Scotland’s Shetland Archipelago is a mere 400 miles south of the Arctic Circle. Due in part to this proximity, Scotland is seeking to establish itself as a European gateway to the High North. Similar rural and demographic features mean that Scottish and Arctic communities share many present-day priorities, from strengthening rural resilience to improving connectivity and promoting sustainable economic growth.
Scotland’s engagement with the Arctic region has intensified steadily over recent years. Published in September 2019, the Scottish Government’s first Arctic policy framework sets out “Scotland’s offer to the Arctic,” a prospectus for cooperation and knowledge exchange around the issues and ambitions that Scotland has in common with the Arctic.
On November 24th, join us for a conversation on the future of cooperation between Scotland, Europe, and the Arctic.
Moderator:
- Ambassador David Balton, Senior Fellow, Polar Institute
Panelists:
- Cabinet Secretary Michael Russell, Cabinet Secretary for the Constitution, Europe and External Affairs, Scottish Government
- Ambassador Marie-Anne Coninsx, Former Ambassador for the European Union
- Anu Fredrikson, Executive Director, Arctic Frontiers