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EU Arctic Policy

Latest News

09/05/2012 - Catherine Ashton on Europe Day: "I am convinced that Europe must remain actively engaged around the world"
14/03/2012 - ,,Štefan Füle European Commissioner for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy Address at the plenary debate on Iceland European Parliament, Strasbourg Strasbourg, 14 March 2012
09/03/2012 - "One of the best places in the world to be a mother is Norway" - Catherine Ashton at the Annual national Conference on Europe

Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland © European Commission

The EU is gradually formulating a policy on Arctic issues to address EU interests and responsibilities, while recognising EU countries’ legitimate interests and rights in the region.

The Communication ‘ The European Union and the Arctic Region’ (November 2008) established the first layer of an EU Arctic policy, set out EU interests and proposed action in various areas. The Council of the EU welcomed the Communication and issued Council Arctic Conclusions in December 2009.

EU policies in areas such as environment, climate change, energy, research, transport and fisheries have a direct bearing on the Arctic and contribute significantly to its protection. It is a fundamental premise of the EU’s Integrated Maritime Policy that each sea-region is unique and needs individual attention in balancing its uses in a sustainable manner.

The EU Arctic policy is built around three main policy objectives:

Protecting and preserving the Arctic in unison with its population;
Promoting sustainable use of natural resources;
Contributing to enhanced governance in the Arctic through implementation of relevant agreements, frameworks and arrangements, and their further development.

The EU is conscious of the need for international cooperation on Arctic issues, and recognises the important role of the Arctic Council. It also participates in the Barents Cooperation, and addresses Arctic issues through its Northern Dimension policy.