EU-unit

The Saami Council’s EU-unit works with decision-makers in the EU on Sámi rights, leads EU-financed projects, and carries out influence work on an European level.

On this website you will find information about the EU-unit’s tasks and employees, as well as the various projects and topics we work on. You will also find links to our projects, and our strategy document Sápmi-EU strategy.

“The Sámi people, as an Indigenous People within the European Union, demand that the member states adopt a common policy on sámi relations, based on recognized national and international legal and political principles on the rights of Indigenous Peoples;”

— KIRUNA DECLARATION, 17. Sámi CONFEReNcE, 28.-30.9.2000

About the EU-unit

The Saami Council's EU-unit works actively with various decision-makers in the EU to ensure that Sámi rights are safeguarded in matters that have a direct impact on the Sámi people. Many of these topics are also part of international processes, or have national consequences through legislation and policy-making. In addition to leading several EU-funded projects, he unit implements the Sápmi-EU strategy and engages in advocacy at the European level.

Read more about Sápmi-EU Strategy: Sápmi EU strategy.pdf

Photo: Kristoffer Hætta

The Sámi conference in Helsinki stated in 1992 that the Nordic nation-states must take into account Sámi's position when considering possible EU membership. Sweden and Finland became EU members in 1995, while Norway voted no to membership in the EU in 1994. The accession agreement of 1994 between Sweden and Finland and the EU includes the so-called Sámi protocol (protocol 3 to the accession agreement). Protocol 3 aims to protect Sámi rights in the EU context, particularly with regard to Sámi's traditional livelihoods, such as reindeer herding. The protocol ensures sámi interests are taken into account in relevant EU laws and regulations, and that the member states, especially Sweden and Finland, must safeguard Sámi's rights within the EU system.

The Saami Council's EU unit shall:

Lead the work to strengthen and develop the relationship between the EU and Sápmi
Continue to promote knowledge about Sápmi and Sámi relations among decision-makers in the EU
Promote Sámi management of nature, including forests and biological diversity
Monitor and influence policy developments in the EU and contribute analyzes to Sámi civil society in areas of importance to Sápmi
Work to ensure full and meaningful Sámi participation in the EU's decision-making processes and programmes
Work actively to integrate Sámi indigenous knowledge and promote justice in the EU's political recommendations

Photo: Kristoffer Hætta

Why is cooperation between Sápmi and the European Union important?

As an Indigenous people, Sámi live across state borders in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. The Saami Council works to promote Sámi rights and interests, and an important part of this work is to ensure that EU policy takes the Sámi people into account. This cooperation is crucial to support Sámi self-determination, cultural heritage and sustainable societal development. With an active presence in Brussels, the Saami Council works to ensure that the EU's decisions are not only inclusive, but also provide opportunities to remove obstacles and build bridges that link Sámi communities together.

Sámi presence in Brussels – the key to rights protection in EU policy areas
The EU makes many decisions that directly impact Sámi living conditions, including policies on climate, the environment, resource extraction, and regional development. For example, EU legislation on energy development and climate targets can have significant consequences for Sámi areas, where large-scale projects may threaten sustainable land management and Sámi traditional livelihoods. The EU's financial support schemes and regulations on natural resources can also indirectly impact everything from Sámi culture to the economic foundation of Sámi communities. The Saami Council and the EU recognize the need to safeguard and protect Sámi rights in policy-making. To achieve this, a deeper understanding of Sámi culture, history, and social structures is essential. Through active Sámi participation in Brussels, we help ensure that the EU gains a holistic understanding of Sámi perspectives and rights, crucial for making informed and inclusive decisions.
The EU can support Sámi self-determination and sustainable development
A key priority for the Saami Council is ensuring that Sámi have genuine access to EU programs in culture, economy, and social development. These programs can provide financial support for projects related to Sámi traditional livelihoods, such as reindeer herding, duodji (Sámi handicrafts), fishing and other subsistence activities, as well as innovation projects for Sámi youth. To make this possible, the EU must tailor its programs to the unique conditions and needs of the Sámi. When the EU acknowledges and adapts its resources to support Sámi self-determination, it becomes an active partner in fostering sustainable development opportunities for Sápmi, allowing Sámi to lead the development of their local communities.
The EU as a partner in the work to remove border obstacles in Sápmi
Sámi are one people, but live across state borders in Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. This makes cross-border cooperation essential to be able to preserve and strengthen the Sámi community. The Saami Council works to ensure that Sámi can live without state borders creating obstacles to cultural exchange, business cooperation or freedom of movement. The EU is a key partner in this work, as with their regulations and resources they can contribute to removing border obstacles and support Sámi social development where state borders do not stand in the way. By strengthening cooperation with the EU, the Saami Council can contribute to building a future where Sámi people can develop their traditions and culture freely and independently of national dividing lines.
A future partnership for sámi self-determination and sustainability
The collaboration between the Saami Council and the EU creates opportunities to develop joint solutions that strengthen Sápmi. By incorporating and supporting Sámi perspectives, the EU can become a key ally in ensuring that Sámi culture, language, and businesses thrive in a globalized world. Together, the EU and the Saami Council can establish a future model for cooperation that not only safeguards rights but also fosters a common platform for sustainable and inclusive development in Sápmi.