Finland’s Arctic Policy 2023: A 12 month outlook

Current events are affecting the implementation of Finland’s Arctic policy. The tense relationship in Europe regarding the Russo-Ukranian War has brought challenges to Finnish security, which is demanding adequate countermeasures. A pending membership in NATO may be the most significant, mainly because of the increased interest in the Arctic region by NATO and its global opponents. Moreover, as climate change enables increased access to the Arctic Region through the Southern Passage, Finland is reevaluating previous priorities. 

Finland’s Arctic Policy, released in 2021, covers the Finnish priorities in the Arctic Region. The document mainly focuses on security, climate and environment, business and trade relations, and good living conditions. However, challenging security objectives will likely require a lower priority in previously prioritised areas. Overall, contemporary developments put the Arctic in focus, with implications for domestic and foreign policy in the next 12 months.