Arctic security and EU leadership: Key takeaways from the Nordic AAA Seminar

At a time of rapidly evolving global dynamics, the recent Nordic AAA Seminar hosted by Nordea offered a clear reminder: the financial world is not insulated from geopolitical forces. As tensions rise in the Arctic and uncertainties loom over transatlantic relations, Nordic businesses and financial institutions have to navigate an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape.

The summit, featuring insights from Arctic security expert Liselotte Odgaard and former Finnish Prime Minister and Nordea’s current Head of Public Affairs Jyrki Katainen, painted a picture of a world where traditional alliances are being tested and new power dynamics are emerging. 

Odgaard highlighted the growing strategic importance of the Arctic region and the increasing competition between global powers in the area. The Nordic countries have responded by strengthening their security cooperation, with Norway, Finland and Sweden playing key roles in this effort.

EU’s evolving role

Jyrki Katainen focused on the changing role of the EU in a shifting world order. He called for Europe to step up as a leader in a world where western values and the rule of law are being challenged.

Katainen pointed to trade agreements, defence spending and clean energy as key drivers for EU growth and investment. He also emphasised the Nordic countries’ potential to shape the new world order, citing their well-educated populations and inclusive societies as advantages. 

“The Nordic wealth model, based on trade and economic competitiveness, with relatively robust defence sectors, can become a competitive edge,” he said.

Katainen urged businesses to actively engage in shaping the new geopolitical landscape. He highlighted Nordea’s Brussels office as an example of proactive engagement, stressing that companies must move beyond passivity to influence the EU’s future. 

An economist battle and networking opportunities

Another highlight of the seminar was the traditional “Nordea Economist Battle,” a friendly competition featuring the chief economists form Nordea’s four Nordic home markets. Despite the playful rivalry, the economists conveyed a unified message: the Nordic economies are demonstrating resilience in the face of global turbulence. 

Later, the 135 issuers and investors in attendance engaged in an afternoon of productive speed meetings.

The value of the seminar to attendees was evident in the feedback received. Jens Hellerup, Head of Funding and Investor Relations at Nordic Investment Bank, a long-time participant, shared his perspective:

“Nordic Investment Bank has attended Nordea’s Nordic AAA Seminar since the first gathering in 2009 in Stockholm. The event has grown over the years and is the flagship seminar in the Nordics for us. The panels and keynote speeches are always topical, and the afternoon one-on-one meetings with Nordic and international investors very fruitful. The seminar enables us to catch up with our peers and Nordea contacts in a friendly setting. Thank you for another well-organised event, and see you again next year.”