The Sun Is Returning to Longyearbyen. In Donald Trump’s Head, the Lights Are off for Good. Comment (Longyearbyen): I am in Longyearbyen, wondering how I got here, and not purely geographically. I lived in Svalbard for many years, and at least half of my heart has been deposited at 78 degrees North. I am wondering because of the questions that have brought me here now.
Several Meetings Between Greenland, Denmark and the US This Week This week, the Danish foreign minister and his Greenlandic counterpart will meet with the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, as well as the US Vice President in Washington, D.C. In addition, several American senators are traveling to Copenhagen to meet members of the Danish parliament.
Canada Must Be Wary of Its Southern Neighbor, Say Researchers Last year, US President Donald Trump's ambitions to expand US territory included Greenland, but also Canada, as 'the 51st state.' The Trump Administration's recent reinforcement of its desire to take over Greenland has clear political implications for Canada's security policy, say researchers Gabriella Gricius and Mathieu Landriault.
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.
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.
ARCUS Shuts Down, Highlights Dire Situation for US Arctic Researchers The Arctic Research Consortium of the United States has shut down, illustrating the tense situation among US Arctic researchers, says researcher Michael Walsh. "There is tremendous fear among Arctic researchers in the United States. I have colleagues who are afraid to speak to the press about the shutdown due to fears of retaliation."
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.
Extensive Training Activity in the High North With US Carrier Strike Group The USS Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group has recently been training with Norwegian and other allied forces off the coast of Northern Norway. "Our partnership with US forces is close despite changes in US security policy," says the Chief of the Norwegian Joint Headquarters.
Alaska Ready to Host Trump’s Meeting With Putin On Friday, the presidents of the USA and Russia will meet in Alaska to discuss the war in Ukraine. State Governor Mike Dunleavy welcomes the meeting. "It's fitting that discussions of global importance take place here," he states.
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.
Trump Wants to Pull Troops Out of Europe. To Use Them Against His Own People? Comment: Donald Trump continues to threaten aid for Ukraine. Instead, he sends soldiers against his own people. Whether or not he, as president, is allowed to do so is apparently besides the point.
US Climate Researcher: “We Are at a Tipping Point” Climate researcher Zack Labe was one of hundreds of scientists laid off at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration by DOGE this year. He believes we're at a tipping point and that "there could be a complete gap in the next generation of scientists."
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.
US Policies in the Arctic Are Changing but the Extent Remains to Be Seen The Arctic States will need to have some patience as various American policies become clearer. And in the meantime, they can task their diplomats with expressing to the U.S. their thoughts on some of these topics in the hope of influencing the formulation of U.S. positions, writes Evan Bloom at UiT in this op-ed.
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.
Arctic Security Researcher Troy Bouffard Strives for Real-World Relevance in His Work Bodø, Northern Norway (High North News): Dr. Troy Bouffard, Assistant Professor of Arctic Security at the University of Alaska, strives to make his research meaningful and relevant to the real world. "If I wanted my research to matter, I had to find out how Arctic security was connected to national security," he says to HNN.
The Geopolitical Development in the Arctic Reflects the World Order, Says Researcher UiT Researcher Rasmus Gjedssø Bertelsen rejects the idea of 'Arctic exceptionalism' and believes the Arctic mirrors the global power struggle between the East and the West. He believes this Arctic divide will likely only escalate. The US with Trump in the forefront will also impact this relationship, but the country will still have major security policy interests in the region, he says to HNN.
Need for a Canadian-European Security Consensus, Says Researcher Trump's comments about acquiring Canada and Greenland reinforce the importance of developing Canadian-European collaboration regarding the Arctic, says research fellow Gabriella Gricius at the North American and Arctic Defense and Security Network.
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.
How Nuuk and Copenhagen Counter Trump Statements About Taking Greenland With Force Greenlandic power of definition applies here, the leaders in Nuuk, supported by Copenhagen, respond to Trump. At the same time, they express a certain understanding of the interest, invite increased cooperation with Washington D.C., and call for internal composure.
Trump Jr. Visited Greenland After Dad’s New Proposals About Buying the Country The US president-elect, Donald J. Trump, believes American "ownership and control over Greenland to be a necessity" and does not rule out the use of military force. His son visited the Arctic island yesterday. Greenlandic leaders emphasize that the country seeks to be an independent state but is open to more cooperation with the US.
The Norwegian Armed Forces With Full Broadband Coverage in the Arctic Norway’s Arctic broadband satellites are now operational and put into use by the Norwegian Armed Forces. "This enables us to exercise effective command and control in all types of operations up to the North Pole," says the Chief of the Norwegian Cyber Defense.
Strong Security Focus in Canada's New Arctic Foreign Policy "The Arctic is no longer a low-tension region," said Canada's minister of foreign affairs. Ottawa is now initiating an Arctic security dialogue, strengthening the security perspective at a regional level, and opening new consulates in Anchorage and Nuuk.
Strong Security Focus in Canada's New Arctic Foreign Policy "The Arctic is no longer a low-tension region," said Canada's minister of foreign affairs. Ottawa is now initiating an Arctic security dialogue, strengthening the security perspective at a regional level, and opening new consulates in Anchorage and Nuuk.
Strong Security Focus in Canada's New Arctic Foreign Policy "The Arctic is no longer a low-tension region," said Canada's minister of foreign affairs. Ottawa is now initiating an Arctic security dialogue, strengthening the security perspective at a regional level, and opening new consulates in Anchorage and Nuuk.
US Aircraft Carrier Truman Trains With Norwegian Forces in the High North The USS Harry S. Truman and its fighters are now conducting interoperability training with Norwegian forces in Northern Norway. "This demonstrates our allies’ ability and willingness to defend Norwegian areas of interest in the North,” says the Commander of the 132nd Air Wing at Ørland Air Station.
