No New Structure for Northern Nordic Cooperation in Sight? Rovaniemi, Finland (High North News): At the end of the year, Finland will withdraw from the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, and the search for a new cooperation framework has so far not yielded any tangible results. “I really hope that we find a common path forward,” says Hanna Honkamäkilä in the Council of Oulu Region.
Northern Nordic Military Leaders Gathered to Bolster Cooperation The commanders of Norway, Finland and Sweden's northern brigades and home guard forces recently met in Troms, Northern Norway, to forge even closer ties. “This cooperation significantly improves our defense capabilities in the North,” says Terje Bruøygard, Commander of the Norwegian Brigade North.
Commander of Finnish Jaeger Brigade Keeps His Guard Up, but Doesn’t Think Russia Will Attack Sodankylä (High North News): Russia is unpredictable, but unlikely to cross the threshold of NATO's Article 5, says Marko Kivelä, Commander of the Finnish Jaeger Brigade. "At the same time, it is best to be prepared and take measures to avoid such scenarioes," he underscores.
Addressing the Northern Geography in Major Exhibition The art gallery Havremagasinet in Northern Sweden has filled a whopping 3600 square meters with art created by various artists from the High North. The works offer diverse views of the northern land of the future.
Finland Strengthens Cybersecurity in the North With Extensive Exercising Finland is enhancing cybersecurity competence in its northern region. Municipalities and critical infrastructure operators recently participated in a cyber exercise under state auspices. "We gained experience in dealing with many kinds of threats," says Rovaniemi’s Chief Information Officer.
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.
Finland to Organize EU Leaders Summit in Lapland “Europe has to take greater responsibility for its own security," says Finland's PM Petteri Orpo. This weekend, he will host minister colleagues from EU countries and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in Northern Finland, near the border with Russia.
Arne O. Holm is Snowbound in Northern Finland and Experiences Kiruna's Cruisers in Their Natural Habitat Editor and commentator in High North News, Arne O. Holm is forced to park the motorhome in heavy snow in northern Finland, but has a pleasant experience in northern Sweden.
De-escalation Is Best Achieved With Credible Deterrence and Defense, says Finnish Major General Oslo (High North News): "The Russians only respect strength and determination," says Sami Nurmi, Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategy in the Finnish Defence Forces. He comments on the planned NATO forward land force in Finland and underlines the importance of allied competence in operating in Arctic conditions.
Finland to Strengthen Regions Along Border With Russia New geopolitical and economic challenges highlight the significance of security and vitality in Northern and Eastern Finland, says the Finnish PM Petteri Orpo. Initiatives are now being developed to enhance growth, available expertise, and preparedness in the border regions. Further border security measures are also in the works.
Pan-Arctic Vision 2024 in Greenland: Seeking Arctic Artists To This Fall's Big Stage in Nuuk This year's Pan-ArcticVision will take place in Greenland in October – and calls for contributions from Arctic artists with northern tones and words to express. This is an adventurous opportunity to form border-crossing bonds, share music, and strike a blow for the power of definition in the circumpolar north, the organizers tempt.
