European Parliament warns against militarization of the Arctic

TALLINN - The European Parliament has adopted recommendations for shaping the EU's geopolitical actions in the Arctic.

The Arctic is becoming a major focal point for the geopolitical ambitions of world powers. The region is crucial, for example, for the transformation of energy systems and in the context of global environmental changes, and countries are rapidly increasing their military presence there. Therefore, the EU must develop a strong, security-oriented strategy to ensure that the Arctic continues to be managed under international law, the report states.

In the text, Parliament clearly condemns the growing militarization of the Arctic, particularly Russia's extensive military restructuring, including the creation of a maritime board, as this, in combination with China's apparent interests in the region, has exacerbated regional tensions and undermined stability.

To balance the situation, the EU must, in the Parliament's view, intensify cooperation on Arctic issues with NATO allies and the US, as this is the only way to contain Russia and China and ensure the common security of the EU and the US.

Considering recent incidents in the Baltic Sea associated with Russia's shadow fleet and Chinese vessels, the European Union should significantly strengthen the protection of critical underwater infrastructure in the Arctic, the report emphasizes. The focus should particularly be on sea cables and pipelines, including those near Greenland. The framework for sanctions and countermeasures should also be tightened.

Parliament strongly supports the continued application of international law in the Arctic and opposes attempts to legitimize disputed shipping corridors or to use scientific or economic cooperation for geopolitical purposes.

As geopolitical competition on Arctic sea routes, especially the Northern Sea Route, is rapidly growing, it is important to resist unilateral claims and focus on diplomacy and the application of commercial maritime law in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, which should remain the foundational text for Arctic matters.

The Arctic holds resources critical for ensuring Europe's strategic autonomy, and to utilize them, the EU must expand partnerships with countries like Norway, Iceland, and Greenland. This would help the EU reduce its current dependence on authoritarian great powers.

Norway already plays a significant role in the EU's energy security and is geopolitically strong. Meanwhile, Iceland and Greenland are showing growing interest in joining the EU. The report emphasizes the need to strengthen strategic and economic partnerships with these countries and to present the benefits of EU membership to them, should their populations seriously consider joining the European Union.

Climate change has a disproportionately large impact on the Arctic. Therefore, adaptation strategies, which also have a security policy dimension, must be urgently enhanced. In this process, the indigenous peoples of the Arctic must be included in all decision-making processes.

Urmas Paet (Renew, Estonia), who prepared the report on behalf of the European Parliament, said that world politics has become extremely volatile in recent years, and this is clearly felt in the Arctic. "The EU must act very wisely, considering the region's growing geopolitical importance. Among other things, I hope to see Iceland, Norway, and Greenland join the European Union in the near future."

The report was approved in the plenary session with 510 votes in favor, 75 against, and 80 abstentions.