Sweden's Strategy for the Arctic Region Cover Image Sarek National Park

Home , Abisko National Park, Barents Region, Cap of the North, Oden (1988 icebreaker), University of the Arctic

Sweden's strategy for the Arctic region Cover image Sarek National Park. Photo: Anders Ekholm/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se

D Photo: Kristian Pohl/Government Offices of Sweden

Sweden is an Arctic country. becoming ever more necessary, especially in the climate and environmental area. We have a particular interest and The EU is an important Arctic partner, responsibility in promoting peaceful, and Sweden welcomes stronger EU stable and sustainable development in the engagement in the region. Arctic. Swedish engagement in the Arctic has for The starting point for the new Swedish a long time involved the Government, the strategy for the Arctic region is an Arctic Riksdag and government agencies, as well in change. The strategy underscores the as regional and local authorities, importance of well-functioning indigenous peoples' organisations, international cooperation in the Arctic to universities, companies and other deal with the challenges facing the region. stakeholders in the Arctic region of The importance of respect for Sweden. international law is emphasised. People, peace and the climate are at the centre of A prosperous Arctic region contributes to Sweden's Arctic policy. our country's security and is therefore an important part of the Government's Changes in the Arctic have led to foreign policy. increased global interest in the region. The Arctic Council is the central forum for cooperation in the Arctic, and Sweden stresses the special role of the eight Arctic states. At the same time, increased Ann Linde cooperation with observers to the Arctic Minister for Foreign Affairs Council and other interested actors is

1 Foreword 1 1. Introduction – starting points for Sweden as an Arctic country 4 2. Priorities for Swedish Arctic policy 8 2.1 International collaboration in the Arctic 11 2.1.1 International law framework 12 2.1.2 Institutional framework 14 2.1.3 European Union 18 2.1.4 Bilateral cooperation 19 2.2 Security and stability 21 2.2.1 Security policy trends 22 2.2.2 International cooperation 23 2.2.3 Enhanced national capability 24 2.3 Climate and the environment 29 2.3.1 Climate 31 2.3.2 Biodiversity 32 2.3.3 Non-toxic environment 34 2.3.4 Nuclear safety and radiation protection 35 2.4 Polar research and environmental monitoring 37 2.4.1 International cooperation 38 2.4.2 Logistics platforms 39 2.4.3 Knowledge exchange 40 2.5 Sustainable economic development and business sector interests 43 2.5.1 Sustainable economic development 44 2.5.2 Swedish business interests in the Arctics 48 2.6 Ensuring good living conditions 53 2.6.1 Digital infrastructure 54 2.6.2 Gender equality 54 2.6.3 Young people 55 2.6.4 Indigenous peoples’ culture and reindeer husbandry 56

3. Background about cooperation organisations linked to the Arctic region 60

2 Sweden will contribute, as one of the eight Arctic countries, to peaceful, stable and sustainable development in the Arctic.

The Government wants to strengthen Sweden’s Arctic profile by making use of the full range of knowledge and resources available in Sweden.

Photo: Henrik Trygg/Imagebank.sweden.se

3 1.

Introduction – starting points for Sweden as an Arctic country Sweden is an Arctic country. Sweden of the foundations for international secu- therefore has a particular interest in and rity and stability in the region. The Gov- responsibility for promoting peaceful, ernment will also contribute to achieving stable and sustainable development and relevant global Sustainable Development contributing to constructive international Goals in the 2030 Agenda in the Arctic, cooperation in the Arctic. As one of the too, and show leadership in the imple- eight Arctic countries, Sweden is a mem- mentation of the international climate ber of the Arctic Council. agreement (the Paris Agreement) to limit global warming, including in the Arctic. The Arctic is facing both new opportunities and severe challenges. This applies The changes in the Arctic have also led especially to the dramatic climate and en- to increased international interest in the vironmental changes. Global warming has region. Several countries in Europe and hit the Arctic particularly hard, reducing Asia have become observers to the Arctic the extent of ice and permafrost cover Council. The European Union (EU) has and affecting biodiversity and the living strengthened its Arctic profile. The Gov- conditions of the region’s population. ernment welcomes this development and The indigenous peoples are particularly takes a positive view of the possibility of vulnerable. Climate change has also mobilising increased international support played a part in increasing the economic and engagement to address the global importance of the Arctic. The smaller ice challenges, in the Arctic region, in par- cover creates new conditions for the use ticular the impacts of climate change. of natural resources and sea transport, for instance. The region’s geostrategic At the same time, it is in Sweden’s interest importance has increased for both Arctic to safeguard the special role and position and non-Arctic states. Increased military of the Arctic states in promoting peace- presence and activity in the region have ful, stable and sustainable development in security policy consequences. COVID-19 the Arctic region, mainly by strengthening has underlined the need for both resil- cooperation in the Arctic Council. ience and preparedness in the local communities in the Arctic region to deal with The Government’s previous strategy for pandemics. the Arctic region was adopted in 2011, the same year that Sweden assumed the Sweden has to take these changes in the rotating two-year Chairmanship of the Arctic into account. A Swedish core inter- Arctic Council for the first time. In the est is to try to contribute to a peaceful, light of the rapid developments in the stable and sustainable development of region, there is now reason for the the region through well-functioning inter- Government to adopt a new integrated national cooperation with Arctic and approach to Arctic policy. non-Arctic actors in the region. In both bilateral and multilateral settings, the This renewed strategy is intended to set Government will uphold an approach out the Government’s objectives and based on a broad concept of security. It is main priorities in relation to the Arctic an overarching Swedish interest to uphold region and to specify the political direc- respect for international law and the tion of further work on the Arctic in six rules-based world order, which form part thematic areas:

5 1. international collaboration; socially and environmentally sustainable 2. security and stability; development. Following extensive global 3. climate and the environment; negotiation processes, both the global agenda for sustainable development (the 4. polar research and environmental 2030 Agenda) and the international cli- monitoring; mate agreement (the Paris Agreement) 5. sustainable economic development were adopted in 2015. These global and business interests; frameworks are important starting points 6. securing good living conditions. for Swedish engagement and international cooperation in the Arctic.

One important starting point for the The Government considers that Sweden strategy is to make use of the full range should take a leading role in the global of knowledge and resources available in implementation of the 2030 Agenda, the Sweden regarding the Arctic region so as global agenda for sustainable develop- to contribute to sustainable development ment. The 2030 Agenda contains 17 in the Arctic and also to enhance Sweden’s global goals (SDGs) and 169 targets for profile as an important actor in this re- sustainable development. Several of them spect. For a long time, Sweden’s engage- are particularly relevant to developments ment in the Arctic has involved not only in the Arctic; examples are goal 12 Sus- the Government, the Riksdag and gov- tainable consumption and production, ernment agencies, but also regional and goal 13 Combating climate change and local authorities, indigenous peoples’ or- its impacts, goal 14 Sustainable use of the ganisations, higher education institutions, oceans, seas and marine resources and businesses and other actors in Sweden’s goal 15 Sustainable use of terrestrial eco- Arctic region. systems. In these matters the Govern- ment calls for a high level of ambition in 1.1 Guiding principles of Swedish the implementation phase. foreign policy The Government’s Arctic policy is based Sweden will also be a leader in the imple- on the basic principles that guide Sweden’s mentation of the Paris Agreement to broad foreign and security policy. Central limit global warming, including in the among them are respect for international Arctic. One commitment made by the law, human rights, democracy, the princi- parties to the Paris Agreement is to keep ples of the rule of law and gender equality. the increase in global average temperature to well below 2°C above pre-industrial The Government stands up for demo- levels. Preserving Arctic ice and perma- cratic principles in all contexts and is frost is crucial in limiting global warming. working to strengthen democracy. This The Government has the objective that applies both to our own situation in our Sweden will be the world’s first fossil-free neighbourhood and to our efforts in sup- welfare nation and that, by 2045, Sweden port for peace, security and development will not have any net emissions of green- in the world. Gender equality is essential house gases into the atmosphere. to democracy. 1.3 Definition of the Arctic 1.2 Global framework for sustainable There are several different definitions of development and climate work the Arctic region. Its borders are drawn in The past decade has seen considerable different ways in different scientific areas development in the normative area of or political agreements. The region is particular importance for managing characterised by being made up of an global challenges such as the rapid climate ocean (the Arctic Ocean) surrounded by change, and for working for economically, sovereign states. Here the Arctic differs

6 Source: GRID-Arendal

from the Antarctic, which is a land conti- mean the area north of the Arctic Circle nent surrounded by an ocean and does and the eight Arctic states. As regards the not have a permanent population. Barents Euro-Arctic Council, two Swed- ish counties, Norrbotten och Västerbot- This strategy applies the common politi- ten, are included in its interregional coop- cal definition that was adopted in con- eration. So, they are usually regarded as junction with the establishment of the forming part of Sweden’s Arctic region. Arctic Council in 1996: the Arctic includes the areas north of the Arctic Cir- cle and the associated eight Arctic states, i.e. Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark including Greenland and the Faeroe Is- lands, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States. When international bodies refer to “the Arctic” and “the Arctic states” they specifically

6 7 2.

Priorities for Swedish Arctic policy

8 The Arctic has long been described as a findings and safeguard long-term eco- low-tension area with favourable condi- nomically, environmentally and socially tions for international collaboration. sustainable development in the region. In However, the dramatic climate change in the Government’s assessment, safeguard- the past decade and the new geostrategic ing biodiversity is central to achieving all realities in the region mean greater chal- the dimensions of sustainable develop- lenges and changed circumstances for ment in the Arctic. Further Swedish polar Swedish Arctic policy. research and environmental monitoring are crucial to achieving progress. The Sweden will participate actively in interna- Government will continue to work to tional cooperation on Arctic-related is- secure good living conditions for the sues and contribute to peaceful, stable population in the region, including the and sustainable development with respect indigenous peoples. for the framework of international law. The Government will work for the pro- In this context the Government gives pri- motion of human rights, democracy and ority to the following thematic areas: in- the principles of the rule of law in all international collaboration; security and sta- ternational cooperation on Arctic-related bility; climate and the environment; polar issues, and especially a meaningful partici- research and environmental monitoring; pation of all interest groups. The Gov- sustainable economic development and ernment will contribute to the reduction business interests; and securing good liv- of climate-impacting emissions both na- ing conditions. tionally and globally in line with scientific

9 Arctic Council Ministerial Meeting in Rovaniemi 7 May 2019.

Photo: Jouni Porsanger / Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland

10 2.1 International collaboration in the Arctic

The Government intends to work to maintain good and well- functioning international relations and cooperation formats that deal constructively with opportunities and challenges in the Arctic, within the framework of international law.

• The Government intends to contribute • The Government intends to work to to the Arctic states continuing to jointly strengthen Nordic cooperation on maintain well-functioning international issues concerning the Arctic where the cooperation in the Arctic. interests of the Nordic countries coincide. • The Government intends to work to maintain the rules-based international • The Government intends to work to order and respect for international law, ensure that the EU continues to which is ultimately the basis for well- strengthen its engagement and functioning international relations in support for sustainable development the Arctic. in the Arctic, in close cooperation with the local actors in the region. The • The Government intends to work to Government supports the EU’s strengthen the Arctic Council in its role application for permanent observer as the central multilateral forum for status in the Arctic Council. questions concerning the Arctic. • Sweden intends to safeguard the • The Government intends to work to rights, perspectives and interests of strengthen the role of Barents indigenous peoples and to work for cooperation on issues of particular greater participation by young people relevance for the Barents region. and women in political processes regarding the Arctic.

