New Arctic strategy sets direction – but requires clearer implementation

The government has presented a new Arctic strategy that will shape Sweden's work in a region of growing global importance. But how will the ambitious goals become a reality – and what do they mean for Norrbotten? 

The Arctic Strategy sets the framework for Sweden's policy in the heart of the European Arctic. The strategy is based on a changed security policy situation in which the Arctic has gained increased global importance, with growing geopolitical tensions, climate change and competition for natural resources.

– In the Arctic, many of today's global challenges, security policy tensions, economic drivers and climate change are united and concentrated, said Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard at a press conference in Boden.

The new direction replaces the strategy from 2020 and includes five focus areas:

• · peace, security and stability

• · economy and trade

• · climate and environment

• · sustainable, vibrant and resilient communities

• · strategic resources.

“Peaceful and secure Arctic”

– The goal of Swedish Arctic policy is a peaceful and secure Arctic with sustainable, robust and attractive societies and reduced environmental and climate impact, said Malmer Stenergard.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs also emphasized that several policy areas need to collaborate in implementation.

– Foreign policy and domestic policy are closely interconnected and many policy areas, societal sectors and actors, both public and private, interact.

Region Norrbotten has contributed to the process of developing the strategy and is positive that the Arctic is being raised as a strategic issue for Sweden.

– Those responsible have done solid work and highlight many perspectives that are relevant in a new era and a new world situation, says Anders Öberg (S), chairman of the regional board.

From left: Linda Frohm (M), opposition councilor for Region Norrbotten, Lotta Finstorp, county governor, Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard, Colonel Magnus Ståhl, head of the Northern Military Region, Anders Öberg, chairman of the regional board.

Concrete measures are missing

The strategy is largely in line with regional priorities, including safety, industrial transition and the need for robust infrastructure. At the same time, Region Norrbotten points out that the strategy is largely comprehensive. It clarifies what is important – but not how it should be implemented.

There is a lack of concrete measures, division of responsibilities and financing, especially in transport, energy and digital infrastructure. The link to national plans and instruments also needs to be clearer.

– What the strategy lacks is a plan for the management of the areas highlighted. What resources are available? And above all, who owns the issues? Such a plan is crucial for building Sweden's Arctic capabilities, says Anders Öberg.

Risk of centralized perspective

Another central issue is how the benefits of Arctic resources should be distributed. The strategy highlights the importance of minerals and raw materials, with Norrbotten playing a crucial role for both Sweden and the EU.

– There is a risk of an approach where it is only about getting the raw materials. That Norrbotten is seen as a periphery, and from a colonial and centralized perspective, says Anders Öberg.

Climate change is another area where the region calls for greater focus. In northern Sweden, the effects are already clearly visible, and developments are happening rapidly.

At the same time, Region Norrbotten emphasizes the need for a clearer system perspective, where energy supply, transport and digital infrastructure are interconnected. These systems are crucial to both managing the transition and strengthening the resilience of society. What does not work in peacetime will also not work in the event of a crisis or war.

“Building on collaboration”

The strategy also points to the importance of international cooperation and Sweden's role in the Arctic Council.

– We will never be able to do this work alone, but it is truly based on cooperation, said Malmer Stenergard at the press conference.

Region Norrbotten sees opportunities here, not least in relation to the EU's regional policy and the cooperation within the Northern Sparsely Populated Areas (NSPA). It is a network for the northernmost parts of Sweden, Norway and Finland.

Key issue going forward

However, for the strategy to have a real impact, the government must actually take the next step.

– How do we, who are responsible for regional development and are supposed to build viable local communities, get the conditions to do the job? That is a key question going forward, says Anders Öberg.

Overall, the Arctic strategy provides a clear direction for Sweden's work in the North. But putting the ambitions into practice requires more concrete decisions, long-term investments and a clear sense of responsibility – where Norrbotten's unique conditions are also taken seriously.

– The Arctic strategy is strong in direction – but weak in implementation, says Anders Öberg.

READ: Sweden's strategy for a peaceful, secure and sustainable Arctic

Text: Sara Stylbäck Vesa