European Commission presents new Arctic strategy

TALLINN – On Tuesday, the European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, unveiled a new Arctic strategy. The strategy outlines a framework for political cooperation with like-minded partners, focusing on people, security, climate, and well-being.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that the Arctic is Europe's northern neighborhood. "Close to us, connected with us, and extremely important for our future. The Arctic is changing. New shipping routes and resources are fostering strategic competition. With the new strategy, we are investing in security, infrastructure, and new economic opportunities for the well-being of the Arctic's inhabitants and our shared space.”

High Representative and Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas added that Arctic security is European security. "Over 500,000 EU citizens live in the Arctic, and three EU member states are Arctic countries. With the growing influence and ambitions of Russia and China, the Arctic has become a frontline in the global power struggle. Our updated strategy reflects this new reality and places security firmly at its core. To protect our interests, we are stepping up efforts in surveillance, infrastructure, military mobility, and the development of defense technology resilient to harsh climates. Access to Arctic sea routes and natural resources is of strategic importance to the EU.”

The EU is part of the Arctic, with over half a million EU citizens living in the region. As Denmark, Finland, and Sweden are EU member states in the Arctic, and given their close ties with Norway, Iceland, the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, developments in the Arctic directly impact European security, climate, and the well-being of its people.

The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the global average, affecting ecosystems and transforming livelihoods and communities. New shipping routes and resources are reshaping the region's security landscape and economy. Consequently, geopolitical tensions, strategic competition, and military activity are on the rise.

In cooperation with member states and Arctic partners, and to complement NATO's activities, the EU plans to enhance the region's preparedness, protect critical infrastructure, and strengthen Europe's capacity to operate in Arctic conditions. This includes plans to boost European icebreaker capabilities. The EU will develop dual-use, multi-purpose capabilities suited for Arctic conditions that will benefit local communities, the Arctic region, and the EU itself.

To enhance shared situational awareness and vigilance, a new Maritime Security Hub will support member states and partners in information exchange and improve the monitoring of maritime activities in the Arctic. As a first step, the EU will support the establishment of an Arctic Cable Hub to monitor and protect subsea cables in the North Atlantic and the Arctic and to assist with repairs if needed. The EU will also invest in smart technologies to help detect potential threats to critical infrastructure. The hub is also expected to eventually enable the tracking of 'dark fleet' vessels, the detection of illegal fishing and pollution, and the coordination of search and rescue operations.

Climate change is occurring in the Arctic on an unprecedented scale, with its impact felt far beyond the region. This is especially true for Europe, which is warming twice as fast as the rest of the world. The EU will enhance climate research, observation, and monitoring to better understand and respond to these changes.

The Arctic presents numerous opportunities for economic cooperation, including in renewable energy, critical raw materials, dual-use transport infrastructure, digital connectivity, and a sustainable maritime industry. The EU will support sustainable economic development that creates jobs and improves infrastructure and connectivity for the benefit of both Arctic communities and European businesses.

The EU is working to integrate European ports, rail links, energy terminals, and satellite and digital infrastructure into emerging Arctic trade and transport networks. This will create better connections to European markets and beyond, while also strengthening new supply chains. The EU will improve transport links towards the Arctic by upgrading European transport corridors to dual-use standards and by accelerating the implementation of the Rail Nordica project. Furthermore, the EU supports the establishment of a trans-Arctic subsea cable that would connect Greenland directly with Europe.

The EU will continue to support the Arctic in developing its potential for renewable energy and sustainable minerals. The EU maintains the position stated in its 2021 joint communication that oil, coal, and natural gas should remain in the ground, including in Arctic regions.

Over €1 billion from the EU's 2021–2027 cohesion funds will be allocated to support regional development in the Arctic. The EU will continue to assist local governments in the Arctic in addressing shared challenges and will exchange knowledge on climate resilience, education, youth engagement, and sustainable local development. As a concrete example, the EU will expand its cooperation through the Arctic Mayors' Forum, which unites local authorities from across the Arctic. The EU will also enhance opportunities for young people in the Arctic through the Erasmus+ program.

The EU has long-standing political, economic, environmental, and societal ties with the Arctic. The strategy was developed in consultation with governments, local communities (including indigenous peoples), young people, businesses, and scientists from across the Arctic.