Danish, US and Canadian fighter jets train over Greenland

Canada hopes to reach an agreement with the EU by June of next year that could grant the country the status of the EU’s first associate member. The goal is to reduce dependence on the United States, reports The National Defense Magazine - Norway.

This was stated by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on Friday, following a summit with EU leaders in Montreal.

Canada and the EU aim to strengthen cooperation in economic and security matters at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened traditional allies with increased tariffs.

“What unites us goes far beyond geography. We see the world through the same eyes,” said European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Carney believes that closer cooperation will better equip Canada and Europe to withstand economic pressure and make their own decisions, without being dictated to by more powerful nations.

The parties have launched a new partnership called the “Alliance for the Future,” which will encompass areas including trade, defense, energy, and technology.

The attorney general of Canada and the Yukon government are asking the territory’s Supreme Court to dismiss a lawsuit brought by the First Nation of Na-Cho Nyäk Dun (FNNND), according to CBC.

The First Nation filed the lawsuit in December 2025, accusing the governments of breaching their treaty obligations and allowing unsustainable mining on its traditional territory.

The lawsuit cites, among other things, the catastrophic incident at the Eagle Gold mine in 2024. FNNND argues that the governments have failed to monitor and protect fish and waterways from the impact of mining.

It is seeking, among other remedies, 150 million canadian dollars in punitive damages from Yukon.

Both governments deny the allegations and maintain that they have fulfilled their legal obligations. Yukon also argues that the First Nation itself has contributed to delays in revising mining legislation and developing land-use plans.

The trial is scheduled for January.

This week, Nordic ministers and parliamentarians are gathered for the Nordic Council session in Helsinki, Finland.

Following a foreign policy debate in plenary on Wednesday, Denmark will host a foreign ministers' meeting on the Arctic and the broader security policy context. Greenland and the Faroe Islands will also participate in the meeting.

"Russia continues its brutal war against Ukraine, which is also a direct threat to European and Nordic security. The Nordic countries stand unwaveringly together in support of Ukraine, and we will continue to send an unequivocal signal of support to Ukraine and increase pressure on Russia. At the same time, we will talk openly about the Arctic, where the security situation requires close Nordic cooperation," says Danish Minister of Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen (M).

Greenland’s government is open to returning to UTC-3 and abolishing daylight saving time. Greenland’s largest business organisation, Sulisitsisut, has warned against proposed change, according to Greenland’s public proadcaster KNR.

Greenland moved its clock forward by one hour in 2023, shifting from UTC-3 to UTTC-2. Since then, the question of whether to reverse the change has repeatedly been raised in Greenland’s parliament, Inatsisartut.

Under UTC-3, the time difference with Europa would be up to five hours during summer. Sulisitsisut fears that this could reduse connections to European destinations, increase costs for businesses and, in the worst case, cost jobs.

The organisation is therefore urging Inatsisartut to postpone any changes until at least 2028.

Britain’s largest warship, the aircraft carrier Prince of Wales, is being deployed again to the High North, the British Royal Navy has announced.

On board the ship are F-35 fighter jets, Merlin helicopters of the Mk2 and Mk4 types, as well as Wildcat helicopters and Malloy drones.

HMS Prince of Wales is accompanied by the British destroyer HMS Dauntless and the Norwegian frigate HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen.

The carrier group will participate in NATO's vigilance activity Arctic Sentry and Neptune Strike exercise series. It will also conduct phase two of the British Operation Firecrest, focusing on maintaining operational readiness and strengthening interoperability.

“The deployment of the HMS Prince of Wales and her air wing to the High North and the North Atlantic, operating under NATO leadership, is a clear demonstration of the UK’s commitment to the Alliance and contribution to the enduring security and stability of the North Atlantic,” says Louise Sandher-Jones, British Minister for the Armed Forces.

The political parties in the Greenlandic parliament Inatsisartut support the security agreement that Greenland, Denmark and the United States entered into in September. At the same time, several of them demand better follow-up and control over compliance with the agreement, writes Sermitsiaq.

Among other things, the agreement allows the US to establish additional defense areas in Greenland and grants American forces the right of free access of Greenlandic territory, but with respect for Greenlandic society and way of life. It also states that no state other than NATO members can establish a military presence in Greenland, unless otherwise agreed by the parties.

Inuit Ataqatigiit (IA) is calling for clear plans for how the agreement will be implemented and how local communities will be protected. The Greenlandic government must inform parliament about the implementation of the agreement at least once a year, the party demands.

Siumut, for its part, is calling for a follow-up group to ensure compliance with the agreement, as well as payment to Greenland for American use of land as well as cleanup at former military facilities.

The US Navy commissioned its newest destroyer, the USS Ted Stevens, into active service during a formal ceremony in Whittier, Alaska, on October 3.

