Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council - The European Union and the arctic region
Date: 2008-11-20
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: Arctic, USSR, environmental protection

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COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 20.11.2008 
COM(2008) 763 final 

COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL 

THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE ARCTIC REGION 

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COMMUNICATION FROM THE COMMISSION TO THE EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL 

THE EUROPEAN UNION AND THE ARCTIC REGION 

1. 

INTRODUCTION 

The European Union is inextricably linked to the Arctic region1 (hereafter referred to as the 
Arctic) by a unique combination of history, geography, economy and scientific achievements. 
Three Member States — Denmark (Greenland), Finland and Sweden — have territories in the 
Arctic.  Two  other  Arctic  states  —  Iceland  and  Norway  —  are  members  of  the  European 
Economic  Area2.  Canada,  Russia  and  the  United  States  are  strategic  partners  of  the  EU. 
European  Arctic  areas  are  a  priority  in  the  Northern  Dimension  policy3.  Beyond  areas  of 
national  jurisdiction,  the  Arctic  Ocean  contains  parts  pertaining  to  the  high  seas  and  the 
seabed managed by the International Seabed Authority. 

The vast sea and land spaces of the Arctic region are vital and vulnerable components of the 
Earth’s environment and climate system. Arctic air temperatures have been increasing twice 
as  much  as  the  global  average4. Coverage  of sea ice, snow cover  and permafrost  have  been 
decreasing  rapidly,  triggering  strong  feed-back  mechanisms  that  accelerate  global  warming. 
Accelerated loss from the Greenland ice sheet would raise sea levels rapidly and considerably.  

In  spite  of  harsh  conditions,  melting  of  ice  and  new  technologies  will  gradually  increase 
access to Arctic living and non-living resources as well as to new navigation routes. Although 
the Arctic remains one of the most pristine areas on Earth, it will be increasingly at risk from 
the combined effects of climate change and increased human activity.  

EU  policies  in  areas  such  as  environment,  climate  change,  energy,  research,  transport  and 
fisheries  have  a  direct  bearing  on  the  Arctic.  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.  

In view of the role of climate change as a "threats multiplier", the Commission and the High 
Representative  for  the  Common  Foreign  and  Security  Policy  have  pointed  out  that 
environmental  changes  are  altering  the  geo-strategic  dynamics  of  the  Arctic  with  potential 
consequences  for  international  stability  and  European  security  interests  calling  for  the 
development of an EU Arctic policy5. On the whole, Arctic challenges and opportunities will 
have significant repercussions on the life of European citizens for generations to come. It is 

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The notion “Arctic region” used in this Communication covers the area around the North Pole north of the Arctic 
Circle.  It  includes  the  Arctic  Ocean  and  territories  of  the  eight  Arctic  states:  Canada,  Denmark  (including 
Greenland), Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and the United States. 
Provisions of the EEA Agreement ensure full participation of the EEA EFTA countries in the Internal Market and 
in these respects allow for cooperation in fields such as environment, research, tourism and civil protection, all of 
great importance for the Arctic. 
The  Northern  Dimension  is  a  shared  policy  among  its  four  partners:  the  European  Union,  Iceland,  Norway  and 
Russia, promoting stability, prosperity and sustainable development. 
Arctic Council finding (2005), confirmed by later measurements. 
Climate change and international security, joint policy paper of 14 March 2008 to the European Council. 

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imperative for the European Union to address them in a coordinated and systematic manner, 
in cooperation with Arctic states, territories and other stakeholders. This Communication sets 
out  EU  interests  and  proposes  action  for  EU  Member  States  and  institutions  around  three 
main policy objectives: 

–  Protecting and preserving the Arctic in unison with its population 

–  Promoting sustainable use of resources  

–  Contributing to enhanced Arctic multilateral governance  

2. 

PROTECTING AND PRESERVING THE ARCTIC IN UNISON WITH ITS POPULATION 

2.1. 

