The Arctic region is becoming increasingly important to Finland. Tension with Russia poses challenges to Finnish security, even after joining NATO. Along the lines of Finland’s Arctic Policy, published in 2021, Finland continues to focus on security, climate and the environment (source). Growing competition with Russia in 2023 has implications for Finland’s arctic policy over the next 12 months.

Key Judgement 1. Finland will likely intensify its joint military presence with NATO in the Arctic region over the next 12 months.

Key Judgement 2. In the next 12 months, Finland is likely to continue to prioritise climate change mitigation and adaptation as well as the protection of the Sámi people.

Key Judgement 3 Tensions between Finland and Russia are likely to increase over the next 12 months, especially given a NATO troop deployment in the country.