French visit to Norrbotten: "Can play an important role for Europe's independence"

Two countries – many common interests. Last week, Region Norrbotten received the new French ambassador and some of his staff. It was an interesting conversation about strategic independence, defense, preparedness, infrastructure, research and innovation, the EU's cohesion policy and population security.

Regional Council Chair Elisabeth Lindgren (S) welcomed the French delegation during their visit on April 24. Earlier in the day, the delegation had visited Stegra.

 – We see great opportunities to develop our county, and it's happening right here right now, said Lindgren.

Anders Öberg (S), chairman of the regional board, emphasized that Norrbotten is interesting from the perspective of the EU's pursuit of strategic independence. In uncertain times, the EU needs to free itself from dependence on China for raw materials, on Russia for energy and on the US for security.

 – In that situation, it is very important to collaborate and build networks and that is why it is so important that you are here with us. The transition here is very much about creating independence, said Öberg.

In addition to Elisabeth Lindgren, the French delegation was received by Janus Brandin, Regional Development Director, Anders Öberg, Chairman of the Regional Board, and Jonas Thörnqvist, Deputy Regional Director. Ambassador Thierry Carlier is second from the left.

Ambassador Thierry Carlier, who took up his post just a few weeks ago, sees that France and Norrbotten share many important interests.

 – You have many innovative and green companies. And Sweden can really play an important role for Europe's independence. How can we support and help, can you cooperate with our companies? It is also good for us to learn from these projects, said Carlier.

Janus Brandin, Regional Development Director, spoke about Talga's planned graphite mine, which could supply Europe with graphite in its entirety. The same applies to the rare earth metals found in the Per Geijer deposit. He also presented the most important conclusions in the report that Region Norrbotten commissioned last year.

Janus Brandin presented the most important conclusions in the report Industrial Transformation and its Socio-Economic Effects, published in May 2024.

The fact that it is the municipalities that bear most of the risk, while the state takes home 80 percent of the profits from industrial investments, surprised the ambassador.

 “The French system is different. The regions and municipalities are interested in attracting companies and industrial establishments, because the corporate tax goes to the regions and municipalities,” said Thierry Carlier.

“Give back value”

Janus Brandin described how the Swedish system results in municipalities and residents in Norrbotten questioning wind farms and mines. Incentives need to be provided to gain acceptance for establishments that are important not only for Sweden, but for Europe, says Region Norrbotten.

 – The state needs to take responsibility for reducing the risk for municipalities and giving back value to local communities. Otherwise we may miss this window of opportunity, said Janus Brandin.

The need for investment in railway infrastructure was also discussed. The vulnerable Malmbanan Railway, with only single tracks, attracted great interest. The French delegation was astonished to hear how the derailment last winter had cost LKAB 100 million Swedish kronor – every day, for over two months.

The French delegation could hardly believe it was true when they heard what the vulnerability of the Ore Railway is costing society. From left: Yann Pautrat, attaché for research and academic cooperation, Julien Grosjean, responsible for issues related to the environment, energy and raw materials, Ambassador Thierry Carlier and Loïc Defaye, First Counsellor.

In an increasingly uncertain world situation, strategic independence, functioning infrastructure and security are becoming increasingly important.

 – Historically, access to raw materials has been a common cause of war. We are Europe's home to important raw materials, they are worth protecting, said Janus Brandin.

“Little France”

Loïc Defaye, First Counselor, was aware of Norrbotten's demographic challenges and wondered how we were working to attract residents.

 – It is a bigger challenge to recruit from southern Sweden than from other countries. In other countries, they see a move here as an adventure, said Janus Brandin. He talked about the 200 Dutch people who have moved to Norrbotten in recent years, and that Överkalix has become “la petite France” after the French moved there.

The ambassador said he had lunch with a group of French immigrants the day before.

 – It was very interesting to hear why they enjoy life here. They had had a crazy life in Paris, but here it is calm and safe, better for children, easier for the whole family. They had no plans to move back to France.

Norrbotten and France are both members of NATO and the EU. There were many current issues to discuss.

Within the EU, cohesion policy is being renegotiated, ahead of the European Commission's proposal for a new long-term budget. There is concern that cohesion policy – ​​the EU's regional policy – ​​will be sidelined in favor of investments in areas such as defense. Region Norrbotten took the opportunity to explain our position.

 – Innovation and technical solutions that you see here have been financed by the EU. The Structural Funds are crucial for our future. We have high ambitions, and need a budget that matches these ambitions, said Janus Brandin.

Consensus on the EU budget

The French government, like Region Norrbotten, believes that the EU needs to expand its budget framework to meet all needs. This is a position that differs from the Swedish government, which has a restrictive stance.

 – The French position is that we should have an increase in the EU's own resources. For the very reasons that you mentioned: that the EU should invest in defense, but also in innovation. In addition, additional funds are required because we have to repay previous loans. There should be an increase to plan for the future, through taxes or funding from member states. Otherwise it will be clearly insufficient, said Ambassador Carlier.

The French delegation also raised concerns that the Commission would reorganise the Structural Funds in a way that would give member states less influence.

 "Much more will be driven by technicalities. There will be tough negotiations on this. The Commission has strong ideas that look good, but the devil is in the details," said Loïc Defaye.

“Strong research collaboration around space”

Anders Öberg highlighted France's new policy for Arctic research and wondered what we can do to learn from each other and strengthen exchange.

 – One thing that is important to us is access to research stations and research icebreakers. We know that you are a good partner. For example, we have a strong research collaboration on space between Kiruna and Toulouse, said Yann Pautrat, attaché for research and academic cooperation at the embassy.

Finally, the conversation turned to questions about preparedness. A new hospital is to be built in Kiruna, and it should also be able to function for the needs of the defense and in wartime.

 – It's interesting to see what we can do. We are a civilian organization in peace, but how can we contribute in war? said Anders Öberg.

Anders Öberg spoke about, among other things, the industrial transition, the importance of research and innovation, and society's preparedness for crisis and war. 

The ambassador saw Sweden as a source of inspiration.

 – Here, the public sector is also tasked with supporting the Armed Forces. In the French system, the French forces support civilian life, but it does not work the other way around. We are interested in also trying to build a more resilient system, said Carlier.

The meeting was also attended by Jonas Thörnqvist, deputy regional director, who spoke about Region Norrbotten's mission in healthcare and health and the challenges in skills supply.

The French delegation also included Julien Grosjean, responsible for issues related to the environment, energy and raw materials at the French Embassy. Susanne Nilsson, Honorary Consul of France in Luleå, also participated in the meeting.

Text: Sara Stylbäck Vesa