Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs - The High North - top of the world - top of the EU agenda? - by his excellency Jonas Gahr Støre

Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister Jonas Gahr Støre
For the press release of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs click on this link

The High North - top of the world - top of the EU agenda?-by his excellency Jonas Gahr Støre

"There is an old saying that where you stand depends on where you sit. Perspectives on geopolitics depend on the point of view we adopt for analysing the world and relations between states. Maps influence the way we view the world. They challenge us to look at areas and opportunities from new perspectives. From a northern angle the planet earth looks quite different. Have you ever noticed that most weather report maps on European TV channels cut Europe off at around the 60th parallel? They include the three Nordic capitals of Oslo, Stockholm and Helsinki, but not much more of these countries. Now, the area I am focusing is much further north – in fact it extends beyond the 70th parallel – a region that used to be known for its strategic, military significance, an area where conflicting political systems used to meet.

Today, the High North is no longer just a cold and desolate wilderness – of interest only to weather-beaten fishermen, hunters and explorers who returned – if at all – only after spending months or years in this hostile environment.

It is an emerging European energy province.Energy is key. Energy is in fact the dimension that is reintroducing the High North to the political scene.This is why the region has an important place on the Norwegian-European and the transatlantic agenda.