Arctic Détente and Finland – Sum Up of Finnish Arctic Chairmanships

While Finland has chaired the Arctic Council since May 2017, the Finnish business community has held the Arctic Economic Council (AEC) Chairmanship during the same time. In the beginning of May, the gavels of both Arctic Council and the AEC will be transferred to new Icelandic Chairs.

What has been achieved in Arctic policy and economic development or within environmental affairs during these respective chairmanships? How can it be ensured that these achievements are driven forward? And how will Arctic issues shape the upcoming Finnish presidency of the European Union? Will China get a bridgehead to the Arctic by investing in European infrastructure projects such as the planned railway tunnel between Helsinki and Tallinn? Or could perhaps “an Arctic détente” be within the reach, thus terminating the restrictive measures and resulting in increased trade with Russia?

These questions will be thoroughly discussed at an event organized by AEC Finland and the University of Helsinki on Friday, April 12, 2019. Speakers include Minister of Interior of Finland Kai Mykkänen, Minister of Agriculture and the Environment Kimmo Tiilikainen, MP Ville Skinnari, professor Reetta Toivanen and Chairman of the AEC Tero Vauraste. The event will be moderated by Mr Jan Erola and attendance is free. Please note that the event will be held in Finnish.

Time: Friday April 12, 2019 8:10-8:40 AM
Venue: “Tiedekulma”, Yliopistonkatu 4, Helsinki