The Sun Is Returning to Longyearbyen. In Donald Trump’s Head, the Lights Are off for Good. Comment (Longyearbyen): I am in Longyearbyen, wondering how I got here, and not purely geographically. I lived in Svalbard for many years, and at least half of my heart has been deposited at 78 degrees North. I am wondering because of the questions that have brought me here now.
We’re at the Point Where European Leaders Want to Use Military Muscles to Deter the US Comment: Greenland's member of the Danish Parliament, Aaja Chemnitz, calls for a European and Nordic military exercise in Greenland as a response to Donald Trump's threats. Diplomatic language is no longer deterring. Our closest ally must be deterred with military power.
Who to Trust? Danish or Norwegian Intelligence? Comment: We are about to close on a turbulent year, to put it mildly. It might have been the most turbulent any of us can remember. So let us hope that next year offers something different, such as the Arctic remaining a region without armed conflict.
Why November 2028 is Crucial for Europe's Security Comment: When will Russia once again be able to attack another European country? For Northern Europe and a number of Baltic states, that will hopefully not be possible until November 7th, 2028. The so-called peace agreement for Ukraine showcases the gravity of the situation.
More Worried About Putin Than the Security of Norwegian Citizens? Really? Comment: Altinget's reporter has visited Finnmark. The experience apparently made an impression. After the usual meteorological observations, as every capital-bound journalist must present after a visit to the North for some reason, she introduces claims that are completely removed from our reality in the North.
Locked Up in Washington, Murkowski Gave an Almost Absurd Insight Into American Madness Reykjavik (Comment): A deeply affected US Senator, Lisa Murkowski, spoke via videolink to 2,000 participants at the international Arctic Circle conference here in Reykjavik yesterday. She was supposed to be on stage, but instead showcased an involuntary digital demonstration of the madness of US politics.
The Norwegian State Budget: Almost Every Coin Spent in the North is Due to Russia Comment: Those who are still unsure of what governs the High North policy should take a look at the Norwegian state budget for 2026. Three ministries clearly state that this is about defense and security policy. To whatever degree the North is strengthened, it is purely due to the threat from Russia.
A Perfect Storm: When Healthcare and Defense Competes for the Same Youths Comment (Porsangmoen og Sodankyle): A perfect storm is brewing in the North. Soon, two of our most important public agencies will fight for the same workforce. Without drastic measures, one of them, perhaps both, will be left as losers.
When Generals Move Gas Cans Away From a Flaming Fire Comment (Oslo): "We cannot protect ourselves against everything," said the Norwegian Chief of Defense, Eirik Kristoffersen, providing a room full of international academics with Arctic expertise a crash course in democracy. "You can give me more power. But I don't want it."
Norway’s High North Strategy: The Same Slogans, but an Entirely Different and Dramatic Situation Comment from Kirkenes, Northern Norway: The Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide was state secretary in the Ministry of Defense when the Labor Party launched its first Arctic policy. Now, 20 years later, the problems remain the same, but the security policy situation is completely different.
The Spectacular Arctic: On Church Walks and Football Kiruna: This week, I have wandered and biked around Kiruna, a Swedish mining city, home to 22.4000 inhabitants. The city is moving and even the old, beautiful church has been on a drive. Back in Norway, I've seen an Arctic football club, Bodø Glimt, take its first step into European top football.
The Arctic Council: On the Brink of Collapse or Still a Hope for Cooperation? Comment: The US threatens to take over Greenland and Canada with military power if necessary. The Nordic countries, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, fear a military attack from Russia. On Monday, they "meet" in Tromsø.
The Flight to America Did Not Turn Out as Planned Comment: They fled Norwegian tax policies and a lack of predictability in the industrial policy. Those who left for the US got the worst of it. It turns out the grass wasn't greener on the other side of the Atlantic.
They Make a Living Giving Saving Tips to People Who Barely Have a Dollar to Spare Comment: In the middle of the Donald Trump-created chaos, even privileged problems get their time in the spotlight. The news columns are filled with financial advisors giving investment tips to people without a dollar to spare. An American madness threatens the finance world but simultaneously shadows the nearly immeasurable problems that are not listed on the stock exchange.
Amid War and Tariffs, the Biggest Crises Are Forgotten Comment: Lately, everything revolves around war with weapons and tariffs. Yet, there are greater threats than that lurking under the surface. There just isn't any place for them in the news.
