High North News - News, analysis and debate about politics and business in the North

German-Norwegian Type 212 submarine.

Norway to Expand Submarine Fleet With Two Additional German-Built Boats to Counter Rising Russian Threat

Facing increased Russian naval activity in northern waters, Norway extending a submarine contract from four to six vessels, at a cost of NOK 46 billion. Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik calls the subs “absolutely central” to the nation’s security – and NATO’s.

Arne O. Holm says

Arne O. Holm

The Dramatic Battle Over Defense Expenses Is About Much More Than Money

Comment: Right now, a dramatic battle is taking place within the EU about the continued funding of Ukraine's defense against an increasingly aggressive Russia. However, this is not just about money, but largely also about the voters' continued trust in their leaders.

Sharing Strategic Geography: The Nordics Amid a Changing Security Reality

As the security environment in northern Europe is rapidly changing, the North should now be considered as having a shared strategic geography, writes Postdoctoral Fellow Gabriella Gricius in this op-ed.

Notices

POLITICS / 08.12.2025

US Congress Repeals Limits on Alaska Oil and Gas

This according to European Energy News.In a move that has reignited…

BUSINESS / 08.12.2025

Gazprom Sends First LNG Cargo to China Since Sanctions

Russian energy giant Gazprom has delivered a liquefied natural gas (LNG)…

POLITICS / 08.12.2025

US Envoy Meets Greenland Officials Amid Trump's Interest in The Island

The new U.S. ambassador to Denmark, PayPal co-founder Kenneth Howery, will…

SCIENCE / 08.12.2025

Greenland Sharks Are Soaking Up Pollutants

The Greenland shark (Somniosus microcephalus), measuring up to 23 feet …

Ice Camp Sargo in the Arctic Circle

Arctic Receives No Mention in New White House National Security Strategy, But U.S. Polar Engagement Remains

The Trump administration’s 2025 National Security Strategy omits a dedicated Arctic section, unlike its 2022 predecessor, but experts say the shift reflects a hemispheric approach – not neglect.

Fiskebåter til kai i Lofoten

Fisheries Negotiations Between Norway and Russia Has Started

This week, the Norwegian-Russian Fisheries Commission will meet for digital fisheries negotiations for the important stocks in the Barents Sea. This year's process regarding the negotiations has been more demanding than in the past.

U.S. Air Force General Alexus G. Grynkewich, Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR)

NATO Updates Command Structure, Integrating the Nordics under JFC Norfolk

All of the Nordic countries are now officially placed under the responsibility of NATO's High North-focused command, JFC Norfolk.

High North News Presents: The Arctic Circle Podcast - This Way Up!

Advocating for the Arctic

How does one advocate for one of the most rapidly changing regions on Earth? In this…

The Arctic On Fire

The Arctic isn’t just warming, it’s on fire. From the record-shattering 2023 wildfire…

Anja Salo

The Arctic Council Launches New Podcast: “We Want to Bring the Arctic to the World”

In the following months, High North News will publish the Arctic Council's new…

Welcome to This Way Up

Welcome to This Way Up, the new Arctic Council podcast. In this introductory episode…

Et mindre team av britiske marinesoldater øver på nattraid. (Foto: Finn Stainer-Hutchins © Crown copyright 2025)

Historic Defense Agreement between Norway and the UK

Norway and the UK have signed an extensive defense agreement. One of the central points in the agreement involves British forces having a greater role in the defense of Norway.

New Research Project to Map ‘Zombie Houses’ in Sweden

Researcher Andreas Back at Umeå University will investigate abandoned houses in Sweden and explore how they can be utilized as a resource, particularly in areas experiencing long-term population decline.

Eu parliament assembly.

EU Parliament Charts New Arctic Course, With Norway and Other Arctic Partners at the Center

The Parliament of the European Union adopted a new Arctic resolution warning of military buildup and highlighting the need for cooperation with Nordic partners, including Norway, to ready itself for the coming geopolitical competition.

Markus, Alina, Sakib

We Cannot Build a Sustainable Arctic from Military Budgets

Op-Ed: Since 2022 the political language around the Arctic has changed. Security now takes up much more attention than cooperation.

Ioanna Liouta

Norway, European Defence, and The Future of The Nordic Welfare Model

Norway, European defence, and the Future of the Nordic welfare model - What the European Banking Federation report reveals about Europe’s most crucial non EU defence partner.

Arne O. Holm says

Arne O. Holm

The EU Finally Gets It, Leading to New Possibilities for Us

Comment: While Norway is refusing to adjust its position toward the EU, the EU recently adopted a new strategic resolution for the Arctic that could have a major impact on Norway and the High North. Its most notable feature is the recognition of increased militarization in the North.

LKABs nye skipslaster i Narvik Havn

LKAB Strengthens Logistics in the North with a New Ship Loader in the Port of Narvik

The Swedish mining company LKAB has inaugurated a new ship loader in the Port of Narvik, Northern Norway, which is of central importance for the company's exports.

Arne O. Holm says

Arne O. Holm

Why November 2028 is Crucial for Europe's Security

Comment: When will Russia once again be able to attack another European country? For Northern Europe and a number of Baltic states, that will hopefully not be possible until November 7th, 2028. The so-called peace agreement for Ukraine showcases the gravity of the situation.

Roy-Arne Salater i TV 2

“More Important Than Ever to Be Present,” Says Prominent Reporter in the North

Bodø, Northern Norway (High North News): Norway's commercial public service broadcaster, TV2, is cutting photographers at its regional offices, leaving only two reporters to cover half of Norway. The cuts are part of a trend in which Norwegian national media outlets are reducing their physical presence in the districts, according to professor at Nord University.

ICEYE eier og opererer verdens største konstellasjon av satellitter med syntetisk aperturradar. (Foto: ICEYE)

Finland Seeks Allied Cooperation on Space-Based Surveillance in the High North

Finland is building up satellite surveillance capability and wants to join forces with allies to strengthen collective defense, said Minister of Defense Antti Häkkänen at NATO's Arctic Space Forum. Key Finnish and Swedish space actors have already signed a letter of intent on cooperation.

Nezir Sinani and Svitlana Romanko

Stop Russia’s Arctic LNG now: The G7 Must Shut Down the Tankers Financing Putin’s War

"Russia’s export of liquefied natural gas from the Arctic is the last major financial artery keeping Putin’s war machine alive — and the G7 must cut it now, before it expands to become a climate killer", says Svitlana Romanko from Razom We Stand and Nezir Sinani from B4Ukraine.

Arc7 at Sabetta

UK Maritime Services Ban on Russian LNG Threatens Seapeak’s Arctic Yamal Fleet

The UK maritime services ban will apply to Seapeak Maritime (Glasgow) Ltd., a key provider of shipping services to Russia’s Yamal LNG project, the government confirmed to HNN. Without Seapeak’s six Arc7 LNG carriers the project would face significant logistical challenges.