Developing Europe's strategy for the Arctic, 2024-29, in dialogue with civil society

Practical information

• Composition of the study group
• Administrator: Maarit Laurila / Assistant: Blanka Kubistova
• Contact

Background 

It is becoming ever clearer that the Arctic does not only hold an important key to the green transition for Europe, but also that it has an important role in strengthening the Europe’s strategic autonomy, resilience, and competitiveness. It is also a fact that the Arctic is, unfortunately, not any more a low-tension area; on the contrary it is becoming ever more important for the security interests of the (Western) Arctic states and the EU at large. At the Arctic Frontiers conference organized in Tromsø at the beginning of this year, in which an EESC delegation also participated, Norwegian Prime Minister Støre stated that the times of “Arctic exceptionalism” are over.

Given the profound European interest in this topic, it seems obvious that the EU needs to strengthen its activities, be it in the shape of more ambitious policies, more resources or enhanced diplomatic activity; international cooperation on Arctic issues needs to be strengthened and some of the opportunities for strengthening the EU’s resilience and strategic autonomy are to be found outside the EU itself. At the same time, handling these opportunities and challenges requires enhanced efforts when it comes to optimal involving of local and indigenous inhabitants, protecting the environment and reverse degradation of ecosystems.