Sweden’s role in the Arctic discussed onboard the Oden ice-breaker

The Arctic has become a hub for science, climate, and digital security. Climate change is affecting weather patterns, sea levels, and carbon dioxide flows globally. At the same time, geopolitical interest in the Arctic is increasing, and it is playing an ever more important role in the development of Europe’s digital infrastructure.

“Topics relating to the future of the Arctic are crucial for strengthening Europe’s independence and competitiveness. A strong European presence in the Arctic is therefore more important than ever, but also requires long-term investment in areas such as ice-breakers, Arctic sea cables, sensor networks, and other advanced technologies,” says Katarina Bjelke, Director General of the Swedish Research Council.

Sweden has more than 30 years of experience of polar expeditions and, thanks to the research that has been conducted in the region, we have a key role to play in driving these initiatives forwards.

“The knowledge that exists here and in other Nordic countries is in high demand in international research collaborations in the Arctic,” says Katarina Bjelke.

Digital connectivity and security policy in focus

On 17 June, the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat arranged a top level meeting onboard the Oden ice-breaker. The discussions onboard highlighted Sweden’s strategic role in the Arctic, and dealt with areas such as the need for independent digital connections between Europe and Asia via the Arctic, new research opportunities, and security policy perspectives on the presence in the polar regions. Other central themes were the geo-strategic importance of the Arctic in international collaborations and for European competitiveness, and the fact that a new Swedish ice-breaker is needed to ensure access to the region throughout the year.

The discussions showed how politicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, and representatives of digital infrastructure can collborate on the future of the Arctic. The participants included Crown Princess Victoria, Johan Pehrson, Minister for Education, Sweden’s Arctic ambassador, NORDUnet, the Swedish Polar Research Secretariat, and representatives of the European Commission.

A seabed cable will link together northern Europe and East Asia

One of the Swedish Research Council’s investments in research infrastructure is the Polar Connect initiative, which entails linking together northern Europe and East Asia with a seabed cable through the Arctic Ocean. The cable will provide a faster and more secure digital connection between the EU and Japan. It can also be equipped with sensors and advanced technology that will not just protect it from external threats, but also collect unique environmental and climate data from the Arctic. In this way, new opportunities for research in the Arctic region will also be created.

“Investments in research infrastructure must be a self-evident part of the discussion about the future of the Arctic. This is crucial both for strengthening Europe’s digital resilience and for enabling new knowledge about a strategically important region,” says Katarina Bjelke.