Enhancing Sámi Participation in EU Arctic Policymaking : Lessons from the Arctic Council

• Main Author: Aldegren, Josefin
• Format: Bachelor Thesis
• Language: English
• Published: Malmö universitet, Institutionen för globala politiska studier (GPS) 2024
• Subjects: Sámi participation; Indigenous participation; European Union; Arctic Council; Arctic governance; Meaningful participation; Globalisation Studies; Globaliseringsstudier; Arctic
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:mau:diva-68795

This study investigates how to enhance Sámi participation in EU Arctic policymaking processes by adopting and adapting participatory practices from the Arctic Council. Through a qualitative content analysis of policy documents and elite interviews, the study identifies that the EU can learn from the Arctic Council by recognizing the Sámi as internal actors, developing their collaborative platforms, and integrating Indigenous Knowledge into policymaking processes. This thesis develops a conceptual framework, integrating the concepts of procedural and intergovernmental self-determination, epistemic belonging, and organizational interdependency to define meaningful Indigenous participation and influence, which guides the analysis. Using this framework, the study contrasts the Arctic Council’s successful practices, where Indigenous Peoples Organizations are treated as equals, with the EU’s tendency to view the Sámi as an external Indigenous group outside of EU borders. The study identifies opportunities for the EU to translate participatory mechanisms that reflect the Sámi’s unique position and integrate their knowledge, as well as barriers such as treaty and resource constraints. By translating Artic Council practices into soft-law, the EU can create an inclusive atmosphere, contributing to meaningful Sámi participation. Â