Nordic cooperation is a key channel for exerting an influence on EU decisions and for resolving issues in the Nordic region and the neighbouring area. Other priorities include cooperation to address environmental issues in the Arctic, nature conservation, protection of heritage sites, and integration of environmental concerns in other sectors, such as fisheries and industry. The Nordic countries work together to strengthen environmental legislation and management in Eastern Europe, and promote investment in environmental measures in Eastern European countries.
Through the Barents cooperation and environmental partnership with Russia we are focusing on the development and reinforcement of Russian stewardship as well as cooperation on specific measures. Development and strengthening of Russian expertise is necessary in all sectors, and it is vital that Norwegian-Russian cooperation programmes in areas such as fisheries, environmental protection, industry and energy policy all take place within a framework