Ministers Issue Joint Declaration in Helsinki
Energy ministers from across the Nordic region, including Åland's Camilla Gunell, met in Helsinki on October 1, 2025, to address pressing issues of energy security, resilience, and competitiveness. The meeting culminated in a joint declaration underscoring the critical need for closer Nordic coordination in the face of mounting geopolitical uncertainties. Finland, holding the Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers this year alongside Åland, hosted the significant gathering.
The declaration outlined a shared Nordic objective: 'to maintain and strengthen our region's resilience, sustainability and competitiveness – and in doing so help make Europe cleaner and more independent, free from dependency on Russian gas,' as stated by Finland's Minister of Climate and the Environment, Sari Multala, and Åland's Minister, Camilla Gunell.
Addressing Geopolitical Challenges and Ukraine's Experience
A central theme of the discussions was the impact of the current geopolitical landscape, particularly Russia's invasion of Ukraine and its systematic targeting of Ukraine's energy infrastructure. To gain direct insights, Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Energy, Roman Andarak, joined the meeting online to share his country's experiences in maintaining energy supplies under extreme conditions. This dialogue highlighted the urgent need for robust energy security measures across the Nordic region.
Ministers present included Sari Multala (Finland), Camilla Gunell (Åland), Jóhann Páll Jóhannsson (Iceland's Minister for the Environment, Energy and Climate), Lars Aagaard (Denmark's Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities), and Terje Aasland (Norway's Minister of Energy).
Focus on Resilience and Preparedness
Ahead of the ministerial meeting, a seminar on Nordic energy security cooperation was held in Helsinki on September 30, 2025. The seminar focused on enhancing resilience and preparedness within the Nordic energy system. Key areas of discussion included:
- Resilience of critical energy infrastructure
- Resilience in autonomous regions and islands
- Security of supply
- Security of gas supply in the Nordic countries
These discussions emphasized that threats to the Nordic energy system necessitate new forms of cooperation and support for existing initiatives.
Strengthening Nordic Energy Future
The ministers stressed that despite varying national starting points and priorities, many challenges and opportunities are shared, and collective action is the most effective approach. The meeting reaffirmed the Nordic countries' commitment to a well-functioning electricity market, promoting affordable electricity, and advancing the green transition to ensure a stable, sustainable, and competitive energy future for the region and Europe.
5 Comments
Comandante
While increased cooperation for a stable energy future is positive, the emphasis on a 'well-functioning electricity market' needs careful oversight. We need to ensure market mechanisms truly deliver affordability for all, not just profits.
Africa
This shows real leadership. Green transition and security go hand-in-hand.
Coccinella
The commitment to a cleaner and more independent Europe is admirable. However, achieving energy independence quickly while simultaneously advancing a green transition presents immense logistical and financial hurdles that require more than just declarations.
Leonardo
Reducing dependency on Russian gas is a critical step for Europe.
Michelangelo
Talk is cheap. When will we see actual results and less reliance on talk shops?