Finland to issue a resolution on new strategy for the Arctic region
The Finland’s Government issued a resolution on Finland’s new strategy for the Arctic region.The revised strategy examines the potential for bolstering Finland’s position regarding the Arctic region; the creation of new business opportunities; the Arctic environment; the region’s security and stability; the position of the northern parts of Finland; international cooperation; and Arctic expertise in the widest sense of the term.
At the same time, the strategy defines Finland’s role in the Arctic region as comprising four key aspects: Finland as an Arctic country, Arctic expertise, sustainable development and environmental considerations, and international cooperation.
“I’m pleased to see that progress is being made in the Arctic context. The potential offered by the region is important to the efforts to promote economic growth and welfare in all countries. Finland’s advantage lies in its extensive Arctic expertise. In the next few years, further development of this expertise and new forms of cross-border cooperation will only gain in importance. However, we need to bear in mind that the region’s resources must be utilised sustainably with due regard to the environment and the well-being of the local population,” says Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen.
Finland’s updated strategy for the Arctic region is based on the Arctic policy adopted by the government evening session in October 2012, which also forms the foundation for Finland’s Arctic vision: Finland is an active Arctic player with the ability to reconcile the limitations imposed and business opportunities provided by the Arctic environment in a sustainable manner while drawing upon international cooperation. The strategy will be presented to Parliament in the form of a Prime Minister’s announcement in September.
All the eight Arctic countries have their own strategies for the region. Of these, Finland’s latest strategy is the most comprehensive in terms of scope, objectives and the tangible proposals for attaining these objectives.
The Strategy for the Arctic Region will be implemented through sector-specific measures in accordance with the central government spending limits and budgets. EU funding will be allocated to the projects subject to EU Programmes and the conditions established for EU support.
High-quality education and growing business
Finland possesses extensive Arctic expertise based on its advanced education system. By investing in education and research, Finland will be able to consolidate its position and increase its appeal as a leading world-class expert in the Arctic. However, to reach the top international level, Finnish universities and polytechnics need to develop their Arctic expertise on an on-going basis and Finnish Arctic actors need to intensify their mutual cooperation.
It is of great national interest to Finland to be one of the leading countries in Arctic maritime technology and shipping. The expansion of mining in the region is offering Finnish operators new international business opportunities both in terms of mining technology and increasing transport volumes.
Protection of the environment and indigenous peoples
Finland advocates the protection and ecologically sustainable economic and social development of the Arctic land and sea areas. In global climate negotiations, Finland supports ambitious emission reduction targets by highlighting issues related to climate change in the region.
The mental and material well-being, access to work, efficient basic services, equality, security and education of the people living in the northern parts of Finland need to be secured. A thriving local population contributes to economic stability and improves competitiveness. At the international level, Finland seeks to ensure the participation of indigenous peoples when issues affecting their status as indigenous peoples are addressed. Finland finds it important to guarantee that the organisations of the indigenous peoples represented in the Arctic Council are able to participate in the work of the Council at the various levels.
The Finland’s strategy for the Arctic Region is currently available in Finnish and Swedish and will be published in English early in the autumn.
The resolution on Finlands strategy for the Arctic Region (in Finnish)
The resolution on Finlands strategy for the Arctic Region (in Swedish)
