Russia’s breach of international law with the annexation of Crimea and the occupation of the Southeastern parts of Ukraine give Europe and Norway demanding challenges. How are we to behave and what means are there to bring Russia into the “Western” legal thinking? The answers are neither obvious nor simple. The EU and Norway have chosen targeted sanctions directed towards vital economic structures, companies and people in power. These are correct and necessary reactions, but are at the same time a language that President Putin masters – you are tough, but I am tougher.
The negative development of the Russian civil society, weakening democratic rights and growing nationalism in Russia give reason for concern. How is Norway – and in particular the North Norwegian community that has a comprehensive cooperation with Russia, going to act? It is important to build on the experiences from the people-to-people dialogue that created the Barents cooperation. Without keeping focus on the people on both sides of the border we will not have reconciliation, cooperation and economic development. The Barents cooperation is an open window that should be utilized to the full. The will to dialogue and diplomatic solutions has never been more important in a Europe that now requires political flexibility on both sides.
People-to-people cooperation is one of the main ideas in the Barents cooperation. The peace perspective was a central part of the cooperation when it was established, and it should also be so in the times ahead. Cooperation between politicians, cultural workers, business and NGOs is important both as part of a democratic process, but also to ensure different arenas and meeting points.
In times of difficult challenges in the cooperation with Russia, what the High North needs are new and bold initiatives promoting contact on all areas. The international cooperation in the Barents Region must not be destroyed by sanctions zeal in the foreign policy. Regional cooperation across the borders to the former Eastern European states is one of the most important conditions for stability and economic development. Even during the Cold War Norway was able to develop a practical collaboration with the Soviet Union. The joint development of power plants on the Pasvik River is an example of this. The comprehensive cooperation in fisheries management is another. Russia is a partner and does not constitute a military threat to Norway.
Russia has different approaches when it comes to the borders to its neighboring countries. Norway and Russia have historically and in real terms a clear border regime. Norway should in the current situation signal to Russia that we want more cross-border cooperation. We can speed up construction of a new and much needed border-crossing point, make border-crossing more smooth, and expand the geographical area for visa-free border-crossing for local inhabitants.
The establishment of the Barents Region by virtue of its strategic location and extent would not have been possible without a wanted politics on the regional level. The assets for cooperation that have been accumulated by people and institutions through interaction with Russia cannot be overestimated and must be used in a positive way.
The Barents cooperation and the cooperation in the North have been sailing in a favorable wind since the formal establishment of the cooperation on January 11th 1993, when the Kirkenes declaration, This can change. We must pursue the clear statements on strengthened democracy and development of local institutions that are enshrined in the Barents cooperation declaration of 1993.
