The Dramatic Battle Over Defense Expenses Is About Much More Than Money Comment: Right now, a dramatic battle is taking place within the EU about the continued funding of Ukraine's defense against an increasingly aggressive Russia. However, this is not just about money, but largely also about the voters' continued trust in their leaders.
The EU Finally Gets It, Leading to New Possibilities for Us Comment: While Norway is refusing to adjust its position on the EU, the EU recently adopted a new strategic resolution for the Arctic that could have a major impact on Norway and the High North. Its most notable feature is the recognition of increased militarization in the North.
Norway and Russia Have Agreed on Date for Fisheries Negotiations After much uncertainty, this year's fisheries negotiations between Norway and Russia will now be held digitally at the start of December.
We Are in a Squeeze Between the EU and Russia Comment: The Northern Norwegian business sector is in a double bind. The fisheries negotiations with Russia are at a standstill, while cod quotas are continuing to decrease. The EU is closing its doors on the ferroalloy industry. In total, this impacts thousands of jobs in the North.
Cornerstone Businesses Face Uncertainty Regarding EU Measures It is still unclear whether Norway will steer clear of the EU's safeguard measures on alloy imports. For the metal industry in Northern Norway, limited market access to the EU may have big consequences.
“Greenland Needs the EU, and the EU Needs Greenland” On Wednesday, Greenland's Prime Minister, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, addressed the EU Parliament in Strasbourg. He emphasized the importance of the partnership with the EU and the potential for further cooperation in areas such as critical raw materials and renewable energy.
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.
They Scratch Their Heads, Wondering What’s Going On in Miniscule Norway – And Rightfully So Comment: There are various ways to approach war in Europe and a newly elected protectionist US president with dictatorial ambitions. One method is to steer toward a governmental crisis and self-determination. It's no wonder European democracies scratch their heads, wondering what is happening in minuscule Norway, a country dependent on international cooperation.
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 the EU in Agreement on Cod Quotas Outside Svalbard Norway and the EU Commission have agreed on several issues related to fisheries that arose after the UK left the union.
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.
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.
Denmark Wants to Strengthen Foreign and Security Policy Cooperation With Greenland and the Faroe Islands Denmark's new Minister of Foreign Affairs Lars Løkke Rasmussen was recently in Greenland to discuss the opportunities for deeper cooperation with his Greenlandic and Faroese colleagues, as well as to participate in the EU Arctic Forum and Indigenous People's Dialogue.
Europe's First Satellite Launch Complex Opens in Arctic Sweden Mainland Europe's first orbital launch complex for satellites officially opened in Kiruna, Northern Sweden today – with the EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen present. For Europe, the new launch complex will be a long-awaited resource.