That is reported by U.S. Surface Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, and the US Department of War.

The ship and its commissioning location honor the legacy of the late Sen. Ted Stevens, a decorated combat aviator and lifelong champion for the state of Alaska and the nation's armed forces, the press release states.

Selecting the strategic deep-water port of Whittier highlights Alaska's enduring maritime significance and the historic partnership between the state and the Navy.

"From the Pacific campaigns of World War II to modern Arctic maritime operations, the Navy and Alaska share a deep commitment to homeland defense. The commissioning in Whittier emphasizes the Navy's persistent operational presence in high-latitude environments to deter northern flank aggression and safeguard critical maritime routes," it further reads.

Following post-commissioning operations, the USS Ted Stevens will transit to its permanent home port in Norfolk, Virginia, fully prepared to deploy worldwide.

Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. (NTI) has appointed Navarana Beveridge as its new chief executive officer, Nunatsiaq reports.

The organisation represents Inuit in the Canadian territory of Nunavut and works to ensure that the rights and benefits outlined in the Nunavut Agreement are upheld.

Beverdige will take up the position on October 13, succeeding Kilikvak Kabloona, who left the role in June this year.

Beveridge was born and raised in Greenland and has worked for 17 years at the Qikiqtani Inuit Association, most recently as senior director of strategic planning.

In 2021, she was appointed honorary consul in Nunavut by the Kingdom of Denmark.

The shrimp stock and quotas for shrimp fishing have fallen significantly in the waters around Greenland, reports Greenland's broadcasting company KNR.

At Royal Greenland's factory in Sisimiut, the number of shrimp has dropped so sharply that the workforce has been reduced by nearly 50 people.

Last year, the company had 137 employees, today, that figure has fallen to between 90 and 95.

In March, factory manager Hans Lars Olsen said that operations had gone from 17 hours a day, six days a week, to 12 hours a day, four days a week.

Working hours have now been forther reduced to 10 hours a day.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) will travel to Iceland on October 5. There, Rubio is set to meet with Icelandic politicians in Reykjavík to discuss cooperation on the economy and security.

The Secretary will then travel to Greece to lead the US delegation at the sixth US-Greece Strategic Dialogue, aiming to strengthen the partnership on key administration priorities, including defense cooperation as well as regional and energy security.

Afterwards, Rubio will travel to Lisbon to meet with Portuguese representatives and promote cooperation in the fields of defense, the economy, and technology.

The Norwegian Police Security Service (PST) has registered growing interest from state threat actors in Norway's coastal and maritime areas.

"We are seeing very significant interest in the Arctic and the High North from a number of countries. This mainly concerns Russia, but also China," Jon Fitje Hoffmann, director at PST, tild the norwegian broadcaster NRK.

According to Hoffmann, Russia is seeking to map Norwegian ports, communications cables, ans the thousands of kilometres of oil and gas pipelines on the seabed.

He said this could be part of general intelligence gathering, but could also serve as preparation for potential acts of sabotage.

PST is now urging the public to report unusual activity, including incidents that fall outside the normal pattern and people or vessels behaving suspiciously.

PST also advises individuals and businesses to be alert to unexplained friend requests on social media.

The parliamentary election of the Champagne and Aishihik First Nation (CAFN) was scheduled to take place on october 22 in Yukon.

CBC Canada now reports that the election has been postponed.

According to the broadcaster, the postponement is due to the mass resignation of members of the elction board. It is unclear why the board members are stepping down, or how long it will take to appoint a new board.

Yukon First Nation consist of a total of 14 Indigenous communities with roots stretching back 12,000 years in Canada's Yukon territory.

CAFN is a self-governing Indigenous community with more than 1,200 residents in the region.

The incumbent chief, Barbara Joe, is running for re-election, alongside Shadelle Chambers, executive director of family preservation Service.

Voters will also elect six council members.

Canada has signed a non-binding agreement with the Swedish defence and technology company Saab to purchase six GlobalEye surveillance aircraft, reports Forsvarets forum.

The aircraft will be built in Canada ans used mainly for surveillance in the Arctic. The agreement also includes the purchase of GlobalEye systems and training.

Canada had been in talks with several U.S. companies about similar agreements, but ultimately chose Saab as its supplier.

Norway and Canada are set to draft an agreement on closer defense cooperation and to train and operate more closely together in the Arctic.

Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney agreed on this during a meeting in Ottawa on Sunday, NTB reports.

"Canada is a close partner for Norway and an important NATO ally. We share many fundamental values and have common interests in the Arctic. In turbulent times, Norway needs a broader foundation to stand on. We are now further strengthening our cooperation with Canada," Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre says in a press release.