Environment and climate change 

Activities  in  EU  Member  States  —  as  most  other  countries  —  leave  an  environmental 
footprint  in  the  Arctic.  Addressing  the  root  causes  of  Arctic  changes  requires  a  global 
response.  Impacts  resulting  from  climate  change  represent  a  challenge  of  paramount 
importance  for  the  region  at  present  and  also  for  the  future.  The  EU  is  a  leader  in  fighting 
climate  change  and  in  promoting  sustainable  development.  EU  Member  States  and  the 
European  Community  are  parties  to  most  multilateral  environmental  agreements  of 
fundamental importance for the Arctic. European industries are in the front line in developing 
technologies  for  safe  and  sustainable  operations  in  harsh  conditions  —  on  land,  in  coastal 
zones and offshore.  

While the Arctic environment is particularly vulnerable, the low population and infrastructure 
density make emergency response management extremely difficult. 

Policy objectives  

The main goal must be to prevent and mitigate the negative impact of climate change as well 
as to support  adaptation to inevitable  changes.  Prevention  and  mitigation  action  should  also 
concern other global and trans-boundary processes with negative impacts in the Arctic, such 
as long-range transport of pollutants. This should be complemented by developing a holistic, 
ecosystem-based management of human activities, ensuring that the latter are administered in 
a  sustainable  way,  integrating  environmental  considerations  at  all  levels.  There  is  a  need  to 
improve emergency response management.  

Proposals for action:  

–  Assess  the  effectiveness  of  EU  policies  and  of  multilateral  environmental  agreements  in 

responding to Arctic environmental challenges. 

–  Strengthen  international  efforts  to  mitigate  climate  change  and  identify  areas  where 
support for adaptation to the effects of climate change needs to be provided, including the 
adaptive management of biodiversity. 

–  Promote  permanent  dialogue  with  NGOs  on  the  state  of  the  environment  in  the  Arctic 

region. 

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–  Coordinate  efforts  with  Arctic  states,  territories  and  other  stakeholders  promoting  high 
environmental  standards.  Enhance  ecosystem-based  marine  management  in  the  Arctic 
Ocean by sharing EU experience with the Arctic states. 

–  Where  strategies  and projects  of the EU affect the Arctic, take account of environmental 
impacts  before  decisions  are  made.  Promote  the  use  of  impact  assessments  of  projects, 
plans and programmes affecting the Arctic environment, including strategic environmental 
assessments, and share experience with the Arctic states.  

–  Support  screening  and  monitoring  of  chemicals  in  the  Arctic.  Step  up  efforts  to  reduce 
pollution  of  the  Arctic  by  persistent  organic  pollutants,  heavy  metals  and  other 
contaminants, 
the 
destruction  of  stocks  of  harmful  chemicals  and  the  reduction  of  the  risk  of  radioactive 
release in the Arctic. 

land-based  sources.  Continue  supporting 

those  from 

including 

–  Pursue cooperation on prevention, preparedness and disaster response. The Commission’s 
Monitoring  and  Information  Centre  can  contribute  to  enhancing  EU  disaster  response 
capacity  in  the  Arctic.  The  Commission  will  support  concluding  an  agreement  on 
emergency prevention and response in the Barents Euro-Arctic Council (BEAC)6. 

–  Strengthen  cooperation  on  improving  primary  energy  savings,  energy  efficiency  and  the 

use of renewable energies in the Arctic. 

–  Contribute  to  assessing  the  impact  on  marine  mammals  of  increased  acoustic  noise 

generated by human activities. 

2.2. 

Support to indigenous peoples and local population 

About a third of the 4 million people living in the Arctic are indigenous. They are particularly 
vulnerable to the increasing pressures of climate change and globalisation. 

Policy objectives  

Arctic  indigenous  peoples  in  the  EU  are  protected  by  special  provisions  under  European 
Community Law7. A key principle of the Joint Statement on EU development policy8 is the 
full  participation  and  free,  informed  consent  of  indigenous  peoples.  EU  regional  policy  and 
cross-border programmes also benefit indigenous peoples, whose organisations participate in 
the  Northern  Dimension.  Rights  of  indigenous  peoples  are  a  thematic  priority  under  the 
European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights. 

Hunting  marine  mammals  has  been  crucial  for  the  subsistence  of  Arctic  populations  since 
prehistoric  times  and  the  right  to  maintain  their  traditional  livelihood  is  clearly  recognised. 
However,  modern  human  activities  have  put  certain  of  these  species  in  danger  and  there  is 
growing  concern  in  the  EU  about  animal  welfare.  EU  policies  should  continue  to  take  all 
factors into account, seeking an open dialogue with the communities concerned.  

