The European Commission and the European External Action Service jointly launched on July 20 a public consultation on the way forward for the European Union’s Arctic policy. The consultation will enable a broad reflection on the EU’s Arctic policy in the face of new challenges and opportunities, including the EU’s ambitions under the European Green Deal.
“The Arctic is a rapidly evolving frontier in international relations,” High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell said, adding that climate change is dramatically transforming the region, and increasing its geopolitical importance, with a number of players seeing new strategic and economic opportunities in the High North. “We must ensure that the Arctic remains a zone of low tension and peaceful cooperation, where issues are solved through constructive dialogue. The European Union must be fully equipped to manage the new dynamics effectively, in line with our interests and values,” Borrell said.
The Commission said the consultation seeks input on the strengths and shortfalls of the existing policy, with a view to possibly preparing an updated approach.
EU Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius highlighted the need for a firm EU Arctic policy. “What happens in the Arctic, does not stay in the Arctic. It concerns us all. The EU must be at the forefront with a clear and coherent Arctic policy to tackle the challenges in the years ahead. Drawing on a wide spectrum of expertise and opinions through this consultation, will help us in preparing a strong strategy for the region,” Sinkevičius said.
According to the Commission, the consultation will help to re-examine the role of the EU in Arctic affairs, revise the three priorities of the current Joint Communication on an integrated European Union policy for the Arctic, and the actions thereunder; and identify possible new policy areas to be developed.
Fighting climate change and its impacts and protecting the environment are key objectives for the region, the Commission said, reiterating that promoting sustainable development in the Arctic to the benefit of those who live there, including indigenous peoples is another priority for the EU. “To that end, continuously improving our knowledge of the changes happening in the Arctic region, as well as identifying sustainable responses, is essential. Science, innovation and strong support for multilateral cooperation underpin the EU’s approach to the Arctic,” the Commission said.
The EU’s Arctic policy has been updated regularly since it was first outlined in 2008.
