The Kiruna Declaration calls for more EU support for areas like Norrbotten

For a few intense days, the EU's Committee of the Regions met in Kiruna. Politicians from all over Europe gathered to learn more about our county, but also to adopt the Kiruna Declaration. 
– We wanted to gain knowledge and awareness of what it looks like for municipalities like Kiruna, regions like Norrbotten. What challenges are they facing with climate change, the energy transition, the digital transition?, said chairman Vasco Alves Cordeiro.

The more than one hundred delegates were able to learn about the opportunities and challenges that result from the green transition in Norrbotten. Study visits to LKAB, Ishotellet and Esrange contributed to the understanding of the developments that are taking place. They also showed how the structural funds contribute to regional development in practice.

The Committee of the Regions received, among other things, a presentation of LKAB's operations. Photo: European Union / Lauri Ouvinen.

The event was hosted by Region Norrbotten, together with Kiruna Municipality. It is part of Region Norrbotten's role as regional development manager to participate in dialogue, increase knowledge and spread awareness about our conditions and needs.

– These have been enriching and useful study visits. When we looked at the space program, we realized how regions that do not have large cities can get qualified labor and well-paid jobs, said Chairman Vasco Alves Cordeiro at Friday's press conference.

Dependent on Norrbotten

It became clear to the participants how dependent other EU countries actually are on raw materials, services and technology from Norrbotten. The meeting was an opportunity to highlight that we in Norrbotten need more help and support from the EU to be able to deliver in the future.

The Kiruna Declaration calls on the EU institutions to take into account the specific situation of remote areas, for example when reviewing the financial framework. The Committee of the Regions stresses that policies must ensure sustainable place-based development in all parts of Europe. The Kiruna Declaration stresses, among other things, the importance of continued local and regional influence in EU cohesion policy.

– The Kiruna Declaration is important because we raise climate issues, but also the needs at the local and regional level. That we cooperate in the fight against climate impact, at all levels in Europe. A structural change in the funds must follow to encourage industry's green production and provide support to small and medium-sized enterprises, but also support society. The services of the welfare society must be able to continue to function and receive the support they need, for the needs the future will require, said regional councilor Glenn Berggård (V).

Regional Councillor Glenn Berggård (V) represented Region Norrbotten, which together with Kiruna Municipality hosted the visit. Photo: European Union / David Martin Diaz.

“Must be done in a sustainable manner”

The Kiruna Declaration points out that remote areas, especially in the Arctic, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of the climate crisis. There are also particular challenges around demography and skills supply. At the same time, areas like Norrbotten have unique natural resources and skills that can make them leaders in the green transition. In Norrbotten's case, for example, rare earth metals, which can provide Europe with crucial raw materials needed for electric vehicles and wind turbines.

At the press conference, Kiruna City Councilor Mats Taaveniku emphasized that all development must take place in a sustainable manner – socially, economically and ecologically.

– Our contribution will be to reduce the effect of the climate crisis. Here we all need to help each other and ensure that collaboration becomes much more effective than we see today, so that we can move from words to action. We all agree that this must be done in a sustainable way where we take into account the minorities that exist in the municipality. It must not be a new colonization of our land, he said.

Kiruna municipal councillor Mats Taaveniku stressed that the transition must be carried out in a way that is sustainable in every way. Photo: European Union / David Martin Diaz.

“Industry is absolutely crucial”

Minister of Civil Affairs Erik Slottner, Minister responsible for Regions and Municipalities, also participated and also spoke about the importance of natural resources.

– Industry is absolutely crucial in the green transition, that insight is becoming increasingly stronger and is quite new. We can use industry to meet our climate challenges. There are natural resources and minerals here that can help us. This is also a question of security policy, if we can become more self-sufficient, it is good for Europe's security and we reduce dependence on other countries, he said.

Minister of Civil Affairs Erik Slottner (left) was in Kiruna for the second time in a few months. Here with the Chairman of the Committee of the Regions, Vasco Alves Cordeiro. Photo: David Martin Alves.

Develop Norrbotten explains

European Committee of the Regions (ECR): The voice of regions and municipalities in the EU. It represents local and regional authorities and advises on new legislation that has implications for regions and municipalities.

Cohesion Policy: aims to develop Europe's regions by reducing regional disparities and inequalities between people. The aim is to contribute to economic, social and territorial cohesion within Europe. The investments will unlock the unique potential of each region and ensure that no one is left behind in development.

Structural Funds: Tools for creating development in the EU through investments in different areas. EU funds are distributed through the funds to initiatives that will contribute to a stronger EU. Norrbotten is provided with money through the following structural funds:

ERDF (European Regional Development Fund)
ESF+ (European Social Fund)
JTF (Just Transition Fund)
Interreg Aurora

Links

What does the Kiruna Declaration say? Here is the document in English.

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