance would not be able to provide to the Scandinavia an adequate armament before meeting its own needs, the Norway withdrew project of union of Scandinavian defense and joined NATO.

The Denmark then proposed a bilateral alliance with the Sweden, but the latter saw few advantages there, and the proposal was abandoned in its turn. Denmark, following Norway, thus invited itself to NATO.

Sweden chooses neutrality

The Sweden, on the other hand, chooses not to join NATO and to join again with its tradition of neutrality, in spite of important debates in the public opinion of the time.

The alternative of the Scandinavian Council

Although less ambitious than the late union of Scandinavian defense, the the Scandinavian Council, instituted in 1952, gained until today important successes in the field of the Scandinavian co-operation.

See too

• the Scandinavian Council

• International relations of Denmark
• International relations of Finland
• International relations of Norway
• International relations of Sweden