It is important to develop the EU’s defence cooperation in concert with NATO, which also serves Finland’s interests. Finland fully participates in the development of the CSDP in crisis management as well. Progressively more emphasis is placed on conflict prevention and preemptive action. The coherence of the EU’s external policies is improved by, among other things, taking into account the connection of the CFSP to the requirements for sustainable development and the implementation of the 2030 Agenda. The internal and external action of the EU must better complement each other. Finland promotes the realisation of the EU’s climate and Energy Union targets. 5.2 Deepening cooperation with Sweden and the other Nordic countries Sweden enjoys a special status in Finland’s bilateral cooperation. The cooperation builds on a long historical bond, shared values, multidimensional contemporary ties and the widely integrated economies. Foreign and security policy cooperation with Sweden is wide-ranging and it is promoted on the basis of shared interests without any limitations. Nonetheless, the bilateral cooperation does not replace or exclude either party’s other cooperation activities. For the most part Finland and Sweden evaluate their respective security environments from similar points of departure. On this basis, deepening foreign and security policy and defence cooperation with Sweden serves Finland’s interests. Defence cooperation with Sweden aims at strengthening the security of the Baltic Sea region as well as the defence capacities of Finland and Sweden. Joint action also raises the threshold against incidents and attacks. It contributes to more robust security in the region. Defence cooperation will be developed to cover operational planning for all situations. Examples of this may include the defence of territorial integrity or exercising the inherent right of collective selfdefence pursuant to Article 51 of the UN Charter. It is also important to prepare for the joint use of civilian and military resources. Cooperation under the auspices of NORDEFCO (Nordic Defence Cooperation) will be intensified. In 2017 Finland will assume the presidency of NORDEFCO and it will advance the further intensification of Nordic cooperation as well as measures promoting regional security. Nordic foreign and security policy cooperation is of key importance to Finland. By acting in unison the Nordic countries can strengthen security in their 21