JOINT COMMUNICATION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL Developing a European Union Policy towards the Arctic Region: progress since 2008 and next steps
Date: 2012-06-26
Institutions: European Commission, High Representative of the Union
Subjects: Arctic, European Region, climate change, economic development, management of resources, maritime transport, protection of minorities, regional cooperation, transport safety

EUROPEAN COMMISSION 

HIGH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
EUROPEAN UNION FOR 
FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND 
SECURITY POLICY

Brussels, 26.6.2012  
JOIN(2012) 19 final 

JOINT COMMUNICATION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE 
COUNCIL 

Developing a European Union Policy towards the Arctic Region: progress since 2008 
and next steps 

{SWD(2012) 182 final} 
{SWD(2012) 183 final} 

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JOINT COMMUNICATION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE 
COUNCIL 

Developing a European Union Policy towards the Arctic Region: progress since 2008 
and next steps 

Executive Summary 

As climate change and economic development accelerate in the Arctic region, the European 
Union should step up its engagement with its Arctic partners to jointly meet the challenge of 
safeguarding  the  environment  while  ensuring  the  sustainable  development  of  the  Arctic 
region.  Nowhere  is  climate  change  more  visible  than  in  the  Arctic,  which  is  a  vital  and 
vulnerable  component  of  the  Earth's  environment  and  climate  system.  The  melting  of  the 
Arctic  sea  ice  is  progressing  rapidly,  resulting  in  self-accelerating  global  warming1,  and 
affecting ecosystems as well as the traditional livelihoods of indigenous peoples.  

This joint Communication of the Commission and the High Representative sets out the case 
for  increased  EU  engagement  in  Arctic  issues.  It  follows  an  application  by  the  European 
Commission  on  behalf  of  the  EU  for  permanent  observer  status  on  the  Arctic  Council  co-
signed  by  Vice  President  Ashton  and  Commissioner  Damanaki  as  well  as  a  visit  by  High 
Representative  /  Vice  President  Ashton  to  the  Arctic  (Rovaniemi,  Kiruna  and  Svalbard)  in 
March  2012.  Since  2008,  when  the  Commission  adopted  its  first  Communication  on  the 
Arctic,  the  EU  has  established  itself  as  a  key  supporter  of  the  Arctic  region.  It  has  raised 
awareness  of  the  impact  it  is  having  on  the  Arctic  environment  and  of  the  potential  for 
sustainable  development  in  the  Arctic  region  for  the  benefit  of  both  the  local  Arctic 
population and the EU. 

Indeed,  the  rapidity  of  change  in  the  Arctic  provides  a  strong  rationale  for  the  EU's 
commitment to environmental protection and the fight against climate change. It also calls for 
increased EU investment in climate change research in the Arctic, as a basis for further global 
and regional action. 

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2005-2010 has been the warmest period ever recorded in the Arctic. 

The Arctic Ocean is projected to become nearly ice-free summer within the next 30 
to 40 years. 

Arctic  glaciers,  ice  caps  and  the  Greenland  Ice  Sheet  contributed  over  40%  of  the 
global sea level rise observed between 2003 and 2008. 

(Source: Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme, 2011 assessment of the impacts of climate change on 
Snow, Water, Ice and Permafrost in the Arctic (SWIPA)) 

The changing Arctic landscape is now opening up to new transport lanes and the exploitation 
of both natural and mineral resources. While this will be of benefit for the regional and global 
economy, it will also have repercussions on the Arctic's fragile environment if not managed 

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The  ice  melting  enhances  the  dramatic  effects  of  climate  change  in  the  Arctic  and  in  particular  the 
acceleration of global temperature increase through lower albedo. 

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with the utmost care. New technology and an extensive knowledge base will be required to 
ensure  economic  opportunities  do  not  come  at  the  expense  of  the  highest  environmental 
standards and the preservation of the unique Arctic environment. 

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According  to  the  US  Geological  Survey  (2009),  the  Arctic  holds  13%  of 
undiscovered oil and 30% of undiscovered gas supplies. 

Extending from Europe to Asia, the Northern Sea Route could shorten the time taken 
by  cargo  vessels  to  travel  between  the  Pacific  and  the  Atlantic  by  about  one  third. 
For  instance,  the  Yokohama-London  route  via  the  Suez  Canal  is  11,447  nautical 
miles and would be around 7,474 nautical miles via the Northern Sea Route. 

88% of the EU’s total output of iron ore is produced in the Barents Region. 

There  are  approximately  4  million  people  living  in  the  Arctic.  Indigenous  peoples 
make up about 10% of the total Arctic population. 

