Foreign Minister Valtonen outlines Finland’s Arctic foreign and security policy: Finland is a trusted partner in Arctic security and expertise

On 25 November, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen presented a policy document outlining Finland’s Arctic foreign and security policy. The Foreign Minister’s policy document complements Finland’s Strategy for Arctic Policy (2021) and the Government report on Finnish Foreign and Security Policy (2024).

Finland’s Arctic foreign and security policy aims to promote stability, security and sustainable development in the Arctic. These goals are increasingly challenged by growing economic and military tensions.

“The Arctic is attracting growing international interest because of its critical natural resources and new sea routes. As more and more states seek to strengthen their presence in the Arctic, Finland, as an Arctic State, must demonstrate heightened vigilance and engagement. Therefore, it was necessary to clarify our objectives and instruments in Arctic foreign and security policy,” Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen stated.

The policy document addresses changes in the foreign and security policy environment that are driven by Russia’s war of aggression, Finland’s and Sweden’s membership in NATO and the rising global interest in the Arctic and its natural resources, among other factors. The Arctic is particularly vulnerable to the impacts and risks of climate change.

“In the new international competitive environment, we must respond to growing economic and military tensions. We can no longer assume that the Arctic holds a special status, untouched by international security policy tensions. The race to the Arctic also opens new opportunities for Finland as an Arctic expert,” Minister  Valtonen said.

Finland’s engagement in Arctic matters is long established, and we now aim to take on an even more prominent role, recognising the significant responsibility that comes with being one of the eight Arctic States. Finland has much to contribute to both Arctic security and the sustainable economic exploitation of the Arctic. Our expertise in cold conditions and Arctic matters is world-leading. As a member of the European Union, NATO and the Arctic Council, we can influence the direction and actions of these organisations.

“Our partners can trust that Finland will always promote the stability and peaceful development of the Arctic on the basis of international law. We wish to cooperate closely with our allies and any other state that has the same objectives as we have,” Minister Valtonen said.

Finland’s Arctic foreign and security policy is based on international law and constructive cooperation, while respecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples.