Arctic Cooperation
Cooperation in the Arctic brings together governments, Indigenous Peoples, regional and local authorities, and businesses to address shared challenges and opportunities.
From environmental protection and sustainable development to cultural ties and economic activity, this cooperation takes place through a wide range of councils, organizations, and international forums.
This page introduces the main bodies and frameworks involved in Arctic cooperation, outlining their roles, objectives, and membership. It includes both organizations dedicated to the Arctic and broader regional and international institutions whose work influences the region and its communities.
The table provides an overview of the Arctic states’ participation in selected organizations and cooperation forums. Click the image to enlarge it.
Arctic Council
Arctic Council
The Arctic Council is the leading intergovernmental forum promoting cooperation, coordination, and interaction among the Arctic states, Arctic Indigenous communities, and other Arctic inhabitants on common Arctic issues, in particular, on issues of sustainable development and environmental protection in the Arctic.
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The work of the Council is primarily carried out in six Working Groups:
- The Arctic Contaminants Action Program (ACAP) acts as a strengthening and supporting mechanism to encourage national actions to reduce emissions and other releases of pollutants.
- The Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) monitors the Arctic environment, ecosystems, and human populations, and provides scientific advice to support governments as they tackle pollution and the adverse effects of climate change.
- The Conservation of Arctic Flora and Fauna Working Group (CAFF) addresses the conservation of Arctic biodiversity, working to ensure the sustainability of the Arctic’s living resources.
- The Emergency Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Working Group (EPPR) works to protect the Arctic environment from the threat or impact of an accidental release of pollutants or radionuclides.
- The Protection of the Arctic Marine Environment (PAME) Working Group is the focal point of the Arctic Council’s activities related to the protection and sustainable use of the Arctic marine environment.
- The Sustainable Development Working Group (SDWG) works to advance sustainable development in the Arctic and to improve the conditions of Arctic communities as a whole.
The Council may also establish Task Forces or Expert Groups to carry out specific work.
Member States
Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden and the United States
Permanent Participants
Aleut International Association (AIA), Arctic Athabaskan Council (AAC), Gwich'in Council International (GCI), Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC), Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North (RAIPON), Saami Council (SC)
Observers
- States: France, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, United Kingdom, People’s Republic of China, Italian Republic, Republic of Korea, Republic of Singapore, Republic of India, Japan and Switzerland
- Intergovernmental and Interparliamentary: International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), International Maritime Organization (IMO), International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Nordic Council of Ministers (NCM), Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO), North Atlantic Marine Mammal Commission (NAMMCO), OSPAR Commission, Standing Committee of the Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region (SCPAR), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), World Meteorological Organization (WMO), West Nordic Council (WNC)
- Non-Governmental Organizations: Advisory Committee on Protection of the Sea (ACOPS), Arctic Institute of North America (AINA), Association of World Reindeer Herders (AWRH), Circumpolar Conservation Union (CCU), International Arctic Science Committee (IASC), International Arctic Social Sciences Association (IASSA), International Union for Circumpolar Health (IUCH), International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA), Northern Forum (NF), University of the Arctic (UArctic), World Wide Fund for Nature-Global Arctic Program (WWF), Oceana
Chairship
The chairship rotates among the eight Arctic states, normally every two years. The Kingdom of Denmark holds the chairship for 2025–2027.
Learn more about the Arctic Council on our Arctic Portal page.
Arctic Economic Council (AEC)
Arctic Economic Council (AEC)
The Arctic Economic Council (AEC) is an independent business membership organization promoting sustainable economic development in the Arctic. It connects businesses, supports partnerships, and develops policy proposals addressing the conditions for economic activity in the region.
Members
Membership is open to corporations, partnerships, and Indigenous groups with an economic interest in the Arctic. Its membership framework includes business representatives from Arctic states and representatives associated with the Arctic Council’s Permanent Participant organizations, alongside other Arctic and international stakeholders.
Website: Arctic Economic Council
Arctic Mayors' Forum
Arctic Mayors' Forum
The Arctic Mayors' Forum (AMF) strengthens the voice of local governments in Arctic affairs. It connects mayors and elected community leaders, helping them share experience, address common challenges, and bring local priorities into wider policy discussions.
The initiative developed from a meeting in Fairbanks in 2017 and was formally established in 2019. Its work supports sustainable, resilient communities and promotes recognition of Arctic residents’ needs and interests in decisions affecting their future.
Membership and governance
The Forum brings together municipalities in Canada, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the United States. Membership is open to mayors and elected local government leaders in the Arctic states and involves an annual membership fee. Arctic Mayors' Forum
Avaaraq Olsen, Mayor of Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq, which includes Nuuk, chairs the Forum for 2025–2027. Its chairship follows the Arctic Council’s rotation. Ásthildur Sturludóttir, Mayor of Akureyri, served as its first chair from 2019 to 2022.
Secretariat
The Forum’s permanent secretariat is based in Tromsø, Norway. It was officially opened by Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs in January 2023.
Website: Arctic Mayors' Forum
Barents Euro-Arctic Council (BEAC) / Barents Regional Council (BRC)
Barents Euro-Arctic Council (BEAC)
Established in 1993, the Barents Euro-Arctic Council (BEAC) provides a framework for intergovernmental cooperation in the Barents region. Its work has focused on sustainable development, regional stability, and practical cooperation across borders.
Cooperation involving Russia was suspended in 2022, and Russia withdrew from the Council in September 2023 - read the official statement. Finland withdrew after 2025.
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Members
Denmark, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the European Union.
Chairship
During 2026, Norway and Sweden alternate in chairing the Council’s meetings.
Website: The Barents Euro-Arctic Council
Barents Regional Council (BRC)
The Barents Regional Council (BRC) was established in 1993 as the regional dimension of Barents cooperation. It brought together northern regional authorities and Indigenous representatives to support cross-border dialogue, sustainable development, and people-to-people contacts.
The Council held its final meeting on 18 September 2026, concluding more than three decades of formal regional political cooperation. Participating regions expressed their intention to maintain relationships and explore future forms of cooperation.
Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region (CPAR)
Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region (CPAR)
The Conference of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region (CPAR) brings together parliamentarians from Arctic countries to discuss shared environmental, economic, and social issues. The first conference was held in Reykjavík in 1993.
Between conferences, the Standing Committee of Arctic Parliamentarians follows up on conference recommendations and discusses current Arctic affairs. The European Parliament participates as a full member, while Indigenous organizations participate under the Permanent Participant provisions of CPAR’s rules. The Standing Committee also holds observer status in the Arctic Council.
Parliamentary Membership
CPAR’s parliamentary framework comprises delegations from the national parliaments of the eight Arctic states, Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States, and the European Parliament.
Participation note: Cooperation has continued without Russian participation following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The conference also includes:
Permanent Participants
CPAR’s rules define Permanent Participants by reference to the Indigenous organizations holding that status in the Arctic Council:
Aleut International Association (AIA), Arctic Athabaskan Council (AAC), Gwich’in Council International (GCI), Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC), Russian Association of Indigenous Peoples of the North (RAIPON), Saami Council (SC).
This identifies the organizations covered by the rules; it does not imply that every organization attends every meeting.
Observers
Observer status is granted by the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region. Observers may attend committee meetings and are invited to the conferences in accordance with CPAR’s rules.
Website: CPAR
European Economic Area (EEA)
European Economic Area (EEA)
The Agreement on the European Economic Area, which entered into force on 1 January 1994, brings together the EU Member States and the three EEA EFTA States—Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway—in a single market, referred to as the “Internal Market”.
The EEA Agreement also states that when a country becomes a member of the European Union, it shall also apply to become a party to the EEA Agreement (Article 128), thus leading to an enlargement of the EEA. The EEA Agreement provides for the inclusion of EU legislation covering the four freedoms, the free movement of goods, services, persons, and capital, throughout the 30 EEA States.
In addition, the Agreement covers cooperation in other important areas such as research and development, education, social policy, the environment, consumer protection, tourism, and culture, collectively known as “flanking and horizontal” policies. The Agreement guarantees equal rights and obligations within the Internal Market for citizens and economic operators in the EEA.
Members
EU Member States together with Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway.
Website: EFTA
Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs)
Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs)
Thirteen Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) are associated with the European Union. The OCTs are in the Atlantic, Antarctic, Arctic, Caribbean, Indian, and Pacific regions. The territories include islands and island groups, as well as France’s Antarctic claim. The French Southern and Antarctic Lands have no permanent population.
Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) are self-governing territories constitutionally linked to Denmark, France, or the Netherlands. They are associated with the European Union but are outside its territory and single market. Greenland is the only Arctic OCT. The association supports sustainable development, strengthens economic and environmental resilience, and promotes trade and cooperation between the territories, the EU, and other partners.
As a result of Brexit, the number of Overseas Countries and Territories associated with the EU has been reduced from 25 to 13.
List of Overseas Countries and Territories
Greenland (Denmark), Aruba (Netherlands), Bonaire (Netherlands), Curaçao (Netherlands), Saba (Netherlands), Sint-Eustatius (Netherlands), Sint-Maarten (Netherlands), French Polynesia (France), French Southern and Antarctic Lands (France), New Caledonia (France), Saint Barthélemy (France), Saint-Pierre and Miquelon (France), and Wallis and Futuna Islands (France).
