High North – regional civil preparedness cooperation
The civil preparedness efforts in the two northernmost regions of Finland, Sweden, and Norway are united under the High North Cooperation. The aim is to strengthen and expand this unique cooperation. Therefore, we exchange information and experiences, identify common risks, and organise joint events and train together.
Today’s geopolitical situation in the High North highlights that close cooperation is needed now more than ever. The inclusion of all nations in NATO has further strengthened cooperation and highlighted its necessity.
Together we are stronger in facing crises.
On 25 November 2025, High North Cooperation (HNC) gathered emergency services from northern regions of Norway, Sweden, and Finland for a joint communication exercise. This is the second time the HNC carried out this test, and this time the County Governor of Nordland was responsible for planning and hosting. The purpose was to check that the systems work across borders and to learn what can be improved.
Representatives from the two northernmost counties in Sweden, as well as from Finland and Norway, have met to discuss how to strengthen interregional cooperation related to the ability to deal effectively with uncontrolled movement of people and to take care of refugees.
The tense security situation underscores the importance of preparedness, both in the Baltic Sea region and in the Euro-Arctic area. Meeting new threats requires joint exercises and well-functioning processes, as underlined at the Rescue Borealis 2025 international field exercise held in Oulu. “Russia’s actions constantly remind us that the security
