Opening Remarks by Minister Valtonen at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik

Opening Remarks by Minister Valtonen at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik

Opening Remarks by Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik on 16 October 2025.

Ministers, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,

What happens in the Arctic does not stay in the Arctic.

As we all know, the temperatures in the Arctic continue to rise at an alarming rate: three times the global annual average. It is warming faster than any other region on Earth.

But in recent years, the Arctic has also become hotter in another sense - geopolitically.

What was once considered a region of low tension and peaceful cooperation is now experiencing increased strategic interest, great power rivalries, and diverging economic and political agendas. The Arctic is no longer isolated from the currents of global competition.

Finland is committed to the vision of a peaceful, stable, and sustainable Arctic. This vision is grounded in respect for international law, existing agreements, and above all, in the spirit of constructive cooperation.

We cannot afford to view the Arctic as a separate or isolated component of our foreign policy. The Arctic must be seen as an encompassing and ever-present dimension of our broader foreign and security policy.

With Finland and Sweden having joined NATO, the geostrategic map of Northern Europe has fundamentally shifted. The Baltic Sea and the Arctic region now form a unified security space - one that is central to the Euro-Atlantic area and NATO's collective security and defence. Finland is firmly committed to ensuring that Arctic perspectives are not only acknowledged, but consistently integrated into NATO activities. We believe that understanding and addressing Arctic issues is essential to strengthening the Alliance.

FInland works closely with Arctic allies, the A7 to set the Arctic on the agenda and strengthen Nato's defence and deterrence in the Arctic. Keeping our allies committed to Arctic security is of key importance.

Esteemed guests,

Here in Reykjavík, that may seem evident - even redundant - to say, the Arctic is our home. But the further south we go, the more important it becomes to repeat and emphasize this truth. THe Arctic is a lived space - home to vibrant communities, unique ecosystems, and cultures that have endured for generations in harmony with the environment.

When talking about the Arctic, we must talk about human rights, Indigenous Peoples' rights.

Their livelihoods and traditions are to an ever greater extent at the mercy of warmer climate and geopolitical rivalry. I underline the importance of participation of the indigenous peoples on decisions that directly affect their homeland and livelihoods.

We need to find innovative solutions that also work in the Arctic.

One promising example comes from Finland: the Finnish Meteorological Institute is developing AI-based modelling to better predict the consequences of weather events. This kind of foresight is vital - not just for civilian resilience, but for military preparedness as well. We welcome our international partners' interest to work together with us. Scientific cooperation is an area where all bright minds are needed.

Friends,

When it comes to social situations, Finns are known to be introverts. However there is one area, where we do not need small talk to break the ice: it is of course ice breakers.

80% of the world's ice breakers have been designed in Finland and 60% of the world's icebreakers have been built in Finland. Arctic know-how is an attractive asset in so many ways.

Mr Chairman,

I started my speech by stating that what happens in the Arctic does not stay in the Arctic. As I have laid out in my speech, this is also the case in reverse. What happens outside the Arctic affects the Arctic. This is why forums such as the Arctic Circle Assembly are of great importance - together we can discuss and analyse ways in which we can make our Arctic region more secure and sustainable while ensuring the peace and prosperity for the people in the Arctic and globally.

Thank you for your attention.