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.
Danish Extraordinary Meeting on Relations With the United States On Tuesday, January 6, the Danish Foreign Affairs Committee was called to an emergency meeting about "the kingdom's relationship with the United States."
The Silk Gloves Are off and Europe Is in the Splits Comment: The silk gloves are off. It took the Danish Defence Intelligence Service to stand up against the USA and Donald Trump. Their message cannot be misunderstood: the USA is a threat to Europe.
Norway to Introduce Military Police Authority on Arctic Island The Norwegian Ministry of Defense believes the current security policy situation calls for the expansion of the military police's scope to include the Norwegian Arctic island of Jan Mayen.
Sharing Strategic Geography: The Nordics Amid a Changing Security Reality As the security environment in northern Europe is rapidly changing, the North should now be considered as having a shared strategic geography, writes Postdoctoral Fellow Gabriella Gricius in this op-ed.
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.
EU President Von Der Leyen: "Arctic At Center of European Security and Independence" European Commission President von der Leyen squarely moved the Arctic to the heart of European security during a speech in Stockholm. “As the ice retreats, the Arctic is moving ever closer to the centre of global geopolitics,” she said. Von der Leyen called for greater investments in the region and announced work on a revised EU Arctic policy.
NATO's Military Leader: “The Arctic in 2025 Is at a Crossroads” Reykjavik (High North News): The message from the Chair of the NATO Military Committee is clear: “Together, Russia and China aim to reshape the rules of access and influence, to their advantage, challenging openness, fairness, and the rule of law.”
Arctic Security Expert: “Putin is Testing NATO” Reykjavik (High North News): “It’s all a competition at this stage, designed to figure out what our tolerance is. We don't often project an image of strength that is really important when we're interacting with Russia and China”, says Canadian Defense Expert P. Whitney Lackenbauer.
Strengthens the Monitoring of GPS Interference in the High North The Norwegian government is establishing a new office for the Norwegian Communications Authority in Tromsø, Northern Norway. "It is important to strengthen security and preparedness in the High North through the increased presence of the authorities," says the Minister of Digitalisation and Public Governance.
Canada Prioritizes Military Presence in the North "Asserting sovereignty in the Canadian Arctic is becoming ever more important as our adversaries increase their activity in the region," says Canada's Minister of Defense, David McGuinty. This season, Canadian forces are deployed on multiple Arctic operations.
The Faroe Islands, Greenland and Denmark Met for Talks on Security in Insecure Times The Kingdom of Denmark is in a dangerous situation, says the Danish prime minister, heralding new Arctic defense measures. At the same time, the realm is to be modernized, and the leaders of the Faroe Islands and Greenland call for foreign policy powers.
France’s President to Visit Greenland The French President Emmanuel Macron will go on an official visit to Greenland on June 15th. Denmark's Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, will also participate in the visit. Security in the North Atlantic and the Arctic are at the top of the agenda.
“Norway Must Be the One to Have Control in the Areas Closest to Russia” Kirkenes (High North News): Russia is rattling its sabers along NATO's borders in the North, and the Norwegian prime minister warns against war and opens up for increased allied exercises in the High North. But both Norway's PM and Chief of Defense Eirik Kristoffersen trust Trump to respect Norwegian game rules.
Stoltenberg: “Narvik Is History, but Also the Future in Terms of Security and Defense” Narvik, Northern Norway (High North News): "Sweden and Finland's accession to NATO has made Narvik and the High North even more important for our security," says Jens Stoltenberg, former NATO Secretary General and current Norwegian Minister of Finance.
Ministerial Visit in the High North: Norway and Italy to Strengthen Space Cooperation The Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry recently received two Italian ministers in Northern Norway. Going forward, the countries will strengthen their cooperation on space activities and critical raw materials.
Head of US Military Base in Greenland Fired with Reference to Partisan Behaviour Colonel Susannah Meyers was recently removed as commander of the US Pituffik Space Base in Greenland. “Actions to undermine the chain of command or to subvert President Trump's agenda will not be tolerated at the Department of Defense,” said chief Pentagon spokesperson.
