This decision was taken after Finland “did not confirm its readiness” to hand over the presidency to Russia in October 2023 “in violation of the principle of rotation, disrupting the necessary preparatory activities”.
According to the ministry, the council’s activities have been “practically paralyzed” since March 2022.
The Barents Euro-Arctic Council (BEAC) is the official body for inter-governmental co-operation in the Barents Region. It includes Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, European Commission.