Proposals for action: 

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Forum for intergovernmental cooperation in the Barents region. 
Protocol 3 to the Act of Accession of Sweden and Finland. 
Adopted by the Council, the Parliament and the Commission in 2005. 

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–  Engage Arctic indigenous peoples in a regular dialogue.  

–  Provide opportunities for self-driven development and the protection of their lifestyle. 

–  Support in particular the organisations and activities of the Saami and of other peoples of 
the  European  Arctic,  inter  alia  under  regional  and  cross-border  programmes.  Promote 
Northern European know-how in reindeer husbandry.  

–  Continue  efforts  ensuring  effective  protection  of  whales  especially  within  the  framework 
of the International Whaling Commission (IWC), including in the Arctic context. Support 
proposals  for  the  management  of  indigenous  subsistence  whaling,  provided  that 
conservation  is  not  compromised,  whaling  operations  are  properly  regulated  and  catches 
remain within the scope of documented and recognised subsistence needs. 

–  Conduct  dialogues  with  indigenous  and  other  local  communities  traditionally  engaged  in 

the hunting of seals. 

–  The Community is currently considering banning the placing on the market, import, transit 
and  export  of  seal  products.  However,  this  should  not  adversely  affect  the  fundamental 
economic  and  social  interests  of  indigenous  communities  traditionally  engaged  in  the 
hunting  of  seals.  Under  the  terms  of  the  Proposal  for  a  Regulation  of  the  European 
Parliament  and  of  the  Council  concerning  trade  in  seal  products9,  seal  products  resulting 
from  hunts  traditionally  conducted  by  Inuit  communities  which  contribute  to  their 
subsistence are exempted. The proposal also foresees that  trade is allowed in other cases 
where  certain  requirements  are  met  regarding  the  manner  and  method  whereby  seals  are 
killed  and  skinned.  The  Commission’s  dialogue  with  the  indigenous  communities 
concerned will aim to facilitate the practical implementation of these provisions.  

2.3. 

Research, monitoring and assessments 

Policy  responses  should  be  based  on  assessments  using  the  best  available  knowledge  and 
understanding  of  the  processes  affecting  the  Arctic.  The  Arctic  Council10  has  wide  research 
programmes and publishes valuable assessments. 

EU Member States and the European Community are major contributors to Arctic research11. 
The  current  Seventh  Community  Framework  Programme  addresses  new  projects  and  large 
international  undertakings  dealing  with  Arctic-related  research.  The  European  Polar  Board 
seeks  to  harmonise  and  maximise  the  impact  of  European  polar  research.  The  European 
Environment  Agency  has  made  a  series  of  assessments,  building  on  the  work  of  the  Arctic 
Council. 

Nevertheless, long-term monitoring, coordination and data availability remain insufficient for 
Arctic research. 

Policy objectives  

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COM(2008) 469, 23.7.2008. 
The  Arctic  Council  is  an  intergovernmental  forum  promoting  cooperation  among  Arctic  states  involving 
indigenous communities. 
Past Community Framework Programmes (FP5 and FP6) provided support to more than 50 polar-related projects. 
This includes DAMOCLES, the largest contribution to the International Polar Year. Within FP6 the Arctic-related 
budget reached €86 million.  

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The European Community should maintain the Arctic as a priority area for research to close 
knowledge  gaps  and  assess  future  anthropogenic  impacts,  especially  in  the  area  of  climate 
change.  Moreover,  it  should  strengthen  international  cooperation  and  interoperability  and 
contribute to designing concrete steps for prevention, mitigation and adaptation.  

Proposals for action: 

–  Develop  further  research  programmes  dealing  with  sea-level  rise,  loss  of  sea  ice  and 
melting permafrost as well as related feedbacks leading to accelerated warming and having 
other anthropogenic impacts on the Arctic ecosystems.  

–  Assess  the  state  and  evolution  of  the  Arctic  environment  in  order  to  contribute  to  the 

formulation of appropriate EU policies.  

–  Create  new  research  infrastructure  and  enhance  monitoring  and  surveillance  capabilities. 

