Sweden, Finland Urge EU to Tighten Screws on Russian Arctic Shipping With Insurance, Port Bans Sweden and Finland are pushing the EU to toughen sanctions on Russian Arctic shipping, calling for bans on insurance and port repairs for vessels carrying oil, gas and coal. The proposal targets overlooked maritime services seen as vital to keeping Russia’s Arctic energy exports afloat.
Norway Assumes Leadership of NORDEFCO On January 1st, Norway assumed leadership of the Nordic Defence Cooperation (NORDEFCO) after Finland. War in Europe and heightened uncertainty have increased the significance of cooperation. "Europe can not take security for granted," says Norway's Minister of Defense, Tore O. Sandvik.
EU Supports Laid-Off Northvolt Workers With EUR 8.5 Million The EU and Swedish authorities will provide financial aid to laid-off Northvolt workers in Sweden following the battery manufacturer's bankruptcy.
New Research Project to Map ‘Zombie Houses’ in Sweden Researcher Andreas Back at Umeå University will investigate abandoned houses in Sweden and explore how they can be utilized as a resource, particularly in areas experiencing long-term population decline.
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.
Finland Seeks Allied Cooperation on Space-Based Surveillance in the High North Finland is building up satellite surveillance capability and wants to join forces with allies to strengthen collective defense, said Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen at NATO's Arctic Space Forum. Key Finnish and Swedish space actors have already signed a letter of intent on cooperation.
Nordic Defense Ministers and Chiefs of Defense Gathered to Enhance Joint Combat Power All Nordic defense ministers and chiefs of defense recently met in Helsinki. A key topic was the development of air forces capable of combined operations. “This is important for strengthening NATO’s deterrence and defense in the High North,” says Antti Häkkänen, Finnish Minister of Defense.
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.
Major Nordic Rescue Exercise in Northern Finland This week, the Rescue Borealis exercise takes place in Oulu, Northern Finland. It will develop the preparedness cooperation across Finland, Norway, and Sweden, and specifically test joint response to CBRN threats.
Denmark, Greenland and Iceland's Reactions To Trump Oslo (High North News): "Just a year and a half ago, Greenland's foreign policy strategy was basically one big invitation to the US for cooperation. Then Trump destroyed the trust and interest from Greenland," says Ulrik Pram Gad, Senior Researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies.
Norway’s Army Chief: No Practical Indications That the US Is Less Interested in Norway Tromsø, Northern Norway (High North News): Donald Trump has created uncertainty around the US security guarantee, but the practical defense cooperation with the Americans is stable, according to the Chief of the Norwegian Army. Next year's major winter exercise in the High North is expected to have significant US participation.
Arctic Light 2025: Denmark to Hold Military Exercise in Greenland with NATO Allies On Tuesday, the Danish Armed Forces will commence a major exercise in Greenland, with contributions from France, Germany, Sweden and Norway. The aim is to strengthen Denmark and NATO’s operational readiness in the region, as well as provide support for civil preparedness.
Norway Plans to Establish State Preparedness Hub Near the Border With Russia: "An Important Measure" The Norwegian government wants to strengthen preparedness and state presence in Eastern Finnmark, Northern Norway, with a new hub. This will boost Norway's ability to manage crises in the High North, believes Professor Natalia Andreassen.
Sweden to Host NATO's Logistics Headquarters in the Nordic Region The Swedish city of Enköping is to host NATO's regional logistics headquarters. The establishment is part of the new military division of responsibilities in the Nordic region, and will support troop movements in NATO’s Northwest Area of Operations, says Professor Håkon Lunde Saxi at the Norwegian Defence Command and Staff College.
US Military Logistics Leadership Visited the Northern Nordic Region Norway, Sweden, and Finland recently welcomed the US Armed Forces logistics leadership for meetings focused on the High North. "We discussed which areas are central in logistics planning for conducting operations in the North," says the deputy commander of the Norwegian Defense Logistical Organisation.
The Major Arctic Challenge Exercise 2025 is Cancelled The fighter jet exercise Arctic Challenge was to take place in May-June across Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark, with US participation. The decision to cancel the exercise was made in unity by the Nordic air force chiefs, informs the Norwegian Air Force.
Arctic Council Chairship Handover: “We Must Move Forward With Courage,” Says Greenlandic Foreign Minister Tromsø, Northern Norway (High North News): The Kingdom of Denmark, spearheaded by Greenland, has taken over the chairship of the Arctic Council. The eight Arctic states have also agreed on a joint statement. "The Council must continue to be the foremost forum for cooperation in the Arctic," underlines Greenland's foreign minister.
Nordic Countries to Benefit From American Brain Drain The Nordic countries respond to Trump's political agenda with funds to recruit foreign researchers. The country is now facing a massive 'brain drain' after the administration's cuts in funding and restrictions on research, creating opportunities for Europe and China to recruit American researchers.
