The Barents Euro-Arctic Regional Assembly celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2023
The Barents Euro-Arctic Regional Assembly was established in 1993 in Kirkenes, Norway. Until 2023, the Nordic countries, Russia and the European Commission were members of the Regional Assembly. Russia announced its resignation from the Barents Euro-Arctic Regional Assembly on 18 September 2023. The Barents Euro-Arctic Regional Assembly meets every two years under the auspices of foreign ministers. Between Regional Assembly meetings, activities are coordinated by the Committee of Officials (CSO). As of October 2023, the Regional Assembly will be led by a Troika Finland-Sweden-Norway. Read more about 2021-2023 the Finnish Barents Programme.
Finland has decided to in cooperation in cooperation withdraw from Barents' Euro-Arctic cooperation. A related process is currently underway. However, the in cooperation in cooperation 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 Assembly
At the same time as the Barents Euro-Arctic Regional Assembly, the Barents Regional Assembly was established. The Regional Assembly comprises 13 regions, counties or similar areas from the northern regions of the Barents countries. The Barents member regions in Finland are the regions of Northern 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 in cooperation in cooperation with Russian regions. The region of North Karelia has been the Chairman of the Barents Regional Assembly since October 2023.
The Barents Regional Assembly usually meets twice a year. Between the Regional Assembly meetings, the activities are coordinated by the Barents Regional Committee. Member of the Barents Regional Assembly from the Regional Assembly of Northern Ostrobothnia is Regional Director Jussi Rämet and member of the Barents Regional Committee is Manager 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