Website: OCTs
European Union (EU)
European Union (EU)
The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 27 European countries. Its origins lie in efforts after the Second World War to strengthen economic cooperation and help prevent further conflict.
The European Economic Community (EEC), established in 1958, brought together six countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. European integration subsequently expanded, and the European Union was established in 1993 under the Maastricht Treaty. What began primarily as economic cooperation has developed into a union covering many policy areas, including environmental protection, trade, and development cooperation. Its single market allows goods, services, people, and capital to move freely. The EU operates under treaties agreed by its member states, which define its objectives, powers, and decision-making procedures. The United Kingdom, which joined the EEC in 1973, left the EU on 31 January 2020.
Main Institutions of the EU
- The European Parliament is the EU’s law-making body. It is directly elected by EU citizens every five years.
- Council of the European Union: Together with the European Parliament, the Council is the main decision-making body of the EU.
- The European Commission is the EU’s politically independent executive arm. It proposes most new EU legislation and implements decisions adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union.
Members
27 EU member states, of which Arctic countries are: Finland, Sweden, and Denmark (but with the exclusion of Greenland and the Faroe Islands)
G7
G7
The Group of Seven (G7) is an informal forum bringing together Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The European Union also participates, represented by the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission.
The group discusses economic, political, environmental, and development issues. Following the suspension of Russia’s participation in 2014 after its annexation of Crimea, meetings have taken place in the G7 format.
Members
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The European Union also participates, represented by the Presidents of the European Council and the European Commission.
Ilulissat, 'Arctic 5'
Ilulissat, “Arctic 5”
The “Arctic Five” refers to the five states bordering the central Arctic Ocean: Canada, the Kingdom of Denmark through Greenland, Norway, Russia, and the United States. Their representatives adopted the Ilulissat Declaration on 28 May 2008, affirming the role of the law of the sea in addressing Arctic Ocean issues.
Participating Coastal States
Canada, Denmark, Norway, the Russian Federation, and the United States of America
Nordic Atlantic Cooperation (NORA)
Nordic Atlantic Cooperation (NORA)
NORA (Nordic Atlantic Cooperation) is an intergovernmental organization under the Nordic Council of Ministers. The NORA region comprises the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, and coastal Norway (from Finnmark in the north to Rogaland in the south).
The NORA countries are associated by their geographical location and by shared characteristics, common challenges, and historical, institutional, and cultural links.
NORA’s goal is to contribute to the creation of a vital and dynamic North Atlantic region, characterized by a strong and sustainable economy. To reach this goal, NORA supports collaboration between businesses and research and development organizations in the region.
NORA’s main objectives and focus areas are set out in NORA’s strategic programme. The Nordic Council of Ministers, supplemented by national grants from the four member countries, finances NORA.
The NORA committee, comprising twelve members, three from each of the countries in the NORA region, decides the main focus areas for NORA’s activities. These focus areas are set out in multi-year strategic programmes.
NORA’s main secretariat is located in Tórshavn, the Faroe Islands. In addition, regional contact persons are located in Iceland, Greenland, Western Norway, and Northern Norway.
Members
Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, and Coastal Norway (from Finnmark in the north to Rogaland in the south).
Website: NORA
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
NATO is an alliance of countries from Europe and North America. It provides a unique link between these two continents for consultation and cooperation in the field of defence and security and the conduct of multinational crisis-management operations.
NATO's essential purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of its members through political and military means.
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Political
NATO promotes democratic values and encourages consultation and cooperation on defence and security issues to build trust and, in the long run, prevent conflict.
Military
NATO promotes the peaceful resolution of disputes and has political and military capabilities to undertake crisis prevention and management operations, alone or in cooperation with other countries and international organizations.
Collective defence is central to NATO. Under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, an armed attack against one Ally is considered an attack against all. Each Ally assists by taking the action it considers necessary, which may include the use of armed force. Article 5 has been invoked once, following the terrorist attacks against the United States on 11 September 2001.
Members
32 states, of which Arctic countries are: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the U.S.
Nordic Council of Ministers (NCM)
Nordic Council of Ministers (NCM)
The Nordic Council of Ministers is the official body for intergovernmental cooperation in the Nordic Region. The prime ministers hold overall responsibility, while the ministers for Nordic cooperation coordinate the work in practice.
Established in 1971, the organization comprises several ministerial councils covering different policy areas, alongside the ministers for Nordic cooperation. These councils bring together ministers to address shared priorities and develop joint initiatives. Decisions must be unanimous.