While the US Is Crumbling, I Seek Refuge in an Art Museum Comment: The news stories are coming in at a relentless pace. I am seeking refuge in the latest addition to the northern art scene. The Northern Norwegian Art Museum is now in place in Bodø, northern Norway, inviting us to understand both our past and our future.
Canned Food Is of No Help if Soldiers Must Use a Rail Replacement Bus Service Comment: Both Danish and Swedish intelligence urges the Nordics to prepare for war, while Norway is a bit more reserved. At the same time, Donald Trump is making it clear that the US does not feel obligated to support other NATO countries in a war. How well prepared are we really?
They Scratch Their Heads, Wondering What’s Going On in Miniscule Norway – And Rightfully So Comment: There are various ways to approach war in Europe and a newly elected protectionist US president with dictatorial ambitions. One method is to steer toward a governmental crisis and self-determination. It's no wonder European democracies scratch their heads, wondering what is happening in minuscule Norway, a country dependent on international cooperation.
The Only Safe Bet Is That Trump Will Destroy Any Possibility of an Independent Greenland Comment: It is correct that Denmark has practiced a brutal policy toward the indigenous people of Greenland. And that the island is rich in resources. But that is not why Donald Trump threatens to take over Greenland with force—quite the contrary.
I Was Going to Write About Hope, but the Danes Threw a Spanner in My Keyboard Comment: I was going to write something peaceful heading into a new Arctic year. Some hopeful observations despite the brutality that surrounds us. But then the Danish Security and Intelligence Service fired some early New Year fireworks into my keyboard.
We Were Going to Save the Ocean and Free Ourselves From China, but Instead Ended Up in a Timeout Comment: Norway's proposal to open up for deep-sea mining was never even close to being realized. Now, Norway may instead have been a door opener for a major Chinese attack on the same minerals. That does not serve the ocean nation of Norway well.
I Am on the Border Between Norway and Russia – Searching for Hope Comment (Skogfoss, Eastern Finnmark): This winter, I have once again traveled through border areas in international media's absolute margins. I am currently on the literal border with Russia. One step further would be one step too far. The border is here.
I Am on the Border Between Norway and Russia – Searching for Hope Comment (Skogfoss, Eastern Finnmark): This winter, I have once again traveled through border areas in international media's absolute margins. I am currently on the literal border with Russia. One step further would be one step too far. The border is here.
Longyearbyen, Svalbard, From Democracy to Aristocracy of Officials? Comment, Longyearbyen: I borrow some life experience from a friend living a varied life in Longyearbyen. "There have been some downs," he said, adding, "But there sure have been some uphills as well." Surveys show that the local population is happy in the town, while the business sector struggles in a near-endless bureaucratic anthill.
The Problem Is Not What Donald Trump Says He’ll Do, but That We Don’t Know What He’ll Do Kilpisjärvi (Comment): The problem is not what Donald Trump says he'll do. The problem is that no one knows what he's going to do. That will affect the Arctic not just for the four following years but perhaps forever.
The Problem Is Not What Donald Trump Says He’ll Do, but That We Don’t Know What He’ll Do Kilpisjärvi (Comment): The problem is not what Donald Trump says he'll do. The problem is that no one knows what he's going to do. That will affect the Arctic not just for the four following years but perhaps forever.
The Problem Is Not What Donald Trump Says He’ll Do, but That We Don’t Know What He’ll Do Kilpisjärvi (Comment): The problem is not what Donald Trump says he'll do. The problem is that no one knows what he's going to do. That will affect the Arctic not just for the four following years but perhaps forever.
Forget About Switzerland. Finnmark Can Become the Next Tax Haven. Comment (Alta, Northern Norway): In a few months, we will have the answer to how much it will cost to stop the flight of people from Finnmark, Northern Norway. A cross-political majority will make sure of that. The Chair of the County Government, Hans-Jacob Bønå (Conservatives, is spearheading an examination of a new tax model for parts of the Arctic and the High North.
Comment: Arctic Cruise tourism and Polar bear encounters Frigg Jørgensen, executive director of AECO (Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators), comment on the recent and very unfortunate incident in Svalbard where a polar bear was killed in self-defense after attacking a man from a cruise vessel.