Contribute to the completion of the Aurora Borealis research icebreaker project.  

–  Coordinate  efforts  in  different  research  areas  relevant  to  the  Arctic  such  as  environment, 

transport, health and energy, as well as develop Arctic technologies. 

–  Ensure continuity in space measurements via GMES  12. Support long-term measurements 
and reporting of marine data through the European Marine Observation and Data Network. 
Contribute  to  establishing  the  Arctic  component  of  Global  Earth  Observing  System  of 
Systems. 

–  Develop  enhanced,  broad  international  information  exchange  on  research  projects  and 
facilitate  coordination  of  national  programmes.  Thus  the  EU  should  contribute  to 
supporting the establishment of the Sustained Arctic Observing Network. 

–  Ensure  open  access  to  information  from  Arctic  monitoring  and  research  based  on  the 
principle of the Shared Environmental Information System. Facilitate and support outreach 
to the broader public. 

3. 

PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE USE OF RESOURCES 

3.1. 

Hydrocarbons 

The Arctic contains large untapped hydrocarbon reserves13. Known Arctic offshore resources 
are  located  inside  the  Exclusive  Economic  Zone  of  Arctic  states.  Arctic  resources  could 
contribute to enhancing the EU’s security of supply concerning energy and raw materials in 
general14.  However,  exploitation  will  be  slow,  since  it  presents  great  challenges  and  entails 
high costs due to harsh conditions and multiple environmental risks.  

Policy objectives 

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GMES (Global Monitoring for Environment and Security) is an EU initiative aiming at delivering sustainable and 
fully reliable information services based on Earth observation capacities. 
Cf. Wood Mackenzie and Fugro Robertson: “Future of the Arctic, A new dawn for exploration“ and assessments 
from  the  U.S.  Geological  Survey.  It  is  important  to  note  that  estimates  are  based  on  surveys;  further  in-depth 
research is needed for more accuracy. 
On 4 November 2008, the Commission adopted a Communication on "The raw materials initiative – meeting our 
critical needs for growth and jobs in Europe" (COM(2008)699. 

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Support  for  the  exploitation  of  Arctic  hydrocarbon  resources  should  be  provided  in  full 
respect of strict environmental standards taking into account the particular vulnerability of the 
Arctic.  The  EU  edge  in  technologies  for  sustainable  exploitation  of  resources  in  polar 
conditions should be maintained.  

Proposals for action: 

–  Work  to  strengthen  the  foundations  for  long-term  cooperation,  particularly  with  Norway 
and  the  Russian  Federation,  facilitating  the  sustainable  and  environmentally  friendly 
exploration, extraction and transportation of Arctic hydrocarbon resources. As elsewhere, 
the guiding principles will be a level playing field and reciprocal market access.  

–  Encourage  the  observance  of  the  highest  possible  environmental  standards.  Press  for  the 
introduction of binding international standards, building inter alia on the guidelines of the 
Arctic Council and relevant international conventions.  

–  Promote  further  research  and  development  in  offshore  technology  and  infrastructures. 
Build on experience accumulated in European industry in offshore oil and gas exploitation. 
Facilitate further research and innovation as emphasis shifts to even harsher climates and 
deeper waters. 

–  Encourage  the  growth  of  maritime  clusters  where  universities  and  research  centres  can 
provide trained staff and research facilities to smaller companies. Much of the innovation 
will be driven by small and medium-sized enterprises in regional clusters. 

–  Assess possibilities of endorsing the guidelines for oil and gas exploitation drafted by the 

Arctic Council. 

3.2. 

Fisheries  

The only significant Arctic fisheries occur at present in the Barents Sea and to the east and 
south of the Norwegian Sea. Nonetheless, climate change might bring increased productivity 
in  some  fish  stocks  and  changes  in  spatial  distributions  of  others.  New  areas  may  become 
attractive for fishing with increased access due to reduced sea ice coverage. For some of the 
Arctic high seas waters there is not yet an international conservation and management regime 
in place. This might lead to unregulated fisheries. 

The EU is among the most important consumers of Arctic fish, of which only a small part is 
caught  by  Community  vessels.  The  European  Community  is  a  member  of  the  North  East 
Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC). It cooperates fully with states with sovereignty or 
jurisdiction  in  Arctic  waters,  seeking  not  only  to  ensure  fishing  opportunities,  but  also  to 
guarantee long-term conservation and optimum utilisation of fishery resources.  

