A Strategy for the Nordic Baltic Region
Delivering for Ireland in the Nordic Baltic Region
The widening and deepening of our unique relationships with our Nordic Baltic neighbours is an integral part of Ireland's ambition. This Strategy focuses on enhanced engagement with Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and regional bodies.
Today, we enjoy strong partnerships with each of the Nordic and Baltic countries. Like Ireland, the Nordic Baltic states are relatively small countries, with ambitions on the global stage. We share a strong commitment to human rights, gender equality, open economies, innovation and education. We have many shared strengths and have much to learn from one another.
- Ireland will work with Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Iceland, Norway, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to advance and safeguard shared interests and values across the world, including in the UN and via European partnerships.
- Ireland will facilitate deepened trade, tourism and knowledge exchanges with the Nordic Baltic region consistent with our climate action agenda.
- Ireland will strengthen people to people links and links to the Global Irish community in the Nordic Baltic region.
- Ireland will grow its reputation across the Nordic Baltic countries through enhanced promotion of culture, heritage and linkages.
- A strong Government-led Team Ireland will significantly increase its impact.
Case studies: Irish connections with the Nordic/Baltic region
Peace, security and conflict resolution
We enjoy a long-standing and multifaceted partnership on peacebuilding and conflict resolution. Our peacekeepers have served together in UN missions around the globe.
Drawing on our shared experiences, we propose that in collaboration with our Nordic partners, we actively work to share our lived experiences of conflict resolution.
The Arctic
The Arctic region is a shared high priority for the Nordic countries. It is a region of growing strategic importance, not least from a climate change and maritime perspective.
Cooperation in support of Ukraine
The provision of support for Ukraine in the context of Russia’s unprovoked war of aggression is a foreign policy priority shared by Ireland and the Nordic-Baltic region.
Irish Chamber of Commerce in Sweden
The goal of the Chamber is to support Irish and Swedish businesses, to provide a platform to build personal links between professionals and facilitate links within the Irish community in Sweden.
Migration from the Baltic region to Ireland
Many citizens moved from the Baltic region to Ireland: more than 31,000 Lithuanian, 18,000 Latvian and 1,900 Estonian citizens were recorded in Ireland during the 2022 Census.
Celtic Studies and University Links
Some form of Celtic Studies has been a part of Swedish academia since the early 20th century.
Irish Festival of Oulu
The Irish Festival of Oulu is the world’s most northerly Irish Music Festival and is the largest Irish Festival in the Nordic region.
Irish lace in Latvian design
Ireland’s lacemaking tradition has influenced Latvian lace and its story was uncovered in special collaboration between the Guild of Irish Lacemakers and the Interior Museum of Liepaja.
Honorary consuls in Norway, Iceland and Sweden
Ireland currently has three Honorary Consuls in the Nordic region, in Bergen on the West Coast of Norway, in Reykjavik, Iceland, and in Gothenburg, Sweden.