Publication of a book entitled The Northern Dimension by the Europe Information Unit of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs
Press release 318/2006
28 August 2006
Markku Heikkilä's book entitled Pohjoinen ulottuvuus - Den nordliga dimensionen - The Northern Dimensionwill be published on the premises of the Europe Information Unit of the Ministry at Kanavakatu 3 C, Helsinki on Thursday 31 August 2006 at 13.15.
The objective of the Northern Dimension within the policies of the EU is to draw attention to northern Europe and especially to the development of cooperation with northwest Russia. Practical examples of such cooperation concern environmental protection and health care.
The Northern Dimension provides a framework for unprecedented cooperation involving the EU, Russia, and the non-EU Nordic countries Norway and Iceland. The arctic factor in this cooperation also involves the United States and Canada in the position of observers.
The Northern Dimension is one of the priorities of Finland's ongoing Presidency of the EU. At present, Finland is in charge of the reform of the Northern Dimension policies. A new Policy Framework Document is scheduled for completion in January 2007.
The book will be also available on the website of the Europe Information Unit at
http://www.eurooppa-tiedotus.fi/en/(Link to another website.) (Opens New Window) > Julkaisut aiheittain > Pohjoinen ulottuvuus. It is also possible to collect or order a copy of the book from any of the regional offices of Europe Information Unit, tel. +358 10 3456 700.
Programme of the publication event:
13.15 Opening address by Foreign Minister Erkki Tuomioja
Background to the book: Ten years of the Northern Dimension viewed by a journalist
Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper, Kaleva, Markku Heikkilä
Relations between the EU and Russia; the Northern Dimension during Finland's EU Presidency and the new Policy Framework Document
Under-Secretary of State Markus Lyra, Ministry for Foreign Affairs
A researcher's view of the Northern Dimension and EU-Russia relations
Hiski Haukkala, researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs
Maimo Henriksson, Director of the Unit for the Northern Dimension of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, will be present. She and the other speakers will be pleased to answer your questions.
Coffee will be served.
Further information: Director of the Europe Information Unit, Roberto Tanzi-Albi, tel. +358 9 1605 5813, Director of the Unit for the Northern Dimension Maimo Henriksson, tel. +358 9 1605 6186, Publications Editor Päivi Toivanen, tel. +358 9 1605 5846