U.S. Congressional Delegation meets Arctic stakeholders in Tromsø
ProTromsø had the pleasure of hosting a high-level roundtable in Tromsø for the Center for Strategic & International Studies (CSIS), which visited the Arctic capital with a delegation of senior U.S. congressional staffers.
Kristian
- 27. September 2025
The visit formed part of CSIS’s Congressional Foresight Initiative, a program designed to strengthen U.S. policymakers’ understanding of long-term global trends and their implications for international security and cooperation.
The roundtable was chaired by ProTromsø’s CEO, Gøril Johansen, and brought together a strong group of local stakeholders from business, academia, and public institutions. Their presentations highlighted how business in Arctic Norway is not only a driver of economic growth but also a cornerstone of national and regional security. The discussions underscored Tromsø’s role as a hub for innovation, energy, and cross-border collaboration in the High North.
Among the key themes addressed were the dual role of businesses as both economic engines and strategic assets. The impact of global trends on local industries, and the ways in which companies can contribute to resilience in the Arctic. Participants also highlighted what frameworks are needed for businesses to better anticipate and respond to geopolitical risks, and how private sector innovation can strengthen critical infrastructure.
The conversation further explored partnerships in times of geopolitical tension, emphasizing how cross-sector and cross-border cooperation can strengthen resilience. This dialogue was particularly timely given the shifting security landscape in Europe and the increasing strategic importance of the High North.
Local contributors included André Bakland (Sopra Steria), Ane-Marthe Sani (Energiklyngen Nord), Jørn-Even Hanssen (Tromsø Havn KF), Ingrid Dahl Skarstein (TestNor), Erling Dalberg (Troms Kraft), Tony Haugan (Avju Solutions), Anne Marit Bjørnflaten (Oceanfood), and Markus Rumpsfeld (University Hospital of North Norway). The event was also supported by the American Presence Post Tromsø and hosted at Mathallen Tromsø, providing an informal yet professional setting for dialogue.
We thank the CSIS delegation for a constructive conversation on Arctic matters. Welcome back!
