A large part of the Nordic land and sea areas lie in the Arctic region. The Nordic countries are therefore heavily involved in matters related to this unique and rugged, but also vulnerable area.
The Nordic countries co-operate to improve the quality of life for the indigenous people in the northern areas and to promote social and cultural development for the Arctic people. Nordic co-operation also strives to protect the sensitive and characteristic Arctic nature. We want to ensure that the region's resources are used in a sustainable manner and preserve biodiversity.
Nordic co-operation has thrown light on the social living conditions in the Arctic, questions of equality and the economy of the northern areas. Co-operation has created increased knowledge about environmental toxins, heavy metals and climate change in the Arctic.
Nordic funding for the University of the Arctic has improved the indigenous population’s opportunities for education. In addition, Nordic co-operation supports reindeer husbandry.
The Nordic Council of Ministers is based on openness and co-operation, and there are, therefore, significant sums available for funding. Every year a large number of Nordic organisations and associations receive funding for Arctic co-operation.
Nordic co-operation in the Arctic takes place at both parliamentary level and through governmental co-operation. Governmental co-operation takes place through the Nordic Council of Ministers, the Arctic Council and in co-operation with the EU.
The Nordic Council of Ministers' Arctic Co-operation Programme forms the framework for the projects and activities.
Nordic co-operation is broad and embraces areas such as environment, health, energy supply, research, culture, education, IT, research and business advancement.
In addition, the Arctic Co-operation Programme is used by the Nordic Council of Ministers in co-operation with countries in the Arctic Council and the EU in relation to work in the Barents Euro-Arctic Council.
The Arctic Co-operation Programme also supplements the Council of Ministers’ Russian Programme which covers some of the same geographical area.
The overall responsibility for co-ordination lies with the Ministers for Nordic Co-operation. The Council of Ministers has an Arctic Expert Committee which advises on the elaboration, implementation and follow-up of Arctic activities. In addition, a large number of Arctic activities and initiatives are carried out through the respective policy councils of ministers in the Nordic Council of Ministers.
Visit the Arctic Portal.