PORA discussed the prospects of Russian presence in Svalbard

The Arctic Development Project Office (PORA) hosted an international scientific and practical conference dedicated to the history of the development of Svalbard and the prospects of Russian presence in the archipelago. Participants discussed the development of tourism, international cooperation, economic activities and scientific research in the Arctic.

The conference “Russia on Svalbard: historical path and modernity” was held in Moscow. It was attended by representatives of the Russian Foreign Ministry, scientific institutes, universities and the Arktikugol State Trust.

Deputy Director of the First European Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Svetlana Ozhegova noted that maintaining the Russian presence in Svalbard remains a state priority, despite sanctions and transport restrictions. Among the positive examples of international cooperation, she called the opening of a scientific and educational center on the archipelago in 2025.

According to Ildar Neverov, CEO of Arktikugol, Barentsburg and Pyramid still attract tourists. The trust expects that in 2026 revenues from tourism will be higher than last year, which became a record.

PORA Director General Maxim Dankin stressed the importance of practical application of scientific developments. According to him, the association of specialists in history, international law, economics and natural sciences is necessary to determine the further directions of Russia’s work in Svalbard.

Separate sections of the conference were devoted to the heritage of Russian Pomors, legal issues of economic activity, geological research and the study of climate change in the archipelago.