Newsletter: The North Seen From the South

Read in Norwegian

Norway's politicians, researchers, military leaders, and media gather in the small city of Arendal, south of Norway, to discuss what can be addressed during the Arendal Week. It is hard to tell if the many debates actually lead to change.

But one thing is sure: the High North garners much attention. On Tuesday, an energized MFA, Espen Barth Eide (Labor), participated in three debates about the Arctic. 

The audience can also pick and choose from Arctic topics such as Svalbard, the Nordics in NATO, deep sea mining, wind turbines, melting polar oceans, Russia, hybrid threats, military strategies, and more that I don't have a complete overview of.

The focus northward has changed since the first time I participated in Arendal Week over ten years ago, as has the interest. Where there used to be echoes in the premises, people are now queuing up and receiving notice of full events. 

But let us start with Russia, which is upgrading the runway at one of its key Arctic military bases. 

And a Russia-affiliated LNG carrier circled for two weeks to the North of Norway. You can read why here. 

After NATO's summit in Washington in July, Norway's MFA says that Russia's invasion of Ukraine has forced a regionalization of the Nordics in NATO.

You can also read about Bane NOR, which has entered into agreements with the Norwegian and Swedish Armed Forces regarding the acquisition of new railcars. 

Satellites, fall, and growth 

Space Norway's two Arctic broadband satellites were launched into space from the US West Coast. 

And SpaceX will launch the first manned spaceflight over polar regions in 2024. 

The board of Greenland Ruby has applied for reconstruction of the company in an attempt to avoid bankruptcy.

And the Norwegian Polar Institute has recently succeeded in obtaining data from the Amundsen basin throughout all seasons for two consecutive years. 

Election and activism 

In this fall's first commentary from Commentator Arne O. Holm, he writes that US President Joe Biden's choice to send Kamala Harris in his place could have great significance for the Arctic and the High North.

And don't miss Journalist Astri Edvardsen's interview with Gåte guitarist Magnus Børmark, who believes that art could contribute as a third un-polarizing space in the face of war and conflict. (Norwegian only)

I will keep reporting from the Arendal Week, so stay tuned! 

Best regards, Editor-in-Chief Trine Jonassen