Norway assumes the Chair of Platform North
Sweden has served as Chair of the network’s Steering Committee. The current Chair, Helena Eriksson, will now hand over this role to Norway.
In 2024, the Swedish Transport Administration initiated plans to establish a regional, cross-border cooperation forum for infrastructure in northern Sweden, northern Finland and northern Norway. Following initial dialogue with infrastructure authorities, business representatives and regional public actors in all three countries, Platform North was formally established in April 2024.
One of the key milestones in the cooperation has been the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU states that the chairmanship will rotate annually between the countries in the following order: Sweden, Norway and Finland.
– The joint work of facilitating Platform North is now formalised in all three countries, and it feels very good to hand over the chairmanship to Norway. Platform North is a partnership based on equality, and I look forward to our continued cooperation to coordinate and develop infrastructure in the northern parts of Sweden, Norway and Finland, says Helena Eriksson, Director of the Northern Region, Swedish Transport Administration.
Norway on assuming the chairmanship
The formal transfer of the chairmanship will take place in connection with the Platform North Forum in Luleå, Sweden, on 17–18 March.
– We look forward to assuming the chairmanship of Platform North and to continuing the important work of strengthening cross-border coordination of infrastructure in the Nordic region. A well-functioning transport system in the northern regions is crucial, says Ine Hilling, Norwegian Public Roads Administration.
Led by a joint Steering Committee
Platform North is governed by a Steering Committee consisting of 12 representatives, four from each country, including one Chair. The Committee is designed to represent a balanced mix of organisations and geographical areas. This structure ensures broad representation and supports effective, consensus-based decision-making.
The chairmanship rotates annually between the countries in the following order: Sweden, Norway and Finland. Each representative appoints a deputy.
Responsibilities of the Steering Committee
The Steering Committee is responsible for:
- clarifying, developing and initiating ideas for cooperation
- appointing a lead organisation for each idea, task or initiative, which then decides how to proceed
- monitoring progress and providing professional advice and support
- ensuring the maintenance of the Platform North website
- managing the MoU, including updates and changes to signatory parties
- planning and organising annual Steering Committee workshops
- planning and organising the annual Platform North Forum
