The High North
The world is turning its attention towards the North where Norway has key interests to pursue. By investing in knowledge, business development and international cooperation we are strengthening Norway’s position as a responsible actor and partner in the North.
Norway's Arctic Policy
The Norwegian Government presented a new white paper on Arctic policy November 2020. A short version is now available in English. The new white paper underlines the importance of bilateral, regional and multilateral cooperation with our neighbours and partners in the Arctic, also in the face of a more challenging security environment.
Norway has Chairmanship of Barents Arctic-Euro Council
‘The Barents Euro-Arctic Council is an important body for international cooperation. We are looking forward to taking over the Chairmanship of the Council and helping to build a strong and sustainable Barents region,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide.
The Arctic Council
The Arctic Council is the only circumpolar body for political cooperation at government level. It provides a forum for discussion between the eight Arctic states and representatives of indigenous peoples on issues of common interest. The Council promotes sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic.
Related topics and insights
What's new
National budget 2021: Major focus on North Norway
07/10/2020: ‘The Arctic is our most important area of strategic responsibility. This is reflected in the budget proposal for 2021 and in the Government’s long-term priorities. We must safeguard Norwegian interests in the north and to do so we must further develop North Norway as a strong, viable and highly competent region,’ said Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide.
The Minister's Statement at the Arctic Frontiers
27/01/2020: 'The Arctic today is a region characterized by peace, stability and international cooperation. This is no coincidence. It is a result of political choices. It is something we have worked hard to achieve. And it is something we will work hard to maintain,' Minister of Foreign Affairs Ine Eriksen Søreide said in her statement at the Arctic Frontiers conference in Tromsø.
Latest news
- Agreement on action plan to combat marine litter and new strategic plan for the Arctic region Press release 20/05/2021
- Speach by Bakke-Jensen: - The High North is our strategic centre Speech/statement 22/03/2021
- Minister of Foreign Affairs to take part in Arctic Frontiers Press release 01/02/2021
- Ensuring Strategic Stability in the High North Speech/statement 12/01/2021
- A policy for growth and stability – for the people in the north and for the whole country Press release 27/11/2020
- Major focus on North Norway Press release 07/10/2020
- Statement at Arctic Frontiers Speech/statement 27/01/2020
- Statement at Barents Council foreign ministers meeting Speech/statement 03/10/2019
Documents
Norway’s Arctic Strategy
The Government’s new Arctic Strategy, presented on 21 April 2017.
Contact
Section for the High North, Polar Affairs and Marine Resources
E-mail: Seksjon.for.nordomradeprosjektet.polarsaker.energi.og.ressurser@mfa.no
Phone: +47 23 95 15 64
Address: Postboks 8114 Dep., 0032 Oslo
Visitor address: 7. juniplassen 1 / Victoria Terrasse 7,