Earlier this year, Norway and Canada established a strategic partnership covering areas such as Arctic security, support for Ukraine, energy, critical minerals, space, artificial intelligence, and climate.

In July, Canada joined the submarine cooperation initiative between Norway and Germany. The three countries are set to acquire identical submarines.

"This will strengthen our—and NATO’s—ability to monitor maritime areas in the north. It is crucial for our shared security," says Støre.

Norway and Canada also intend to increase cooperation between their respective defense industries. In a joint statement, the prime ministers affirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine.

Furthermore, the Norwegian and Canadian polar institutes will collaborate more closely on Arctic research.

Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney will welcome the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre, to Ottawa, Ontario from September 20 to 21.

During the visit, the leaders will discuss opportunities to deepen the Canada-Norway partnership across key sectors, such as energy, critical minerals, and sovereign technology – including artificial intelligence and aerospace, a press release states.

“Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Støre will also advance Canada and Norway’s defence and security partnership. As Arctic nations and NATO Allies, they will discuss efforts to strengthen security and resilience in the Arctic and North Atlantic, modernise our defence capabilities, and bolster secure and resilient defence supply chains that support our collective security," states the press release.

“Canada and Norway are strong partners with growing ties in energy, defence, and technology. I look forward to hosting Prime Minister Støre as we deepen our economic relationship, strengthen the NATO Alliance, and create new opportunities for Canadian and Norwegian workers and businesses,” says Prime Minister Carney.

Chief of Defence Command Finland, Lieutenant General Vesa Virtanen visited Boden, Sweden earlier this September.

The topic of the visit was Finnish-Swedish defence cooperation (FISE), particularly from the perspective of Forward Land Forces Finland (FLF Finland).

As HNN has reported, NATO's Forward Land Force Finland (FLF Finland) was officially established during a ceremony in Boden in June 2026.

The core of NATO Forward Land Forces Finland (FLF) is a battle group in the Norrbotten Brigade, in Boden, Northern Sweden. It will be able to move rapidly to Finnish Lapland to conduct operations under a multinational staff element in Rovaniemi.

The Chief of Defence Command Finland inspected the battlegroup and met with its commander.

“The unit specialises in Arctic conditions, which is important not only to Finland but to the entire Alliance’s deterrence and defence. I was impressed, seeing the trained and motivated unit in action”, Lieutenant General Virtanen said.

“Our cooperation with Sweden has advanced steadily, which we can now see as concrete steps in operational planning and activities. I want to thank the Swedes for their commitment. Finland and Sweden are working side-by-side and we are stronger together”, he concluded.

During the visit Lieutenant General Virtanen and his hosts also had broader conversations on developing bilateral cooperation and cooperation in the High North. The conversations also included cooperation on the monitoring and safeguarding of territorial integrity, which Finland announced late August.

French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noël Barrot visits Bodø, Northern Norway 14–15 September for talks with Norway's Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide regarding European security, the High North, and the strategic partnership between Norway and France.

The visit takes place at a time when European security is high on the agenda, and as Norway and France cooperate increasingly closely on defense and security policy issues, the Arctic, and the High North.

During the visit, the ministers will receive briefings at the Norwegian Joint Headquarters (NJHQ) and discuss developments in the European security situation. The EU’s Arctic strategy is also on the agenda.

The foreign ministers will meet for a working dinner in Bodø on the evening of 14 September, before the program continues at the Norwegian Joint Headquarters the following morning.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has signed an agreement to boost internet connectivity in remote areas of northern and eastern Greenland, according to DR.

The signing took place alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and the head of Greenland's government, Jens-Frederik Nielsen.

The project will rely on satellite-based internet, with the EU contributing approximately 9.1 million euros over five years and Denmark co-financing with 15 million DKK.

The initiative is expected to increase internet speeds from 6 to 15 megabits per second for residents in these regions, making standard streaming possible. Beyond faster internet, the expansion will enhance security by providing a backup line should the existing coastal radio network fail.

The agreement forms part of a broader EU investment package in Greenland valued at up to 200 million euros in total.

On Tuesday, the Canadian government announced that it will invest 405 million Canadian dollars in the Mackenzie Valley Highway project in the Northwest Territories.

The investment is being made through an Arctic Infrastructure Fund, and represents an important step toward establishing a continuous all-season transportation connection between the village of Wrigley and the city of Norman Wells.

“Safe and dependable transportation infrastructure is essential to strong, connected communities across Canada’s North and Arctic. This investment will help build more dependable connections, strengthen supply chains, create economic opportunities and improve access to essential services," says Steven MacKinnon, Canadian Minister of Transport, continuing:

"Through the Arctic Infrastructure Fund, we are investing in infrastructure that responds to the needs of northern and Indigenous communities while strengthening Canada’s resilience, security and sovereignty in the Arctic.”