Lávdan Sámi Arena mirroring the European Union’s core principles
The EU cohesion policy operation of strategic importance ReCap ASáp – Regaining capacity in a changing Sápmi under the Interreg Aurora programme addresses challenges that Sápmi and the Sámi civil society is facing. Last June, in the framework of ReCap ASáp project, over 480 participants gathered for the first ever Lávdan Sámi Arena, with over 50 events taking place across the Lávdan-program in Guovdageaidnu, Norway.
The event highlighted the contribution of EU cohesion policy and how Interreg can address the specific challenges of the Northern Sparsely Populated Areas. Those 14 regions in northern Finland, Sweden and Norway, face unique circumstances: harsh climate, long distances, demographic change and economic dependency on natural resources.
The participants of the Lávdan Sámi Arena also underlined the relevance of the EU Arctic policy, updated in 2021 as “A Stronger EU Engagement for a Peaceful, Sustainable and Prosperous Arctic”. This policy places a strong emphasis on sustainable development, the protection of fragile ecosystems, and the active involvement of Indigenous communities in decision-making.
In many ways, the Lávdan Sámi Arena mirrored the European Union’s core principles. Both the Arena and the EU are founded on cooperation beyond national boundaries. Just as the EU brings together Member States to work across borders, share experiences, and shape a common future, the Sámi Arena united Sámi people and stakeholders from Finland, Sweden and Norway to engage in cross-border dialogue to addressed common challenges collectively and in partnership.
Interreg Aurora and Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic programmes strengthening Sámi cooperation
Cohesion policy’s overarching goal is to ensure a ‘right to stay’ for all EU citizens, regardless of where they live. This means access to jobs, housing, education, mobility, healthcare and culture across the Union, including in the northernmost regions of Europe.
For Sámi communities, EU support is channelled through multiple instruments, including the European Regional Development Fund, the Just Transition Fund and the European Social Fund. Above all, Interreg programmes play a decisive role by fostering cooperation across borders and empowering local communities to design solutions that match their specific needs.
Interreg Aurora, with a total budget of €193 million, covers northern Finland, Sweden and Norway. Interreg Aurora has a unique feature, the programme is integrated with Sápmi and the indigenous Sami people. The programme supports projects that preserve Sámi culture, revitalise languages, promote Indigenous entrepreneurship and strengthen traditional knowledge systems. Importantly, Sámi representatives are directly involved in programme management and governance, ensuring that Indigenous perspectives are embedded in project selection and implementation.
Complementing Aurora, the Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic programme – with a budget of over €67 million – extends cooperation across the northernmost parts of Europe and the North Atlantic. With priorities ranging from innovation to sustainable resource management, it also provides Sámi stakeholders with opportunities to develop projects that improve local resilience and adaptation to climate change.
The strong Sámi participation in both programmes illustrates the transformative role of cohesion policy in Arctic and sparsely populated regions. Through the Cohesion Policy supported Lávdan Sámi Arena and similar initiatives, the European Union reaffirms its commitment to dialogue, respect and partnership with the Sámi people. These efforts help safeguarding cultural heritage and promote sustainable development.
