The Barents Euro-Arctic Council
The Barents-Euro Arctic Council (BEAC) is the forum for intergovernmental cooperation in the Barents region. The BEAC was established in 1993 to support and promote regional cooperation in the northernmost parts of Sweden, Norway, Finland and Northwest Russia. The chairmanship of the Council rotates every two years between Norway, Finland, Russia and Sweden. Norway will hold the chairmanship until the autumn of 2005.
The Barents Euro-Arctic Council met in Umeå in October 2003
Foreign ministers of the Nordic countries and Russia, and a representative for the European Commission held the ninth meeting of foreign ministers within the framework of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council in Umeå on 23 October 2003. The meeting marked the end of Swedens most recent chairmanship period. Subjects for discussion during the meeting included increased exchange between the countries in the areas of youth issues, education and research as well as cooperation between the rescue services in the Barents Region. The Council also discussed economic development and trade, investments, transport issues and customs cooperation. Environmental and life quality issues, ecotourism and a new health programme for the region were also discussed.
BEAC celebrated its 10-year anniversary in 2003
On 1011 January 2003, during the Swedish chairmanship, the prime ministers of the Nordic countries and Russia met in Kirkenes to celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council. Discussions at this summit focused on economic development, environment and nuclear safety issues, and health and social affairs. Apart from the prime ministers, participants included representatives of the Barents Regions 13 member counties, observers and other invited guests. The summit marked the importance of cooperation in the Barents Region and established political guidelines for continued work in the BEAC and the Regional Council. The summit was particularly significant in achieving a breakthrough in negotiations with Russia on an agreement regarding the disposal of nuclear waste. The agreement was signed in Stockholm in May 2003. At the summit, the prime ministers agreed on a final declaration identifying common priorities for future cooperation in the Barents Region.
