On 22 November Rupert Matthews MEP met with MPs from Norway, Iceland, Greenland, Russia and several EU countries around the Baltic when he attended the Fifth Northern Dimension Parliamentary Forum as a full participating member. This forum brings together parliamentarians from several countries around the Baltic and North Seas and the Arctic and North Atlantic Oceans to discuss matters of mutual concern.
Speaking after the meeting, Rupert said "I was pleased to attend this highly productive meeting that helps to ensure co-operation between the peoples and states in the far north. It is important to balance the needs of the northern economies with those of the fragile environment which is home to so many wonderful and unique creatures such as the polar bear, narwhal and beluga. I welcome the commitment to transport, communication and electricity networks that are compatible with sustainable development of the region."