NATO Should Follow Up Success on the Eastern Flank in the Arctic, says UK Foreign Secretary Bardufoss, Northern Norway (High North News): NATO allies should launch stronger coordination and cooperation as part of an Arctic sentry, inspired by joint efforts for enhanced presence in the Baltic Sea and on the Eastern flank, said UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper to HNN last Thursday.
EU Spent €7.2 Billion On Russian LNG in 2025, Maximizing Imports Before 2027 Ban Europe keeps buying Russian fuel without any noticeable slowdown with less than 12 months remaining before an EU ban on the import of Russian LNG takes effect. Highlighting the ineffectiveness of existing EU half-measures, including the transshipment ban, Belgium more than doubled its imports from Yamal LNG in 2025, simply keeping LNG once the re-export ban took effect.
Danish Intelligence Warns U.S. “Hemispheric Approach” Raises Arctic Security Uncertainty A sharper U.S. focus on its “immediate region” and the hemispheric approach of Washington’s new National Security Strategy has created doubts in Copenhagen about America’s long-term role in the Arctic. Denmark’sOutlook 2025concludes that this strategic shift could leave the region more exposed amid rising Russian and Chinese military activity.
US Soldiers Deploy for Military Exercises in Europe, Including the High North US troops are headed to Europe for the large-scale US Army Exercise, Defender 25, with follow-on exercises with Allies and partners, including airborne operations in the High North and the Baltics.
US Soldiers Deploy for Military Exercises in Europe, Including the High North US troops are headed to Europe for the large-scale US Army Exercise, Defender 25, with follow-on exercises with Allies and partners, including airborne operations in the High North and the Baltics.
Increase in Satellites Pollutes Our Night Sky and Atmosphere, Says Researcher Bodø (High North News): Space activities are increasing at an exponential pace, also above the Arctic. From about 2,000 satellites in 2015 to 12,000 today, satellites represent significant light pollution of the Arctic and global sky. "If the sky for our children and grandchildren is a sky of satellites, they would be losing the connection with the universe," says Canadian legal scholar Michael Byers to HNN.
Need for a Canadian-European Security Consensus, Says Researcher Trump's comments about acquiring Canada and Greenland reinforce the importance of developing Canadian-European collaboration regarding the Arctic, says research fellow Gabriella Gricius at the North American and Arctic Defense and Security Network.
Joint Viking 2025: 10,000 Soldiers From 9 Nations Exercise Defending Northern Norway This year's largest military exercise in Norway kicked off on Monday. Norwegian forces are now practicing on countering military threats in the North – reinforced by allies from Western Europe and North America. "Even more important in light of today’s uncertain security situation," says Deputy Commander of Norway's Joint Headquarters.
Joint Viking 2025: 10,000 Soldiers From 9 Nations Exercise Defending Northern Norway This year's largest military exercise in Norway kicked off on Monday. Norwegian forces are now practicing on countering military threats in the North – reinforced by allies from Western Europe and North America. "Even more important in light of today’s uncertain security situation," says Deputy Commander of Norway's Joint Headquarters.
After Eighty Years, the United States Surrenders Its Leadership Role in Europe American leadership and the collective defense of Europe have been the hallmark of American and European strategy for the past eighty years. But now, the US is abandoning its leadership role in Europe, writes US Army Veteran and historian Mike Thornton in this op-ed. To fill the leadership vacuum left, the leaders of the Nordic countries and some Europeans are standing tall, he says.
Finland Welcomes New EU Commissioner: Focus On Regions Bordering Russia The European Commission Executive Vice-President, Raffaele Fitto, is visiting Finland this week. "We will discuss the situation in Eastern and Northern Finland and ways to boost vitality," says Petteri Orpo, the Finnish Prime Minister.
Norway and France Forge Closer Defense Ties With an View to the High North Norway and France recently signed a letter of intent on enhanced defense cooperation, emphasizing the significance of situational awareness and presence in the High North. "Protecting the maritime areas in Northern Europe is the key to European security," says the French minister of defense.
Europe's Largest Deposit of Rare Earth Metals Found in Northern Sweden The mining company LKAB has made major discoveries of rare earth elements in the northern Swedish city of Kiruna. The deposit has the potential to become Europe's most important mine for critical raw materials.
How Were the Experts to Know that the Sun Would Shine and the Wind Would Quiet? Commentary: Europe is freezing and Norway makes more money on gas exports than ever before. Russia is shutting its taps, while China puts new coal plants to work in order to face the energy crisis. I am talking – like everyone else – about the price on power. About an international market under pressure from “all” sides.
Northern Sea Route Transit Traffic Remains Modest As Arctic shipping activity is increasing, transit traffic on the Northern Sea Route has not taken off, contrary to past predictions.
European Shipping Companies Far More Active on Northern Sea Route than Asian Ones There are few Asian shipping companies and operators working on the Northern Sea Route compared to the number of European companies. Much more frequent voyages are also taking place between the NSR and European ports than ports in the Asian Pacific region, a new study by senior researcher Björn Gunnarsson at CHNL finds.
Russia Looks to China, but Wants to Return to Europe There is no alternative to European cooperation for Russia, argues professor Vyatsyeslav Morozov. Even if the Chinese influence is likely to increase, Russia prefers a pro-European course in the longer run. Last weekend’s exchange of prisoners with the Ukraine may be the beginning of the end of the sanctions regime.
"China’s Economic Growth Creates Significant Security Challenges in the High North" "We will have to rely a lot heavier on our own defense capacities in order to deter in the coming years", says Øystein Tunsjø of the Norwegian Institute for Defense Studies. "The High North is far down on the list of priorities for Norway’s most important ally, the USA", says the professor and Asia expert to High North News.
Op-Ed: The EU in the Arctic: Correcting Misconceptions The time has come for Arctic states to try to understand the European Union and acknowledge its investments in research, development and education in the region, and its contribution to Arctic governance. It should be formally accepted as an observer to the Arctic Council.