11 Well-functioning international coopera- 2.1.1 International law framework tion in the Arctic is in Sweden’s interests. There is not international law vacuum in It is crucial for dealing with the cross- the Arctic. The Arctic region covers both border challenges that the region is facing. land and sea areas where the eight Arctic Essentially, this is about ensuring sustain- states have varying degrees of sovereignty able development for people in the Arctic, and jurisdiction. The United Nations working for continued stability and peace- Convention on the Law of the Sea (UN- ful cooperation in the area and dealing CLOS) sets out the fundamental legal jointly with climate change and its effects framework for sea areas. in the Arctic. The five Arctic coastal states have legiti- International cooperation in the Arctic mate rights and obligations in the sea rests on a firm foundation in internation- areas of the Arctic regarding both the al law. This cooperation is based on inter- sea and the seabed. They have sovereign national law, including a framework of jurisdiction over their internal waters and international conventions, rules and insti- territorial seas and sovereign rights in tutions, as well as mutually reinforcing their exclusive economic zones (EEZ) cooperation formats at various levels. and continental shelves. Outside their exclusive economic zones is the high seas. The eight Arctic states have a particular Within the framework of the law of the role and responsibility for the Arctic re- sea, all states enjoy rights in respect of, gion. All Arctic states have expressed a for instance, navigation, marine scientific will to preserve the Arctic as a region research and resource utilisation in Arctic characterised by stability, constructive waters. The law of the sea also obliges all cooperation and respect for international states to cooperate to protect the marine law. Sweden will contribute to the Arctic environment. states continuing to jointly maintain well- functioning international cooperation in The UN Commission on the Limits of the Arctic. At the same time, cooperation the Continental Shelf (CLCS), the Inter- with non-Arctic states needs to be national Seabed Authority (ISA) and the strengthened in order to deal with the International Tribunal for the Law of the challenges in the Arctic that are of a Sea (ITLOS) are three important bodies global nature. all established by the parties to UNCLOS. The Polar Code under the International Sweden’s international cooperation in the Maritime Organization (IMO) is another Arctic will be guided by the basic princi- important part of the international law ples of its foreign and security policy of framework for the Arctic. There are also support for the rules-based world order, important regional agreements, including human rights, democracy, the principles the Treaty concerning the Archipelago of of the rule of law, gender equality as well Spitsbergen and the Agreement on the as by Sweden’s feminist foreign policy and Conservation of Polar Bears; bilateral the main goals in the global frameworks agreements including that between Nor- of the 2030 Agenda and the Paris Agree- way and Russia about the Barents Sea and ment for global climate action. Sweden the Arctic Ocean; and resource manage- will uphold the rights, perspectives and ment agreements and fisheries manage- interests of indigenous peoples and will ment regimes that regulate specific condi- work for greater participation by young tions in the Arctic. The UN human rights people and women in political processes conventions and the UN Declaration on about the Arctic. the Rights of Indigenous Peoples are also core international documents with a direct bearing on the Arctic region.

12 Department of Geography

Maritime jurisdiction and boundaries in the Arctic region

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Canada territorial sea and Straight baselines exclusive economic zone (EEZ) Russia territorial sea and EEZ

Canada continental shelf beyond Russia continental shelf beyond Agreed boundary 200 M (see note 2) 200 M (note 5)

Denmark territorial Norway-Russia Special Area (note 6) Median line sea and EEZ

Denmark continental shelf beyond Svalbard treaty area (note 10) 200 M (note 3) USA territorial sea and EEZ

Potential USA continental shelf Iceland territorial sea and EEZ Iceland-Norway joint zone (note 11) beyond 200 M (note 7)

Iceland continental shelf Overlapping Canada / USA EEZ Main 'Northwest Passage' shipping routes beyond 200 M (note 3) and territorial sea (note 8) through Canada claimed internal waters (note 12)

Norway territorial sea and EEZ / Fishery zone (Jan Russia-USA Eastern Special Area (note 9) Internal waters Mayen) / Fishery protection zone (Svalbard)

Norway continental shelf Seabed beyond any state’s continental Land beyond 200 M (note 4) shelf (note 1)

This is the original IBRU Arctic map, first released in 2008 and revised several times since. States’ submissions © IBRU: Centre tofor the Borders Commission Research on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS) regarding their extended continentalww shelvesw.durham.ac.uk/ibru are presented in the context of a range of other maritime zones. The map presents a comprehensive view of CLCS recommendations.

Source: IBRU, Durham University, UK, http://www.durham.ac.uk/ibru/resources/arctic

13 In the area of climate and the environ- 2.1.2 Institutional framework ment the UN Framework Convention In addition to the legal setting, the institu- on Climate Change (UNFCCC), the UN tionalised formats for cooperation play an Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) important role in creating political condi- and the Convention for the Protection of tions for collaboration, sustainable devel- the Marine Environment of the North- opment and confidence-building in the East Atlantic (OSPAR) are crucial to sus- region. tainable development in the Arctic. The Paris Agreement, as a part of the UN- In general, Sweden welcomes the increase FCCC, and the 2030 Agenda for the global in international interest in the Arctic. The Sustainable Development Goals are the eight Arctic countries have a particular latest contributions to the development role in the Arctic that should be main- of the normative framework for the Arctic. tained; broader, increased international cooperation is important in dealing with Sweden has no territorial claims in the climate challenges in the Arctic especially. Arctic Ocean, but it is in Sweden’s interest that overlapping claims among the The Arctic Council is the hub for interna- five Arctic coastal states regarding conti- tional cooperation in the Arctic, between nental shelves and territorial disputes are the eight Arctic states and with non-Arctic resolved in accordance with international states and organisations. In the Barents law, including UNCLOS. All external ac- region the Barents Euro-Arctic Council tors with a presence in the Arctic region also plays an important role. Overall, the must also respect the rules and conven- bodies for cooperation reflect a realisa- tions of international law. tion of the need for cooperation, and a will to engage in it. Sweden will work to maintain the rules- based international order and internation- Arctic Council al law, which is ultimately the basis for The Arctic Council is the main multilateral peace and stability in the Arctic. Sweden is regional format and constitutes the core open to and has preparedness for the de- of the cooperation in the Arctic region. velopment of supplementary regulatory Its activities focus mainly on environmen- frameworks and agreements to respond to tal issues and sustainable development. further developments in the Arctic and The Council’s mandate does not include the evolution of Arctic cooperation. security policy and military issues or fisheries management. All eight Arctic states One important instance is the negotia- are members of the Council. The Arctic tions under way since 2004 for an inter- Council is characterised by a constructive national legally binding instrument under spirit of cooperation and has functioned the UNCLOS on the conservation and well despite a deterioration of relations sustainable use of marine biological di- between western countries and Russia at versity of areas beyond national jurisdic- global level in recent years. However, this tion(BBNJ). The Government intends cooperation cannot be taken for granted to work to make the new agreement as and all the parties affected will need to broad as possible and for the inclusion of take responsibility for ensuring that the all relevant principles for protection of Arctic Council retains its role as the cen- the environment and biodiversity in the tral forum in the Arctic. seas. A new global agreement containing specific actions and mechanisms for pro- Sweden values the inclusive approach in tection of marine environments beyond the Council’s work. Representatives of six national jurisdiction is necessary to enable indigenous peoples’ organisations in the effective and long-term protection of Arctic, including the Sami Council, take biodiversity. part in the Council's work at all levels, in-

14 Credit: Arctic Council Secretariat

cluding its working groups. It is a unique work of the Arctic Council. The working feature and a strength of the cooperation groups have an important task of follow- that the indigenous peoples in the Arctic ing developments regarding environmen- Council are involved in the Arctic Coun- tal change and living conditions for peo- cil’s discussions and that their perspec- ple living and working in the Arctic. The tives are reflected in its decision-making. working groups’ scientific evaluations and The Arctic Council current 38 observers reports, including their recommendations, – non-Arctic states, international and in- are an important starting point for deci- terparliamentary organisations and civil sion-making in the Arctic Council. Sweden society organisations – are invited to at- will work to strengthen the link between tend formal meetings and can make im- working group activities, council policy portant contributions to the work of the work and national implementation of rec- working groups. ommendations adopted by the Council.

Sweden's engagement in the Arctic Coun- Sweden wants a strong and effective Arc- cil is manifested in various ways including tic Council. The Arctic Council’s 25th our chairmanship of CAFF (Conservation anniversary in 2021, will be an important of Arctic Flora and Fauna) and AMAP opportunity to recognise what the Arctic (Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme) Council has achieved and attained. It will in 2019–2021 and of PAME (Protection of also be an opportunity to look ahead and the Arctic Marine Environment) in 2022– ensure that the Arctic Council is ready 2024. These are three of the six working and geared to deal with future challenges. groups that make up a central part of the

15 Just south of Jokkmokk, the Arctic Circle cuts through Sweden. The Arctic Circle is the sunniest part of the world during the summer and shifts about 15 meters every year due to changes in the tilt of the Earth's axis.

Photo: Jerker Andersson/imagebank.sweden.se

A great deal of progress has been made Sweden will contribute actively to the fur- since the formation of the Arctic Council ther strengthening of the Arctic Council. in 1996, both organisationally and in The Arctic states should have a prepared- terms of its activities. In addition to ness to broaden the activities of the greater cooperation in areas including re- Arctic Council to cover new activities search and the making of recommenda- within the limits of its mandate and, tions, the Arctic Council has negotiated when required, to enter into new agree- three agreements under international law: ments to ensure sustainable and stable the Agreement on Cooperation on Aero- development in the Arctic. nautical and Maritime Search and Rescue in the Arctic (2011), the Agreement on Barents cooperation Cooperation on Marine Oil Pollution Barents cooperation contributes to greater Preparedness and Response in the Arctic trust , stability and security in the Barents (2013) and the Agreement on Enhancing region. The unique structure of Barents International Arctic Scientific Coopera- cooperation ensures that its activities have tion (2017). These agreements are impor- clear local rooting. The Barents Euro- tant in themselves, but they are also a Arctic Council, with the participation of manifestation of the responsibility that the five Nordic countries, Russia and the the eight Arctic states are taking jointly EU, has an equivalent at county level for the development of the Arctic. through the Barents Regional Council.

16 Sweden intends to work for further deep- Sweden has very good bilateral coopera- ened people-to-people contacts in the tion with Denmark, Finland, Norway and Barents region, not least between young Iceland. The range of bilateral coopera- people. Sweden intends to work to tion makes up an important part of Nor- strengthen the Barents Euro-Arctic dic cooperation on the Arctic. Sweden Council and the Barents Regional Council will therefore continue to work to in matters of particular relevance to the strengthen bilateral cooperation on Arctic Barents region such as the environment issues with the other Nordic countries. and climate, civilian crisis management and rescue services, gender equality, In the Nordic Council of Ministers, Swe- health and social care, sustainable trans- den intends to work for a greater focus port and communications. culture and on project activities with an Arctic orien- tourism. tation. Sweden will also work to ensure that the projects have an explicit added The EU’s Northern Dimension Pro- value in relation to the Arctic Council and gramme is also part of the institutional the Barents Euro-Arctic Council. Nordic framework for cooperation in the Euro- parliamentarians broaden, and contribute pean Arctic, and plays an important role further, to cooperation through the Nor- for cooperation, including cooperation dic Council and the Standing Committee with Russia at national and regional level. of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region (SCPAR). Sweden attaches great importance to the enhanced cooperation in the Barents re- Sami cooperation gion between counties and provinces, The close cooperation between Sweden, parliaments and non-governmental or- Norway and Finland in the Nordic Gov- ganisations and between other actors in ernment Officials Body for Sami Affairs the Arctic. This also includes the vigorous is important in endeavours to preserve, cooperation that has developed between develop and strengthen Sami culture. For the indigenous peoples in the Arctic, as this purpose the Government Officials well as the extensive and long-established Body considers all Sami issues that are academic research cooperation between common to developments in the languag- universities. es, culture, industries and community life of the Sami population group. The three Nordic cooperation Sami Parliaments collaborate, with the The Government intends to work to fur- Russian Sami as observers, through a ther strengthen Nordic cooperation on Sami Parliamentary Council in order to questions concerning the Arctic where strengthen cooperation between Sami and the interests of the Nordic countries co- to speak for them as one voice interna- incide. The Nordic countries have differ- tionally. ent starting points for their engagement in the Arctic, but nevertheless share a To strengthen the Sami People’s influence community of values. They also have a and their possibilities of preserving and geographical closeness, forming the developing their culture, languages and European part of the Arctic. Based on community life, the Government will this, the Nordic countries can jointly continue to work to conclude the negotia- make important contributions to develop- tions on a Nordic Sami convention. The ment in the Arctic. In addition to the provisions of the convention require the Arctic Council, the Nordic Council of states to work to enable the Sami Parlia- Ministers and Barents cooperation are im- ments to cooperate and form joint organ- portant forums for Nordic cooperation isations. on the Arctic.

