Arctic Rail Newsletter | Summer 2026
Spring Activities at Arctic Rail
Arctic Rail continues to develop and strengthen its role as a cross-border platform for railway cooperation in the High North. Before the summer holidays, we would like to share some of the highlights from an active and productive spring and look ahead to the months to come.
During the spring, Nordlaks and Onrail joined Arctic Rail as new members, bringing our network to 27 member organisations across Sweden, Norway and Finland. The growing membership reflects the increasing interest in cross-border railway cooperation and further strengthens our collective voice in the development of the Northern Calotte transport system.
Arctic Rail has also continued to be an active voice on issues related to transport infrastructure, cross-border rail transport, industrial competitiveness and security. Throughout the spring, we have submitted several policy statements and consultation responses while continuing to promote these issues through seminars, articles and social media.
Arctic Rail contributes to new research project on national resilience
Arctic Rail has been invited to participate in the reference group for the research project RESMET – Resilient and Sustainable Metal and Mineral Supply for National Defence, which has recently been awarded funding by Vinnova, Sweden's Innovation Agency. The project is led by IVL Swedish Environmental Research Institute in collaboration with the Swedish Defence University. Its objective is to strengthen Sweden's security of supply by analysing vulnerabilities in metal and mineral supply chains and developing a roadmap to enhance resilience.
As a member of the reference group, Arctic Rail will contribute knowledge and perspectives on the importance of railways for resilient transport systems, cross-border logistics and security of supply. The reference group brings together representatives from organisations including Svemin (the Swedish Association of Mines, Mineral and Metal Producers), the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, and other key stakeholders from industry and the public sector to strengthen the project's quality, relevance and stakeholder engagement.
New COO strengthens the organisation
On 1 May, Jan Lundgren joined Arctic Rail as Chief Operating Officer (COO) on a part-time basis. His appointment strengthens our operational capacity and provides a solid foundation for further developing the organisation, increasing member value and advancing joint initiatives.
Well-attended seminar in Tornio
On 19–20 May, Arctic Rail co-hosted the well-attended seminar “Where Are We Headed?” in Tornio, Finland. Participants from Sweden, Finland and Norway discussed the future of the High North railway system, focusing on industrial development, supply resilience, defence, preparedness and international transport corridors.
One of the key conclusions was that the railways of Sweden, Finland and Norway increasingly need to be viewed as one integrated trilateral railway system.
Annual General Meeting
At the Annual General Meeting on 28 May, members approved a 10 percent increase in the annual membership fee from 2027. The new annual fee will be EUR 2,200, providing Arctic Rail with stronger resources to continue developing the organisation and meeting growing expectations.
The members also elected a partly renewed Board of Directors. We warmly welcome Susanne Hägglund (Kiruna Municipality) and Peter Mörtlund (Shorelink) as new Board members, and Otto Nilsson (Inlandsbanan) as a new deputy Board member.
For those who wish to review all decisions, the minutes of the Annual General Meeting are attached.
Arctic Rail at Almedalen Week
Arctic Rail was represented at Almedalen Week, where several Board members and representatives from member organisations participated in seminars and discussions. Transport infrastructure, defence, NATO, industrial competitiveness and European supply resilience were among the key topics.
The discussions clearly demonstrated that railway infrastructure in Northern Scandinavia is increasingly recognised as strategic infrastructure—not only for industry and trade, but also for security, preparedness and Europe's long-term competitiveness. Arctic Rail will continue to strengthen its presence and contribute to national policy discussions in Sweden, Norway and Finland.
Looking ahead
After the summer, Arctic Rail will continue strengthening cooperation between our members and promoting initiatives that support a more resilient, competitive and interconnected railway system across the High North. We will also continue our dialogue with policymakers, industry and other stakeholders to reinforce the role of rail in supporting competitiveness, resilience and sustainable development throughout the Arctic region.
This is the first edition of our newsletter. Going forward, we will regularly share updates on Arctic Rail's activities, member initiatives and other important developments.
We would like to thank all our members for your continued commitment and support. Together, we are helping to build a stronger, more resilient and better connected railway system across the High North.
We wish you all a relaxing and enjoyable summer!