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Norway in the High North - Arctic policy for a new reality

Government of Norway

Press release | Date: 27/08/2025

Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide and Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kjersti Stenseng today presented the Government's new High North strategy. With this strategy, the Government sets the course for its future High North policy and outlines priority actions to safeguard Norway's interests in the Arctic.

'The High North strategy will ensure that the needs and priorities of the North remain at the core of our policies. In the north, foreign, security and domestic policy intersect every single day. War in Europe and rising global tensions have fundamentally changed the international context. We need to update our policies. That is why we are now presenting a new Arctic strategy. Norway will continue to play a leading and responsible role as a polar nation, with superior knowledge and innovation capacity', said Minister of Foreign Affairs Espen Barth Eide.

International interest in the Arctic has increased significantly in recent years, owing both to a strained security situation, intensified global competition and the dramatic climate change in the Arctic.

'Norwegian freedom of action and ability to influence its surroundings are essential to ensure national control, promote Norwegian interests and contribute to stability and cooperation in a region of great geopolitical importance. We will help ensure that the allied presence in the north is well adapted to Norwegian conditions and anchored in an understanding of the situation that we share. With Sweden and Finland in NATO, Nordic cooperation in the north will be further strengthened. It has never been more important to secure a sustainable, strong and resilient High North', said Minister Eide.

Economic activity, knowledge, vibrant local communities and sound governance are key to ensuring quality of life and preparedness in the north.

'Our northern regions and ocean areas are a rich resource and an advantage for Norway. We want people to live good lives in a Northern Norway that continues to be characterized by peace, stability, and security for the future. Prospering local communities and economic activity in the north are vital for safeguarding our sovereignty, and for utilizing our natural resources in a long-term and sustainable manner', said Minister of Local Government and Regional Development Kjersti Stenseng

The strategy highlights five priority areas that will form the basis of the Government's High North policy going forward. The goal of the strategy is for Northern Norway to have vibrant local communities where people want to live, and that contribute to Norwegian security and preparedness. The five priority areas are:

• Norwegian freedom of action and influence in the High North: We will strengthen our defence capabilities and cooperation with Nordic allies, the United States, Canada and key European allies. We will ensure that allied presence in the north is well adapted to Norwegian conditions and anchored in Norwegian situational awareness. We will continue to invest in knowledge-building in the north and about the north.
• Total defence that ensures security, activity and preparedness in the north: We will facilitate positive ripple effects for local and regional businesses and societal development linked to enhanced defence efforts in the north. We will strengthen civil society's preparedness capacity and competence.
• Safe and thriving local communities: People shall have access to good public services, to housing adapted to different life situations and to varied cultural and leisure offerings. We want people to be able to pursue their education where they live and work, and to make use of opportunities in digitalisation and new technology.
• Infrastructure that builds communities: We will prioritise measures that strengthen preparedness, settlement and business development. We will enhance mobility across borders in the north and invest in infrastructure that supports our overall preparedness.
• Business development that creates value: We will support industrial development, economic activity that builds local communities and jobs, and industries that ensure preparedness and security of supply.

A focus on preparedness in the north is crucial for national security and the safety of the population. The Government has therefore already announced the development of a national preparedness action zone in Troms and Finnmark. In the strategy, both state and municipal efforts in emergency preparedness in Northern Norway are being strengthened, with particular emphasis on Eastern Finnmark.

'The Government will ensure increased presence from state authorities. This contributes to building competence, networks, and cooperation related to settlement, activity, preparedness, and security in the region. We will also facilitate enhanced collaboration across sectors and levels of government, as well as with Finland and Sweden', said Minister of Justice and Public Security Astri Aas-Hansen.