Lately, the Arctic Six (A6) universities – University of Oulu, University of Lapland, Nord University, UiT The Arctic University of Norway (UiT), Luleå University of Technology (LTU), and Umeå University – have taken steps to strengthen the universities’ and the Arctic region’s voice in the European capitol.
By Dr Linda Solstrand Dahlberg, Lead of Arctic Six Policy Working Group, Head of UiT The Arctic University of Norway’s Brussels Office, Senior Advisor, UiT The Arctic University of Norway
Prof Dag Avango, Previous Director of Arctic Six, Professor, Director at Centre for the Arctic and Antarctic, Luleå University of Technology
Both the University of Oulu and UiT have joined LTU with their own office in Brussels, working to promote their interests and researchers while scoping for funding and partnering opportunities. Collectively, the Arctic Six network have refocused their efforts to ensure a concerted approach towards the European Union (EU). Two position papers reflecting the universities’ view on the EU’s coming framework programme for research and innovation (FP10) have been produced and promoted. There have been lobbying efforts both in Brussels and at events with EU representation, and internally, the EU task force of the A6 has been upgraded to a working group on policy in which opportunities and positioning linked to the EU feature heavily.
These efforts are already yielding results. Through presence in Brussels, we have been invited to closed consultation meetings with respective commissioners on relevant policies and initiatives, including FP10 implementation. The network has been mentioned in a speech to the European Parliament by a Swedish member (MEP), and in a recent report from the Foreign Affairs Committee in the European Parliament, the A6 was referred to as a consultative partner in their recommendations for the EU Commission to revise their Arctic policy. This demonstrates the importance of maintaining representation in Brussels to ensure that our perspectives are heard and that EU policies – particularly those concerning the Arctic – are anchored in the reality of people who live it, study it, and experience it first-hand.
The EU’s Arctic policy and the forthcoming FP10 are critical not only for the A6 universities but for the entire UArctic network. Following funding cuts and shifting political priorities in the United States, the EU has become the world’s largest funder of Arctic research. Sustaining and strengthening both the level and focus of EU support is essential, as the European Arctic sits at the frontline of major shared challenges – climate change impacts, demographic shifts, and security concerns – while also offering key opportunities and solutions. These include advancing understanding of the climate, nature, and biodiversity crises; collaborating with the EU to ensure sustainable development and use of critical raw materials essential for the EU’s strategic autonomy, competitiveness, and innovation; and contributing to holistic security across food, energy, climate, and societal resilience.
The EU’s framework programme for research and innovation, Horizon Europe, is the world’s largest instrument for competitive research funding. The current programme is nearing its end, lasting throughout 2027 before the new programme period commences in 2028 and runs until 2035. In summer 2025, the Commission put forward their proposal for the EU’s next Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) – which includes the new European Competitiveness Fund which is closely connected to the new iteration of Horizon Europe. The final budget allocation and content are not yet known but are currently being negotiated. So far, signals suggest that the EU is shifting priorities to strategic technologies and industries that are critical to boost European competitiveness. There is concern, however, that this shift may come at the expense of efforts to address climate change, protect nature, and restore biodiversity.
For these reasons, it is vital that the EU continues to invest in Arctic research, which is essential for our scientific work, regional development, and Europe’s overall resilience. By engaging proactively with the EU, the Arctic Six will continue to champion the interests of our universities, our region, and the broader UArctic network. At a time when multilateral cooperation structures are weakening, maintaining strong focus on Arctic research has never been more important – a point that bears repeating.
The Arctic Six is a partnership between Luleå University of Technology, Umeå University, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Nord University, the University of Lapland, and the University of Oulu. The Arctic Six also operates as a UArctic Regional Centre.
UArctic Regional Centers are formed by one or more member institutions to support UArctic’s mission, strengthen member engagement, and foster regional dialogue. Their role can also include liaison activities with national or regional administrations and other local stakeholders.
