The EU emphasises its commitment to facilitate Arctic stakeholder engagement in the European Arctic region

The European Union’s long standing commitment to enhance sustainable international cooperation in the Arctic.

Today, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden Ann Linde, and European Commissioner Karmenu Vella released the following statement on the EU Arctic Forum held in Umeå (Sweden):

In view of the challenges facing the Arctic due to global warming, the EU is strongly committed to helping the region adapt to climate change, protecting the environment and developing its economy in a sustainable way. We are delivering on this commitment in three practical ways: by investing in research and development, by protecting local ecosystems and biodiversity, and where appropriate, by building better infrastructure to connect the region to the mainland, including broadband connection.

The EU recognises the need to work closely with national, regional and local authorities in the European Arctic in this regard. .

With three EU Member States and two European Economic Area members being Arctic states, the EU has a strategic role and interest in the Arctic remaining a “low-tension–high cooperation” area. The EU promotes sustainable economic development in the Arctic region, based on the best available science and taking into account the impact on fragile ecosystems as well as the living conditions of local populations, in particular the indigenous peoples.

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