Policy objective 

The EU’s main objective is to ensure exploitation of Arctic fisheries resources at sustainable 
levels whilst respecting the rights of local coastal communities. 

Proposals for action: 

–  Put in place a regulatory framework for the part of the Arctic high seas not yet covered by 
an  international  conservation  and  management  regime  before  new  fishing  opportunities 

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arise. This will prevent fisheries developing  in a regulatory vacuum, and will ensure fair 
and  transparent  management  of  fisheries  in  accordance  with  the  Code  of  Conduct  for 
Responsible  Fishing.  In  principle,  extending  the  mandate  of  existing  management 
organisations such as NEAFC is preferable to creating new ones. Until a conservation and 
management  regime  is  in  place  for  the  areas  not  yet  covered  by  such  a  regime,  no  new 
fisheries should commence. 

3.3. 

Transport 

EU Member States have the world’s largest merchant fleet and many of those ships use trans-
oceanic routes. The melting of sea ice is progressively opening opportunities to navigate on 
routes  through  Arctic  waters.  This  could  considerably  shorten  trips  from  Europe  to  the 
Pacific,  save  energy,  reduce  emissions,  promote  trade  and  diminish  pressure  on  the  main 
trans-continental  navigation  channels.  But  serious  obstacles  remain,  including  drift  ice,  lack 
of infrastructure, environmental risks and uncertainties about future trade patterns. Hence the 
development of Arctic commercial navigation will require time and effort.  

Policy objectives 

It is in the EU's interest to explore and improve conditions for  gradually introducing Arctic 
commercial navigation, while promoting stricter safety and  environmental standards as well 
as avoiding detrimental effects. 

By  the  same  token,  Member  States  and  the  Community  should  defend  the  principle  of 
freedom of navigation and the right of innocent passage in the newly opened routes and areas.  

Proposals for action: 

–  Promote  the  full  implementation  of  existing  obligations  concerning  navigation  rules, 
maritime  safety,  routes  system  and  environmental  standards  in  the  Arctic,  in  particular 
those under the International Maritime Organisation (IMO). 

–  Stress the need to avoid discriminatory practices (in particular in terms of fees, obligatory 
services, regulations) by any of the Arctic coastal states towards third countries’ merchant 
ships.  

–  Improve maritime surveillance capabilities in the far North. The Commission together with 
the European Space Agency is exploring a polar-orbiting satellite system that can pick up 
signals  from  anywhere  on  the  globe.  If  successful,  this  would  allow  better  knowledge  of 
ship traffic and faster reactions to emergencies. The Galileo satellite navigation system will 
also  play  an  important  role  in  the  Arctic  for  better  and  safer  navigation,  maritime 
surveillance and emergency response.  

–  Within the applicable rules of competition law, maintain the competitive lead of European 
shipyards  in  developing  technology  required  for  Arctic  conditions15.  The  potential  to 
provide  specially-designed,  environment-friendly  ships,  including  ice-breakers,  is  an 
important asset for the future. 

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In shipbuilding, ship repair and conversion, marine equipment and design, such as the unique Double Acting Ship 
with the bow optimised for open water conditions and the stern designed for icebreaking. Dredging of Arctic ports 
is another field. 

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–  Explore support for designating some Arctic navigation routes as particularly sensitive sea 

areas under IMO rules, if proposed by any of the Arctic coastal states.  

–  Support any further work to enhance IMO environmental and safety standards applicable 

to Arctic waters.  

In  the  field  of  land  and  air  transport  in  European  Arctic  areas  the  main  aim  should  be  the 
development  of  East-West  land  and  air  transport  infrastructures.  The  establishment  of  a 
Northern  Dimension  Partnership  on  Transport  and  Logistics  will  further  support  better  land 
connections  between  the  EU  and  North-West  Russia,  which  are  important  for  the  future 
development of the area. 

3.4. 

Tourism  

Arctic  tourism,  especially  cruise  ship  tourism,  is  developing  rapidly,  but  several  accidents 
have demonstrated associated risks. 