Denmark’s PM Stands Up to Trump’s USA and for Arctic Security "When you demand to take over a part of the Kingdom of Denmark’s territory. When we are met by pressure and threats from our closest ally. What are we to believe about the country we have admired for so many years?" the Danish PM Mette Frederiksen, recently visiting Greenland, pointed out to the US Trump administration.
Denmark’s PM Stands Up to Trump’s USA and for Arctic Security "When you demand to take over a part of the Kingdom of Denmark’s territory. When we are met by pressure and threats from our closest ally. What are we to believe about the country we have admired for so many years?" the Danish PM Mette Frederiksen, recently visiting Greenland, pointed out to the US Trump administration.
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.
The Most Important Point Drowned In a Stream of Money and Officers Comment: In May 2023, a proud and offensive leader of the Defense Commission presented their recommendations. However, the perhaps most important point was drowned in a stream of money, personnel, and ability to execute. The consequences reached far into the Armed Forces' long-term plan. We are paying for that today.
UK and Norway Ministers of Defense: Europe Has to Step Up and Do More "We have a common interest with the USA to protect the border to Russia," said the Norwegian minister of defense while visiting the Norwegian Arctic with his British colleague John Healey. The two ministers agreed that Europe has to do more to secure itself going forward.
Norway and the UK Strengthens Defense Cooperation: “A New Era” Norway and the UK are coming together to create a new and extensive agreement to strengthen defense and security cooperation between the two countries.
Norway Wants New Submarine Fiber Connection to Svalbard and Jan Mayen: “It Is Urgent” The Norwegian Government want to enter into an agreement with Space Norway to establish a new submarine fiber connection to Svalbard and Jan Mayen. "If we are to have a connection by 2028, it is urgent to start seabed surveys," says Cecilie Myrseth (Labor), Minister of Trade and Industry.
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?
The Political Game Continues Even as the Distinction Between War and Peace Is Blurred Comment: They were supposed to utilize the whole country and create viable communities on the border with Russia. A powerful industry investment would replace measly measures in the so-called action zone. Well, that did not go according to plan. Even after the Norwegian government collapsed, the reversal of adopted policies continues.
The Political Game Continues Even as the Distinction Between War and Peace Is Blurred Comment: They were supposed to utilize the whole country and create viable communities on the border with Russia. A powerful industry investment would replace measly measures in the so-called action zone. Well, that did not go according to plan. Even after the Norwegian government collapsed, the reversal of adopted policies continues.
The Political Game Continues Even as the Distinction Between War and Peace Is Blurred Comment: They were supposed to utilize the whole country and create viable communities on the border with Russia. A powerful industry investment would replace measly measures in the so-called action zone. Well, that did not go according to plan. Even after the Norwegian government collapsed, the reversal of adopted policies continues.
Climate Change as a Threat Multiplier: “Directly Impacts Norwegian Security” Researchers at the Norwegian Defense Research Establishment (FFI) have researched how climate change can function as a threat multiplier for security in the Arctic. They emphasize that uncertainty is the biggest security threat and that they cannot observe any major changes in the security situation in the north so far.
"An Important Agreement to Develop Industrial Jobs in Bodø, Northern Norway" Bodø (High North News): The Northern Norway-based company Rapp Bomek develops and produces security products, fire doors, gates, and hatches made to endure explosions and other powerful strains. The company is now entering into a framework agreement with Equinor, providing a more solid foundation for further development.
Arctic Emergency Management Conference: Responding to Emerging Challenges and Risks The Norwegian Chairship of the Arctic Council and Nord university will host the highly anticipated Arctic Emergency Management Conference in Bodø, in March of 2025.
Arctic Emergency Management Conference: Responding to Emerging Challenges and Risks The Norwegian Chairship of the Arctic Council and Nord university will host the highly anticipated Arctic Emergency Management Conference in Bodø, in March of 2025.
Arctic Emergency Management Conference: Responding to Emerging Challenges and Risks The Norwegian Chairship of the Arctic Council and Nord university will host the highly anticipated Arctic Emergency Management Conference in Bodø, in March of 2025.
