Europaforum Northern Sweden welcomes the ongoing work on an updated EU Arctic strategy. At a time of growing geopolitical tensions and increasing demands for security, resilience and strategic autonomy, the European Arctic must be given a clearer place in EU policy. The Arctic is not only the EU’s northern border region, but also a strategic gateway to broader global Arctic interests.
Northern Sweden, together with eastern and northern Finland and northern Norway, constitutes the Northern Sparsely Populated Areas (NSPA), and thus Europe’s Arctic outpost. The region is of great importance to the EU’s green industrial transition, access to critical raw materials, energy supply, research and technological development. At the same time, it is characterised by sparse populations, long distances, geographical exposure and a harsh climate. This requires an EU policy that is balanced, coordinated and tailored to the region’s specific conditions, while supporting its long-term sustainable development.
The EU’s Arctic policy should rest on security, sustainability and vitality
Europaforum Northern Sweden argues that the EU’s Arctic policy must rest on three equally important pillars: security, sustainability and vitality. These perspectives need to be better integrated in order to address both local needs and the EU’s broader interests. A strong and resilient Arctic cannot be built through defence and security policy alone, but also through investments in communities, skills, innovation and infrastructure.
The EU’s greatest strength in the Arctic lies in its ability to exercise “soft power” through cohesion policy, investment instruments, partnerships, and support for local and regional development. For northern Sweden and the other NSPA regions, this support has been crucial in building capacity, strengthening innovation environments and developing functioning local communities. Continued targeted support for these regions is therefore central to a long-term European commitment to the Arctic.
An updated strategy should also prioritise better east–west transport links, continued broadband expansion, satellite-based connectivity, strengthened space infrastructure, and increased support for Arctic research and education. Skills provision and investment are crucial if the region is to fully contribute to Europe’s competitiveness and security.
The new Arctic strategy must be built on strong local communities
The Arctic is not only a region to protect or a place for resource extraction. It is a part of Europe where people live, work and build their future. Therefore, the EU’s new Arctic strategy must be based on the understanding that strong local communities, robust connectivity and long-term sustainable development form the foundation of a safer, more resilient and more competitive Europe.
Read the full position here: Europaforum Northern Sweden’s position on the EU’s Arctic policy.