Press Release: Knowledge, responsibility, engagement: the EU outlines its policy for the Arctic

On 3 July 2012 the European Commission and the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy outlined the way forward for the EU's constructive engagement in the Arctic.

The Arctic region is a vital component of the Earth's environment. Climate change in the Arctic is advancing dramatically, with change visible on a yearly basis, impacting significantly on its ecosystem and the livelihood of its inhabitants. At the same time, rapidly retreating sea ice alongside technological progress are opening up new economic opportunities in the region such as shipping, mining, energy extraction and fishing.

While beneficial for the global economy, these activities also call for a prudent and sustainable approach: further repercussions for the fragile Arctic can be expected if top environmental standards are not met.

• Primary Source

EU: EEAS: EU Arctic Policy http://eeas.europa.eu/arctic_region/index_en.htm

European Commission: MEMO/12/517: EU’s Arctic Policy: Questions and Answers http://europa.eu/rapid/pressReleasesAction.do?reference=MEMO/12/517&format=HTML&aged=0&language=EN&guiLanguage=en

ESO: Background information: Joint Communication to the European Parliament and the Council - Developing a European Union policy towards the Arctic Region: progress since 2008 and next steps http://www.europeansources.info/record/developing-a-european-union-policy-towards-the-arctic-region-progress-since-2008-and-next-steps/

ESO: Background information: Oil rush in the Arctic gambles with nature and diplomacy http://www.europeansources.info/record/oil-rush-in-the-arctic-gambles-with-nature-and-diplomacy/

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