"China's Intentions in The Arctic Are Unclear - And That is a Growing Concern" Reykjavik (High North News): “When I first attended the Arctic Circle Assembly conference, the tone and content were different than now. The focus on security in the Arctic has become much stronger", says Admiral Rob Bauer, head of NATO's military committee. Now he warns about China's unclear, two-faced and increasing activity in the Arctic and the worrying Sino-Russian ties.
“The Most Important Crossroad of Our Generation” Reykjavik (High North News): “Whether we like it or not, the Arctic is fast becoming a theater of global competition and militarization, and it is up to us to determine the parameters for developing this region”, said prime minister of Iceland, Bjarni Benediktsson on opening the Arctic Circle Assembly just four days after he resigned from the government.
First Canada-Nordic Strategic Dialogue: "Key to a Safer Future For Us in The Region" In the very first strategic dialogue between Canada and the Nordic countries, which took place in New York and Nunavut, Canada, the six Arctic nations agreed to face the ever-changing geopolitical challenges together by strengthening Canada's security relationship with Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Iceland.
David Lammy in Norway: "Thank You for Keeping the Sea Safe and The Lights Lit" Bodø (High North News): "The UK’s relationship with Norway as a key ally in the defense of NATO’s northern flank has never been more important," UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy said when visiting the Norwegian Arctic on Wednesday. "The UK is our most important ally," said his Norwegian counterpart, Espen Barth Eide.
Russia's War Against Ukraine Has Divided Norway in Two Comment: Russia's full-scale war against Ukraine has divided Norway in two. For us who live in the High North, the war is a neighbor. In the civilian part of Nordic politics, there is hardly any trace of this recognition.
Could There Be War in the Arctic? “We Should Be Concerned, but Not Afraid,” Says Researcher "But Russia hardly wants a large-scale war with NATO," believes senior researcher Andreas Østhagen at the High North Center for Business and Governance and the Fridtjof Nansen Institute. On Thursday and Friday, international politicians, scientists and Arctic experts will meet in Oslo to discuss security in the Arctic.
NATO Fighter Jets Practice Arctic Highway Landings For the first time, US Air Force fifth-generation fighter jets and German Eurofighter jets have proved their ability to use European highways as runways. The jets practiced landing on a strip of road of about 30 metres wide in the region of Lapland, Finland, as part of exercise Baana 24, making defence history.
Collaborates With the Swedish and Norwegian Armed Forces on the Purchase of New Railcars Bane NOR has entered into an agreement with the Norwegian Armed Forces and the Swedish Armed Forces regarding the acquisition of new railcars. "The agreement involves a significant improvement in capacity for military transport on the railways in both Norway and Sweden," says CEO Thor Gjermund Eriksen.
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.
Defense Professor: "We Should Be Worried About Russia if Trump Wins the Election" Bodø (High North News): "We should be worried about Russia if Trump wins the US presidential election," says Professor Håkon Lunde Saxi at the Norwegian Defence University about what he calls a nightmare scenario. "In Trump's next term, no adults will be present."
Canada's New Billion-Dollar Defense Investment: Strong Arctic Focus Canada's government has announced a new billion-dollar investment in the country's defense, highlighting sovereignty risks in the Arctic as a key challenge. The new defense policy will allow the Canadian Armed Forces to establish a year-round presence in the Arctic region.
Canada's New Billion-Dollar Defense Investment: Strong Arctic Focus Canada's government has announced a new billion-dollar investment in the country's defense, highlighting sovereignty risks in the Arctic as a key challenge. The new defense policy will allow the Canadian Armed Forces to establish a year-round presence in the Arctic region.
Canada's New Billion-Dollar Defense Investment: Strong Arctic Focus Canada's government has announced a new billion-dollar investment in the country's defense, highlighting sovereignty risks in the Arctic as a key challenge. The new defense policy will allow the Canadian Armed Forces to establish a year-round presence in the Arctic region.
Norway Reopens Andøya Air Station as Base for Long-Range Drones The Norwegian Government reverses its own decision and announces a new million-dollar investment in long-range drones for sea surveillance in the High North. Andøya becomes central in sea surveillance and developing the Armed Forces' space operations.
