Roundup: Arctic Council cooperation faces more uncertainty as int'l situation worsens

As Finland is making preparations to guide the Arctic Council during its upcoming three-year chairmanship in May 2017, worsened east-west relations plus the new U.S. administration bring more uncertainty to the immediate future of the Council.

Finnish foreign minister Timo Soini said in Helsinki this week that it was not clear whether there would be smooth sailing or "packed ice" ahead. Soini described uncertainty surrounding U.S. Arctic policy as a risk factor.

Finland has proposed a plan for its tenure and it needs the approval of all participating countries. Finland began the process at a meeting in October, and the plan was accepted by the United States during the Obama administration.

In the plan, Finland put the United Nations' (UN) goals of sustainable development by 2030 and climate change as features of its tenure. More Finland-related priorities such as environmental protection, improved meteorological services, communication, and education were emphasized as well.

Finnish Arctic ambassador Aleksi Harkonen elaborated to Xinhua on Thursday that talks with member countries were continuing, "but time is getting short."

He did not comment in any further detail on the talks or the sides taken by member countries, but expressed the view that "if the U.S. is not at ease with the plan, they could rather reduce their participation in the Council."

Harkonen also said it would be difficult to change the focus of the plan as all member countries should be consulted, due to the Council's consensual nature.

In fact, Arctic cooperation has already been badly affected by the worsened international situation. Meetings of armed service commanders have been suspended for the time being and an Arctic Security Forces Roundtable has been convened without Russia.

Despite the impact of the international political atmosphere, frameworks have been created for the cooperation of coast guards and for activities in the high seas. "Russia is participating in them," Harkonen said.

Harkonen underlined that irrespective of the overall situation, Arctic cooperation meets the interests of the participants. Endit