Summary
This report provides a comprehensive mapping of cross-border cooperation in the High North, focusing on Northern Norway, Northern Sweden, and Northern Finland. The study examines how regional and transnational collaboration addresses shared challenges such as harsh climate, long distances, sparse populations, and increasing strategic importance following Sweden and Finland’s accession to NATO.
Cooperation initiatives are sorted according to NATO’s seven baseline requirements for societal resilience, covering governance, energy, movement of people, food and water, health crises, communication systems, and transport. The report highlights a wide range of frameworks and projects, from overarching Nordic and EU agreements to operational partnerships at the local level.
While activities support all baseline requirements, the study identifies potential for improved coordination, integration, and strategic vision. Key recommendations include harmonizing security regulations, linking industrial policy to resilience goals, and leveraging new EU directives for enhanced cross-border preparedness. The findings serve as a knowledge base for future joint risk and vulnerability analyses in the High North.
Download the report Mapping of Cross-border Cooperation in the High North