Northern lights

Europe’s northernmost regions can serve as an example to the rest of the continent, argues Kent Gudmundsen

North Norway is a peripheral region and we face the same challenges as other sparsely populated areas in Europe. North Norway and northern parts of Sweden and Finland have an average of 4.9 inhabitants per square kilometre, but despite such a small population, we are a region of specialist knowledge, with a unique nature, rich in resources that Europe depends on. We have strong and healthy communities due to decades of active policies to support and strengthen local societies. We believe that we can act as an example to other regions as they debate European regional policy post-2013 and that our model for continuing to develop smaller regions into strong communities can be applied to other European regions,

Our northern areas are of great value not simply to the people living here. We hold much of Europe’s future resources of energy (fossil and renewable), minerals, fish and unspoilt nature, assets appreciated well beyond our own borders. Therefore, the way we manage these areas is of importance to our European neighbours as well. In the years to come, the development of fields such as energy (the reliable delivery of oil, gas and renewables), aquaculture and research will increase the potential of the region. The northern parts of Norway, Sweden and Finland, called the North Calotte, are also a gateway to the resourceful Barents region, and we have a long tradition of cooperation across these northern borders. People-to-people cooperation, business development and cultural exchanges have been of high value for many years.

Knowledge-based industries are vital tools in developing the northern areas in a sustainable way. Activities in the Arctic face climate challenges, and we have developed a unique knowledge of cold climate technologies. Our region holds expertise in marine bio-prospecting, telemedicine and Arctic climate monitoring, and we host one of the world’s largest producers of materials used for solar energy production. All development in the north is closely connected to sustainable development and economic priorities to ensure the quality of live for the people in the region, with particular consideration for the protection of indigenous peoples’ cultures.

But there are issues to be overcome as well. Long distances, the lack of sufficient infrastructure and high living expenses result in high public and private expenditure in the region, and we also have a shortage of people in general and skilled workers in particular. Being far from the markets requires sufficient transport corridors and a highly competitive industry. We are actively seeking to combat declining population figures, and the effects of an ageing population. There is a constant trickle of people moving away from rural areas all across Europe. In North Norway we want to continue to give them good reasons to stay. By believing in – and providing for – prosperous communities, we can create healthy societies based on local knowledge, innovation, cultural identity and respect for natural resources. By keeping and attracting skilled workers to develop local industry, tourism, etc., we hope to create a prosperous future.

A prosperous north is of value to all of Europe and we need a regional policy framework open to supporting regional development in the years to come.