17 2.1.3 European Union Sweden attaches great importance to the engagement of the EU in the Arctic. Sweden will contribute actively to the development of the EU’s policy on Arctic matters and a stronger EU role in the Arctic region. Sweden welcomes the EU’s active participation and its contributions to the Arctic Council, the Barents Euro- Arctic Council and the Northern Dimen- sion, and continues to support the EU’s application for permanent observer status in the Arctic Council.

The EU is part of the European Arctic Family photo of high-level participants at the EU Arctic though the three EU members Denmark, Forum in Umeå 3–4 October 2019. Finland and Sweden. The Arctic is also in the EU’s neighbourhood. The EU has bi- Photo: Patrick Trägårdh lateral relations with all the Arctic states.

Sweden will to work to encourage the EU in the Arctic through various instruments to continue to strengthen its engagement and programmes is valuable and should and support for sustainable development be reinforced, including through greater in the Arctic, especially the European coordination between them. The EU’s Arctic region, and to build on the EU structural fund programmes contribute to Arctic Forum in Umeå in October 2019, cooperation in the Arctic region, which one purpose of which was to strengthen covers the Swedish, Norwegian and Finn- the ties between the EU and local and ish regions. Within the framework of the regional actors in the Arctic region. Northern Periphery Programme and the EU’s Kolarctic Neighbourhood Instru- Several of the EU’s central policy areas ment, these regions can also cooperate and relations have a clear Arctic dimen- with regions in Russia and with Iceland, sion. In the light of the geopolitical Greenland and the Faroe Islands. changes in the Arctic, the EU needs to identify its strategic interest in the Arctic, Sweden will support the EU’s institutions and ensure that its policies take account in work on updating the strategy, along of developments in the region. The EU’s with Denmark and Finland in particular. Arctic Strategy from 2016 should be up- At the same time, Sweden wants to see dated to reflect this. In December 2019 broad engagement from all of the EU’s EU foreign ministers adopted conclu- membership. The EU countries with sions containing such a message. observer status in the Arctic Council – France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain At the same time, the overall priorities of – have a particular role to play here. The the EU’s Arctic Strategy remain relevant: UK remains an important partner in a focus on climate change and safeguard- Arctic issues even after leaving the EU. ing the Arctic environment; sustainable development in /and around/ the Arctic; 2.1.4 Cooperation and international cooperation on Arctic United States issues. The importance of research, sci- Engagement by the United States is an ence and innovation in all three areas is important factor in functioning interna- emphasised. The support given by the tional cooperation in the Arctic, based on EU to development and the population the rules-based world order. Sweden’s

18 close relationship with the US is of cen- continue to cooperate with Russia where tral importance for Sweden’s security and we have common interests. This benefits prosperity. This also applies to the Arctic developments in the Arctic, as well as our region. Sweden wants to further deepen security and stability in the neighbour- cooperation with the US, both within the hood. Russia holds the chairmanship of framework of the Arctic Council and bi- the Arctic Council between June 2021 laterally in matters of common interest and May 2023. regarding development in the Arctic. Sweden wants to strengthen cooperation Non-Arctic states and actors especially in the areas of polar research, Alongside the special role of the eight innovation, trade, climate and the envi- Arctic states, Sweden also stresses the ronment, including with a focus on the need for greater international cooperation protection of ecosystems. with non-Arctic countries and actors to deal with the challenges in the Arctic. This Canada applies especially to issues of importance Canada is a particularly important partner for sustainable development and where for international cooperation in the Arctic our interests and values are aligned. Cli- and has considerable engagement in Arc- mate and environmental issues will, like tic issues. Sweden is working actively for science and research, be a central part of deeper cooperation with Canada within this kind of cooperation. There can also the framework of the Arctic Council and be an interest in cooperation in the area bilaterally in matters of common interest of trade. and on the basis of foreign policy priorities. Cooperation in the Arctic between Sweden intends to continue to develop Sweden and Canada is largely character- cooperation with several non-Arctic ised by shared perspectives, especially in countries and actors that have, in recent the areas of polar research, innovation, years, increased their interest in Arctic Arctic indigenous peoples and climate issues and attained observer status in the and the environment. Arctic Council. In addition to the Euro- pean observers, several Asian countries Russia are now participating in the Arctic Coun- Although relations with Russia have dete- cil’s work. This applies not least to China. riorated in the light of its breaches of international law and the European security The Government will attach particular order, cooperation with Russia in the Arc- importance to developing cooperation tic Council has functioned well. Sweden with Germany linked to the Arctic and cooperates with Russia on climate and en- drawing on the increased German interest vironmental issues within the framework and level of ambition concerning the of the Arctic Council, Barents coopera- Arctic. Germany is also a close partner in tion and bilaterally. People-to-people con- the defence of multilateralism and the tacts with Russia strengthen the ties in the rules-based world order, as well as in the region. Sweden will clearly draw attention implementation of the 2030 Agenda. to issues where our views differ but will

19 Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis in northern Sweden. Source: Imagebank

20 2.2 Security and stability

Sweden will work to ensure that the Arctic will continue to be characterised by peace, security and stability.

• In relation to security policy develop- • Sweden will work to retain and in- ments in the Arctic, the Government crease the engagement of European will work to preserve peace and stabili- countries and the EU in northern Europe ty in the region and contribute to confi- and the Arctic and to strengthen the dence- and security-building measures. transatlantic link. At the same time, Sweden’s national • Sweden will work for continued access capability and advance planning will be to relevant cooperation formats and enhanced. processes in which regional security • The Government will work to ensure issues are discussed. that the Arctic is a region characterised • Sweden will contribute to cross-border by well-functioning international coop- cooperation in civilian crisis manage- eration, in which international law, in- ment and rescue services in the Arctic, cluding the law of the sea, is respected. i.e. through the Arctic Coast Guard • The Government will continue to Forum (ACGF). strengthen Sweden’s military capability • Sweden will continue to closely follow to operate in the northern parts of the development of the security situa- Sweden and neighbouring areas. tion in the Arctic, including detecting • The Government intends to work for and countering attempts to exert influ- the further development and deepen- ence in and destabilising the region. ing of Nordic and Euro-Atlantic security and defence policy cooperation focusing on the European part of the Arctic, the Cap of the North and the North Atlantic region.

21 The Arctic has long been described as a security policy low-tension area, characterised by constructive international cooperation. At the same time, the security policy environment has changed, and new challenges have emerged. It is therefore important to maintain effective international cooperation between the eight Arc- tic states and with international partners. This extensive cooperation contributes to confidence between the actors and reducing the risk of conflict.

Sweden will take its responsibility and work to preserve the Arctic region as a F21 Norrbotten Air Squadron. peaceful and stable area and will contribute to confidence- and security-building Photo: Photo: Jesper Sundström/Swedish Armed Forces measures in the region. The overarching interest is to maintain the rules-based world order, which is part of the foundations for international security and stabili- tary – should be able be used in an inte- ty, also in the Arctic. grated way to achieve our objectives.

The rapid climate change has made the 2.2.1 Security policy trends Arctic’s natural resources more accessible The geostrategic change in the Arctic is and interesting to commercial actors and complex. A combination of increased has created expectations of greater navi- great power competition and climate gability in marine fairways. As the region’s change is influencing developments, importance has increased, in strategic and which can be summarised in three overall in economic terms, for both Arctic and trends. non-Arctic states, tensions in the region may rise. The military presence and activi- First, security policy consequences can ty in the Arctic have grown, partly as a arise from the increased interest in the result of deteriorating relations at global Arctic’s enormous natural resources, level. This also increases the risk of an which climate change is making more arms race and incidents in the region. accessible. The largest undiscovered oil Strained relations at global level can have and gas reserves in the Arctic are estimat- repercussions at regional level in the ed to be within the continental shelves of Arctic. the coastal states. The seabed around the North Pole is thought to contain large Sweden has to take account of these quantities of natural resources, including developments in the Arctic. On the basis minerals. The International Seabed Au- of Swedish security policy this will be thority (ISA) has an important role for done applying an approach with two main the protection of natural resources of the tracks. One is to ensure continued peace seabed in the high seas. To the extent that and stability in the Arctic through well- competing claims arise for areas, it is im- functioning cooperation. The other is to portant that they are handled by relevant strengthen Sweden’s national capability international mechanisms. It is crucial for and advance planning to deal with various continued stability in the Arctic that the developments in the region. The full states concerned deal with their claims on range of security policy instruments – the continental shelf through the Com- political, diplomatic, economic and mili- mission on the Limits of the Continental

22 Shelf and accept advisory outcomes of mental cooperation is also important in its assessment. In the same way, it is of an Arctic context. At the same time, central importance that the freedom of China has already shown that it wants to navigation along the Northeast and the have more influence on developments in Northwest Passages in accordance with the Arctic. This can risk leading to con- the law of the sea is maintained, and that flicts of interest. China expresses general disputes about restrictions on free naviga- support for international law, but acts tion in these sea routes can be resolved by selectively, especially concerning issues diplomatic means. that China regards as its core interests.

Second, there is a new military dynamic in The military dimension of China’s actions the Arctic region. What is particularly no- in the area has so far been limited, but ticeable is increased Russian activity and China is gradually building up naval forces military build-up to defend Russian terri- with global reach, including submarines. tory. Russia’s new and modernised mili- More attention needs to be given to the tary bases in the north contribute to what military cooperation between China and is called its bastion defence. The Arctic is Russia, especially regarding possible mili- seen as a key area for early warning and tary cooperation aimed at the Arctic. The for the global strategic nuclear weapon Government is encouraging like-minded balance. In addition, the Russian subma- countries and the EU to cooperate and rine-based second-strike capability has its act together regarding challenges and base areas in the region. NATO and its opportunities resulting from the increase members have reacted to the Russian rein China’s global influence. construction, including increased exercise activities and the establishment of an 2.2.2 Cooperation operational-level staff function to secure The Government intends to work, along transatlantic communications. The US with international partners, to preserve has re-established its Second Fleet, with the Arctic region as a peaceful and stable the Northern Atlantic Ocean as its opera- area characterised by constructive and tional area. well-functioning international cooperation.

Sweden sees a risk of an arms race and Sweden will work for respect for interna- incidents. Developments in the Arctic are tional law, including the law of the sea. also affected by the global security policy Continued peaceful and stable develop- situation, which is characterised by insta- ment in the Arctic is dependent on the bility and unpredictability. The military maintenance of the rules-based order and strategic importance of the Arctic has on all actors with a presence in the area increased, and, as in the Cold War, the respecting international law. The United Arctic is a dividing line between western Nations Convention on the Law of the countries and Russia. Sea (UNCLOS) is of central importance in this context. The eight Arctic states Third, a growing number of non-Arctic have a particular responsibility for devel- states are expressing interest in the Arctic. opments in the Arctic. The Ilulissat Dec- China has a special position in this con- laration, signed by the five coastal states text. China’s increased global ambitions in 2008 and reconfirmed by all Arctic are also expressed in the Arctic, and its states in 2018, declares a common com- approach to strengthening its presence mitment to preserve the Arctic as a follows the pattern from other parts of peaceful and stable region. The Arctic the world. Since 2013 China has partici- states undertake, among other matters, to pated in the activities of the Arctic Coun- solve outstanding issues concerning over- cil as an observer. China’s central role in lapping claims to the continental shelf the climate area and in global environ- within the framework of applicable inter-

