Norwegian Launch-Pad for China

The Swedish steel producer SSAB will receive SEK 1,45 billion from the EU for a new and greener steel plant in Luleå, Northern Sweden. The current steel plant is responsible for a whopping 7 percent of Sweden's total carbon emissions.

Editor and Commentator Arne O. Holm writes in this week's comment that Norway's proposal on deep sea mining might have opened the door to a major Chinese attack on the minerals.

"We were breaking free from China's grip on the world economy. Instead, we became a Chinese ally. Look to Norway, said China, calling us a pioneer in this type of mining. Let us speed up our own production, they added."

Defense and foreign policy

The Norwegian Ministry of Defense is now opening up for a future military role for the new airport in Bodø, Northern Norway, by acquiring options in Avinor's development project.

"Norway's security policy environment has been permanently altered. The decision ensures that these facilities can contribute to national and allied preparedness in the new security policy situation," says Norwegian MoD Bjørn Arild Gram.

Our journalist, Astri Edvardsen, gives you an overview of Canada's new Arctic policy. 

"The Arctic is no longer a low-tension region," says Canada's MFA. (Norwegian only)

Also, read about the US, UK, and Norwegian air forces recent training together in the North:

“The Arctic is a critical region for our collective security and global stability," says the Commander of the US Air Force in Europe.

Research

In the field of research, read about how pharmaceuticals are polluting Arctic marine ecosystems and that more knowledge is needed about the possible consequences of this in the Arctic Ocean.

Speaking of the Arctic Ocean, researchers have now given the first projections of when the first ice-free September day in the Arctic Ocean could occur. In the worst-case scenario, it could happen before 2030.

In Russia, an LNG carrier is out of commission because it struggled to receive maintenance and spare parts from European shipyards.

Finally, some culture: During the Tromsø International Film Festival in January, you can experience the nearly 100-year-old silent film  By Sledge and Reindeer in Inka Länta's Winterland, set to live music.

Read more at highnorthnews.com, and feel free to follow us on social media to participate in the debate about the North.

Wishing you a peaceful December week on behalf of the editorial staff,

Translator and Science Journalist, Birgitte Annie Martinussen