The economic and geopolitical importance of the NSPA regions to the EU and member countries has been increasing due to a changing climate, access to hydrocarbon and mineral resources, and shifts in relations with the Russian Federation (hereafter ‘Russia’) and other Arctic countries. A changing climate is placing new pressures on ecosystems and traditional ways of life, and opening up new opportunities for resource extraction. The NSPA is Europe’s gateway to the Arctic and northern Russia, and is important for energy security, food production and technological innovation, which is increasing its geopolitical importance to member countries. This importance is recognised by the EU and the national governments of Finland, Norway and Sweden. The EU, Finland, Norway and Sweden have each released Arctic policies in recent years, which set out commitments for the sustainable development of the northern regions. As an existing (albeit weak) institution the NSPA is an important stakeholder in helping to achieve these strategic policy objectives.