Policy objectives 

The EU should continue to support sustainable Arctic tourism, welcoming the efforts made to 
minimise  its  environmental  footprint.  Protection  of  the  environment  and  benefits  to  local 
coastal communities should be primary considerations. 

Proposals for action: 

–  Support increasing the safety of cruise ships, better guiding, restriction of access to highly 

vulnerable areas. 

–  Encourage environmentally friendly tourism, involving local communities.  

4. 

CONTRIBUTING TO ENHANCED ARCTIC MULTILATERAL GOVERNANCE 

There  is  no  specific  treaty  regime  for  the  Arctic.  No  country  or  group  of  countries  have 
sovereignty  over  the  North  Pole  or  the  Arctic  Ocean  around  it.  There  are  several  maritime 
borders  where  Arctic  coastal  states  have  not  agreed  upon  the  delimitation  of  Exclusive 
Economic  Zones16.  Submissions  to  the  UN  Commission  on  the  Limits  of  the  Continental 
Shelf may result in overlapping claims17. Moreover, there are different interpretations of the 
conditions for passage of ships in some Arctic waters, especially in the Northwest Passage18.  

An extensive international legal framework is already in place that also applies to the Arctic. 
The provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)19 provide the basis 
for the settlement of disputes including delimitation. UNCLOS also contains rules for the use 

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Five  bilateral  delimitations  have  been  negotiated.  Unresolved  are:  Russia  vs  Norway  in  the  Barents  Sea,  US  vs 
Russia in the Bering Strait and US vs Canada in the Beaufort Sea. Canada and Denmark have a dispute over Hans 
Island. In addition, Norway and several countries, including EU Member States, interpret the applicability of the 
Svalbard Treaty in the 200 nm area around this archipelago differently. 
In 2001 Russia submitted a claim for a large portion of the Arctic, including the North Pole. Norway also submitted 
a claim; Denmark and Canada intend to establish claims. 
The dispute involves both the delimitation of Canada’s internal waters where they can fully regulate trespassing, 
and the right of Canada to adopt and enforce laws to prevent pollution from vessels in ice-covered waters. 
All Arctic states (except for the US), all EU Member States and the Community are parties to UNCLOS. 

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of living and non-living resources and the protection of the environment. Moreover, there is a 
long  range  of  multilateral  environmental  agreements  applying  to  the  Arctic,  frequently 
without comprising specific references to it.  

In May 2008 five Arctic Ocean coastal states adopted a Declaration20 stating that they remain 
committed to the legal framework in place and to the orderly settlement of any overlapping 
claims. Since then, several of them have announced steps extending or affirming their national 
jurisdiction and strengthening their Arctic presence.  

The  Arctic  Council  has  been  successful  in  preparing  assessments,  developing  a  regional 
identity  and  setting  the  Arctic  agenda.  Along  with  the  BEAC  and  the  Nordic  Council  of 
Ministers21, it is a participant in the Northern Dimension.  

The European Parliament has recently highlighted the importance of Arctic governance and 
called for a standalone EU Arctic policy urging the Commission to take a proactive role in the 
Arctic22. The parliamentary dimension of Arctic cooperation is crucial to raise awareness and 
to strengthen policy input. The European Parliament has been playing a valuable role in this 
respect.  

The  European  Investment  Bank  can  support  investments  in  parts  of  the  Arctic  region,  in 
accordance with its mandates, especially in the sectors of environment, transport, energy and 
research infrastructures. 

The  main  problems  relating  to  Arctic  governance  include  the  fragmentation  of  the  legal 
framework, the lack of effective instruments, the absence of an overall policy-setting process 
and gaps in participation, implementation and geographic scope.  

Policy objectives 

–  The EU should work to uphold the further development of a cooperative Arctic governance 

system based on the UNCLOS which would ensure: 

•  security and stability 

•  strict environmental management, including respect of the precautionary principle 

•  sustainable use of resources as well as open and equitable access 

–  The  full  implementation  of  already  existing  obligations,  rather  than  proposing  new  legal 
instruments  should  be  advocated.  This  however  should  not  preclude  work  on  further 
developing  some  of  the  frameworks,  adapting  them  to  new  conditions  or  Arctic 
specificities.  

