Report discusses Finland’s new role in the Arctic

A report commissioned by the Finnish Government
comprehensively examines the impact of Russian aggression on international
cooperation in the Arctic region and on the implementation of Finland’s Arctic
policy strategy, especially from the perspective of sustainable development goals.
Gaia Consulting Oy and the Finnish Institute of International Affairs have also been
involved in the study led by the Arctic Centre at the University of
Lapland.

Finland’s current Arctic policy strategy dates back to
June 2021. Although it highlighted the intensification of military tensions, the
strategy did not foresee a situation like today in which Arctic cooperation has
become significantly more complicated. The descriptions of the international
operating environment and the structures of Arctic cooperation in Finland’s Arctic
policy strategy are largely no longer relevant. 

The
paralysis of international cooperation and research in the Arctic is particularly
problematic. The sustainable development of the region requires extensive
international and regional cooperation. In addition, possible steps taken by Russia
away from sustainable development activities, for example, climate action, will
weaken the state of sustainable development of the entire Arctic region. The state
of the environment and climate know no national borders.  With the
geopolitical situation, the green transition will become increasingly important at
the national level, not only in terms of  climate and energy policy, but
also for security policy and the security of supply.

Among the
international Arctic cooperation mechanisms, the most important for Finland is the
Arctic Council, where Russia currently holds the chairmanship. Seven Western member
states have temporarily suspended their activities in the Arctic Council. The
Barents Euro-Arctic Council has also suspended its cooperation with Russia. At the
level of the bilateral agreements between Finland and Russia, there are still
official contacts. Yet, in practice, the previous connections between Finnish Arctic
actors and Russia are either severed, or just a shell remains. Russia is still
involved in activities based on legal agreements and, for example, in UN
organisations.

According to the report’s conclusions, Finland
needs to adapt its operations to the realities of the new Cold War, where the
international Arctic structures are fragmented. The time for a new comprehensive
Arctic policy strategy will come once the situation stabilises. Regardless of the
geopolitical situation, environmental and climate issues, sustainable development,
and the status of indigenous peoples will still remain the key themes of the Arctic
region. They are still needed as priorities for Finland’s Arctic
activities.

Overall, the indirect effects of the Russian
aggression on the Arctic region and the role of Finland in the region are
significant. As the situation continues, this will also affect the structures of
Arctic cooperation. For example, an operating model at the Nordic level should be
developed for the growing cooperation needs in the northernmost regions of Finland,
Sweden, and Norway.

Although Russia’s short-term development is
exceedingly difficult to predict and, for example, research cooperation with Russia
is interrupted, Finland still needs information on Russia’s Arctic regions. In
the longer term, it is in Finland’s interest to continue to build a functioning
relationship with Russia. However, this must not happen at any cost. In the coming
years, ensuring national security must be at the centre of Finland’s policy towards
Russia. 

Research Professor Timo
Koivurova was the scientific director for the report, and Head of
Science Communication Markku Heikkilä coordinated the
work. 

English Summary and
conclusions

Whole report
in Finnish language: VALTIONEUVOSTON SELVITYKSIÄ: Analyysi Venäjän
hyökkäyssodan vaikutuksista