An integrated European Union policy for the Arctic

A safe, stable, sustainable and prosperous Arctic is important not just for the region itself, but for the European Union (EU) and for the world. The EU has a strategic interest in playing a key role in the Arctic region.

Eight states have territories in the Arctic: Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States. Three EU Member States are therefore also Arctic states, while Iceland and Norway are members of the European Economic Area. The Arctic is home to several indigenous peoples. The Arctic region also includes the Arctic Ocean and its adjacent seas. While the Arctic states have primary responsibility for tackling issues within their territories, many of the issues affecting the Arctic region can be more effectively addressed through regional or multilateral cooperation. This is why EU engagement is important.

Building on previous initiatives, this Joint Communication sets out the case for an EU policy that focuses on advancing international cooperation in responding to the impacts of climate change on the Arctic's fragile environment, and on promoting and contributing to sustainable development, particularly in the European part of the Arctic.

ESO: Background information: A new integrated EU policy for the Arctic adopted http://www.europeansources.info/record/press-release-a-new-integrated-eu-policy-for-the-arctic-adopted/

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