The Thorvald Stoltenberg Award to Pikene på Broen and the Samovar Theater Kirkenes: Pikene på Broen and the Samovar Theater have received an honorary award for their years-long efforts to involve artists from the entire Barents region and convey its shared history. "Despite the current demanding situation, the actors are able to contribute to contact and tolerance between neighboring countries in the region," the jury states.
Norwegian Russia Diplomats: The Barents Cooperation Has Not Been In Vain The Barents cooperation has turned 30 years. This interaction – especially the people-to-people dimension – has created a less tense and more constructive neighborship in the High North and this is not zeroed out because of the Ukraine War, believes veterans of the Norwegian MFA.
After 30 Years, the Barents Cooperation Faces an Uncertain Future On Wednesday, three decades of cooperation in the Barents region will be marked in Kirkenes, on the border to Russia. The history and future of this distinctive cooperation format in the High North – which is on shaky ground due to the Ukraine war – will be illuminated from different angles.
Sanctioning Friendship Is a Bad Idea (Commentary) Putting friendship with the Russian people on the list of sanctions against Russia is both naïve and short-sighted. Instead, friendship agreements between Norwegian and Russian cities should be used to show that we, as democracies, are capable of distinguishing between the despot Vladimir Putin and his people.
Russian Artist: "To Show My Art in Bodø Is Like a Fresh Breath of Freedom" Cooperation with the Norwegian side is of great support, feels Russian artist and war opponent Ulyana Podkorytova. Her art film was recently shown in Bodø. Interaction with critical voices in the art field in Russia must be maintained, believe the curators behind the project.
Continued Enthusiasm for Barents Cooperation Barents Press, Barents Games, and Barents Pride. These are some of the Norwegian-Russian cooperation structures which live on through enthusiasts and The Norwegian Barents Secretariat's support, says Marit Jacobsen, its Deputy Head.
Increased Tension, but No War in the North “Russia decides the relationship with Norway”, says Professor of History Kari Aga Myklebost. In a panel debate she was asked to take a stand on whether or not the Ukraine crisis may become dangerous for Northern Norway. The answer is yes and no.
The Thorvald Stoltenberg Award to Barents Games Barents Games received an honorary award for its cooperation to create attractive communities for youth in the High North.
Condemns Russia, Not the Russian People The Russian people are our neighbors, our family our friends and colleagues, says Sør-Varanger Mayor Lena Norum Bergeng (Labor).
Russian Ambassador: “Things should Work as Usual for People in the North” The Norwegian Foreign Minister and the Russian Ambassador agree on one thing; the good cooperation and cross-border dialogue between Norway and Russia should continue despite the tense security policy situation.