The  Arctic  is  an  area  of  growing  strategic  importance.  It  is  an  example  of  successful 
international  co-operation  contributing  to  peace  and  security  in  the  region.  The  recent 
conclusion  of  the  Treaty  between  the  Kingdom  of  Norway  and  the  Russian  Federation 
concerning Maritime Delimitation and Cooperation in the Barents Sea and the Arctic Ocean is 
a positive example of such cooperation. Arctic states co-operate on the basis of the existing 
international  legal  order,  notably  the  UN  Convention  on  the  Law  of  the  Seas.  The  Arctic 
Council  is  emerging  as  the  leading  regional  body,  in  which  all  Arctic  states,  as  well  as 
indigenous peoples, are represented.  

The European Union has an important role to play in supporting this successful co-operation 
and in helping to meet the challenges that now confront the region. The European Union is the 
world’s  strongest  proponent  of  greater  international  efforts  to  fight  climate  change,  through 
the  development  of  alternative  energy  sources,  resource  efficiency  and  climate  change 
research.  It  has  three  (and  with  Iceland  potentially  four)  Arctic  Council  states  amongst  its 
members.  The  European  Union  is  also  a  major  destination  of  resources  and  goods  from  the 
Arctic  region.  Many  of  its  policies  and  regulations  therefore  have  implications  for  Arctic 
stakeholders. The European Union wants to engage more with Arctic partners to increase its 
awareness of their concerns and to address common challenges in a collaborative manner. 

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Elements of the EU’s Arctic contribution : 

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Fighting  climate  change:  The  EU  is  on  track  to  meet  its  Kyoto  target,  has 
incorporated  its  20%  greenhouse  gas  reduction  commitment  into  law  and  is 
committed to the long-term target of 80-95% reduction of its emissions by 2050. 

Research on the Arctic environment: The Commission has carried out a pioneering 
assessment of the EU’s current and future Arctic footprint which shows that the EU 
has  a  significant  impact  on  the  socio-economic  and  environmental  aspects  of  the 
Arctic region. 

Investing  in  sustainable  development  in  the  North:  The  EU  is  providing  over 
€1.14  billion  to  develop  the  economic,  social  and  environmental  potential  of  the 
Arctic regions of the EU and neighbouring areas for 2007-2013. 

Reducing future uncertainties and monitoring changes in the Arctic region: The 
EU, through the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), has contributed around €200 
million of EU funds to international research activities in the Arctic. 

Shipping and maritime safety: As almost 90% of EU external trade is carried out at 
sea, the EU has significant experience in shipping, ship-building, satellite navigation, 
search and rescue as well as port infrastructure development. 

This Communication reviews the EU's contribution to the Arctic since 2008, and sets a path 
for  future  engagement  with  Arctic  partners.  Taking  a  comprehensive  approach  to  Arctic 
issues,  this  new  Joint  Communication  underlines  the  need  for  a  coherent,  targeted  EU 
approach  towards  the  Arctic,  building  on  the  EU’s  strengths,  promoting  responsible 
development  while  engaging  more  extensively  in  dialogue  and  cooperation  with  all  Arctic 
stakeholders. 

The Commission and High Representative are proposing to further develop the EU’s policy 
towards the Arctic. The EU will 

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Support research and channel knowledge to address the challenges of environmental 
and climate changes in the Arctic; 

Act  with  responsibility  to  contribute  to  ensuring  economic  development  in  the 
Arctic is based on sustainable use of resources and environmental expertise; 

Intensify  its  constructive  engagement  and  dialogue  with  Arctic  States,  indigenous 
peoples and other partners. 

In  the  first  part  of  this  Joint  Communication,  the  Commission  and  High  Representative 
propose a set of building blocks for the EU's constructive engagement in the Arctic to tackle 
the  challenge  of  sustainable  development  and  to  promote  the  effective  stewardship  of  the 
ecosystem. 

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The second part of the Communication responds to the Council’s request for follow-up to its 
Conclusions on Arctic issues2 and the European Parliament's Resolution on a sustainable EU 
policy  for  the  High  North3.  It  highlights  the  increasing  range  of  activities  the  EU  is 
undertaking in the region and reviews the issues outlined in the Commission Communication 
on  "The  EU  and  the  Arctic  Region",  published  in  November  20084.  Further  detailed 
information  on  the  progress  made  in  the  policy  areas  mentioned  in  this  Communication  is 
included in two accompanying documents: 

1.  Staff  Working  Document  'Inventory  of  activities  in  the  framework  of  developing  a 
European Union Arctic Policy'; 

2. Staff Working Document 'Space and the Arctic'. 

The  Commission  and  High  Representative  will  moreover  engage  in  a  broad  dialogue  and 
consultation  process  with  Arctic  states,  indigenous  peoples  and  other  relevant  stakeholders. 
This  will  assist  the  EU  in  further  refining  its  policy  stance  and  ensure  that  the  EU's  future 
contribution  to  the  Arctic  has  the  support  of  regional  stakeholders  and  is  supportive  of  the 
common actions of Arctic states. 

The Commission and High Representative look forward to discussions with the Council and 
European Parliament on this Communication. 

