The High North Cooperation was established between the northernmost regions in Finland, Sweden, and Norway in 2005 and was reestablished in 2016. The regional cross-border cooperation is based on a jointly prepared Memorandum of Understanding High North Cooperation, which was updated in 2024.
The overall purpose of the High North Cooperation is to further strengthen and expand regional cooperation in the area of civil preparedness between the counties. This means mutual learning and exchange of knowledge on general organizational principles and experiences in the field, focusing on areas of common interests and responsibilities.
The objectives are to increase contact across national and county borders, extend existing networks and establish points of contact within civil preparedness units at regional level. The High North Cooperation collaborates for example with regional-, municipal-, and national healthcare authorities, rescue services, armed forces, police/boarder guard and volunteer organisations.
Regional State Administrative Agency for Lapland
Regional State Administrative Agency for Northern Finland
County Administrative Board of Norrbotten
County Administrative Board of Västerbotten
The County Governor of Nordland
The County Governor of Troms/Finnmark