Declaration issued on cooperation in the Barents region

Economic cooperation and environmental protection dominate the renewed Kirkenes declaration on developing the Arctic region.

The declaration stresses the importance of cooperation on business development and the need to protect the environment. It is made clear that the traditional knowledge of indigenous peoples can contribute to the sustainable development of resources, and that indigenous peoples must continue to play an active role in the region. 

The Euro Arctic Council adopted the declaration 4 June at the Barents Summit in Kirkenes. The first Kirkenes Declaration was signed by Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, the Russian Federation, Sweden and the European Commission in 1993, and opened the way for cooperation across borders.