Nordic Defense Ministers Met in Lapland: Updated NORDEFCO With New Agreement New measures are bolstering Nordic defense cooperation. Gathered in Rovaniemi, the Nordic defense ministers signed a revised NORDEFCO Memorandum of Understanding – and discussed stronger joint efforts within air defense and the defense industry.
Nordic Defense Ministers Met in Lapland: Updated NORDEFCO With New Agreement New measures are bolstering Nordic defense cooperation. Gathered in Rovaniemi, the Nordic defense ministers signed a revised NORDEFCO Memorandum of Understanding – and discussed stronger joint efforts within air defense and the defense industry.
Support of Independent Membership for Greenland and the Faroe Islands in Nordic Cooperation "The current geopolitical situation shows how important it is that we stick together in the Nordic region," says the Secretary General of the Nordic Council of Ministers, arguing that Greenland and the Faroe Islands should be granted full-fledged participation in official Nordic cooperation.
“The US Can Become More Unpredictable on Climate Issues in the Arctic Council Than Russia” The Kingdom of Denmark’s Arctic Council chairship program form a good basis for further cooperation between the eight Arctic states. However, engaging the Trump administration in the council’s work on climate change could be particularly challenging, says FNI researcher.
Arctic Guardian 2025: Multilateral Exercise on Maritime Emergency Response off Northern Norway The exercise, which gathers coast guard resources from the seven Western Arctic states, is underway. "In a changing Arctic, it is crucial that we train together, build trust, and understand each other's capabilities," says the Commander of Norway's Coast Guard.
Arctic Military Leaders Met Near the Norway-Russia Border: Discussed Hybrid Threats Last week, the Arctic Security Forces Roundtable was held in Kirkenes, Northern Norway, focusing on grey zone threats. "It is important to create understanding among our close allies about how the security situation in the Arctic is perceived in a turbulent and uncertain time," says the Norwegian Armed Forces.
Closer Cooperateon on Transport in the Northern Nordic Region Norway, Sweden, and Finland have established Platform North, a cooperation platform to focus on transport and infrastructure in the Northern Nordic region. "This is a tool to help us reach our joint objectives," says Norwegian Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygård to HNN.
Closer Cooperation on Transport in the Northern Nordic Region Norway, Sweden, and Finland have established Platform North, a cooperation platform to focus on transport and infrastructure in the Northern Nordic region. "This is a tool to help us reach our joint objectives," says Norwegian Minister of Transport Jon-Ivar Nygård to HNN.
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.
Norway, Finland, and Sweden: Discussing New Cooperation Structure in the High North Tromsø (High North News): State secretaries of Norway, Finland, and Sweden have been mandated to start designing a new framework for northern Nordic cooperation. "We have a shared interest in finding a joint answer to this," says the Norwegian Foreign 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.
Nordic Defense Cooperation is Becoming Even More Tangible The Nordic Ministers of Defense will strengthen operational cooperation, enhance military mobility, and initiate drone collaboration. "These measures concretize the Nordic countries' efforts to be able to carry out joint military operations if deterrence fails," says professor.
Norwegian Regional Leaders: Seeks New Solution for Northern Nordic Cooperation Finland is leaving the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, which also impacts the Barents Regional Council. A new form of cooperation that encompasses both regional and national levels should be created across the Cap of the North, believes the regional political leaders in Northern Norway.
Norway to Consider the Future of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council as Finland Withdraws Finland recently announced its withdrawal from the Barents Euro-Arctic Council after 2025. "From the Norwegian side, we will assess the path forward for the council together with the remaining members," says State Secretary Maria Varteressian in Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Finland Withdraws From the Barents Euro-Arctic Council Finland will withdraw from the Barents Euro-Arctic Council after 2025 and rather invest in other formats for cooperation in the North. The country now has an idea about designing a joint strategic agenda for the northern regions of Finland, Norway and Sweden.
The Faroe Islands Threatens to Exit Nordic Cooperation: “We Are either All in or Not at All” The Faroe Islands and Greenland will no longer accept exclusion from Nordic summits on foreign and security policy – and demand full-fledged membership of the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers. Now the Nordic Council is calling for a renewal of the Helsinki Treaty.
The Faroe Islands Threatens to Exit Nordic Cooperation: “We Are either All in or Not at All” The Faroe Islands and Greenland will no longer accept exclusion from Nordic summits on foreign and security policy – and demand full-fledged membership of the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers. Now the Nordic Council is calling for a renewal of the Helsinki Treaty.