–  The  EU  should  promote  broad  dialogue  and  negotiated  solutions  and  not  support 
arrangements  which  exclude  any  of  the  Arctic  EU  Member  States  or  Arctic  EEA  EFTA 
countries. 

–  Arctic considerations should be integrated into wider EU policies and negotiations. 

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The Ilulissat Declaration of the Arctic Ocean Conference of 28 May 2008. 
The Nordic Council of Ministers does valuable work promoting Arctic cooperation. 
Resolution of 9 October 2008 on Arctic governance. 

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Proposals for action: 

–  Assess  the  effectiveness  of  Arctic-relevant  multilateral  agreements  to  determine  whether 
additional  initiatives  or  measures  are  needed.  Closely  follow  the  processes  of  maritime 
delimitation and of the establishment of the outer limits of the continental shelves to assess 
their impacts on EU interests.  

–  Explore  the  possibility  of  establishing  new,  multi-sector  frameworks  for  integrated 
ecosystem  management.  This  could  include  the  establishment  of  a  network  of  marine 
protected areas, navigational  measures and rules  for ensuring the sustainable  exploitation 
of minerals.  

–  Enhance  input  to  the  Arctic  Council  in  accordance  with  the  Community’s  role  and 
potential. As a first step, the Commission will apply for permanent observer status in the 
Arctic Council. 

–  Suggest that Northern Dimension partners hold regular discussions about Arctic issues and 
examine  possibilities  for  projects  under 
the  Northern  Dimension  Environmental 
Partnership  to  cover  wider  areas  in  the  European  Arctic.  Efforts  in  the  area  of  energy 
efficiency  and  under  new  Northern  Dimension  partnerships  will  have  great  relevance  for 
Arctic cooperation. 

–  Launch a reflection on possibilities for further development of Arctic-related cross-border 

cooperation and regional programmes to enhance cooperation with the Arctic states.  

–  Explore  all  possibilities  at  international  level  to  promote  measures  for  protecting  marine 
biodiversity  in  areas  beyond  national  jurisdiction,  including  through  the  pursuit  of  an 
UNCLOS Implementing Agreement.  

–  Work towards the successful conclusion of international negotiations on marine protected 

areas on the high seas. 

–  Discuss with Norway and Iceland how the Marine Strategy Framework Directive will be 

integrated into the EEA Agreement and thus apply to a part of the Arctic Ocean.  

–  Include Arctic matters in future high-level dialogue meetings on maritime affairs.  

–  Provide an overview of all the EU’s relevant Arctic-related activities on the thematic web-

site on Maritime Affairs, and promote dialogue with stakeholders on these activities. 

–  Explore  —  together  with  the  Nordic  countries  —  possibilities  for  creating  a  European 

Arctic Information Centre.  

–  Establish closer links with Arctic education networks. 

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Greenland 

Being  part  of  Denmark,  Greenland  is  one  of  the  Overseas  Countries  Territories  (OCTs) 
associated  to  the  Community.  Significant  Community  financial  assistance  is  provided  to 
Greenland through Annual Action Programmes23.  

Proposal for action: 

–  Enhance  Arctic-related  cooperation  with  Greenland.  Additional  efforts  should  be 
envisaged to make the EU an even more important partner for Greenland in managing its 
fragile environment and the challenges confronting its population24. 

5. 

CONCLUSION 

The suggestions contained in this Communication aim to provide the basis for a more detailed 
reflection.  This  will  be  useful  for  implementing  the  EU’s  strategic  initiatives,  including  the 
Integrated Maritime Policy. The present Communication should also lead to a structured and 
coordinated approach to Arctic matters, as the first layer of an Arctic policy for the European 
Union. This will open new cooperation perspectives with the Arctic states, helping all of us to 
increase stability and to establish the right balance between the priority goal of preserving the 
Arctic environment and the need for sustainable use of resources.  

23 

24 

In  the  period  2007-2013,  financial  assistance  of  up  to  €25  million  per  year  is  allocated  to  Annual  Action 
Programmes  in  support  of  the  education  and  vocational  training  sector.  Additionally,  €15.8  million  per  year  is 
devoted to fisheries. 
Having regard to the Commission Green Paper on Future relations between EU and OCTs - COM(2008) 383. 

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