The topic of the North is becoming increasingly relevant in the political agenda of many countries. Donald Trump does not leave alone the topic of Greenland’s accession to the United States, Norway is trying to increase the boundaries of influence in the Arctic Ocean, and Russia is actively building bases in the Arctic, simultaneously developing ice shipping. In this regard, the Arctic Forum in Russian Murmansk attracts attention.

On March 26, the International Arctic Forum “The Arctic: Territory of Dialogue” will open in Murmansk. It will last two days and will become the largest platform for discussing issues on the Arctic agenda. The main topic of the forum will be the Northern Sea Route. As part of the International Arctic Forum, a joint meeting of the commissions of the State Council of the Russian Federation will be held, where they plan to discuss in detail a comprehensive approach to the development of northern territories, including the possible formation of a national project for the development of the Arctic and the Northern Sea Route.

One of the key topics of the forum will be investments. Today, more than 900 companies have become residents of the Arctic zone of our country, using tax incentives and state support. Thanks to these measures, new production facilities are being created in the northern regions, port infrastructure is being developed, and investments in green energy and digitalization are increasing.

Representatives of foreign media will be allowed to attend the Forum, which suggests that the event will also be a signal of Russia’s large-scale intentions to develop the Arctic and the North as a whole.