FA-LOI is one of the most important defence-oriented collaborative bodies in Europe, with members from the most significant countries in the area: Sweden, France, Italy, Spain, Great Britain and Germany. The aim is to coordinate military demands and research, as well as to facilitate the restructuring of the defence industry.

Jan-Olof Lind remains chairman of the defence-research directors in the European Defence Agency (EDA). This assignment was commissioned by Javier Solana, Secretary-General of EU Council of Ministers and spokesman for EU Foreign and Security Affairs.

“Sweden – and FOI – is highly trusted in EDA and the rest of Europe. Trust is built on the high level of competence that Sweden in general and FOI in particular have shown in all the collaborative projects in which we participate,” says Jan-Olof Lind.

Lars Stenholm, secretary of the governing body for international cooperation at FOI, agrees.

“Yes, FOI is reputed to be an authority that promotes and is constructive and Jan-Olof is personally well-known and respected in defence circles,” he says.
GRD has now formulated, together with the other nations, a programme for Sweden’s chairmanship. This involves, in brief, close cooperation with EDA, which in turn has offered to be in close consultation with the GRD.