On 14–15 May, the EU Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) hosted the EU Arctic Forum and Indigenous Peoples' Dialogue in Brussels. The first day brought together representatives from EU institutions, researchers, politicians and entrepreneurs to discuss EU Arctic policy, geopolitical tensions, climate change and sustainable regional development in the Arctic. The second day aimed to integrate and listen to traditional and local knowledge and the experiences of indigenous peoples and youth into EU policies and international processes.
On the 13th of May, the Arctic Five and Northern Sparsely Populated Areas (NSPA) networks organised an event on the theme: Arctic perspectives in the EU research agenda. The event was held at the North Sweden/North Norway European Office in Brussels in connection with the EU Arctic Forum and the Indigenous Peoples' Dialogue. The seminar discussed the role of Arctic research in the transition the region is undergoing with the new geopolitical situation and the green transition.
The NSPA Forum 2024 invites all individuals with a keen interest in the advancement of sparsely populated areas across the Nordic region. Whether you are actively involved in addressing regional challenges, fostering cross-border collaborations, or exploring innovative opportunities for these areas, we encourage you to join us.
The Northern Sparsely Populated Areas (NSPA) network wishes to welcome you to the NSPA Forum of 2024, from 12th to 13th of September. This year’s event will take place in Bodø, the first European Capital of Culture north of the Arctic Circle.
The NSPA Steering Committee visited Brussels 12.-13.3.2024. The programme included meetings hosted by The East & North Finland EU Office, The North Sweden EU Office, and The North Norway European Office as well as visits to DG Regio, DG Grow, DG Environment, and NATO.
On the 14th of December 2023, we gathered in the capital of North Karelia, Joensuu, for the annual NSPA forum. This year, the forum’s main topics were EU cohesion policy as well as the effects of the geopoltitical situation, security plans, infrastructure, and transport plans on the regions. We also received an update on the project “Support to the implementation capacity of sustainable green development in the European Arctic Northern Sparsely Populated Areas (NSPA)” implemented by the OECD. Finally, we held a fruitful workshop on the future of NSPA. Across the various presentations, discussions, and events of the forum, a few central themes emerged: finding new ways of co-operation, promoting a unified voice, as well as fostering resilience and flexibility.
The European Week of Regions and Cities (EWRC) gathered yet another year decisions-makers, experts and variety of stakeholders from business, civil society and academia together to discuss the topical issues of cohesion policy, common challenges and cooperation. First time after the pandemic, the theme week was fully physical with a total over 220 workshops, 500 speakers and 7000 participants.
In the middle of spring in Brussels, Northern Sparsely Populated Areas (NSPA) and the Arctic Five university alliance hosted an event with roundtable discussions under the title The role of the Arctic in the EU's research agenda 2025 onwards. The event was put together to discuss the role of the Arctic in the EU’s future research agenda, current status of The EU’s Arctic Policy and a more holistic approach to Arctic issues.
In March 2023, the NSPA Steering Committee approved a position paper on the European Commission’s initiative on EU Talent Pool. The NSPA welcomes the Commission's consultation and puts forward its views regarding the initiative that aims to strengthen EU’s attractiveness to skilled workforce and help employers to find workforce they need.