Part 1 Meeting the challenge: the Way Forward 

In 2008, the Commission set out three main policy objectives: 

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protecting and preserving the Arctic in unison with its population; 

promoting the sustainable use of resources; 

international cooperation. 

EU  action  since  2008  has  led  to  tangible  results5  in  the  fields  of  environmental  protection, 
research,  and  economic  development,  and  the  particular  emphasis  on  the  protection  of  the 
Arctic environment remains the cornerstone of the EU’s policy towards the Arctic. However, 
given the evident speed of change in the Arctic, the time is now ripe to refine the EU's policy 
stance towards the region, take a broader approach, and link it with the Europe 2020 Agenda 
for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth while continuing to support every effort to ensure 
the effective stewardship of the fragile Arctic environment. In addition, the EU's contribution 
on Arctic issues should be supportive of the efforts  of  Arctic states  and  take  account  of the 
needs of indigenous and local communities. 

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Council Conclusions on Arctic Issues, 2985th Foreign Affairs Council Meeting, Brussels, 8 December 
2009. 

P7_TA(2011)0024 of 20 January 2011 

COM(2008) 763 of 20 November 2008. 

An overview of key activities and results are set out in the second part of this Communication as well as 
the  Staff  Working  Paper  "Inventory  of  Activities  in  the  framework  of  developing  a  European  Union 
Arctic Policy".  

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This  document  therefore  briefly  sets  out  a  way  forward  that  can  be  summarised  in  three 
words: knowledge, responsibility and engagement. 

1. 

KNOWLEDGE 

Faced with potential global temperature rises, robust scientific understanding is needed of the 
scale and speed of climate change in the Arctic and how this is affecting the rest of the world. 
Sustainable development in the Arctic will rely heavily on continuous measurement of how 
increasing human activity is affecting the region's fragile environment. The EU will therefore 
target  its  actions  on  knowledge:  to  further  our  understanding  of  the  Arctic  by  investing  in 
Arctic  research,  developing  Arctic  monitoring  from  space,  supporting  information  and 
observation networks, while building know-how and technical expertise. 

1.1 

Developing environmental expertise and dialogue and enhancing the protection 
of the Arctic environment 

The  EU  is  committed  to  protecting  the  global  environment  and  will  support  every  effort  to 
ensure the effective stewardship of the fragile Arctic environment. 

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The  EU  will  work  with  others  to  combat  global  climate  change,  to  safeguard  the 
Arctic environment, and to improve scientific knowledge to meet these challenges. 

For instance, in April 2012 the European Commission joined the Climate and Clean 
Air  Coalition  to  Reduce  Short-Lived  Climate  Pollutants.  This  initiative  should 
complement the necessary UN efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions. 

The EU is committed to establishing a legally binding global instrument to cover the 
life-cycle  of  mercury  use  under  the  auspices  of  the  United  Nations  Environment 
Programme (UNEP), which is of particular importance to the Arctic region. 

1.2 

Meeting tomorrow's challenges through research 

Under  the  Europe  2020  flagship  initiative  "Innovation  Union"6  and  Horizon  20207,  the 
proposed investment programme for research and innovation for 2014-2020, the Commission 
is  refocusing  the  EU's  research  and  innovation  policy  on  the  challenges  facing  our  society. 
These include climate change, energy and resource scarcity, health and demographic change, 
as well as water and food security. Policy-relevant results will be sought in order to inform 
economic  and  political  decision-making.  The  proposed  funding  for  Horizon  2020  (€80 
billion) represents a significant increase on previous EU research programmes, and will allow 
the  EU  to  make  an  even  more  significant  contribution  to  Arctic  research.  The  Commission 
will also:  

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continue its outreach to other parts of the world, including Arctic Council members, 
in pursuit of international solutions to societal challenges that transcend Europe; 

COM(2010) 546 of 6 October 2010 
COM(2011) 808 and accompanying proposals COM(2011) 809, COM(2011) 810, COM(2011) 811 and 
COM(2011) 812 of 30 October 2011 

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step  up  cooperation  with  Arctic  partners  on  the  roll-out  of  research  infrastructures 
which need to be developed on an international scale. 

The  EU  will  therefore  seek  broad  cooperation  with  states  that  are  active  in  the  field  of 
multidisciplinary  Arctic  research  and  in  establishing  research  infrastructures.  The  alignment 
of  Arctic  research  programmes  will  be  an  important  contibution  to  knowledge  and  will 
increase the efficiency of research programmes while maximising their impact. 

Due  consideration  will  be  given  to  the  social  and  economic  dimensions  of  the  challenges, 
such as climate and environmental change and its impact on local populations and economic 
activity. 

