The Northern Europe office works in particular on forging a strong US-Northern Europe agenda in light of the reinvigorated transatlantic relationship that has resulted from Finland’s accession into NATO and Sweden’s bid for membership. The office, headed by Anna Wieslander, participates in the public debate, provides analysis and publications, and arranges workshops, seminars, and conferences that bring together policymakers and a diverse group of stakeholders in order to forge solutions that address challenges critical to the future of Europe and the transatlantic relationship.

Featured commentary and analysis

Northern Europe Office

New Atlanticist Apr 26, 2023

A glimpse of Sweden in NATO: Gotland could be a game-changer for Baltic defense

By Anna Wieslander and Eric Adamson

Sweden’s largest military exercise in twenty-five years highlights the strategically important island of Gotland in defending NATO allies.
Europe & Eurasia Maritime Security
Northern Europe Office

New Atlanticist Feb 7, 2023

What would happen if Sweden and Finland split up their NATO bids?

By Eric Adamson and Minna Ålander

Finland proceeding without Sweden should be a last resort because of all the strategic and logistical difficulties it would create.
Conflict Europe & Eurasia
Northern Europe Office

Issue Brief Jan 6, 2023

How allied Sweden and Finland can secure Northern Europe 

By Anna Wieslander, Eric Adamson, Jesper Lehto

NATO is approaching its ninth round of enlargement. The accession of Sweden and Finland—two solid democracies and defenders of the international-rules based order—into the Alliance will strengthen the core of the transatlantic community.
Defense Policy NATO

Featured media mentions

January 31, 2023

Wieslander in Financial Times on potential solo Finnish NATO accession

“The focus now is to calm down the situation,” said Anna Wieslander, director for northern Europe at the Atlantic Council think-tank. “Swedish policymakers are still quite confident that Turkey will ratify . . . in the end, but they also realise that the road will continue to be bumpy.”

January 14, 2023

Wieslander in Le Monde on Sweden-Turkey NATO negotiations

Anna Wieslander believes that Stockholm and Helsinki had no other choice, but that the ball is now in Turkey’s court: “Sweden has gone as far as it could, even if the negotiations continue, the pressure will have to come from the other member states.”
January 12, 2023

Stockholm report quoted in Helsinge Sanomat

The Atlantic Council report “How allied Sweden and Finland can Secure Northern Europe” was featured in Finland’s largest newspaper “Helsinge Sanomat.”

Voices from the North Podcast

In this four-part podcast series, Anna Wieslander, Director for Northern Europe in Stockholm, brings forth voices and perspectives of those studying and most affected by a changing Arctic. This podcast is part of a project made possible by the generous support of the U.S. Embassy in Stockholm. 

Northern Europe Office

Podcast Apr 22, 2022

Episode 1: “Living in the Arctic”

Anu Fredriksson, Executive Director for Arctic Frontiers, gives a local perspective on living in the Arctic. Anu is originally from Oulu in Northern Finland and has worked with Arctic issues for over a decade.
Climate Change & Climate Action Crisis Management
Northern Europe Office

Podcast Apr 22, 2022

Episode 2: “Russia and the Arctic”

Mathieu Boulègue, Senior Research Fellow for the Russia and Eurasia Programme at Chatham House, takes a closer look at Russia’s deep ties to the Arctic and its posturing in the region.
Climate Change & Climate Action Crisis Management
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Anna Wieslander

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In the News

Jun 24, 2025

Anna Wieslander on Swedish Radio, Studio Ett

On Tuesday, 24 June, Anna Wieslander, Director for Northern Europe was interviewed by Swedish Radio, Studio Ett, to discuss the priority topics of the NATO summit in The Hague, and address concerns about a potential U.S. drawdown of its military presence in Europe. “Europe must prepare to take on a significantly larger share of the […]

NATO Northern Europe

In the News

Jun 24, 2025

Anna Wieslander interviewed by BBC News

On Tuesday, June 24, Anna Wieslander, Director for Northern Europe, was interviewed by BBC News to make breaking news from the NATO Summit in The Hague as allies agreed to spend 5% of GDP on defense by 2035.

NATO Northern Europe

In the News

Jun 24, 2025

Wieslander on Swedish TV, Aktuellt

On Tuesday, June 24th, Anna Wieslander, Director for Northern Europe, appeared on Swedish news program Aktuellt to comment on the NATO summit in The Hague. “Trump is truly the central figure at the meeting and decisive in many ways. The agenda is historically small and narrow, yet what is on the agenda is also historic […]

NATO Northern Europe

In the News

Jun 24, 2025

Wieslander interviewed on TV4 Nyhetsmorgon

On Tuesday, June 24, Anna Wieslander, Director for Northern Europe, participated in TV4 Nyhetsmorgon to comment on developments from the NATO summit in The Hague. “This summit is, on the one hand, about having a narrow agenda to limit the opportunities for Trump to act unpredictably. At the same time, it also involves a historic […]

NATO Northern Europe
Online Event Fri, June 20, 2025 • 4:00 pm ET

Sweden’s foreign minister on the 2025 NATO Summit agenda
Europe & Eurasia NATO Northern Europe Politics & Diplomacy

In the News

Jan 16, 2025

Wieslander interviewed by Svenska Dagbladet

On Thursday, January 16, Anna Wieslander, director for Northern Europe, was interviewed by Svenska Dagbladet, proposing a Nordic Shield for air and missile defense to secure Northern Europe. Wieslander argued that the heightened security situation can be seen as “an opportunity” and now wants to see even closer cooperation between the countries in the Nordic […]

NATO Northern Europe

In the News

Nov 7, 2024

Wieslander on Swedish Radio

On November 7, Anna Wieslander, Director for Northern Europe, was interviewed on Swedish Radio regarding Trump’s claim that he will resolve the war in Ukraine within 24 hours if elected president. However, she warns that a quick peace in Ukraine could have catastrophic consequences.

NATO Northern Europe

Issue Brief

Nov 5, 2024

How Sweden and Finland’s membership in NATO affects the High North

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.

NATO Northern Europe

In the News

Oct 13, 2024

Wieslander on Swedish Radio

On Sunday, October 13, Anna Wieslander, Director of Northern Europe participated in the Swedish Radio podcast “Godmorgon Världen”, commenting on how Nato countries are preparing for the U.S. election. Wieslander spoke about the nervous anticipation and preparations in European capitals, including scenario exercises depending on whether Harris or Trump wins. However, she notes that there […]

NATO Northern Europe

In the News

Oct 4, 2024

Wieslander interviewed by Dagens Nyheter

On Friday, October 4th, Anna Wieslander, Director of Northern Europe, was interviewed by Dagens Nyheter to comment on the report that the U.S. National Defense Strategy Commission presented to Congress and the President at the end of the summer.  “During the Cold War, the U.S. was able to handle two regional conflicts simultaneously, for example, […]

NATO Northern Europe
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