The presidency rotates annually among the five Nordic member countries. Each presidency prepares a programme to guide cooperation during its term and chairs ministerial meetings. Committees of senior officials prepare matters for discussion and follow up on decisions.
Member countries and territories
Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden are members. Representatives of the governments of Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Åland also participate in its work, under arrangements reflecting their respective self-government agreements.
Website: NCM
Northern Dimension (ND)
Northern Dimension (ND)
The Northern Dimension was a framework for cooperation in Northern Europe, initiated in 1999 and renewed in 2006 as a common policy of the European Union, Iceland, Norway, and Russia. It supported dialogue and practical cooperation in areas including the environment, transport, public health, and culture.
In March 2022, the European Union, Iceland, and Norway suspended activities involving Russia and Belarus following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In September 2025, they terminated cooperation under the Northern Dimension framework, while reaffirming their commitment to cooperation through other international arrangements.
Some associated partnerships continue independently. The Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture, for example, confirms that the closure of the overarching policy framework has not affected its activities.
Website: ND
The Northern Forum (NF)
The Northern Forum (NF)
The Northern Forum connects regional governments to exchange experience and cooperate on shared northern challenges, including infrastructure, economic development, environmental change, and community well-being.
Members
Jewish Autonomous Oblast, Kamchatka Krai, Krasnoyarsk Krai, Magadan Oblast, Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Sakha Republic (Yakutia), Khabarovsk Krai, Khanty-Mansyisk Autonomous Okrug - Yugra, Chukotka Autonomous Okrug, Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, State of Alaska (USA), Gangwon Province (Republic of Korea), as well as 9 business partners from the Russian Federation, Iceland, Norway, USA, and Japan.
Website: NF
United Nations (UN)
United Nations (UN)
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945. It is currently made up of 193 Member States.
The mission and work of the United Nations are guided by the purposes and principles contained in its founding Charter. Due to the powers vested in its Charter and its unique international character, the United Nations can take action on global challenges, such as peace and security, climate change, sustainable development, human rights, disarmament, terrorism, humanitarian and health emergencies, gender equality, governance, food production, and more.
The UN also provides a forum for its members to express their views in the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, and other bodies and committees.
By enabling dialogue between its members and by hosting negotiations, the Organization has become a mechanism for governments to find areas of agreement and solve problems together.
Website: UN
UN Security Council
UN Security Council
Under the United Nations (UN) Charter, the Security Council has primary responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. Each of its 15 members has one vote, and UN member states are required to comply with its binding decisions.
The Council addresses threats to peace and acts of aggression. It encourages the peaceful settlement of disputes and may recommend ways to resolve them. Where necessary, it can impose sanctions or authorize the use of force to maintain or restore international peace and security.
The Council also recommends candidates for UN membership and the appointment of the Secretary-General to the General Assembly. Together with the General Assembly, it elects the judges of the International Court of Justice.
Membership
The Security Council comprises:
- Five permanent members: China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
- Ten elected members: elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms, with five seats filled each year.
Website: UN Security Council
UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) was set up in 1947 by ECOSOC.
UNECE brings together 56 member states from Europe, North America, and Asia to promote economic integration and cooperation. All these countries dialogue and cooperate under the aegis of UNECE on economic and sectoral issues. However, all interested United Nations member States may participate in the work of UNECE.
Over 70 international professional organizations and other non-governmental organizations take part in UNECE activities.
Members
56 countries (including the 8 Arctic states)
Website: UNECE
West Nordic Council
West Nordic Council
The West Nordic Council is a parliamentary cooperation body bringing together the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Iceland. It promotes their shared interests and provides a forum for addressing common challenges across the West Nordic and North Atlantic region.
Established in Nuuk, Greenland, on 24 September 1985 as the West Nordic Parliamentary Council of Cooperation, it adopted its current name in 1997 alongside a new founding agreement and rules of procedure.
The Council comprises 18 parliamentarians, with six appointed by each participating parliament. Its annual meeting is the highest decision-making body, while a three-member Presidium—one representative from each delegation—guides its work between annual meetings.
Main Objectives
- Promote shared West Nordic interests.
- Protect North Atlantic natural resources and cultural heritage.
- Support and follow up cooperation between the governments of the Faroe Islands, Greenland, and Iceland.
- Strengthen West Nordic participation in wider Nordic cooperation.
- Maintain parliamentary links with Arctic institutions and other regional partners. Alþingi
Members
The participating parliaments are:
- Faroe Islands: Løgting
- Greenland: Inatsisartut
- Iceland: Alþingi.
Website: WNC