23 national law. Agreements like this and 2.2.3 Enhanced national capability other bilateral and multilateral agreements As concluded by the Defence Commis- demonstrate the will and readiness to co- sion (Ds 2019:8 Värnkraft [Defensive pow- operate to deal with common issues and ers]), the Cap of the North, the Barents challenges in the Arctic. Sea, the Norwegian Sea and the northern parts of the North Atlantic are part of Well-functioning bilateral and multilateral Sweden’s neighbourhood in the same way cooperation in the Arctic fulfils a confi- as the Baltic Sea and the North Sea are. dence-building function and contributes The Commission argues that, up to now, to greater security in the region. Through Swedish strategic thinking has taken far long-term engagement Sweden will con- too little account of security policy and tribute to the development of this coop- military developments in the Arctic and eration and strengthen existing forums. how they can affect Sweden. It demon- The Arctic Council is the central forum strates emerging Swedish strategic de- for cooperation. Even though the Coun- fence policy interests in the Arctic, with cil's mandate does not cover issues con- a particular centre of gravity in the area cerning hard security policy and military around the Barents Sea and the North security, the activities of the Council con- Atlantic. tribute to a climate of trust for cooperation in the region. Military strategic developments in our neighbourhood demonstrate the impor- The cross-border cooperation in civilian tance of continuing to strengthen military crisis management and rescue services in capability in the northern parts of Sweden the Arctic plays an important role for and of being able to operate with them in building confidence and strengthening adjacent areas. Military exercises with security in a broad sense. The Arctic Coast other countries have a threshold-raising Guard Forum (ACGF) was set up in 2015 and stabilising effect. as an informal and independent organisation to foster safe, secure, and environ- On account of the greater strategic im- mentally responsible maritime activity in portance of the Arctic, the Government the Arctic. Sweden participates along with intends to work for the further develop- all the other Arctic states in this forum. ment and deepening of Nordic and Euro- Atlantic security and defence policy coop- In the Barents Euro-Arctic Council there eration focusing on the European part of is collaboration, based on the Barents the Arctic, the Cap of the North and the Agreement of 2008, between Sweden, North Atlantic region. Sweden has an in- Norway, Finland and Russia to strengthen terest in retaining and increasing the en- the capability of the cooperating countries gagement of European countries and the to receive and provide support to one an- EU in northern Europe and the Arctic other in the event of complex disruptions since this contributes to Sweden’s security. to society in the Barents region. Sweden Transatlantic cooperation is fundamental intends to continue to contribute actively to both American and European security. to the international civilian crisis manage- The North Atlantic will play an important ment exercise called Barents Rescue. role as a link for military support to Eu- rope from North America in the event of Sweden considers that it is important to a crisis. find forms and arrangements for risk minimisation. More activity in the Arctic Along with relevant partners, the Govern- risks leading to incidents that could, under ment will intensify the security policy and certain circumstances, escalate into a con- defence policy dialogues on developments flict situation. in the Arctic, including the North Atlantic, both in bilateral cooperation and in the

24 Swedish corvette in northern Norwegian waters.

Photo: Alexander Gustavsson / The Swedish Armed Forces

multilateral security policy and defence the security situation in the Arctic region, policy forums that Sweden is a member including in terms of detecting and coun- of. The Government will work to have tering improper attempts to exert influ- access to relevant, existing formats for ence in and destabilise the region. Securi- cooperation and processes where regional ty and defence policy studies and research security issues are discussed and will on the region to build up the Swedish work, in them, for détente, stability and knowledge base will be encouraged in peaceful development. order to further develop Swedish courses of action in the Arctic, including con- The The Government intends to contin- cerning potential hybrid threats.. ue to closely follow the development of

25 Abisko National Park

Photo: Katja Kristoferson/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se

26 27 Photo: Martin Jacobsson

28 2.3 Climate and the environment

Sweden wants to work for limited warming of the Arctic in accordance with the Paris Agreement’s aim of limiting global warming. Sweden also wants to work for the conservation of biodiversity in accordance with the objectives of the Convention on Biological Diversity and to work for the implementation of a non-toxic circular economy.

• The Government will take a leading role • The Government intends to work for in the implementation of the Paris long-term and sustainable manage- Agreement to limit global warming, ment of wetlands and marine eco including in the Arctic. systems in the Arctic.

• The Government intends to work for • The Government will work for regional the strengthening of environmental and global action in the area of chemi- and climate work in the Arctic Council cals and waste with a bearing on the and for the Arctic Council to be given a Arctic and the development of a more prominent role in global efforts non-toxic circular economy in accord- to reduce global emissions of both ance with the Government’s strategy long-lived and short-lived greenhouse for a circular economy. gases. • The Government will work to have • The Government will have a leading assessments made of environmental role in the implementation of protec- impacts in the planning of land and tion for biodiversity under the Conven- water use. tion on Biological Diversity (CBD), the • The Government will work to prevent Ramsar Convention and other relevant and limit the negative impacts that international agreements. can arise in radiological and nuclear • The Government will work for the emergencies involving transports of conservation and sustainable use of radioactive and nuclear materials, Arctic biodiversity and for the provision reactor-powered marine transport and of adequate protection for areas of floating nuclear power plants in the high natural and cultural values in Arctic. Arctic environments.

29 Pro jected perm afrost boundary

Observed sea-ice September 2002

Projected sea-ice 2070-2090

y r a d n u o b t s o fr a m er p nt rre Cu Projected winter surface temperature increase around 2090 (°C) + 7 - 12 + 6 + 5 + 4 Source: Arctic Climate + 0 - 3 Impact Assessment (ACIA), 2004 Impacts of a Warming Arctic. Source: GRID-Arendal

The Arctic region is characterised by gases; conserving biodiversity in the rapid changes of various kinds. The Arctic including its marine environment; effects of climate change, ocean acidifica- and establishing a global non-toxic circu- tion and pollution are already apparent. lar economy. These actions contribute to If these trends continue, they will funda- the following Global Goals of the 2030 mentally change living conditions for Agenda: Goal 6 Clean water and sanita- humans, affect resilience to negative envi- tion for all, Goal 7 Affordable and clean ronmental changes in local communities energy for all, Goal 12 Sustainable con- and disturb the balance in Arctic eco sumption and production, Goal 13 Com- systems. It is therefore important for bating climate change and its impacts, Sweden to strengthen work to protect the Goal 14 Life below water and Goal 15 Arctic environment in close cooperation Life on land. with other Arctic and non-Arctic states and with civil society and regional and One essential component of an active local actors. environmental policy for the Arctic is to strengthen the capacity of humans and Sweden will therefore focus on action nature to deal with and adapt to the nega- that contributes to achieving results in tive effects of climate changes that are three main areas: limiting Arctic warming unavoidable. Representatives of the indig- by reducing global emissions of both enous peoples should be involved in con- long-lived and short-lived greenhouse crete cooperation drawing on traditional

30 The melting cryosphere

PACIFIC OCEAN

OKHOTSK BERING SEA YUKON SEA KOLYMA

Alaska (USA)

MACKENZIE

LENA BEAUFORT SEA

CANADA

ARCTIC NELSON OCEAN RUSSIA

North Pole

YENISEY HUDSON BAY

BAFFIN OB BAY Novaya Zemlya (Russia)

Greenland Svalbard (Denmark) (Norway) BARENTS SEA PECHORA

NORWEGIAN SEA SEVERNAYA DVINA

ICELAND FINLAND

SWEDEN ATLANTIC OCEAN Faroe Islands NORWAY (Denmark)

Source: GRID-Arendal

Changes in sea ice extent Changes in glacier extent Median ice edge in autumn for the period 1981-2010 Main glaciers and Greenland ice sheet Sea ice extent in September 2018 Retreat of glaciers Sea ice extent in September 1981 Freshwater input Retreat of sea ice Discharge of main rivers at mouth Freshwater input 590 km3/y 300 km3/y 120 km3/y Changes in snow cover Area where seasonal snow cover was 2–3 weeks shorter in the period 2005–2015 compared to 1980–1990 Main marine transport routes during summer

and local knowledge, including in the thresholds in the climate system being work of the Arctic Council. passed, for example as a result of melting sea ice during the summer months and of 2.3.1 Climate thawing permafrost. Thawing permafrost The Arctic is particularly vulnerable to releases great quantities of greenhouse climate change. The Arctic region is gases, resulting in severe effects on the warming more than twice as fast as the global climate. A warmer Arctic can in rest of the globe. Conversely, the changes fluence weather systems in the northern in the Arctic climate affect the rest of the hemisphere in particular. In the long world. There is a greater risk of critical term, the melting of Arctic land ice, espe-

31 cially on Greenland, can lead to a signifi- tries account, together, for the greater cantly higher sea level. The ever-poorer part of global emissions outside the ability to reflect sunlight from the Arctic group of Arctic states. This contributes on account of the smaller mass of ice to the Arctic Council’s possibilities of also contributes to a further acceleration exercising influence on the world’s aggre- of global warming. gate greenhouse gas emissions.

Sweden will take a lead in the implemen- 2.3.2 Biodiversity tation of the Paris Agreement, which Arctic biodiversity is unique and of global will guide the Government’s work in the importance. Climate change has dramatic Arctic. Sweden’s ambition is to be the effects on biodiversity. Arctic species and world’s first fossil-free welfare state. The habitats risk disappearing completely or Government climate policy framework only being left as isolated fragments. The lays down that Sweden is to reach zero current mix of species in the Arctic is net emissions of greenhouse gases into changing as southern species begin to the atmosphere by 2045 and is then to crowd out Arctic species. Palsas, a type reach negative emissions. of wetland with permafrost only found in the Arctic, are melting at an ever-in- The heating of the Arctic can only be creasing rate, which means that unique limited by a radical reduction of global ecosystems risk being changed. emissions of long-lived climate gases, especially carbon dioxide. The aim of Protecting biodiversity in the Arctic and the Paris Agreement – to keep the global its important ecosystem services – in the temperature increase well under 2° C with form of products and services from na- the ambition of limiting it to 1.5° C – is ture – will require vigorous action. The of crucial importance for the future of Government intends to work for the con- the Arctic region. At the same time, it is servation and sustainable use of biodiver- important to also take measures that re- sity in the Arctic, taking account of tradi- duce the effects of short-lived climate tional knowledge. The Government also forcers such as soot, tropospheric ozone intends to work to have adequate protec- and methane. A reduction in emissions tion provided for areas of high natural of short-lived climate forcers, especially and cultural values in Arctic environments soot, could temporarily dampen the rapid and to have exploitation take place in a warming of the Arctic and help slow the way that minimises and compensates for pace at which sea ice is melting. biodiversity losses. Networks of protected areas linked together by green infra- Sweden will work for the strengthening structure should be created in the long of environmental and climate work in the term. In the negotiations on a new frame- Arctic Council and for the Arctic Council work of global goals in the UN Conven- to be given a more prominent role in tion on Biological Diversity (CBD), Swe- global efforts to reduce the global emis- den will work for an ambitious outcome, sions of both long-lived and short-lived along with the rest of the EU. Forest greenhouse gases Together, the Arctic areas in the Arctic have a large share of states are responsible for a large part of low-productive, difficult-to-regenerate global emissions and therefore have a and biologically valuable forest, and ac- particular responsibility for driving the count should be taken of this. climate issue and take a lead in global climate work. All Arctic Council members Without the oceans, the global green- also belong to the developed countries, house effect would have been even more which are to take the lead in climate work extensive since up to a third of carbon according to the Climate Convention. A dioxide emissions are absorbed by the number of Arctic Council observer coun- oceans. The Arctic Ocean is changing

32 The Wilderness Road at Stekenjokk near Vilhelmina in northern Sweden.

Photo: David Sandström/imagebank.sweden.se

rapidly by these emissions, leading to a a global goal protecting at least 30% of temperature rise both in the air and in the the ocean through a network of marine sea and causing a lower oxygen content protected areas. and rising ocean acidification. As the polar ice melts, new sea areas are opened In the negotiations on a new binding up for shipping, fishing and the extraction instrument on the conservation and sus- of natural resources, which then changes tainable use of marine biodiversity of the living conditions of every Arctic in- areas beyond national jurisdiction habitant. Increased shipping also results (BBNJ), Sweden intends to work for the in higher underwater noise levels, chiefly inclusion of specific measures such as affecting marine mammals. regulations for marine protected areas, environmental impact assessments and Sweden will continue to work for good mechanisms for enabling effective envi- collaboration between the Arctic Council ronmental protection in the oceans. The and the Convention for the Protection of Government considers that extraction of the Marine Environment of the North- minerals from the deep sea, including in East Atlantic (OSPAR). In the Arctic the Arctic, must not be undertaken before Council, the Government will support sufficient scientific descriptions of its- ef work on a Pan-Arctic Network of Marine fects on the marine environment, biodi- Protected Areas (Ark-MPA) and promote versity and human activities are available.

