The European Union (EU) is in the Arctic through three EU countries (Finland, Sweden and Denmark). Hundreds of thousands of people who live in the Arctic are EU citizens.
The EU recognises the importance of the Arctic in global climate regulation and is committed to ensuring that its activities in the region are carried out in a responsible manner that takes into consideration the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the Arctic environment.
Climate change is a big problem for the Arctic. The EU is working on solutions through its climate law and the “Fit for 55” package to help protect the region. The European Green Deal, as it is implemented, contributes to reducing carbon emissions that affect the Arctic.
Objectives
Some key objectives of the EU Arctic Policy include:
- Climate action: The EU is committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting renewable energy sources in the Arctic to combat climate change and preserve Arctic ecosystems.
- Sustainable development: The EU aims to support the economic development of Arctic communities while ensuring that it is done in a sustainable and environmentally responsible manner.
- Environmental protection: The EU is dedicated to protecting Arctic ecosystems and biodiversity by promoting conservation efforts, sustainable fisheries management, and pollution prevention measures.
- International cooperation: The EU actively engages with Arctic stakeholders, including municipalities and regions, local communities and indigenous peoples, Arctic states, or the Arctic Council, to promote dialogue, foster collaboration, and address common challenges in the region.
Overall, the EU Arctic Policy is forward-thinking aiming to balance sustainable economic development with environmental protection and social responsibility in the Arctic. By working together with Arctic stakeholders, the EU is committed to ensuring a sustainable future for the Arctic and its inhabitants.
Actions
2021 Joint communication: A stronger EU engagement for a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous Arctic
The 2021 Joint Communication builds on and updates the Joint Communications of 2016 and 2012, and the Communication of 2008.
Engagement with Arctic stakeholders
The European Commission organises high-level events on the Arctic, including the EU Arctic Forum and the Arctic Indigenous Peoples’ Dialogue. The European Commission is also expanding these events to the EU-Arctic Youth Dialogues. The EU also actively takes part in the work of the Arctic Council and its working groups, and in the Barents Euro-Arctic Cooperation (BEAC); it participates in major international Arctic events, and regularly discusses areas of common concern in the Arctic in its dialogues with international partners. The stakeholder consultation process organised in 2020 also provided useful input into the new joint communication.
Agreement to prevent unregulated high seas fisheries in the central Arctic Ocean
In 2018, the EU and nine countries (Canada, China, Denmark (in respect of the Faroe Islands and Greenland), Iceland, Japan, South Korea, Norway, Russia, and the United States), agreed to stop unregulated fishing in the high seas of the central Arctic Ocean to protect marine life. This agreement entered into force in 2021. The goal is to ensure the ocean's health and sustainability by managing fish stocks carefully.
Next steps
The EU is taking steps to carry out the actions outlined in the joint communication.
The EU will keep strengthening its involvement in the Arctic area by working closely with various stakeholders from different levels, including local, regional, national, and pan-Arctic groups, such as in events like the EU Arctic Forum, the Indigenous Peoples’ Dialogue and the EU-Arctic Youth Dialogues.
News
Arctic Reflections is on a mission to protect Arctic Sea ice, which functions as a natural heat shield and plays a significant role in cooling the planet. Led by an innovative team, this project from the Netherlands combines smart technology, indigenous collaboration, and a deep commitment to
Reykjavik, 18 October 2024 – The EU plays a critical role supporting innovation to drive sustainable economic development in the Arctic. This was the focus of a panel session organised by the EU and the Arctic Economic Council at the 2024 Arctic Circle Assembly.
Today the Commission announced 26 new projects that will receive €126.9 million to contribute to the EU Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’
Documents
2021 Joint communication: A stronger EU engagement for a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous Arctic
2016 Joint communication: An integrated European Union policy for the Arctic
Agreement to prevent unregulated high seas fisheries in the central Arctic Ocean
Council conclusions on the Arctic 2016
Summary of the public consultation on the way forward for the European Union’s Arctic policy