“Peace and Security in the Arctic” - main theme of Session of Nordic Council in Reykjavik

During the last two years, the Presidium of the Nordic Council has been occupied with security and defence matters. With Finland’s and Sweden’s accession to NATO and Russia’s war in Ukraine, discussions on these issues have become increasingly important in a Nordic context. At the Session of the Nordic Council, questions will be raised about how the Nordics can best safeguard peace and security in the Nordic Region and the Arctic.

“I feel it’s never been more important that we come together as a Nordic family and talk about what characterises us as a region and how we can stand strong together in these uncertain times,” says Bryndís Haraldsdóttir, President of the Nordic Council.

The Vice-President of the Nordic Council Oddný G. Harðardóttir points out that it’s important not to forget the Nordic Region’s work towards peace in discussions about security.

“Our aspirations to mitigate climate change, which is affecting the Arctic more rapidly than most other places in the world, can also be closely linked with our work for peace and security,” she says.

During the Session of the Nordic Council in Reykjavik, all 87 members of the Nordic Council gather to debate current proposals and hear reports from several Nordic ministers on the performance of the various policy areas during the year. During the Session, the Nordic prime ministers also traditionally hold their own meeting, in addition to participating in the plenary sessions.

The presidency programmes of both the Nordic Council and the Nordic Council of Ministers for the coming year will also be presented during the Session.