33 Kungsleden is Sweden's longest and best -known hiking trail.

Photo: Michael Jönsson/Scandinav Bildbyrå/imagebank.sweden.se

The Government intends to work for Arctic population. Organic pollutants that long-term management of marine ecosys- accumulate in living organisms can also tems and wetlands in the Arctic, including lead to lower reproductive capacity – in in the Arctic Council. both humans and animals.

2.3.3 Non-toxic environment Stricter global chemical control is neces- Harmful substances spread and accumu- sary to improve the environment and late in the Arctic environment. Most of health in the Arctic. Sweden will continue these pollutants originate from emission to press the issue of reducing emissions sources outside the Arctic, but considera- and will work for regional and global ble emissions also occur in the Arctic. action in the area of chemicals and waste The spread of harmful substances in the and for the phasing out of the use, emis- environment is a major problem for the sion and spread of particularly hazardous population and wildlife. Chemicals and chemicals such as mercury and persistent waste are transported via air or water cur- organic pollutants. rents, and atmospheric conditions make the Arctic particularly exposed to deposi- The spread of plastics and microplastics tion of mercury, for instance. This expo- to and via the Arctic is a major problem sure is so serious that mercury-related for wildlife. Plastic is transported via air health effects have been identified in the or water currents and since plastic is a

34 persistent material, it remains in the envi- tainable protection for the environment ronment for thousands of years. The and health. Cooperation with the Barents Government will press actively for an Euro-Arctic Council on action in severely ambitious global agreement to counter polluted areas (‘hot spots’) should also be and minimise emissions of plastic waste strengthened. and microplastics. In the Arctic Council, Sweden intends to continue to participate 2.3.4 Nuclear safety and radiation in work on marine litter, including by protection drafting a regional plan for dealing with The questions of nuclear safety and radi- litter in the Arctic. ation protection are relevant since radioactive and nuclear materials are constantly Globally, Sweden will work for a non- being transported in the Arctic region. toxic circular economy and an ambitious The traffic of reactor-powered ships such global framework for chemicals and waste as icebreakers and container ships has in- that means that materials and products creased, and the establishment of new are seen as resources and that harmful floating nuclear reactors has now com- substances do not enter material cycles. menced along Russia’s northern coast. Negotiations will take place within the These floating nuclear reactors bring a framework of the UN Environmental new type of sea transport in the region. Assembly (UNEA), the International At regular intervals the nuclear reactors Resource Panel (IRP) and Strategic will be moved by sea to replace nuclear Approach to International Chemicals fuel and to possibly perform mainte- Management (SAICM) as well as of the nance. Basel, Stockholm and Rotterdam Con- ventions. Sweden intends to take a clearer role in the Arctic Council's working groups to Greater resource extraction in the Arctic draw attention to the cross-border risks involves considerable risks of local emis- associated with movement in the direc- sions with a direct impact on the sur- tion of a greater presence of nuclear and rounding environment. The increased other radioactive materials in the Arctic. pressure on land- and sea-based mineral The Government will work to prevent extraction means that considerable meas- and limit the negative impacts that can ures are required to ensure circular and arise in radiological and nuclear emergen- sustainable resource use. In land- and cies involving transports of radioactive water-use planning it is important to and nuclear materials, reactor-powered assess environmental impacts. Sweden sea transport and floating nuclear power intends to work to improve the state of plants in the Arctic. knowledge regarding the consequences of greater exploitation as well as the safe- guards essential to provide long-term sus-

35 The icebreaker Oden during the Ryder Expedition to northwest Greenland in the summer of 2020.

Photo: Martin Jacobsson

36 2.4 Polar research and environmental monitoring

Sweden wants to be a world-leading polar research nation with capacity for expeditions on a year-round basis and wants Swedish polar research to make a greater impact internationally.

• The Government will continue to for year-round activities even when strengthen research, environmental it is considered that the Swedish monitoring and observation systems in icebreaker Oden can no longer be and about the Arctic. used for research assignments.

• Sweden will support and further • Sweden intends to encourage develop international cooperation on exchanges of knowledge between polar research, including climate researchers and indigenous peoples research. in the Arctic and to work to make traditional knowledge and scientific • The Swedish Polar Research Secretariat research mutually available. needs to continue to consider possible alternatives to access a heavy polar- classed, climate-neutral research ship

37 Research and environmental monitoring ous series from fixed measurement sta- in and about the Arctic is becoming ever tions and detailed studies from ship-based more important in understanding the observations collected for all seasons in global, regional and local effects of climate the Arctic. Sweden will continue to work change and the possibilities of adapting to strengthen environmental monitoring, to it. Data from the Arctic Ocean is also earth observation systems and research in needed to reduce the uncertainty in global and about the Arctic. Cooperation in the climate models. The rapid changes to the Arctic Council is central in this context. climate demonstrate both the importance of a fact-based and scientific approach 2.4.1 Cooperation and the need for speedy action. High-class polar research is conducted by both Arctic and non-Arctic states. Field Sweden has long experience and a proud research in the polar areas is very expen- history of polar research. As early as 1758, sive. Support for relevant polar research is a disciple of Linnaeus, Anton Rolandson therefore of central importance. Interna- Martin travelled to Spitsbergen to study tional cooperation enables world-leading meteorology and water temperatures. In researchers to participate in research co- 1879 Adolf Erik Nordenskiöld became operation and expeditions in the Arctic. the first to complete a crossing of the Sweden wants to see greater possibilities Northeast Passage. Swedish polar re- of circumpolar international cooperation. searchers are world leaders in their fields, which cover research in natural science, Sweden intends to continue to contribute social science and the humanities. Several to the international cooperation on Arctic higher education institutions in Sweden research and education being conducted conduct polar research, including climate within various platforms and networks. research; they include the Swedish Polar This cooperation is, for instance, being Research Secretariat, the Swedish Meteor- conducted within the Arctic Five, which ological and Hydrological Institute (SMHI) consists of five Arctic universities (Luleå, and the Universities of Gothenburg, Rovaniemi, Tromsø, Oulu and Umeå) and Luleå, Lund, Stockholm, Umeå and whose purpose is to develop knowledge, Uppsala. Swedish polar research contrib- education and innovations for sustainable utes in this way to the following Global development in the Arctic. Globally, the Goals of the 2030 Agenda: Goal 13 Arctic Five is the largest knowledge node Combating climate change and its im- concerning Arctic research and develop- pacts, Goal 14 Life below water and ment; together its parties have more than Goal 15 Life on land. 90 000 students and 4 000–5 000 research students. Swedish climate-related research in the Arctic goes back a long time. By having Sweden is also active in the University of continuous and long series of measure- the Arctic, which works globally to ments, in some cases more than 100 years, strengthen cooperation in research and Sweden has contributed to the growth of education with Arctic relevance. Sweden, knowledge about global climate change, the other Nordic countries, Canada and including regionally in the Arctic. How Russia participate in the North2north ex- ever, the regional system of meteorologi- change programme. The programme cal observations has major gaps and defi- should be strengthened for exchanges of ciencies on account of difficult access in students and researchers between the the Arctic. Forming a better understand- eight Arctic states. ing of the complex connections that affect the weather and the climate requires Sweden has extensive international coop- large-scale data series from satellite obser- eration in polar research and logistics vations, local data in the form of continu- with countries including Canada, Den-

38 Field research work at the Sálajiegna Glacier.

Photo: E Gylfe

mark, Finland, Germany, Norway, Russia, decade, with a budget of EUR 70 million the UK and the US. Examples are Swe- for the period 2018–2020. The EU partic- den’s cooperation in marine research with ipates actively in international cooperation the UK and US on glacier and seabed between Arctic ministers of science. studies and with the US and Germany on atmospheric and climate conditions near 2.4. 2. Logistics platforms the North Pole. Swedish researchers also Sweden has a considerable and world- conduct marine bioprospecting for unique leading research infrastructure in the genes, molecules and organisms, which Swedish Arctic and the Arctic Ocean. may result in new products and processes Access to modern logistics platforms is for commercial use in a range of different crucial for environmental research in the areas such as the health sector, biologically Arctic and is available through several based raw materials, food production and Swedish authorities. The Swedish Polar renewable energy production. Research Secretariat is the government agency tasked with coordinating and Sweden and several other countries have promoting Swedish polar research by, for pressed for the EU to provide more fund- example, being responsible for and sup- ing for Arctic research and higher educa- plying certain infrastructure and conduct- tion. The EU has increased its support for ing expeditions along with the research Arctic research and innovation in the past community.

39 In northern Sweden there are research sider possible alternatives to enable Swe- stations in Abisko and Tarfala as well as den to have continued access to an ice- to the EISCAT scatter radar facility in breaking research ship for year-round Kiruna. Abisko Scientific Research activities when it is estimated that the Station has an extensive environmental Oden can no longer be used for research monitoring programme that has been assignments. The Swedish Polar Research running for more than 100 years. The Secretariat’s planning for future access to Swedish icebreaker Oden is used as a a heavy polar-classed, climate-neutral re- platform for conducting expeditions to search ship for year-round activities needs the Arctic Ocean, including north of to continue. Greenland, and to the North Pole. Since 2001, the Swedish-led satellite Odin has gathered atmospheric data from its orbit 2.4. 3. Knowledge exchange over both poles. An additional Swedish- The cultures of the indigenous peoples led satellite, Arctic Weather Satellite, AWS, in northern Europe, Siberia and North is going to be sent up. This satellite has America are based historically on a sub- great potential to improve weather forecasts and climate monitoring in the Arctic and its vicinity. AWS will be an important complement to other weather satellites.

In recent decades Swedish ship-based polar research has assumed a world- leading role. The Swedish icebreaker Oden, which is owned by the Swedish Maritime Administration, is one of the world’s leading research infrastructures with substantial icebreaking capacity. In the period between 1991 and 2019, the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat has used Oden to conduct more than 20 research expeditions, 9 of which to the North Pole. Joint research expeditions Swedish polar researcher at Sherard Osborn Fjord. using Oden have been conducted with Photo: Martin Jacobsson Canada, Germany and the US, for example. Swedish marine polar research has contributed to scientific progress in a number of areas, such as atmospheric sistence economy and a close relationship sciences, biology, geology, geophysics, with nature and the environment. By ob- meteorology and oceanography. serving, assessing and adapting to local conditions, the indigenous peoples have The polar research conducted with Oden knowledge and insights that are also a as its platform is of central importance valuable asset in scientific contexts. for Sweden’s role in the Arctic and for our international climate and environ- In the Arctic there is considerable tradi- mental work. To make it possible to tional knowledge among the indigenous retain the position as an important polar groups who make up about 10% of the research nation and to contribute to the Arctic population. It is important to make understanding of, for instance, climate use of and develop traditional knowledge change and its consequences, the Swedish not only so as to preserve the culture and Polar Research Secretariat needs to con- identity of the indigenous peoples but

40 Interior from the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat in Luleå.

Source/photo: Swedish Polar Research Secretariat

also because that knowledge can help to ment takes a positive view of increased increase understanding of and find solu- exchange and greater collaboration be- tions to various global challenges such as tween Sami institutions in the countries the effects of climate change and other in question within the Arctic Council, environmental change in the Arctic. as well as between Swedish mountain museums and Sami museums. Orally transmitted knowledge of natural and weather conditions can contribute to climate research, and their observations can complement other historical data. As a result of the Convention on Biodiversity, interest in traditional knowledge and its significance for sustainable development especially has increased. The Sami Parlia- ment has highlighted traditional Sami knowledge in cooperation with the Swed- ish Biodiversity Centre (CBM). Tradition- al Sami knowledge and natural resource use have been documented as part of this Sami initiative.

Exchanges of knowledge between researchers, indigenous peoples and local communities living and working in the region should be developed and structured so as to make traditional knowledge and scientific research mutually available. Co- operation in the Nordic Council of Min- isters is also a good starting point for the further development of this cooperation from an Arctic perspective. The Govern-

41 The Scandes, the Scandinavian mountain range

Photo: Anders Ekholm/Folio/imagebank.sweden.se

42 2.5 Sustainable economic development and business sector interests

Sweden wants to act for sustainable economic development in the Arctic, on the basis of the 2030 Agenda and taking special account of its vulnerable environment.