US Military Aircraft Not Allowed to Land in Svalbard The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected a US application to land a military aircraft at Svalbard airport this summer. "Norwegian authorities apply a very restrictive practice to diplomatic clearance of foreign military aircraft and ships," says the ministry's spokesperson.
Arctic Broadband Satellites Passed Tests in Space and Have Been Handed Over to Space Norway “Norway now controls a space capability of great significance for all types of operations in the Arctic, including for the Norwegian Armed Forces and NATO allies,” says the state-owned company Space Norway.
Arctic Broadband Satellites Passed Tests in Space and Have Been Handed Over to Space Norway “Norway now controls a space capability of great significance for all types of operations in the Arctic, including for the Norwegian Armed Forces and NATO allies,” says the state-owned company Space Norway.
Northern Viking: Practicing the Defense of Iceland and Sea Routes in the North Atlantic On Monday, the US-led defense exercise Northern Viking kicked off in Iceland. Allied forces and Icelandic preparedness agencies are practicing securing critical national infrastructure and the sea lines of communication in the Greenland, Iceland, United Kingdom (GIUK) gap.
US SECNAV Visited Denmark – Discussed Strengthened Cooperation in the Arctic The US Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, recently met with Denmark's MoD and military leaders in Copenhagen to discuss the threat from Russia and opportunities for more cooperation in the Arctic and the North Atlantic. He also had a separate meeting with the Faroese MFA.
US SECNAV Visited Denmark – Discussed Strengthened Cooperation in the Arctic The US Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, recently met with Denmark's MoD and military leaders in Copenhagen to discuss the threat from Russia and opportunities for more cooperation in the Arctic and the North Atlantic. He also had a separate meeting with the Faroese MFA.
US SECNAV Visited Denmark – Discussed Strengthened Cooperation in the Arctic The US Secretary of the Navy, Carlos Del Toro, recently met with Denmark's MoD and military leaders in Copenhagen to discuss the threat from Russia and opportunities for more cooperation in the Arctic and the North Atlantic. He also had a separate meeting with the Faroese MFA.
Successfull Launch: The Arctic To Gain Full Broadband Coverage With Norwegian Satellites Space Norway’s two satellites for Arctic broadband have now been launched into space from the US West Coast. These will provide continuous connectivity across the circumpolar North for both civilian and military users, whether at sea, in the air, or on land. "A milestone for Norway," says the Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry.
China and Russia With Joint Air Patrol off Alaska: First of Its Kind in the Area Last month, China conducted a naval transit as well as a joint air patrol with Russia, off the coast of Alaska. The latter joint operation with bombers is a new development and is a sign of closer military cooperation, says Professor Øystein Tunsjø at the Norwegian Institute for Defence Studies.
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.
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.
“Practicing Norway’s Role as a Transit Country Is an Historic Development” Narvik (High North News): The exercise Immediate Response has commenced. Tons of US military equipment arrived in Narvik, Northern Norway, last week and is to be transported into the Nordic region for further military training. Now, Norway's role as a transit country is being practiced in light of NATO's Nordic expansion, says Colonel May Brith Valen-Odlo.
From Florida to Finnmark, From the Courtroom to the White House Commentary: In the daytime, he hangs around in American courtrooms. In his free time, he sells jewelry, shoes, and Bibles to finance fines and lawyers. In about six months, Donald Trump is let loose on the rest of the world.
New Defense Agreement Gives US Access to Several Military Areas in Finnish Lapland Finland's defense cooperation agreement with the US is now public. It will give American forces access to 15 military bases and exercise areas on Finnish soil. Five of these are in Lapland, Northern Finland.
Serious times in Sweden: Broad Support for Defense Cooperation Agreement with the USA Sweden has negotiated and signed a defense cooperation agreement with the USA in just about a year's time. A large majority in the Swedish parliament supports it. "Cooperation with the USA is being strengthened rapidly for several reasons. It is serious now," says Niklas Granholm at the Swedish Defence Research Agency.
Sweden and Finland Have Negotiated Bilateral Defense Agreements With the USA "We also go hand in hand when it comes to bilateral defense cooperation with the US," says Sweden's MoD Pål Jonson. He refers to Finland and Sweden having concluded negotiations with the US on bilateral defense cooperation agreements and are looking forward to a strong American presence in the region.
US Researchers: Look to Norway for Insights on Managing the Relationship with Russia Reykjavik (High North News): "We can obtain better security in the Arctic by looking to Norway," says Michael Peterson, referring to the Norwegian clarity and predictability vis-à-vis Russia. Peterson is a professor at the US Naval War College.
US Embassy Reopened Office in Northern Norway After Almost 30 Years On Friday, the US Embassy reopened the Tromsø office after nearly 30 years. The climate crisis is the biggest challenge, says US Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Elizabeth M. Allen.
“Security in the Arctic is of Greatest Interest to France,” says French Commander The French Navy's nuclear submarine and support vessel which recently docked in Tromsø, Northern Norway, have carried out long-term missions in the North Atlantic. This shows France's allied commitment to security in northern areas and desire to learn more about them, asserts French Commander.
A Neighborship from Hell Commentary: We do not choose our neighbors. As a nation, we are at the mercy of our geographical location, also when we are pressured by two Arctic "great powers" gone astray.
US Bombers in Luleå: Landed in Sweden for the First Time On Monday, two American B-1B Lancer bombers landed in Norrbotten Wing in Luleå to train with the Swedish Army and the Air Force. This is the first time US bombers lands in Sweden, according to the Swedish Armed Forces.
