Meeting of the Chairs of the Northern Regional Councils. September 14th, 2001 Holmenkollen/Norway. Coordination from Arctic Council’s viewpoint / Peter Stenlund, Chairman of the SAOs.

Abstract

"– The Arctic Council is the only circumpolar governmental forum, which makes it a tool in transatlantic co-operation. The European Union is a missing link, even if some contacts have been established. – The structure of the Arctic Council, with all Arctic countries as Members, and the Arctic indigenous peoples participating in the work on an equal footing, enables the Council to represent this unique region with considerable legitimacy. Close contacts among the capitals and the Arctic sub-regions anchor the activities in Arctic communities. – The Arctic Council is a unique international forum for co-operation between national governments and indigenous peoples/.../" /.../