Elias Thorsson, Reuters Journalist Profile

Articles

‘207 weeks to go’-Norwegian foreign minister remarks on U.S. unpredictability

2 months ago | thebarentsobserver.com | Elias Thorsson

In a moment that drew audible laughter from the audience at the Arctic Frontiers Conference, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide made a subtle, but pointed remark about NATO’s uncertain future under U.S. President Donald Trump. “Yes, we have 207 weeks to go—one down,” he said, a clear reference to the remaining time in Trump’s presidential term.
Trump proposes 40 new icebreakers for Coast Guard

2 months ago | arctictoday.com | Elias Thorsson

Maritime Executive reports that U.S. President Donald Trump has announced plans to order 40 large icebreakers for the U.S. Coast Guard, with potential collaboration from Canada. This move is intended to bolster the U.S. presence in the Arctic and Antarctic but raises questions about feasibility and funding.
'Don’t love it to death'—tourism surge impacting Arctic wildlife - ArcticToday

2 months ago | arctictoday.com | Elias Thorsson

The Arctic was once considered one of the most remote and untouched regions on Earth, but that is changing quickly. Greenland recently recorded its best year ever for tourism and more visitors than ever are traveling north in search of dramatic landscapes, glaciers and encounters with Arctic wildlife. Expedition cruises, whale-watching boats and luxury icebreaker tours are bringing economic benefits, but also environmental concerns.
'207 weeks to go'—Norwegian foreign minister remarks on U.S. unpredictability - ArcticToday

2 months ago | arctictoday.com | Elias Thorsson

In a moment that drew audible laughter from the audience at the Arctic Frontiers Conference, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide made a subtle, but pointed remark about NATO’s uncertain future under U.S. President Donald Trump. “Yes, we have 207 weeks to go—one down,” he said, a clear reference to the remaining time in Trump’s presidential term.
NATO official warns of growing undersea threats & infrastructure vulnerabilities

2 months ago | arctictoday.com | Elias Thorsson

As NATO seeks to secure critical undersea infrastructure, one of the alliance’s top maritime security officials has admitted that efforts to safeguard pipelines, cables and offshore energy facilities remain a work in progress and that incidents involving sabotage are almost impossible to investigate.
Danish navy's Arctic capabilities fall short of NATO expectations

2 months ago | arctictoday.com | Elias Thorsson

A recent report by Danish national broadcaster DR has revealed significant shortcomings in Denmark’s naval capabilities, particularly concerning anti-submarine warfare (ASW) in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions. The Danish fleet currently lacks the necessary equipment and readiness to effectively detect and counter potential threats from Russian submarines, failing to meet key NATO requirements.
Optimistic Arctic future we envisioned in 2005 is gone, says Norwegian leader

2 months ago | arctictoday.com | Elias Thorsson

Two decades ago, Arctic policymakers envisioned a future of cooperation, stability and scientific collaboration. Speaking at the Arctic Frontiers Conference, Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide reflected on how drastically that vision has melted away. “In 2005, we thought we had a clear roadmap for Arctic cooperation,” he said. “We expected the region to remain an exceptional space—one where geopolitical tensions could be set aside.
85% of Greenlanders oppose joining the U.S. according to new poll

2 months ago | arctictoday.com | Elias Thorsson

According to a new poll published by Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq, an overwhelming 85% of Greenlanders reject the idea of Greenland leaving the Kingdom of Denmark (Rigsfællesskabet) to become part of the United States.
Danish PM seeks to counter Trump with one-day European charm offensive

2 months ago | arctictoday.com | Elias Thorsson

The day began in Berlin for Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen as she embarked on a cross-continental charm offensive to seek support from European leaders against Trump’s threats of retaliation against Denmark, should the Nordic country refuse to hand over Greenland.
Increasingly isolated, Murkowski warns of alarming rhetoric from Washington

2 months ago | arctictoday.com | Elias Thorsson

Speaking via Zoom at the Arctic Frontiers Conference in Tromsø, Norway, Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski delivered a pointed critique of the combative rhetoric coming out of Washington, D.C., under the Trump administration. Known for her independence and frequent willingness to oppose her party’s leader, Murkowski offered a starkly different vision for U.S. engagement in the Arctic—one rooted in respect and collaboration.