1.3 

Harnessing information 

Bringing  together  existing  information  sources  is  the  best  way  of  making  sure  that 
policymakers  are  well  informed  and  that  the  development  of  the  Arctic  can  proceed  in  a 
manner that is responsible and brings benefits to Arctic states and local communities: 

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Building further on its landmark ‘EU Arctic Footprint and Policy Assessment’8, the 
Commission  will  further  promote  the  sharing  of  information  with  Arctic  states  and 
other interested parties to support policymaking. This would also include information 
from  operational  monitoring  and  observation,  remote  sensing,  research  as  well  as 
community-based monitoring and traditional knowledge. 

The  Commission  will  implement  a  preparatory  action,  approved  by  the  Budgetary 
Authority  with  a  budget  of  €1  million,  for  a  st rategic  assessment  of  the  impact  of 
development in the Arctic. The project will also follow up the suggestion in the 2008 
Communication  to  explore  possibilities  for  creating  a  European  Arctic  Information 
Centre and, for this purpose, will test the feasibility of an Arctic information platform 
based  on  a  network  of  leading  Arctic  research  centres  and  universities  within  and 
outside the EU.  

The EU will work with Arctic states on enhancing monitoring and surveillance capabilities, 
including the use of satellites. 

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in 

Earth-orbiting  satellites  are  essential  tools  for  communication,  navigation  and 
observation 
the  Arctic.  EU  satellite  programmes  are  already  providing 
considerable support to those living and working in the region. This will be enhanced 
with  the  planned  deployment  of  Galileo  and  the  new  Sentinel  satellites  under  the 
Global Monitoring for Environment and Security (GMES) Programme. The Sentinel 
satellites will enable the thickness and extent of sea ice to be monitored. In addition, 
they  could  contribute  to  the  implementation  of  the  recent  agreement  between  the 
Member States of the Arctic Council on Search and Rescue.  

The EU is developing, in cooperation with Member States, a platform to pool data on 
the state of the seas in and around Europe and high-resolution sea-bed mapping, by 
2020. The sea-bed maps could provide assistance in establishing safe transport routes 
in Arctic waters. 

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http://arctic-footprint.eu 

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The EU will support the Shared Environmental Information System initiative (SEIS), 
and put in place a network providing online access to environmental data, as well as 
the  recent  establishment  of  the  Sustained  Arctic  Observing  Network  (SAON), 
designed 
international  engagement  on  coordinated  pan-Arctic 
observing and data sharing systems that serve societal needs, particularly related to 
environmental, social, health, economic and cultural issues. 

to  strengthen 

2. 

RESPONSIBILITY 

The EU has strong links with the Arctic: not only from historical, economic and geographical 
perspectives, but also as an importer of natural resources and through its wider concern and 
responsibility  of  the  global  environment.  The  Arctic  offers  both  challenges  as  well  as 
opportunities that will significantly affect the life of European citizens in future generations. 
With  these  challenges  and  opportunities  come  responsibilities.  The  EU  believes  it  should 
contribute  responsibly  to  the  Arctic,  through  its  funding  programmes  as  well  as  promoting 
safe and sustainable management and use of resources in the region.  

2.1 

EU funding for sustainable development 

Over  recent  years  EU  regional  funding  and  other  cooperation  programmes  and  agreements 
have invested substantially in the development of the Arctic region. The geographic scope of 
some programmes covers not only EU Member States, but also includes Greenland, Iceland, 
Norway and the Russian Federation.  

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By  reinforcing  and  interlinking  the  various  funding  initiatives  at  its  disposal 
(European  Regional  Development  Fund  (ERDF),  European  Social  Fund,  Cohesion 
Fund, European Agricultural  Fund  for Rural Development, European Maritime and 
Fisheries Fund and the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance) the EU can have a 
positive impact on the development of the Arctic for the benefit of local communities 
and  indigenous  peoples.  In  the  spirit  of  the  Europe  2020  strategy,  the  Commission 
would  be  willing  to  discuss  with  relevant  Member  States  on  how  the  funding 
opportunities  under 
the  2014-2020  multi-annual  financial  framework  could 
contribute  to  this  objective.  It  will  be  important  to  ensure  that  the  programmes 
financed  by  the  EU  are  effective,  accessible,  and  meet  the  development  needs  of 
local populations. 

As its largest contributor the EU is committed to the Support Fund of the Northern 
Dimension Environmental Partnership (NDEP), which provides grants to projects in 
the  Barents  region  of  the  Arctic  for  environmental  and  nuclear  clean-up  activities. 
Work  is  continuing  on  the  Archangelsk  Municipal  Water  and  Wastewater  Services 
project with an €8.2 million grant. The projec t will reduce direct discharges of waste 
water and improve energy efficiency. 

The  geographic  scope  and  priorities  of  future  external  action,  regional  and  cross-
border  cooperation  programmes  (e.g.  Northern  Periphery)  could  be  broadened  to 
allow  more  circumpolar  cooperation  and  ensure  that  the  EU's  contribution  to 
development across the Arctic region is maximised. 

