Barents Euro-Arctic Council
The Barents Euro-Arctic Council (BEAC) aims to promote stability and sustainable development in the Barents region, which covers the northern parts of Finland, Sweden, Norway and Russia. Finland holds the Presidency of BEAC from 2021 to 2023. The Joint Working Group on Health and Related Social Issues is also chaired by Finland for the period 2022–2023. The Ministry of Social Affairs and Health is responsible for the chairmanship of the Joint Working Group.
The activities of the Joint Working Group on Health and Related Social Issues (JWGHS) during the period 2020–2023 are set out in a collaboration programme, which has the following priority areas:
- prevention and control of communicable diseases (especially HIV/AIDS)
- use of new technology and methods in health care in sparsely populated areas
- supporting children and young people at risk of marginalisation
- prevention and control of non-communicable diseases
A new collaboration programme will be drawn up for the period 2024–2027.
Barents cooperation with Russia has been suspended due to Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. The Barents Euro-Arctic Council is continuing its activities between Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and the EU.