• The Government will contribute to sus- of the Nordic Council of Ministers, tainable trade and investments in the Sweden intends, together with the other Arctic region, and work to ensure that Nordic countries to, for instance, exam- the increase in economic activity in the ine the potential for traceability and Arctic benefits local economic growth. marking of metals for the introduction of a certification system, as well as the con- • The Government will work to maintain ditions for secondary extraction. Busi- and further develop a robust regulatory ness models for products with sustaina- framework for free, fair and sustainable bly produced metals will be examined. trade. Proactive work to address technical trade barriers and to promote greater • Through cooperation in the EU, Sweden border trade are also vital for economic will continue to follow the implementa- development in the Arctic. tion of the Agreement to Prevent Unreg- ulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central • On the basis of the 2030 Agenda and the Arctic Ocean, and will also work in other EU’s Green Deal, Sweden will force the ways for sustainable management of pace of international cooperation to fisheries in the Arctic region. protect the unique environment in the Arctic and minimise the negative effects • Sweden intends to promote long-term of and risks associated with the use of sustainable transport systems in the natural resources in the region. Arctic, in close cooperation with its Nordic neighbours and Russia. • Sweden intends to be a forerunner regarding the green transition. Through in- • Sweden will actively support the ongoing novation and sustainable environmental work in the International Maritime Organ- technology, Swedish companies can con- ization (IMO) to reduce emissions of tribute to a reduced environmental foot- greenhouse gases from shipping. print from economic activities in the • Sweden intends to work for cooperation Arctic and to the transition to a circular with other countries in the region and economy. between various actors so as to develop • The Government will work for joint initia- sustainable and attractive tourist destina- tives in the EU, OECD and Arctic Council tions that take into account the Arctic’s to also contribute to a sustainable miner- sensitive environment and the needs and al industry at global level. In the context situation of its indigenous peoples.

43 The economic potential of the Arctic Swedish companies can contribute inno- contributes to growing global interest in vative solutions and sustainable environ- investing and seeking business opportuni- mental technology to reduce environmen- ties in the region. Increased economic tal footprints of economic activities and activity can benefit growth in the Arctic promote the transition to a circular econ- countries and contribute to livelihoods omy, including sustainable extraction of in local communities. At the same time, ore and minerals. increased economic activity risks having negative impacts on the unique and sensi- Sustainability is a cornerstone of Sweden’s tive Arctic environment and the living trade promotion. An enhanced platform conditions of the local population, in- for international sustainable business has cluding indigenous peoples, if it does not been drawn up nationally in parallel with take place in a sustainable way. Difficult the updating of the Trade and Investment balances may have to be struck between Strategy. Increased Swedish exports of using natural resources and protecting sustainable circular innovations and inter- the environment. From the Swedish per- nationalisation can also contribute to a spective, it is important that all economic positive development in the countries activity in the Arctic is conducted and where Swedish companies conduct trade developed in a long-term sustainable way. and make investments. Developing climate-smart technology that can contrib- Sustainable development is one of the ute to more circular and fossil-free solu- main aims of the Arctic Council, and this tions also creates competitive advantages, also guides and informs the activities of employment and export opportunities. its working groups. The Arctic Economic Council (AEC), a separate and independ- Sweden will work to maintain and further ent organisation, is an important platform develop a robust regulatory framework for cooperation between businesses in the for free, fair and sustainable global trade. Arctic and responsible economic develop This rules-based system of multilateral ment in the Arctic region, partly through trade is intended to contribute to growth, exchanges about good practice, technical employment and sustainable development. solutions and standards. This cooperation Proactive work to address technical trade is underpinned by the CSR instrument barriers and to promote greater border adopted by the AEC, the Arctic Invest- trade are also vital for economic development Protocol, which aspires to promote ment in the Arctic. Sweden will press for sustainable and equitable economic growth the modernisation of the rules for multi- in the region that furthers community lateral trade in the World Trade Organisa- well-being and builds resilient societies in tion (WTO) and for these rules to take a fair, inclusive and environmentally clearer account of environmental and sound manner. climate issues and to contribute to a green transition. Through the Global Deal, Sweden is working for a global partnership in order 2.5.1 Sustainable economic to promote inclusive growth and decent development working conditions. Sweden intends to Sweden will promote sustainable eco- contribute to sustainable trade and invest- nomic development in the Arctic on the ments in the region in line with the objec- basis of the 2030 Agenda. Several of the tives of Sweden’s Trade and Investment global Sustainable Development Goals Strategy and the Government’s Strategy are relevant, including Goal 8 Decent for a Circular Economy and through work and economic growth, Goal 9 Sus- close cooperation with other countries tainable industry, innovation and infra- and actors. Sweden intends to be a fore- structure, Goal 12 Sustainable consump- runner regarding the green transition. tion and production, Goal 13 Combat

44 5_routes.pdf 2007-05-01 10:06

C Northwest Northern Sea Route Sea-based oil and gas extraction is par- Passage M ticularly sensitive in the Arctic, since the

Y San Rotterdam Rotterdam risks associated with this are high. Robust Francisco

CM Yokohama regulation that ensures the highest level of protection for existing and planned oil MY Current route and gas installations is essential, as is full CY financial cover for the costs that may arise

CMY Current route in an accident. This applies especially to

K areas with permanent or temporary ice cover where the risks of harm to biodi- Shorter international transport routes may be versity and ecosystems are particularly possible via Arctic waters. high. The extraction of fossils fuels also Source: GRID-Arendal threatens global efforts to achieve the aims of the Paris Agreement and must be phased out as soon as possible.

climate change and its impacts and Goal Unlike the five Arctic coastal states, 14 Conserve and sustainably use the Sweden does not have its own oil and gas oceans, seas and marine resources. Sus- resources, so it does not participate in the tainable economic development is crucial energy policy cooperation in the region. in strengthening the region’s sustainable Swedish industry does, however, play an growth, resilience to negative environmen- important role in the industries that assist tal changes and community well-being. this energy sector. Examples include icebreaking, sea transport and consultancy The forms for further management and services based on knowledge of business action in three central areas will be crucial activities in an Arctic climate. The Gov- in securing sustainable economic devel- ernment has commissioned the Swedish opment in the Arctic: use of natural re- Export Credits Guarantee Board to resources; transport and infrastructure; and view, along with AB Svensk Exportkredit, tourism. how the Swedish and international system for export financing should contribute to Sustainable use of natural resources a clear transition and strong decrease in On the basis of the 2030 Agenda and emissions of greenhouse gases. the EU’s Green Deal, Sweden intends to be a driver of international cooperation Sweden has a prominent position in to protect the unique environment in the hydropower and wind power, solar and Arctic and to minimise the negative effects bioenergy and also technology for im- of and risks associated with the use of proving energy efficiency and reducing natural resources in the region. carbon dioxide emissions. The direction of Sweden’s energy policy is to arrange Sustainable energy use energy supply using 100% renewable Around 30% of the world’s undiscovered energy sources. gas assets and 13% of its undiscovered oil assets are estimated to be north of the Extraction of ore and minerals polar circle. As a result of the decreasing The transition to circular and fossil-free ice cover in the Arctic these natural re- energy technologies such as wind and sources may become more accessible, es- solar power and electromobility generates pecially those located on the continental greater demand for rare earth metals and shelves of the coastal states. However, other metals found in the Arctic as well as the sea-based extraction of deposits is, as elsewhere. Interest in the extraction of yet, both complicated technically and as- metals at sea is expected to increase and sociated with major costs. regulatory frameworks and knowledge

45 need to be developed to prevent negative effects.

The extraction of ore and minerals has led to considerable investments in the Swedish mining industry, a large part of which is in Sweden’s Arctic region. Here Sweden and the Nordic region can play an important role both by contributing to sustainable production of metals and helping to create conditions for secondary extraction, and also by delivering sustainable environmental technology and solutions to other mining countries. When new mining activities are established in The mining and steel industry has always been of the Arctic, Sweden can contribute impor- great importance for Sweden's economy. LKAB’s tant knowledge and environmental tech- mine in Kiruna is the largest and most modern iron nology. ore mine in the world. Photo: Sonia Jansson/imagebank.sweden.se When new value chains are built up around metal extraction, it is important to take account of the circular flow of metals so that the metals that are extracted impossible, but the ice cover in the area are also recycled. Primary raw materials has decreased in recent years. The Arctic must be replaced as far as possible by re- region also includes parts of the North sources used efficiently in circular flows. East Atlantic where fishing is regulated in part by the North East Atlantic Fisheries Sweden will work for joint initiatives in Commission (NEAFC). In the North the EU, OECD and Arctic Council to East Atlantic Swedish ships fish in inter contribute to a sustainable extraction of national waters in the Norwegian Sea and ore and minerals at global level. Labelling Sweden also has fishing rights within the systems for sustainably produced metal framework of the EU’s Fisheries Partner and minerals will also be promoted, and ship Agreement with Greenland. coordination regarding development assistance for sustainable extraction of Climate change may lead to a shift in raw materials will be strengthened. The the distribution of certain important Nordic Council of Ministers’ vision of commercial fish species in the North East the Nordic region as the world’s most Atlantic towards the Arctic. A change sustainable and integrated region in 2030 in stock distribution and changes in means that the Nordic region will be a fishing patterns present new challenges leader for sustainable mineral production. for fisheries management, as resource The Nordic countries will jointly examine allocation questions can lead to fishing the potential for traceability and marking conflicts. Through the EU, Sweden is of metals for the introduction of a a party to the Agreement to Prevent certification system. Business models for Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the products with sustainably produced Central Arctic Ocean. metals will be examined. Sweden follows the work in the regional Sustainable fisheries fisheries management organisations Until recently the high seas portion the where we have fishing interests, such as Central Arctic Ocean has been completely the NEAFC, and will continue to work covered by ice all year, making fishing for agreements about the allocation of

46 fishing possibilities that include all coastal well as technical and operational actions states and other states with direct fishing to reduce the climate impact of shipping. interests since this is the best way of achieving long-term sustainable manage- Sustainable tourism ment of stocks. Sweden should also con- The tourism sector has grown globally tinue to follow work in the International for a long time. The Arctic region is very Council for the Exploration of the Sea attractive and offers experiences of na- (ICES) that is of relevance to the Arctic. ture, cultural life and adventures relating to animal life, hunting and fishing. The Sustainable transport and infrastructure midnight sun and the northern lights are Sustainable transport and densification natural phenomena that attract visitors. are crucial for economic growth and de- Tranquillity and untouched expanses are velopment. The long distances in the also exotic for large parts of the global Arctic region make high demands on a population. well-functioning transport system for both persons and goods. This also applies Greater domestic and international to Sweden’s Arctic region. Rising trans- tourism create better conditions for the port demand may increase the demands labour market in the Arctic. It creates on infrastructure and sustainable trans- new job opportunities for the local port solutions in the Barents region, in- population, including indigenous peoples, cluding in the form of expanded and that supplement traditional activities. effective railways. The Government takes Sweden will work for cooperation with a positive view of the European Commis- other countries in the region and between sion’s proposal to extend the core net- various actors so as to develop sustainable work corridor of the trans-European and attractive tourist destinations that transport network, ScanMed, through take account of the Arctic’s sensitive Sweden to Narvik and Oulu. Sweden’s environment and the needs and situation Arctic region is also highly dependent on of its indigenous peoples. well-functioning air services.

Sea transport Shipping lanes in the Arctic are becoming navigable for a longer part of the year, even though it will take time before conditions will permit commercial shipping on a large scale. At the same time, the large land and sea areas of the Arctic are a vulnerable part of the world’s natural environment and climate system. For Sweden, care of the marine environment, both at sea and in coastal areas, is of crucial importance. Sweden will work for joint sea and air monitoring in the region, which contributes to safe and environment-friendly shipping.

In April 2018 the IMO adopted an initial strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping. Sweden will participate actively in and advance ongoing regulatory work by the IMO as

47 2.5.2 Swedish business interests in the Arctic

Sweden will profile and position itself as an attractive, innovative and competitive Arctic country and make use of Sweden’s Arctic skills and resources for growth, employment, greater well-being and sustainable development with a lower impact on the environment and the climate.

