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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In the News

Sep 12, 2024

Wieslander’s speech at M100 Sanssouci Collouquium

In Anna Wieslander’s opening speech of the M100 Sanssouci Colloquium in Potsdam, on September 12, she warned that the West is underestimating the Russian threat, including hybrid, and called for a new recipe for peace and prosperity in Europe, with solid defense as the foundation, not an add-on. Wieslander’s main points:

NATO Northern Europe

In the News

Jul 19, 2024

Wieslander interviewed by Dagens Nyheter

On Friday, July 19, Anna Wieslander, Director of Northern Europe was interviewed by Dagens Nyheter to comment on how the shortage of ammunition is affecting the situation on the battlefield in Ukraine.    “This is not just about Ukraine’s ability to defend itself against Russia’s war of aggression. Sweden and other European countries must also […]

NATO Northern Europe

In the News

Jul 12, 2024

Wieslander interviewed by Svenska Dagbladet

On Friday, July 12, Anna Wieslander, Director of Northern Europe, was interviewed in Svenska Dagbladet about the  outcomes of NATO’s summit in Washington, D.C. “Anna Wieslander believes NATO achieved a lot during the Washington meeting ‘given the political realities.’ However, she – like many others – is still a bit disappointed. ‘It’s a pity that Ukraine […]

NATO Northern Europe
Public Event Tue, July 9, 2024 • 9:30 am ET

The Nordic-Baltic region: Cooperation in NATO’s northeast
Europe & Eurasia NATO Northern Europe Security & Defense

In the News

Jun 29, 2024

Wieslander in European Defense Agency Magazine

In June, Anna Wieslander was interviewed for the new edition of the European Defense Agency’s European Defense Matters Magazine. Some of her main messages include:

NATO Northern Europe

In the News

Jun 27, 2024

Wieslander interviewed by TV4 Nyhetsmorgon

On Thursday, June 27, Anna Wieslander, Director for Northern Europe, was interviewed by TV4 Nyhetsmorgon about NATO’s future under the new Secretary-General Mark Rutte: “The most important task for Rutte will be to maintain a good relationship with United States. This could prove challenging if Donald Trump wins the upcoming election, as he has been […]

NATO Northern Europe

In the News

Jun 27, 2024

Wieslander on Swedish Television

On June 27, Anna Wieslander was interviewed by Swedish Television, TV4 Nyhetsmorgon, commenting on Mark Rutte as new Secretary General of NATO. “His long and thorough experience as a problem solver and consensus builder will be much needed, as the Alliance faces severe security challenges and urgently needs to build stronger deterrence and defense while […]

NATO Northern Europe

In the News

Jun 3, 2024

Wieslander interviewed by Deutsche Welle News

On Wednesday, June 3, Anna Wieslander, Director for Northern Europe, was interviewed by Deutsche Welle News about Russia’s increasing focus on the Baltic Sea and its implications for NATO. Regarding Russia’s plan to redraw the Baltic Sea borders, Dr. Wieslander comments: “This is a classic Russian tactic. It’s part of their shadow war designed to […]

NATO Northern Europe

In the News

Apr 11, 2024

Wieslander interviewed by Carnegie Europe

On Thursday, April 11, Anna Wieslander, Director for Northern Europe, was interviewed by Carnegie Europe to comment on NATO’s potential coordination of military support for Ukraine. Regarding NATO’s role in supporting Ukraine, Dr. Wieslander says: “The idea to institutionalize allied support to Ukraine makes sense. It is a classic way to ensure sustainability and continuity […]

NATO Northern Europe

In the News

Mar 21, 2024

Wieslander quoted in the Wall Street Journal

On March 21, Anna Wieslander, director for Northern Europe, spoke to the Wall Street Journal about the pressing issue of Russian Threat Forces in Europe. In the wake of uncertain U.S. commitment to NATO, Europe finds itself at a critical juncture, torn between bolstering defense capabilities and protecting the budget of other programs. “It comes […]

NATO Northern Europe
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