The Barents Euro-Arctic Council celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023
The Barents Euro-Arctic Council was established in 1993 in Kirkenes, Norway. Until 2023, the Nordic countries, Russia and the European Commission were members of the Council. Russia announced its resignation from the Barents Euro-Arctic Council on 18 September 2023. The Barents Euro-Arctic Council meets every two years under the auspices of foreign ministers. Between Council meetings, activities are coordinated by the Committee of Officials (CSO). As of October 2023, the Council will be led by a Troika Finland-Sweden-Norway. Read more about 2021-2023 the Finnish Barents Programme.
Finland has decided to withdraw from Barents' Euro-Arctic cooperation. A related process is currently underway. However, the withdrawal is subject to a transition period of one year, which means that Finland will normally participate in BEAC until the end of 2025.
Barents Regional Council
At the same time as the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, the Barents Regional Council was established. The Regional Council comprises 13 provinces, counties or similar areas from the northern regions of the Barents countries. The Barents member regions in Finland are the provinces of North Ostrobothnia, Lapland and Kainuu, Finnmark, Nordland and Tromsø in Norway and Norrbotten and Västerbotten in Sweden. The Barents regions of Russia are the Murmansk and Arkhangelsk regions, the Republics of Karelia and Komi, and the Nenetsian Autonomous District.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine interrupted Barents cooperation with Russian regions. The Province of North Karelia has been the Chairman of the Barents Regional Council since October 2023.
The Barents Regional Council usually meets twice a year. Between the Regional Council meetings, the activities are coordinated by the Barents Regional Committee. Member of the Barents Regional Council from the Regional Council of North Ostrobothnia is Regional Director Jussi Rämet and member of the Barents Regional Committee is Head of International Affairs Hanna Honkamäkilä.
Get to know the Barents Collaboration
Read the news about the opportunities of the green transition in the Barents region (published on 15 February 2023)
Discover the Barents Region transport system project in New North.
The picture below shows the working groups preparing the Barents cooperation