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2.2 

Promoting the sustainable management and use of resources 

The  Arctic  states  and  the  EU  have  a  shared  interest  in  ensuring  that  the  Arctic's  natural 
resources both on land, at sea, and at or below the sea-bed are utilised in a sustainable manner 
that does not compromise the Arctic environment and benefits local communities.  

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In view of increasing mining and oil extraction activities in the Arctic region, the EU 
will  work  with  Arctic  partners  and  the  private  sector  to  develop  environmentally 
friendly,  low-risk  technologies  that  could  be  used  by  extractive  industries.  For 
example, Nordic-based mining companies as well as universities and researchers are 
crucial  partners  in  related  FP7  projects  such  as  ProMine9  and  I²Mine10.  A  proposal 
for  a  Regulation  on  the  safety  of  offshore  oil  and  gas  prospection,  exploration  and 
production activities11 was presented by the Commission on 27 October 2011. 

The Commission proposal for a strengthened partnership between EU and Greenland 
also provides for the possibility to cooperate regarding the protection of Greenland's 
environment,  while  ensuring  the  development  and  diversification  of  its  economy. 
The partnership would  also  allow  for  an enhanced  dialogue on natural resources in 
order  to  share  know-how  and  experience.  In  the  framework  of  the  EU-Greenland 
partnership,  a  letter  of  intent  on  co-operation  in  the  area  of  mineral  resources  was 
signed on 13 June. 

Arctic  shipping  should  also  be  developed  sustainably.  While  there  is  no  immediate 
prospect of year-round shipping in Arctic waters, the EU is prepared to assist in the 
development of sustainable shipping, for example in the Northern Sea Route. Safety 
and environmental impacts are major concerns in this regard. The Commission and 
EU  Member  States  are  following  developments  in  Arctic  sea  transport  closely, 
including the traffic and frequency of merchant ships and cruise passenger vessels on 
the Northern Sea Route, the North-West Passage or Arctic waters in general, as well 
as  any  practices  or  requirements  of  coastal  states  with  effects  on  international 
navigation.  The  EU,  through  the  Commission  and  Member  States,  supports  the 
development of a mandatory "Polar Code" by the IMO. The Galileo satellite system 
for  global  navigation  and  positioning,  when  operational  from  2014,  should  in 
conjunction  with  similar  systems  also  support  increased  safety  and  Search  and 
Rescue (SAR) capability in the Arctic.  

As  shipping  accidents  could  cause  significant  damage  to  the  environment,  the 
Commission,  with  the  assistance  of  the  European  Maritime  Safety  Agency,  is 
therefore  supporting  the  work  of  the  Arctic  Council  on  emergency  preparedness, 
prevention and response measures as well as following up on the recommendations 
on maritime safety from the 2009 Arctic Marine Shipping Assessment. 

As a major consumer, importer and technology provider of energy and raw materials, 
the EU has an interest in the resource policy developments in the Arctic states. The 
EU  will  look  to  build  stable  and  long-term  partnerships  with  suppliers  such  as 
Canada,  Norway,  the  Russian  Federation,  the  US  and  other  relevant  partners.  As  a 

http://promine.gtk.fi/ 
http://www.i2mine.eu/ 
COM(2011) 688 of 27 October 2011 

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priority, within the scope of the external pillar of the Raw Materials Strategy12, the 
EU will actively pursue a raw materials diplomacy with relevant Arctic states with a 
view to securing access to raw materials notably  through strategic partnerships and 
policy  dialogues.  Moreover,  sustainable  management  of  resources  would  provide  a 
significant contribution to the social and economic development of, for example, the 
Barents Region.  

One third of fish caught in the Arctic are sold on the European market. Studies show 
that this figure could increase as fish stocks may move north as a result of warming 
seas. The EU is keen to ensure good cooperation with Arctic states in the sustainable 
management  of  marine  biological  resources.  The  EU  supports  the  exploitation  of 
Arctic  fisheries  resources  at  sustainable  levels  based  on  sound  scientific  advice, 
while  respecting  the  rights  of  local  coastal  communities.  In  doing  so,  the  EU 
continues to advocate a precautionary approach whereby, prior to the exploitation of 
any  new  fishing  opportunities,  a  regulatory  framework  for  the  conservation  and 
management  of  fish  stocks  should  be  established  for  those  parts  of  the  Arctic  high 
seas  not  yet  covered  by  an  international  conservation  and  management  system. 
Indeed, the need for joint management of high seas fish stocks has been raised by the 
Commission  at  meetings  of  the  North  Atlantic  Fisheries  Ministers  Conference. 
Regional  Fisheries  Management  Organisations  (RFMOs)  could  in  principle  extend 
their geographical scope for this purpose. 

