NSPA Forum 2026: Keeping Arctic regions and communities at the heart of European Policy

The forum was opened by Hannu Takkula, Regional Governor of Lapland, who highlighted the importance of maintaining regional influence in the proposed EU regional policies for 2028–2034. He stressed that new policies and regulations must not lead to greater centralisation, and that decisions affecting regions should continue to be made at regional level.

He also reminded participants that the Arctic is home to people and communities whose needs and perspectives must remain central to European policy.

Miguel Roncero from the European Commission's DG MARE presented the new EU Arctic Strategy, welcoming the contributions of Arctic stakeholders to its development. He encouraged regional actors to make their voices heard in Brussels and among EU Member States to ensure that local priorities and ambitions are reflected in its implementation.

A panel discussion explored the green transition and sustainable development in the European Arctic, highlighting how regions have benefited from EU funding and the challenges of balancing green transition objectives with other land-use priorities.

A clear message throughout the forum was that place-based opportunities, challenges and solutions must remain at the heart of European regional policy. With the new EU Arctic Strategy placing strong emphasis on people, local communities, young people and Indigenous Peoples, the next step is to turn its ambitions into action at regional and national levels.

For the Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic (NPA) programme, these discussions underline the continued importance of transnational cooperation and locally driven solutions in building a sustainable and thriving Arctic.