European Commission names former Finnish PM as EU-Arctic relations advisor
Jyrki Katainen, a former Finnish prime minister, was named on Monday as the European Commission’s new Special Adviser on EU-Arctic relations.
The news comes as the EU prepares to release its updated Arctic Policy later this year.
With Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and the North becoming an area of competition, including threats from the U.S. Trump administration to take control of Greenland, the EU’s top diplomats have repeatedly stressed in recent months the need to update their policy to reflect the Arctic’s shift from an area of cooperation to one of competition.
“In the current geopolitical and geoeconomic context, the strategic importance of the Arctic region for the EU is clear, with challenges and opportunities that EU policies should address,” the commission said in a statement.
“Drawing from his extensive political and policy expertise, Mr Katainen will provide advice on the implementation of the EU’s Arctic priorities, including economic security, connectivity, sustainable development, and climate and energy.”
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the appointment is important recognition of what Finland can bring to international northern security concerns.
“It shows that Finnish expertise is recognised and valued in the EU,” Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said on the Government of Finland website.
Sustained focus on Arctic security shaped by proximity to Russia
Unlike many other Arctic countries, Finland did not downplay northern security concerns after the Cold War, a position shaped by its long land border with Russia.
Canada has also increasingly sought closer collaboration with Finland on everything from icebreakers to security.
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Related stories from around the North:
Canada: Canadian Coast Guard tests Arctic surveillance drone as air force delivery stalls, CBC News
Finland: Arctic, defence on agenda as Finland’s president meets Mark Carney in Ottawa Tuesday, Eye on the Arctic
Greenland: Denmark to expand Arctic surveillance with purchase of long-range drones, Eye on the Arctic
Norway: Norwegian police move training north as Russia eyes body-snatching law, The Independent Barents Observer
Russia: Arctic militarization could lead to ‘unintentional incidents’ in region, Russia warns, The Canadian Press