As regards the issue of sealing, the Commission will report before the end of 2012 on 
the  implementation  of  Regulation  1007/2009  in  EU  Member  States,  including  the 
application  of  the  exemption  allowing  for  trade  in  seal  products  from  hunts 
conducted  by  Inuit  and  other  indigenous  communities  that  contribute  to  their 
subsistence. The EU will respect the outcome of on-going procedures regarding this 
Regulation in the WTO and before the Court of Justice of the EU.  

The EU will explore further potential for innovative economic activities, such as the 
further  development  of  the  sustainable  tourism,  including  eco-tourism,  and 
renewable  energy  sectors.  Indeed,  Arctic  tourism,  in  particular  involving  cruise 
ships,  is  increasing.  The  Commission  supports  and  participates  in  the  reviews  and 
discussions taking place in the IMO, the Arctic Council and elsewhere on increasing 
cruise  passenger  ship  safety  the  Arctic,  especially  in  areas  with  limited  search  and 
rescue capability. EU regional as well as cross-border and transnational programmes 
for  covering  the  Arctic  regions  of  the  EU  support  several  projects  developing  new 
approaches to tourism in the Arctic13, such as the project Tourist Guide for Northern 
Periphery,14 which is developing innovative information services for tourists. 

3. ENGAGEMENT 

The  EU intends to  refine its developing Arctic policy in close cooperation with its Member 
States,  the  five  non-EU  Arctic  states  as  well  as  local  inhabitants,  including  indigenous 
peoples. Arctic states play a primary role in the region, both individually as well as in regional 
bodies. The EU acknowledges that an extensive legal framework applies to the Arctic Ocean, 

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COM (2011) 25 of 2 February 2011 
http://www.interregnord.com/en/projects/north/1-trade-and-industry-development.aspx 
http://www.northernperiphery.eu/en/projects/show/&tid=82 

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including  the  UN  Convention  on  the  Law  of  the  Sea  (UNCLOS)  and  other  relevant 
international instruments15, and considers UNCLOS as a key basis for the management of the 
Arctic Ocean. It also recognises the remarkable international cooperation already established 
between  Arctic  states  and  within  the  different  Arctic  regional  fora.  Maintaining  good 
international  cooperation  in  the  Arctic  region  and  supporting  the  region’s  stability  is  a  key 
interest of the European Union. 

The EU considers the Arctic Council to be the primary forum for international cooperation in 
the region. The Commission services, the European External Action Service (EEAS) and EU 
agencies  have  participated  as  ad  hoc  observers  in  Arctic  Council  meetings  and  engaged 
actively  in  its  working  groups.  The  Commission  applied,  on  behalf  of  the  EU,  to  become  a 
permanent  observer  to  the  Arctic  Council  on  1  December  2008.  Since  criteria  for  the 
admission of observers were adopted in May 2011, updated information was submitted by the 
Commission in a letter co-signed by Vice President Ashton and Commissioner Damanaki to 
the  Chair  of  the  Arctic  Council,  Swedish  Foreign  Minister  Carl  Bildt  in  December  2011. 
Observer  status,  as  defined  by  the  Arctic  Council  itself,  would  allow  the  EU  to  intensify 
cooperation and make a positive contribution to the work of the Council. It would allow the 
European Union to gain detailed understanding of the concerns of Arctic partners, which will 
be  important  when  developing  its  own  internal policies.  Observer  status  would  complement 
the  EU's  Arctic  engagement  through  the  Barents  Euro-Arctic  Council  and  the  Northern 
Dimension. The EU’s engagement will include the following:  

• 

• 

• 

• 

15 

16 

The  EU  will  seek  to  step  up  its  cooperation  on  Arctic  matters  in  its  bilateral 
dialogues  with  all  its  Arctic  partners  -  Canada,  Iceland,  Norway,  the  Russian 
Federation and the United States. 

The  EU’s  engagement  in  Arctic  matters  will  be  further  enhanced  by  Iceland's 
prospective EU membership (Iceland applied to become a member of the EU in June 
2009)  and  contribute  to  addressing  common  concerns.  The  ongoing  accession 
negotiations  provide  an  additional  framework  to  discuss  certain  policies  relating  to 
the Artic. 

As regards Greenland, relations with the EU are defined by the Overseas Association 
Decision  and  the  comprehensive  EU-Greenland  partnership.  On  7  December  2011, 
the  Commission  submitted  a  legislative  proposal  to  renew  the  partnership  for  the 
period 2014-202016. As part of the future partnership, the Commission has proposed 
an  enhanced  dialogue  on  Arctic  issues  that  would  not  only  allow  the  EU  to  gain 
additional understanding of remote Arctic societies, but also allow for the sharing of 
valuable know-how on issues of mutual concern. 

