On December 10, 2025, the Northern Europe Office organized a workshop in collaboration with the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The workshop focused on the High North in a new strategic context, with the purpose of analyzing how the changing security situation in the Arctic and the North Atlantic affects stability, deterrence and cooperation in the High North, as well as the implications for Sweden as a new NATO ally and Arctic Country.
The workshop was aimed at officials from the Government Offices, Members of Parliament, and Swedish experts. Speakers were invited from Norway, Finland, Denmark and Greenland.
Discussions centered around great-power rivalry, Nordic defence cooperation, and consequences for Sweden in a High North context. Overall, it was underlined that the High North can no longer be considered a low-tension region on the periphery of global security policy. For Sweden, this means that Arctic and northern issues increasingly need to be integrated into the wider security and defence policy, in close coordination with Nordic neighbors, NATO and the EU.
A detailed written report from the Workshop has now been released. Read it here to learn more about the discussions. It is available in both Swedish and English.
Further reading
Tue, Jan 27, 2026
How the Nordic-Baltic states became Europe’s reliable security engine
Dispatches By Anna Wieslander
Eight Northern European states are acting together early and turning solidarity into capabilities and delivery.
Wed, Jan 7, 2026
Trump’s quest for Greenland could be NATO’s darkest hour
Dispatches By Anna Wieslander
If the United States intervenes to seize Greenland the future of NATO would be at stake. Such a development would be contrary to US national interests.
Tue, Nov 5, 2024
How Sweden and Finland’s membership in NATO affects the High North
Issue Brief By Anna Wieslander
This issue brief explores the impact of Sweden and Finland’s NATO membership on the High North. Having Sweden and Finland in NATO strengthens the influence of the Alliance in the High North, as it responds to Russia's military buildup and China's regional interests. Deterring aggression while maintaining Arctic stability amidst rising geopolitical tensions will require new defense priorities and enhanced Nordic collaboration.