Nordic cooperation: More vital than ever

The issues championed by the Kvarken Council have gained profound significance in recent years, reaching far beyond our own region. We are witnessing a clear surge in interest regarding Nordic cooperation—a trend reflected not least by the continued growth of our membership numbers throughout 2025.

The geopolitical landscape has shifted dramatically in recent times. The war in Ukraine, Finland and Sweden’s accession to NATO, and the major industrial investments planned on both sides of the Kvarken Strait have, in many ways, redrawn the map. Theis development has added entirely new weight to the arguments for strengthening East-West connections in the Nordic region. Our region now occupies a strategic geographic position, and the proposed fixed link across the Kvarken Strait has evolved from a matter of local interest to a question of national and European security. The debate is no longer about if, but how and when.

A fixed link – more than just regional interest

The vision of a fixed link across the Kvarken Strait has been discussed since 1972, but it has never been more relevant than it is today. In 2025, the Kvarken Council launched the FLINC project to investigate the matter further. This work is now being carried out in collaboration with both the Finnish and Swedish Transport Administrations, marking a new level of institutional support. Our goal is to have a solid basis for decision-making ready for the upcoming election cycles in both countries—data that provides concrete proof of the benefits of connecting Finland with Sweden, and by extension, with northern Norway.

This work includes a deepened Wider Benefit Analysis that looks beyond traditional calculations to include factors such as security of supply, military mobility, and energy security. We are also exploring financing models inspired by projects like the Fehmarn Belt, where a combination of private and public capital can turn the connection into reality.

Historic membership growth

The fact that Nordic cooperation is high on the agenda is evident in the Kvarken Council’s continued expansion during 2025. Since the formation of the Kvarken Council EGTC in 2021, we have grown from 10 to 43 members. We have seen a strong influx of universities, development companies, and municipalities.

What our new members have in common is that they view the Kvarken Council as an effective platform for collaboration and influence. The engagement of key decision-makers and stakeholders from outside our immediate region demonstrates that we have successfully broken through to a larger stage. The message has landed: a strong region with functioning infrastructure builds security for the entire Nordic region—and ultimately, for all of Europe.

Looking to the future

We enter the next operating year with wind in our sails. We will continue our work to secure food supply, improve resilience, boost tourism, and deepen cultural exchange in our region. Above all, we will continue to drive the infrastructure issue toward a resolution.

In times of uncertainty, we turn to those we know best. Nordic cooperation is no longer just nice to have—it is a necessity. The Kvarken Council stands ready to deliver the solutions.

Mathias LIndström

Director