It is critically important that the views of Arctic inhabitants are taken into account on 
issues of economic development. The EU will look at appropriate ways of ensuring 
that the representatives of Arctic indigenous peoples are informed and consulted on 
the EU policies that affect them, and are given appropriate platforms to present their 
particular concerns to EU institutions and audiences. With this aim, the Commission 

The  extensive  overviews  of  the  relevant  instruments  are  contained  in  reports  produced  within  the 
‘Arctic TRANSFORM’<www.arctic-transform.eu> and ‘EU Arctic Footprint and Policy Assessment < 
http://arctic-footprint.eu/sites/default/files/AFPA_Final_Report.pdf>. 
COM(2011) 846, 7 December 2011 

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• 

• 

• 

• 

and  the  EEAS  will  step  up  their  efforts  to  hold  regular  dialogues  with  indigenous 
peoples.  

The  EU  will  pursue  its  involvement  within  relevant  international  frameworks  on 
Arctic issues such as biodiversity, ecosystem-based management, persistent organic 
pollutants,  marine  protected  areas,  international  navigation,  environmental  and 
maritime  safety  standards.  This  should  be  based  on  existing  international  law, 
international  conventions  and  agreements,  and  in  cooperation  with  international 
bodies,  such  as  the  UN,  the  Arctic  Council  and  the  International  Maritime 
Organization  (IMO).  The  EU  will  also  consider  ways  in  which  it  can  support  the 
effective implementation of agreements adopted by the Arctic Council. 

The Commission will continue to cooperate with international partners on reporting 
and  assessments  of  the  state  of  the  marine  environment.  It  will  also  continue  to 
promote  the  use  of  strategic  environmental  impact  assessments  in  a  transboundary 
context  through  compliance  with  the  Espoo  Convention17.  For  example,  the 
Commission  has  continued  its  dialogue  on  the  Espoo  Convention  with  the  Russian 
Federation,  which,  in  July  2011,  launched  internal  procedures  to  ratify  that 
convention.  In  addition,  cooperation  has  been  intensified  on  environmental 
monitoring under the EU-Russia Partnership for Modernisation. 

On  ecosystem  management,  the  EU  will  continue  working  through  the  Oslo  and 
Paris  Conventions  for  the  protection  of  the  marine  environment  of  the  North-East 
Atlantic (OSPAR) to establish a network of marine protected areas in the Arctic and 
to  assess  the  suitability  of  existing  measures  to  manage  oil  and  gas  extraction 
activities in extreme climatic conditions given their potential environmental impact. 
The  Commission  and  EU  agencies  also  contribute  to  work  on  this  issue  under  the 
Arctic  Council's  Protection  of  the  Arctic  Marine  Environment  Working  Group.  At 
the  same  time,  the  EU  continues  to  suggest  within  competent  UN  bodies  that 
biodiversity in areas beyond the reach of national jurisdictions should be protected, 
possibly under UNCLOS. 

The EU will also enhance its outreach to Arctic non-governmental organisations. The 
Commission has also intensified dialogue with stakeholders on environmental policy. 
A project for the establishment of an NGO dialogue on Arctic environmental issues 
was  launched  in  July  2011.  An  NGO  forum  convened  for  the  first  time  in  January 
2012, with the aim of meeting twice a year. 

Part 2 Summary of the EU's contribution to the Arctic since 2008 

Responding  to  the  Council  Conclusions  of  December  2009,  this  second  part  of  the  Joint 
Communication highlights the increasing range of activities the EU is already undertaking in 
the  region  and  reviews  the  issues  outlined  in  the  Commission  Communication  on  "The  EU 
and the Arctic Region", published in November 2008. The EU has an important and growing 
contribution  to  make  to  address  the  challenge  of  effective  environmental  protection  while 
developing  the  Arctic's  economic  potential  in  a  sustainable  manner.  This  commitment  is 
evidenced  by  a  wide  range  of  activities  in  the  Arctic  region  focussing  on  issues  such  as 

17 

The Espoo Convention on Environmental Impact Assessment in a Transboundary Context is a United 
Nations  Economic  Commission  for  Europe  (UNECE)  Convention  signed  in  Espoo,  Finland,  in  1991 
that entered into force in 1997. 

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climate  change,  environmental  degradation,  the  sustainable  management  and  exploitation  of 
energy,  raw  materials  and  fishing  resources  as  well  as  new  economic  activities  such  as 
tourism  and  new  routes  for  maritime  transport.  The  importance  of  dialogue  with  the  Arctic 
States and the indigenous peoples in the region is emphasised.  

1. 

