Northern Dimension

The Northern Dimension (ND) is a joint policy between four equal partners – the European Union, Russia, Norway and Iceland – regarding the cross-border and external policies geographically covering Northwest Russia, the Baltic Sea and the Arctic regions, including the Barents Region. The ND Policy was initiated in 1999 and renewed in 2006. The Northern Dimension addresses the specific challenges and opportunities arising in those regions and aims to strengthen dialogue and cooperation between the EU and its member states, the northern countries associated with the EU under the European Economic Area (Norway and Iceland) and Russia. A particular emphasis is placed on subsidiarity, and on ensuring the active participation of all stakeholders in the North, including regional organizations, local and regional authorities, the academic and business communities, and civil society. Several key priority themes for dialogue and co-operation under the Northern Dimension have been identified: Economy, business and infrastructure Human resources, education, culture, scientific research, and health The environment, nuclear safety, and natural resources Cross-border cooperation and regional development Justice and home affairs The working method for cooperation within the Northern Dimension is the partnerships model. ND cooperation takes place within four partnerships: Northern Dimension Environmental Partnership (NDEP) Northern Dimension Partnership in Public Health and Social Well-being (NDPHS) Northern Dimension Partnership on Transport and Logistics (NDPTL) and Northern Dimension Partnership on Culture (NDPC). Other kinds of activities are pursued through the Northern Dimension Institute (NDI) and the Northern Dimension Business Council (NDBC). From the beginning of 2019, the Northern Dimension Institute led by the Aalto University's Center for markets in Transition (CEMAT) is leading an EC co-funded NDI Think Tank Action. The Northern Dimension is intended to promote security and stability in the region, as well as helping build a safe, clean, and accessible environment for all people in the north.