• The Government will work to have able growth, innovation and development Swedish skills and experience of in areas with a cold climate, long distanc- activities in an Arctic environment put es, sparse populations and sensitive Envi- to use for Swedish business sector ronment. interests. In several sectors, Sweden is conducting • Sweden intends to work proactively to world-leading work on sustainability, attract international investments to the which is of crucial importance to the Arctic region so as to contribute to export capability and international increased and sustainable growth. competitiveness of Swedish business, especially among companies in Sweden’s • Sweden will strengthen the innovative Arctic region. capacity and regional strengths of Sweden’s Arctic region through Sustainable business promotion in the collaboration between the business Arctic, drawing on the considerable re- sector, academia and the public sector. sources and skills in Norrbotten and Västerbotten, will be guided by the platform for international sustainable busi- Swedish companies conduct extensive ness and will also contribute to the imple- activities in the Arctic, primarily in the mentation of the Government’s Trade Swedish Arctic region. Sweden has skills and Investment Strategy. Regional export from and long experience of economic promotion plays an important role in activities in Arctic environments that supporting small and medium-sized should be used to benefit Swedish com- enterprises in this development. In this mercial interests. By strengthening its way, the business sector also contributes Arctic profile. Sweden will benefit from to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda the increase in international interest in and the Global Goals for Sustainable the Arctic and attract investments, skills, Development. talent and visitors. Sweden’s traditional strength and basic Sweden’s resources and skills in combina- industrial structure consist of nature- tion with a capacity for renewal and inter- based industries and heavy basic industry national exchange give Swedish compa- with extraction and refinement processes nies, in Norrbotten and Västerbotten of world class. Sweden is also equipped especially, unique competitive advantages. to create sustainable development in both Sweden’s Arctic skills can be described as traditional industries and new sectors. an ability to create conditions for sustain- Sweden stands strong in this area with

48 Preparing for launch at the Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden.

Photo: Hans-Olof Utsi/imagebank.sweden.se

several well-developed and competitive Knowledge is transformed into new areas of strength in Norrbotten and products and services at a number of Västerbotten. These include Arctic world-leading innovation clusters around testing, space activities, digital services, Sweden’s Arctic region, but also by health care and the visitor industry. smaller actors and small enterprises in various subsupplier chains. One example Research, innovation and testing is innovative environmental technology Sweden is a leading innovation country. solutions for Swedish basic industries that Close cooperation between academia, can be exported on a global market with business and the public sector is the fore- the right support. most success factor for economically, environmentally and socially sustainable Arctic conditions like a cold climate and development. In Norrbotten and Väster- sparsely populated areas make it possible botten research is being conducted at sev- to provide effective test and demonstra- eral different higher education institutions tion environments for the development and research institutes in Arctic leading- of the aviation, automotive and compo- edge areas, often with close links to com- nent industry, as well as outstanding space panies’ needs and business opportunities. activities at the Esrange Space Center

49 outside Kiruna. Space is a technolo- Europe’s foremost producers of other gy-driving industry of the future that base metals as well as of precious metals. contributes, via the development of new The Swedish mining cluster is strong and services, to the solution of difficult chal- leading in terms of innovation and devel- lenges for society, not least data collection opment along the entire refinement chain. to deal with climate change. As part of the Fossil Free Sweden initiative, the Swedish mining industry has Luleå University of Technology and drafted an ambitious agenda for com- Umeå University are collaborating closely pletely fossil-free mining operations by with the business sector to refine Arctic 2045. strengths by, for example, jointly developing research on ice and cold climate tech- Steel production accounts for a signifi- nology and by strengthening and broad- cant part of global carbon dioxide emis- ening space activities. The favourable cold sions, making investments in fossil-free climate in combination with a sustainable steel production and transitioning along and reliable electricity supply have also the whole of the value chain highly inter- been important factors in attracting stra- esting since the demand for steel is ex- tegic and large foreign direct investments. pected to rise as global population grows and urbanisation increases. One of the Sustainable extraction and refinement of foremost examples is the initiative taken Swedish raw materials in the Arctic region jointly by LKAB, SSAB and Vattenfall for The world’s need for innovation-critical a new demonstration plant in Luleå to minerals and metals is increasing as develop technology for fossil-free steel the electrification and digitalisation of production. The goal is to have a fossil- societies, industries and transport systems free industrial process in place in 2035. are accelerated so as to reduce global carbon dioxide emissions. There is great Innovative refinement of forest raw potential in Sweden’s Arctic region for the materials gives Swedish companies extraction of several metals and minerals possibilities of exporting competitive for new environmental and technological timber products while residue and side innovations. Nordic work on certification streams are used for climate-smart systems for metals is a central part of alternatives so as to reduce the use of action to increase Sweden’s and the Nordic region’s competitive advantages for sustainable battery production and green electrification.

The mining industry is an important part of the Swedish economy. As a world- leading mining nation, Sweden has long experience, expertise and modern technology to make use of its own raw materials, both primary and secondary, for sustainable mineral extraction as efficiently as possible, and also has good opportunities for Swedish companies to export their skills in smart mining to other countries, thereby contributing further to the global climate transition. HYBRIT is a project to develop the world's first fossil- free ore-based steel production/HYBRIT pilot plan Sweden is Europe’s foremost iron ore start-up. producer by far, and is also one of Photo: Viveka Österman

50 Luleå University of Technology.

Photo: Luleå University of Technology

demanding energy-intensive industries, such as data storage and battery manufac- turing, with a low climate impact. Hydro, wind and solar energy give companies in Sweden competitive advantages in being able to produce products with a much smaller carbon dioxide footprint than global competitors with a more fossil- based energy mix. Facebook’s data centres in Luleå and Northvolt’s battery factory in Skellefteå are two examples of major locations by international companies that have chosen Sweden in stiff competition, partly on account of favourable Arctic conditions.

Sustainable tourism and the visitor industry Sweden’s magnificent Arctic landscape with its shifting seasons, urban environments and open and modern communities characterised by an environmentally aware lifestyle make Sweden an attractive destination for visitors. By further strengthening their common Arctic loca- tion brand, Swedish companies can continue to develop competitive offers of world-class experiences.

Quality, safety and credibility are guiding words for sustainable development in Sami industries. Today most Sami work in occupations that are not traditional for fossil raw materials, such as fuels, plastics the Sami, and over the years more and and chemicals. The development of a more Sami have started businesses in circular and bio-based economy in the tourism featuring Sami culture. Swedish Arctic creates sustainable development, new businesses and more Sweden’s cultural diversity is a great asset jobs. Moreover, effective, active and and the growth potential in both tradi- sustainable forestry plays a crucial role in tional and new industries in, for example, enabling Sweden and Europe to reach the visitor industry, culture and gastrono- climate and energy objectives since my is great. Sweden’s Arctic profile is forests with good growth bind large strengthened through more concrete quantities of carbon dioxide. crossborder cooperation with Norway and Finland, as well as in a broader Arctic Renewable energy production context. Stable access to renewable energy production and cooling make Sweden attractive for the operation of increasingly

51 Traditional Sami costume.

Photo: Peter Grant/imagebank.sweden.se

52 2.6 Ensuring good living conditions

Sweden wants the population in the Arctic to enjoy good living conditions and sustainable economic and social development, with respect for the rights of indigenous peoples.

• The Government will contribute smart • Sweden will promote the preservation solutions and the development of of the Sami language and other Arctic robust infrastructure, including digital indigenous languages and share Swedish infrastructure, to create attractive experiences of revitalisation work. communities in the Arctic region. • The Government intends to work for a • Sweden will work for greater possibili- gender-equality perspective through- ties for indigenous peoples in the Arc- out the activities of Arctic-related coop- tic to preserve and develop their identi- eration bodies like the Arctic Council ty, culture and traditional livelihoods. and the Barents Euro-Arctic Council.

• Sweden intends to work for a living • Sweden intends to work so that all Sami culture based on long-term young people in the Arctic region have sustainable reindeer husbandry and good living conditions, power to shape other Sami livelihoods. their lives and influence on the development of society.

53 About 4 million people live in the Arctic, broadband has been under way for several and about 10% of them are members of years, including in Sweden’s Arctic region. the various indigenous peoples. It is of In areas where commercial actors do not fundamental importance for people living consider it profitable to expand broad in the Arctic region that there are good band, the Government provides support possibilities of making a living and good for expansion. communications. Arctic challenges like long distances, sparse population and a People living in sparely populated areas, small critical mass make special demands including Sweden’s Arctic region, may for smart solutions and the development need to go long distances to receive of robust infrastructure, including well- health care, and this can be a particular developed digital infrastructure, in order challenge for older people with particular to create attractive communities at places needs. With the aid of digitalisation, with special conditions. Well-developed innovative solutions are possible when infrastructure contributes to economic access to health care and social care is not and social connectivity in the region. always close at hand geographically. Improving access in sparely populated Many parts of the Arctic region have areas to good health and social care demographic challenges with an ageing creates conditions for development and population and the out-migration of growth. The COVID-19 pandemic in young people, especially young women, 2020 has demonstrated the great need who leave the region to study or work in for, and a higher demand for, digital larger urban areas further south. Thus, health care meetings in these areas. there is a need to create good living conditions to get people to stay, move to 2.6.2 Gender equality or move back to the region. Measures to The rapid climate change and its conse- strengthen gender equality can contribute quences for living conditions in the Arctic to regional growth and development. affect both women and men living in the region, but sometimes in different ways. 2.6.1 Digital infrastructure To ensure the growth of local communi- Access to digital infrastructure in the ties, their resilience to negative environ- Arctic region provides many advantages mental changes and their sustainable de- for the population and the business sector. velopment, it is important that women Broadband expansion and investments in and men are given equal opportunities satellite and telecommunications lay the of taking part in community life, political foundation for digitalisation and distance- decision-making processes and economic bridging technologies that then open up activities on equal terms. Equality between new business opportunities. With growing women and men is a pillar of the imple- tourism in the Arctic, mobile and fixed mentation of the 2030 Agenda. The full connections make rescue services better enjoyment of human rights by all women able to carry out operations. Digital infra- and girls, men and boys is a legally binding structure is an important precondition for undertaking for all Arctic states. In line being able to provide important public with the Government’s gender policy services such as education and health care objectives and its feminist foreign policy, in the Arctic region. the Government intends to work to have the gender policy perspective applied The Government’s broadband strategy throughout the activities of Arctic-related contains objectives for access to high- cooperation bodies such as the Arctic speed broadband and access to stable Council and the Barents Euro-Arctic mobile services of good quality for all Council. households and companies throughout Sweden. An extensive expansion of

54 Kiruna – northern Sweden.

Photo: Hans-Olof Utski, Image Bank

A gender equality project, partly financed promoted. In 2016 the Sami Parliament by the Nordic Council of Ministers, has adopted a gender equality programme so been under way in the Arctic Council’s as to be able to work systematically for Sustainable Development Working Group greater gender equality in Sami society. since 2013. The purpose of the project is Within the framework of the gender to conduct studies and foster the dialogue equality measures, the Sami Parliament on gender equality in the Arctic and to also has an exchange of experience with build networks between experts and Finland, Norway and Russia about gender stakeholders in the region, including from equality, men’s violence against women, Sweden. In the third phase of the project sexual harassment and abuse. Sweden is contributing funding and expertise for the publication of a general 2.6.3 Young people report on gender equality in the Arctic in To ensure positive and sustainable devel- 2021. opment in the region young people must be given priority in this cooperation. The Sami Parliament has been commis- Youth policy cooperation and people-to- sioned by the Government to map and people contacts are important if young analyse Sami society from a gender equal- women and young men are to be encour- ity perspective. The purpose is to see how aged to remain in the region and create gender equality in Sami society can be added value for the whole of the popula-

55 tion. Young people are affected both by decisions taken locally and regionally and by those taken nationally and internationally in all areas of society. Sweden will therefore work for all decisions and actions that affect young people in the Arctic to have a young people perspective both as regards planning, implementation and follow-up.

