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EU downplays security challenge in Arctic

The European Union

The new EU Communication on the Arctic downplays potential security challenges in the Arctic and instead highlights the importance of stability, cooperation and a sustainable marine environment, Gunnar Sander from the European Environmental Agency said at a conference in Kirkenes, Norway, today.

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At the same time, he believes that the EU sees a need for a new and stronger body for Arctic governance. Where are multilateral strategies for the region going to be made, he asked, indicating that the Arctic Council in its current form lacks necessary political influence.

Speaking at the Norwegian Research Council’s High North conference in Kirkenes, Mr. Sander described a major shift in the EU Commission’s position on the Arctic. While it before 2007 described the region as “out of area”, it now shows a growing interest in Arctic issues.

The unprecedented melting of Arctic ice and Russia’s flag planting on the North Pole sea bed, was what triggered the Commission’s interest in the area, he said. Over the last year, the EEA has closely followed the Commission’s elaboration of the Arctic Communication, and also given important input to the authors of the paper.

Mr. Sander highlights that communication downplays security challenges in the region and instead seeks perspectives for cooperation. He also believes that the Commission has a safe and sustainable Arctic environment as its top priority and that it expects only a “slow development” of Arctic hydrocarbons.

The researcher also believes that the EU Commission is in the process of learning more about the Arctic and that the communication outlines general strategies, which now will be further elaborated on.

The Arctic communication will serve as a first step towards a more comprehensive EU Arctic Policy.

Read the EU Communication here

 

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EU outlines stronger role in Arctic 21 November 2008

EU Arctic Policy without Russian dimension 21 November 2008