The EU and the Arctic Council

In April 2015, the Arctic Council gathered for its ninth ministerial meeting in Iqaluit, Nunavut in Northern Canada.

The forum has become the focal point of circumpolar inter-state cooperation in the Arctic since it was established in 1996, and uniquely, it also includes representation for Arctic indigenous peoples’ organisations. The event marked the end of the second Canadian chairmanship (2013-2015) of the council and signalled the beginning of the second United States chairmanship (2015-2017).

The ministerial meeting provided a valuable opportunity for the Arctic states to discuss the progress of the various initiatives carried out under the auspices of the Arctic Council, as well as to set new programmes in motion. Over the last two years, substantive progress had been made on sustainable development, biodiversity protection, scientific cooperation, emergency preparedness and response, protection of the marine environment, and pollution assessment.

ESO: Background information: Arctic Council http://www.europeansources.info/record/arctic-council/

ESO: Background information: Council conclusions on developing a European Union Policy towards the Arctic Region http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-council-conclusions-on-developing-a-european-union-policy-towards-the-arctic-region/

Arctic Council: Events: Ministerial Meeting, 2015: Iqaluit Ministerial Meeting Documents http://www.arctic-council.org/index.php/en/events/meetings-overview/ministerial-meeting-2015

EUISS: Issue Alert, No.15, March 2015: Arctic matters: in from the cold? http://www.iss.europa.eu/uploads/media/Alert_15_Arctic.pdf

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