OECD Adpots Landmark Policy Paper on the Northern Sparsely Populated Areas (NSPA): Navigating Global Transitions in European Arctic Regions
The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have adopted a comprehensive policy paper on the Northern Sparsely Populated Areas (NSPA), comprising 14 regions across Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The policy report, funded by the EU and regional governments, recommends enhanced east-west transport infrastructure, comprehensive digital connectivity, and place-based, targeted policies to strengthen regional resilience and economic diversification.
"This report is a milestone for the cooperation in the northernmost Europe, highlighting our regions as pioneers of the green transition," says Jonas Andersson, Chair of the NSPA network and Region Jämtland Härjedalen, Sweden.
The report underlines both the vast potentials and critical challenges facing NSPA regions. While these areas are leading investments in renewable energy and innovation, they confront significant issues such as demographic decline, digital infrastructure gaps, and fragmented transport networks.
"Our regions have great potential but limited capacity. Effective support at regional, national, and EU levels is essential to sustainably utilize these resources," adds Jouni Ponnikas, NSPA Steering Committee Member, Regional Development Director, Kainuu, Finland.
The geopolitical context further underscores the urgency of coordinated action.
"The Arctic is increasingly central to European security and industrial strategy. Local and regional needs must inform European approaches, avoiding one-size-fits-all top-down solutions," emphasizes Svein Ø. Eggesvik, Chair of the County Government in Nordland County, Norway.
The NSPA delivers substantial economic values and resources to their countries and all the EU. The NSPA has, according to the OECD, the potential to become a global model for sustainable rural development by leveraging its natural resources, innovation capacity, and green economy potential.
To release the full potentials, the OECD calls for deeper Nordic collaboration and more precise regional data to inform policymakers, and concrete tools for redistribution and investments to ensure the NSPA communities and businesses to fully contribute to Europe's green and digital ambitions and strengthened competitiveness.
Ultimately, it is about empowering the European Arctic region for the benefit of the entire EU and wider Europe in an increasingly challenging world.
Find the Policy Paper here
For further details, visit NSPA website.
Contact: Julia Bergsten, North Sweden European Office,
+46 (0) 76 129 72 55