Finland’s New Strategy for Arctic Policy

Nina Brander, Secretary General of the Arctic Advisory Board in the Strategy Department of the Finnish Prime Minister’s Office and a Member of the Board of the Arctic Society of Finland, discusses Finland’s new Strategy for Arctic Policy.

Nina Brander

The Finnish Government issued a resolution on the new Arctic policy strategy in its plenary session on Thursday, 17 June 2021. The strategy defines Finland’s key objectives in the Arctic region and outlines the main priorities for achieving them.

All activities in the Arctic must be tied in with the carrying capacity of the natural environment, the protection of the climate, sustainable development principles and respect for the rights of indigenous peoples. From these starting points, the targets relating to economic operations and Finland’s economic interests can be assessed. Circular economy and other new principles of economic activity as well as technological solutions may also create entirely new business opportunities.

The strategy is built on four priorities:

1. Climate change mitigation and adaptation;
2. Inhabitants (promotion of wellbeing and the rights of the Saami as an indigenous people);
3. Arctic expertise (livelihoods and leading edge research); and
4. Infrastructure and logistics.

Climate change and sustainable development are the guidelines for the whole strategy. The international operating environment and security issues in the Arctic region are addressed in the introductory part of the strategy. This section emphasises the importance of international cooperation and addresses key structures of international Arctic cooperation.

The new Arctic policy strategy is a key element of Finland’s Arctic policy. The strategy has been prepared in line with Prime Minister Sanna Marin’s Government Programme. It covers approximately two parliamentary terms and extends until 2030.

You can read Finland’s new Strategy for Arctic Policy in six languages, including three Sámi languages, here.