11.04.2024
What will the future of the European Arctic look like?
The mandate of the current College of the European Parliament and the Commission will end in 2024 and the future of the European Arctic will play an even stronger role when the new Parliament and the Commission start their work. Looking ahead, a seminar on the Arctic was held in Helsinki, focusing on the green transition and security.
Member of Parliament speaking at the event Mari-Leena Talvitie therefore called for cooperation to Influencing the agenda of the next European Commission.
– Security and stability in the European Arctic means security and stability in the European Union. One of the key objectives of the Finnish Government is to better prepare and Influencing the agenda of the future European Commission in advance, he said.
The future role of Northern Finland
The seminar, organised by the Arctic Working Group of the Baltic Sea Commission of the Regional Assembly of Oulu Region and the CPMR, was attended by several politicians at national and local level. The delegation of Arctic parliamentarians was also a partner in the organisation of the event. Olga Aries - Panuma opened up an opportunity.
In his speech, Olga Oinas-Panuma emphasised the importance of accessibility in Northern Finland.
– We need to take care of the Northern transport connections and strengthen security of supply routes through northern Sweden and Norway to the sea. Transport connections also have a big impact on local businesses and vitality, he said.
The EU plays a key role in the sustainable development of the Arctic through policies and financial instruments. The INTERREG programme, the EU's regional and structural policy and the CEF funding supporting trans-European transport and energy networks, as well as the Horizon Europe programme, are important and should be strengthened in the future.
In Northern Finland, additional investments are needed in infrastructure, ports, rail connections and better cross-border transport connections in the European Arctic to enable security of supply and further development of the region. However, balanced, responsible and sustainable development requires the involvement of people, indigenous communities and local and regional authorities.
The speeches also highlighted the ongoing Northern Agenda as Finland's strategic framework for strengthening the Arctic region. The implementation of the Nordic Programme and similar activities in other Nordic countries require seamless cooperation both between regions and at national level.
The Arctic is part of Europe
The Head of Unit of the European Commission was present at the event Raphaël Goulet the EU Directorate-General for Maritime Affairs and the Arctic Ambassador Clara Ganslandt The EU's External Relations Department. Their contributions showed that climate change is the biggest challenge for the Arctic region. The European Arctic is at the forefront of the EU's green transition. The region will develop fossil-free energy solutions, clean technologies and extract critical raw materials necessary to reduce Europe's CO2 emissions.
In addition, the European Arctic has become a geopolitical centrepiece since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Increasing tensions in the Arctic are affecting Europe at social, regional and economic levels. In the near future, it will therefore be important to invest in public services in the region and to build attractive and sustainable communities. This is how the Arctic can be kept inhabited.
Dialogue on the Arctic continues. The next opportunity will be at the EU Arctic Forum, which will take place on 14-15 May in Brussels.
