Newsletter: Derailment, Democracy and Russian Turnaround

 Today, the Norwegian government presented the quota white paper that the fisheries industry has long awaited (Norwegian only). The white paper suggests several measures to ensure activity along the coast.

Editor Arne O. Holm and I spent the beginning of the week in Oslo to meet the Northern Norwegian business sector and northern politicians at the 'North in the South' conference, organized by the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO).

The argument for traveling south to meet northerners is to make oneself visible to the powers in the capital.

That is always the case in the Arctic; no matter where you live, the power is far away. 

Holm spoke to over 400 participants at the conference to cheers and ovation. See why in this week's commentary: I sometimes wonder whether the whole lot has become socialists. 

Can we, as leaders, as authorities, take responsibility for the conversations not collapsing? asks the editor. 

NHO had also invited Finland's former prime minister, Sanna Marin, to a conversation where she warned against the current path of NATO and Europe. 

Russia 

Even if Russian land troops in the High North are conspicuously weakened by the war in Ukraine, the sea and air forces have largely maintained normal activity levels, says researcher Katarzyna Zysk to High North News. 

Despite mounting international sanctions, Russian gas producer Novatek has begun production at Arctic LNG 2, and the first shipment of liquefied natural gas is likely just weeks away. 

The continued delivery of equipment highlights the challenge Western officials face in stopping Novatek from completing its latest project through sanctions. 

Derailment 

Significant amounts of seafood are annually transported via railway from Narvik in Northern Norway through Sweden to Oslo. After the Iron Ore Line derailment, trailers have transported the goods to Kiruna in Sweden. 

The derailment raises the debate about a double track on the Norwegian side. 

The Swedish Transport Administration has already secured funds to develop railway plans for a double in Northern Sweden. 

Also, do not miss the news analysis on Greenland's state-owned shipping company and eight years of controversial reforms. 

Read about this and more at High North News. Remember to share our newsletter with other interested parties, and feel free to let us know about relevant matters.

On behalf of the editorial staff, I wish you a good weekend. 

Best, Editor-in-Chief Trine Jonassen