Policy

The Arctic Council signed its first Memorandum of Understanding with the Arctic Economic Council in Rovaniemi, Finland, establishing a framework for joint cooperation on sustainable economic development and connectivity across the Arctic.

The Arctic Economic Council has launched the Investments & Infrastructure Working Group, chaired by Tero Kiviniemi, to develop responsible investment guidelines and build global support, with its work highlighted at the 2019 Arctic Frontiers conference in Tromsø.

The 2018 Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok highlighted the Northern Sea Route’s growing shipping potential, trade restrictions, rail link prospects, and Arctic tourism opportunities, while underscoring safety and regulatory challenges.

The Arctic Economic Council, led by Chair Tero Vauraste, presented its 2017 progress—including new working groups and broadband initiatives—to the Arctic Council’s Senior Arctic Officials during the Oulu, Finland meeting, underscoring enhanced Arctic economic governance.

The Arctic Economic Council, established by the Arctic Council under Canada’s chairmanship, brings Arctic and non‑Arctic businesses together to promote sustainable economic development and reduce trade barriers.

A $30 million Álgu Fund has been set up by the Arctic Council to support indigenous peoples, marking a new era of participation in Arctic governance.

The Arctic Economic Council elected Tero Vauraste of Finland as its new chair, shifted leadership from the U.S., and endorsed the World Economic Forum’s Arctic Investment Protocol at its Fairbanks meeting.

Russian military observers attended a Norwegian war game staged in Finnmark, Norway's northernmost county within the Arctic Circle. The event signals ongoing Russian interest in Arctic defense exercises.

The Arctic Economic Council hosted a panel in Tromsø that highlighted the need for government support of Arctic broadband, culminating in the release of its first comprehensive report with legal, regulatory, and tax recommendations.

The Arctic Economic Council unanimously approved Arctic Slope Regional Corporation as its first Northern Partner, opening a formal channel for Arctic businesses to engage in regional economic planning.

The Arctic Economic Council unanimously approved the Arctic Slope Regional Corporation as its first Northern Partner, marking a significant policy step in Arctic governance.

The Arctic Economic Council unveiled its first Arctic broadband report at a side event during Arctic Frontiers, outlining legal, regulatory and tax reforms to boost connectivity and improve safety and community services across the Arctic.

The AEC Infrastructure: Telecommunications Working Group released its first report, Arctic Broadband – Recommendations for an Interconnected Arctic, outlining strategies to expand broadband across Arctic states.

The Arctic Economic Council and Icelandic-Arctic Chamber of Commerce will host a breakout session on sustainable Arctic business development at the Arctic Circle Conference, featuring key leaders and focusing on the new AEC Strategic Plan.

Norway is considering issuing new oil licenses in its Arctic region.

Chinese vessels have entered the Arctic for the first time, prompting questions about whether the United States should expand its icebreaker fleet.

Minister Aglukkaq discussed Canada’s chairmanship of the Arctic Council, emphasizing Canada’s leadership role in shaping Arctic policy.

Barents Sea's nature reserve is being expanded to strengthen marine conservation efforts in the Arctic.