The confirmation of Sweden’s NATO membership has been received mostly with relief in the border region of northern Sweden. It is hoped that it will also bring, for example, infrastructure construction to the north.
In northern Sweden, NATO membership is believed to increase the importance of the northern regions and increase cooperation between the Nordic countries.
The wait has seemed particularly long, because in the beginning we had to join NATO hand in hand with Finland.
As in the rest of the Kingdom, in Tornionlaakso too, the Swedes could feel a little miserable, when the journey to the defense alliance was so much easier for the Finns.
In the border town of Haparanna, an elderly man refuses to be interviewed, but nevertheless gives a thumbs up when we tell our story.
– Nato är bra! And a big smile on top.
Served for twenty years in the home security forces of the Swedish Defense Forces Henry Olline is satisfied that the goal was finally reached in the quest for membership. Membership also brings changes to the activities of his group.
– As recently as last year, we were on guard in the big Aurora war exercise in Kiruna, when American and Norwegian troops came to train in Sweden. We will have more tasks in helping the forces of other NATO countries.
In the same group as Finland
Perhaps the nature of the home security forces will also change a little. In the future, there will be more on the agenda than flood prevention works and forest fires. National defense needs and obligations get more space.
The visibility of the Swedish Defense Forces and the attention it receives in society as a whole has grown drastically recently. According to Henry Ollisen, the country still has a huge job ahead of it in strengthening the defense.
– It’s no secret, we have a shortage of conscripts and basic supplies and equipment. The defense forces managed to be driven down so much that rebuilding is laborious. Now you have to grow up fast.
Ollinen reflects that the importance of NATO membership and thus being in the same group, especially with Finland, is particularly important for the people of the north.
– There has always been a high will to defend the country here. Finland is close and so is the common enemy.
Northern infra is important to everyone
Haaparanta municipal councilor Nina Waara believes that the attention Northern Sweden receives in the NATO discussion will also bring prosperity to the region.
– Hopefully we will get good roads and jobs, and the importance of the area will finally be understood.
In Norrbotten, which has always had its own regional political struggle, it is expected that when, for example, military mobility in the Arctic training areas increases, support and crowns will begin to be found for the construction and renewal of infrastructure in Stockholm as well.
Nina Waara especially advocates for improving the train connection between Sweden and Finland.
– Sweden is also Finland’s only land connection and transit route to Europe. This is what we strongly emphasize now.