Finland’s new Arctic strategy at the government evening session

Government Communications Department
Press release 274/2013
12.6.2013

On Wednesday 12 June, the government evening session discussed a working group proposal for Finland's reviewed strategy for the Arctic region. The "Arctic Finland" strategy is to be adopted by the government plenary session in early July.

The importance of the Arctic region is growing significantly. This area in our near environs provides Finland with both great challenges and opportunities. As an Arctic country, it is essential for Finland to make a reliable overall assessment and determine a vision of the Arctic region. The entire country has significant interests in the Arctic in areas including business, skills, international cooperation and issues relating to the northernmost regions of Finland, strengthening of our Arctic position and promoting sustainable development in the Arctic region.

Prime Minister Katainen's Government Programme of 22 June 2011 refers to the Arctic strategy and more intense measures relating to it. The previous strategy for the Arctic region focused on external relations. The objectives and measures of the new strategy are more comprehensive and concrete. The strategy discusses the strengthening of Finland's Arctic position, new business opportunities, the environment, security and stability, the position of our northernmost regions, international cooperation and Arctic expertise in a broader sense.

The Government adopted guidelines for Finland's Arctic policy at a government evening session on 10 October 2012. The perspectives of the new strategy are based on four pillars presented in the guidelines: an Arctic country – Arctic expertise – sustainable development and environmental factors – international cooperation. These pillars determine Finland's role in the Arctic. Finland will increase efforts aimed at generating growth and competitiveness in the Arctic region. The strategy is to be implemented through sector-specific measures.

The strategy was reviewed by a working group appointed by the Prime Minister on 31 October 2012. Each ministry had two representatives in the group. The public officials' network was chaired by Hannu Halinen, Ambassador for Arctic Affairs. Permanent Secretaries from key ministries steered preparatory work on the strategy. The work was conducted under the leadership of State Secretary Olli-Pekka Heinonen from the Prime Minister's Office. Support was provided by an Arctic advisory board appointed by the Prime Minister's Office. The board was also led by State Secretary Heinonen.

Inquiries: Olli-Pekka Heinonen, State Secretary, Prime Minister's Office, tel. +358 295 160 280 and Hannu Halinen, Ambassador, Arctic Affairs, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 40 178 2053