The Faroe Islands Threatens to Exit Nordic Cooperation: “We Are either All in or Not at All” The Faroe Islands and Greenland will no longer accept exclusion from Nordic summits on foreign and security policy – and demand full-fledged membership of the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers. Now the Nordic Council is calling for a renewal of the Helsinki Treaty.
Arctic Defense Ministers to Enhance Cooperation on Security and Defense in the Region The defense ministers and other representatives of the Arctic NATO countries, including the Faroe Islands and Greenland, recently met at the alliance's headquarters in Brussels. They discussed topical regional security issues and reaffirmed their shared commitment to increased cooperation in the Arctic.
Arctic Chiefs of Defense Meeting in Iceland Recently, the allied Arctic chiefs of defense met in Keflavík to discuss the regional security situation and the opportunities for increased cooperation. The US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff also met bilaterally with his counterparts from Norway, Sweden and Iceland.
Nordic Defense Cooperation Strengthened With New Joint Concept The Nordic Chiefs of Defense have signed an agreement on a joint defense concept for the region. This will synchronize the countries' defense plans and facilitate, among other things, more joint military exercises and educational activities, capacity building, and joint operations.
Sweden Announces Ambition to Lead NATO Force in Finland Sweden expresses readiness to take on the role as framework nation in the NATO enhanced forward presence to be established in Finland. “We foresee an initial presence in 2026,” states the Swedish Minister of Defense Pål Jonson.
Nordic and US Army Generals Discuss Plans for Nordic Defense Norwegian Army Military Academy, Oslo (High North News): Recently, the four Nordic Army Chiefs and the Commander of the US Army V Corps gathered to discuss the defense of the Cap of the North. "Norwegian, Finnish, Swedish, Danish, and US forces must be able to work together as seamlessly as possible," says Norway's Army Chief.
VIDEO: Formative Conditions in the North – Outsiderness and Youth Culture Violence Across the Nordic region, more and more young people are moving south. In Sweden, violence and crime are accelerating, which is spreading to Norway. How do we face these challenges? Meet playwright and educator Rebekka Brox Liabø and more for a debate led by Editor Arne O. Holm during the Arctic Arts Festival in Northern Norway.
Nordic Leaders With Joint Move on the Cap of the North Ahead of NATO Summit Bodø (High North News): "We need a shared political understanding on how to maintain peace, stability, and order here in the North," says Norwegian PM Jonas Gahr Støre. Recently, he gathered Swedish and Finnish top politicians in Bodø to discuss the long-term defense planning of the Northern Nordic region.
Norway’s Parliament Unanimous on Major Defense Pledge: Seeks Lower Tension in the High North In a historically broad defense settlement, the Norwegian parliament is clearly looking northward. "We must increase our ability to shape the development in the High North," states a united Standing Committee on Defense, looking to reduce the risk of misunderstandings, conflict and great power rivalry.
Nordic Cooperation in the North: Norwegian-Finnish-Swedish Summit to Be Held in Bodø Next week, Norway's PM Jonas Gahr Støre will welcome Finland's President Alexander Stubb and Sweden's PM Ulf Kristersson to Bodø, Northern Norway. The three will discuss the opportunities for deeper civilian and military collaboration on the Cap of the North.
Norway’s Parliament Agrees to Give the US Access to New Military Areas in the North On Thursday, the Norwegian parliament voted in favor of giving US forces unimpeded access to several additional military areas, not least in the North. Norway should keep up with Sweden and Finland, recommended the Norwegian Intelligence Service – while others express concern for the policy that aims for low tension in the High North.
Norway’s Parliament Agrees to Give the US Access to New Military Areas in the North On Thursday, the Norwegian parliament voted in favor of giving US forces unimpeded access to several additional military areas, not least in the North. Norway should keep up with Sweden and Finland, recommended the Norwegian Intelligence Service – while others express concern for the policy that aims for low tension in the High North.
NATO’s New Northern Flank: Norway’s Army Chief Expects Great Responsibility Tromsø (High North News): The bulk of Sweden and Finland's army forces are located in the south, while most of Norway’s land forces are in the north. "These conditions will likely be important in further developing our cooperation," says the Chief of the Norwegian Army, pointing to new requirements and opportunities.
Norway's MFA on All the Nordics in NATO: "The Significance Hasn't Quite Hit Us Yet" Tromsø (High North News): With the new Nordic security policy community and close defense cooperation follows great opportunities for more interaction between Norway, Finland and Sweden also in other areas of society. "We have to learn how to take advantage of this," says Norwegian MFA Espen Barth Eide.
New Vision for Nordic Defense Cooperation: Eight Areas for Vigorous Joint Action A united Nordic region in NATO now join forces to lift the Nordic defense cooperation into a new era. "Russia will remain a threat against European and global security for the foreseeable future," believes the Nordic allies, wanting to engage in operational military interaction.