Sweden intends to work so that all young people in the Arctic region have good living conditions, power to shape their lives and influence on the development of society. This means creating good living Students at Umeå University enjoy a day in the sun conditions at all levels for the individual along the Ume River. on the basis of the right of young people to enjoy human rights. The individual Photo: Jonatan Stålhös/imagebank.sweden.se must have access to education, employment, housing, health, safety, culture and leisure, their own language, the possibility approach so that traditional knowledge is of participating and exercising influence made visible and comes to use. and a life free from discrimination. It is therefore important to have a cross-sec- The Sami have special status as an indige- toral perspective on young people’s living nous people in Sweden. The Swedish conditions in the Arctic. Constitution lays down that Sami people’s possibility of preserving and developing a 2.6.4 Indigenous peoples’ culture cultural and social life of their own shall and reindeer husbandry be promoted. The Sami population shall Indigenous peoples and other groups in be able to continue to pursue and develop the Arctic region who have a traditional their reindeer husbandry and other Sami lifestyle or who support themselves from livelihoods to be able continue to live and biological natural resources, such as rein- support themselves in the Arctic region. deer husbandry, hunting, fishing and crafts, are particularly dependent on high The Sami people have been subjected to biodiversity and intact ecosystem func- abuse, violations and racism throughout tions. Climate change means that many history, and still are today. These injustic- traditional customs and traditions will be es still affect the relationship between dif- more difficult to maintain. Sweden intends ferent Sami groups and between Sami and to contribute to strengthening knowledge the Swedish State. The Government is processes regarding their traditional life- working for redress and reconciliation style and necessary adaptations to climate with the Sami people. change. If indigenous peoples are to be able to meet future challenges, their active In addition to being an important bearer participation is required in decisions af- of culture, reindeer husbandry is a liveli- fecting them in, for instance, the activities hood preserved exclusively for the Sami of the Arctic Council, where several in- people in Sweden. For many reindeer- digenous peoples are represented as per- herding Sami, reindeer husbandry consti- manent participants. Political solutions tutes an important part of a “mixed econ- should be based on a coherent analysis of omy” based on reindeer herding, hunting knowledge gaps and an interdisciplinary and fishing as well as some other secondary industries. Just like all livelihoods,

56 reindeer husbandry is facing challenges One of the statutory tasks of the Sami that must be dealt with to survive and Parliament is to lead work with the Sami generate a financial surplus. Well-func- language. There is, for instance, a Sami tioning and long-term sustainable rein- language centre that is responsible for deer husbandry requires access to suitable outreach activities and language revitalisa- calving grounds, functioning migration tion. The status of the Sami languages in routes with resting pastures and central society and their protection in law are of connected seasonal grazing areas for each great importance for interest in using and season. learning Sami. The Sami Parliament has been commissioned to draft a long-term In addition to reindeer husbandry, other action plan for the preservation of the important Sami livelihoods are the Sami Sami languages. visitor industry, Sami crafts, doudji (Sami handicraft and applied art) and small- Sámi Giellagáldu is a knowledge and expert scale slaughter and refinement activities. body that works on language planning The work of the Sami Parliament is based and development work across national on a reindeer policy and food programme borders in order to develop Nordic lan- called Eallinbiras. Within this programme guage cooperation and strengthen the the Sami Parliament is running several position of the Sami language in Norway, measures for business development Finland and Sweden. As of 2020, Giel- focusing on sustainability and long-term lagáldu, which has previously operated in sustainable use. the form of a project, is being given a fixed form as a body in its own right with the Sami Parliament in Norway as its host authority and with joint Nordic funding.

Reindeer sleigh ride in a beautiful snow landscape.

Photo: Asaf Kliger/imagebank.sweden.se www.nutti.se

57 Dog sledding close to Jokkmokk.

Photo: Asaf Kliger/imagebank.sweden.se

58 59 3.

Background about cooperation organisations linked to the Arctic region

60 Arctic Council

The Arctic Council was formed in Ottawa The Chairmanship rotates between the in 1996 on the basis of cooperation be- eight Arctic States every two years. In between Arctic environment ministers – the tween the meetings of foreign ministers, Rovaniemi Process, which started in 1991. which conclude each Chairmanship, the The Council is an intergovernmental work of the Council is led by a committee forum that considers shared regional of officials consisting of representatives challenges facing the states and people of the eight Arctic States and the six in- concerned. Its activities mainly deal with digenous peoples (Senior Arctic Officials) protecting the Arctic environment and and Permanent Participants). The perma- promoting sustainable development in nent secretariat of the Arctic Council is in order to improve the economic, social Tromsø, Norway. and cultural well-being of the inhabitants of the Arctic. The Council’s activities are conducted in six working groups composed of repre- The Arctic Council consists of the eight sentatives at expert level from ministries Arctic States: Canada, the Kingdom of and government agencies and of re- Denmark (including Greenland and the searchers. The working groups are Faroe Islands), Finland, Iceland, Norway, ACAP (Arctic Council Action Plan), Russia, Sweden and the United States. AMAP (Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme), CAFF (Conservation of Arctic Six international organisations represent- Flora and Fauna), EPPR (Emergency, Preven- ing the indigenous peoples in the Arctic, tion, Preparedness and Response), PAME participate as permanent participants: (Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment) Aleut International Association (the is- and SDWG (Sustainable Development Work- lands in the Bering Sea between the US ing Group). All working groups report to and Russia), Arctic Athabaskan Council the SAO meeting and traditionally also (Canada and the US), Gwich’in Council to the meeting of foreign ministers for International (Canada and the US), Inuit approval of their mandates for the next Circumpolar Conference (Greenland, two-year period. Canada, the US och Russia), Sami Council (Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia), The Arctic Council has 38 observers, Russian Association of Indigenous Peo- 13 of which are states: China, France, ples of the North (brings together some Germany, India, Italy, Japan, the 50 indigenous peoples in Russia). Netherlands, Poland, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland and the UK.

61 Thirteen observers are international and erlands, Poland, the United Kingdom and interparliamentary organisations: Interna- the United States all have observer status. tional Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), International Federation of The members of the BRC are 13 counties Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies across northern Finland, Norway and (IFRC), International Maritime Organi Sweden and in northwest Russia, which zation (IMO), International Union for are represented by their governors. The Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Nordic chairmanship rotates among these 13 Council of Ministers, Nordic Environ- counties every other year in the same way ment Finance Corporation (NEFCO), as the national-level chairmanship. The North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission Swedish members of the BRC are the (NAMMCO), Ospar Commission, Stand- counties of Norrbotten and Västerbotten. ing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region (SCPAR), United Nations The practical work is organised in 16 Development Programme (UNDP), working groups at national, regional and United Nations Environment Programme mixed national/regional level in areas (UNEP), World Meteorological Organisa- such as economic cooperation, environ- tion (WMO), West Nordic Council (WNC). ment, transport and logistics, health and social issues, youth work, culture, research Twelve observers are non-governmental and education, rescue service cooperation organisations: Advisory Committee on Protec- and tourism. tion of the Sea (ACOPS), Arctic Institute of North America (AINA), Association of World The three indigenous peoples (the Sami, Reindeer Herders (AWRH), Circumpolar Con- Nenets and Vepsians) living in the area are servation Union (CCU), International Arctic represented in their own working group Science Committee (IASC), International Arctic that reports to and advises both the BEAC Social Sciences Association (IASSA), Interna- and BRC and the working groups. tional Union for Circumpolar Health (IUCH), International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA), Northern Forum (NF), Oceana, Sami Council University of the Arctic (UArctic), World Wildlife Foundation (WWF). The Sami Council was founded in 1956 and is an organisation for cooperation between Sami organisations with activities Barents Euro-Arctic in Norway, Sweden, Russia and Finland. The Sami Council is the Sami’s common Council non-governmental, cultural and political Barents cooperation is implemented at institution and is one of the oldest indig- national level in the (Barents Euro-Arctic enous peoples’ organisations in the world. Council, BEAC) and at regional level in the (Barents Regional Council, BRC). The BEAC The primary aim of the Sami Council is and BRC have a small joint international the promotion of Sami rights and interests secretariat in Kirkenes in Norway. affecting the Sami in the four countries where the Sami live. The Sami Council The members of the Barents Euro-Arctic participates in international processes on Council are Denmark, Finland, Iceland, matters concerning indigenous peoples, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the Europe- human rights, the Arctic and the environ- an Union. Its chairmanship rotates every ment. other year between Finland, Norway, Russia and Sweden, with the country’s The Sami Council has a total of nine foreign minister acting as chair. Canada, member organisations: three in Norway, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the Neth- three in Sweden, two in Russia and one in

62 Finland. The representatives of its mem- ernment also worked to achieve a clearer ber organisations are members of the link between the research work in the Council who are nominated by the Sami Arctic Council’s working groups and the Conference following proposals presented Council’s policy work. Action was also by the delegations of these organisations. taken to increase the effectiveness of Its work is led by a permanent secretariat, both internal and external communica- and ministers responsible for Sami matters tion in the Arctic Council. and the presidents of the Sami parliaments meet regularly. At the meeting of foreign ministers in Kiruna in May 2013 an agreement was signed about Arctic cooperation on oil Sweden’s chairmanship pollution preparedness and response. The Arctic Council’s eight member states and of the regional six indigenous peoples’ organisations organisations adopted a long-term vision for the Arctic region. The Council also decided to grant Since the previous strategy for the Arctic six countries observer status: China, region was adopted in 2011, Sweden has India, Italy, Japan, Singapore and South held the chairmanship of both the Arctic Korea. Council and the Barents Euro-Arctic Council. In this capacity, Sweden has con- Chairmanship of the Barents tributed to advancing work in these or- Euro-Arctic Council 2017–2019 ganisations’ priority areas and to strength- Sweden chaired the Barents Euro-Arctic ening cooperation in each of the regional Council from October 2017 to October organisations. 2019. The Swedish chairmanship programme built on the two global Chairmanship of the Arctic Council in frameworks of the Paris Agreement and 2011–2013 the 2030 Agenda. It focused on four Sweden chaired the Arctic Council for the priority areas: environmental, economic first time from May 2011 to May 2013 in and social dimensions of sustainable accordance with the Council’s principle development, and stronger and more of rotation for its chairmanship. The visible Barents cooperation. Promoting Government’s overall ambition for the gender equality and strengthening respect chairmanship was to strengthen the Arc- for human rights was a running theme tic Council as the foremost multilateral throughout the chairmanship, as was forum for issues concerning the Arctic enhancing crossborder people-to-people region. contacts with a special focus on young people. The Swedish Chairmanship gave priority to climate and environmental issues, in- Young people were among the top priority cluding by working for significantly lower issues during the Swedish Chairmanship. global greenhouse gases emissions focus- In conjunction with the 25th anniversary ing on short-lived climate forcers. During of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council a its Chairmanship Sweden contributed to youth conference was held in Luleå in strengthening the processes in these areas April 2018. The chairmanship also took in the Arctic Council. the initiative for new educational cooperation with northwest Russia and funded a Another of the Government’s priority reportage book about what it is like to be areas was to work to strengthen the insti- young in the Barents region. tutional framework for the Arctic Coun- cil. A permanent secretariat with its own Indigenous peoples also had an important budget was formed in Tromsø. The Gov- role in the chairmanship. In May 2019 the

63 Working Group on Indigenous Peoples Barents countries met in Luleå in Febru- held a congress and summit in Lycksele ary 2020. The ministers approved the ex- whose important themes included clusion of four particularly polluted areas regional sustainable development, (hot spots) in northwest Russia. Coopera- language, culture and the truth and tion on biodiversity and the climate was reconciliation process. also on their agenda, as was a visit to SSAB Hybrit. Transport ministers of the Barents countries met in Umeå in September 2019 and In conjunction with the meeting of foreign adopted a ministerial declaration welcom- ministers in Umeå in October 2019, Väs- ing the draft Joint Barents Transport Plan terbotten took over the two-year chair- that had been revised during the chairmanship of the Barents Regional Council. manship. In late September 2019 Barents Västerbotten’s chairmanship programme Rescue was arranged in Kiruna with the builds on the national chairmanship and purpose of strengthening rescue services has a strengthened focus on the environ- cooperation in the region. On the envi- ment and climate, gender equality and ronmental side, an updated action plan on children and young people. This helps to climate change was adopted in autumn secure the long-term impact of Sweden’s 2017. The environment ministers of the priorities for Barents cooperation.

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