Arctic experts from Finland and Sweden to give evidence to Lords Committee
Monday 15 May 2023
On Wednesday 17 May the House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee will hear from senior academics from Finland and Sweden who are experts on the Arctic. The session will explore the policy approach of both countries towards the region, including strategic priorities and security concerns, and opportunities for UK collaboration.
The session will start at 10.30am and will be available to watch live or on demand on Parliament TV, or attend in person in Committee Room 4, Palace of Westminster.
Giving evidence will be:
10.30am
- Minna Ålander, Research Fellow, Finnish Institute of International Affairs; and
- Professor Niklas Eklund, Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Umeå University, Sweden.
Questions for discussion will include:
- To what extent does the Arctic feature as a distinct area of focus and concern for policymakers in Finland and Sweden? What are Finland’s and Sweden’s key objectives for the Arctic?
- From the perspective of Finland and Sweden, what is the nature of the security threat posed by Russia in the Arctic? In your view, could Russia initiate or escalate a conflict in the Arctic?
- How concerned are governments in Finland and Sweden about the increasing Chinese presence, and the presence of other non-Arctic states, in the Arctic?
- What role would Finland and Sweden like to see NATO play in deterring Russia in the Arctic? Are sufficient resources being devoted to deterring Russia in the Arctic and High North?
- How welcome would increased UK involvement in the Arctic be, including via the Joint Expeditionary Force? If welcome, what form should it take?