PROTECTING AND PRESERVING THE ARCTIC IN UNISON WITH ITS POPULATION 

Climate change and environment 

Progress  is  being  made  to  ensure  the  necessary  global  reduction  of  greenhouse  gas  (GHG) 
emissions  by  all  major  emitters.  The  EU  is  on  track  to  meet  its  Kyoto  climate  change 
commitments, and has incorporated its 20% greenhouse gas reduction commitment into law. 
The  Commission  has  published  a  "Roadmap  for  moving  to  a  competitive  low  carbon 
economy  in  2050"18.  EU  action  in  the  area  of  Key  Enabling  Technologies,  in  particular  a 
contribution  of  high  technologies  to  clean  energy  production  is  another  element.  Taken 
together,  these  will  have  a  major  impact  in  reducing  Arctic  pollution  impacts  from  climate 
change. The EU also helped to forge the Durban Platform for Enhanced Action in December 
201119, calling for a new comprehensive legal instrument to be agreed by 2015. The EU has 
also  continued  to  play  a  prominent  role  in  international  efforts  to  reduce  pollution  from 
Persistent Organic Pollutants through both the Stockholm Convention and the Convention on 
Long-range  Transboundary  Air  Pollution  of  the  United  Nations  Economic  Commission  for 
Europe.  

The “EU Arctic Footprint and Policy Assessment”20 report was published in January 2011. It 
provides an overview until 2030 of the impact which the EU can have in nine areas including 
biodiversity,  transport,  energy,  fisheries  and  climate  change.  Other  research  projects 
benefitting from EU funds (e.g. CLEAR and ArcRisk) are filling critical knowledge gaps on 
the impact of trans-boundary pollution on the health of Arctic populations. The EU has also 
promoted  use  of  impact  assessments  through  compliance  with  the  Espoo  Convention  on 
environmental  impact  assessment  in  a  transboundary  context  and  its  protocol  on  strategic 
environmental  assessment.  The  Commission  has  continued  its  dialogue  on  the  Espoo 
Convention with the Russian Federation, which, in July 2011, launched internal procedures to 
ratify  that  convention.  In  addition,  as  a  priority  under  the  EU-Russia  Partnership  for 
Modernisation, cooperation has been intensified on environmental monitoring. The European 
Environment Agency (EEA) has agreed with its Russian partners on a number of initiatives 
on  joint  environmental  monitoring,  particularly  in  the  Arctic,  including  the  creation  of  a 
system  to  collect  and  share  pollution  data  from  water  and  air,  long  range  transport  of 
pollutants and improved management of waste and hazardous chemicals.  

An agreement on emergency prevention and response in the Barents region, negotiated in the 
framework of the Barents Euro-Arctic Council (BEAC), was signed by the relevant states in 
2008 and ratified by the parties. 

18 
19 
20 

COM(2011) 112, 8 March 2011 
United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 17 in Durban) 
http://arctic-footprint.eu 

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Support to indigenous peoples and local populations 

The  EU  has  been  actively  involved  in  working  towards  the  adoption  of  the  United  Nations 
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. The EU seeks to integrate human rights and 
indigenous  issues  into  all  aspects  of  its  internal  and  external  policies,  including  its  political 
dialogues  with  third  countries  and  in  regional  and  multilateral  organisations.  The  EU  also 
provides  financial  support  to  civil  society  organisations  working  on  indigenous  issues,  in 
particular through the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR).  

The Commission has entered into a regular dialogue with the indigenous communities of the 
Arctic.  On  9  March  2010,  the  Commission  hosted  an  “Arctic  Dialogue”  workshop21.  The 
initiative  was  well  received  by  participants  who  underlined  the  importance  of  involving 
indigenous  peoples'  representatives  in  decision  making.  The  Commission  met  again  with 
representatives of Arctic indigenous peoples in Tromsø, Norway, in January 2011. The EEA 
also invited Arctic indigenous peoples’ groups to a workshop in June 2011 to discuss use of 
lay,  local  and  traditional  knowledge  in  monitoring  the  Arctic  environment  and  assessing 
trends and changes affecting the Arctic population. 

The  EU  provides  a  significant  amount  of  funding  through  various  initiatives  to  indigenous 
groups and local populations. Funding programmes during the 2007-2013 co-financing period 
amount to €1.14 billion, or €1.98 billion including

 EU Member States co-financing:  

• 

• 

• 

21 
22 

23 
24 
25 
26 

The  2007-2013  European  Regional  Development  Fund  (ERDF)  set  aside  €4.3 
million in the cross-border Sápmi sub-programme to support the Sami population in 
developing  its  cultural  life  and  industry  in  a  sustainable  manner22.  Additionally, 
Interreg IVA North23, the programme of which Sápmi is a part, with EU funding of 
  has  the  objective  of  strengthening  the  attractiveness 
€34  million  (total  €57  million)
and competitiveness of the northernmost regions of Finland, Sweden and Norway. 

Similar  objectives  govern  the  Botnia-Atlantica24  programme  in  covering  northern 
regions of Finland, Sweden and Norway (EU funding of €34.4 million out of a total 
of  €60.9  million)  and  the  Sweden-Norway  Interreg  IVA  programme 25  (EU  funding 
of €37 million out of a total of €68 million).  

The  Northern  Periphery  Programme26  involving  Ireland,  Finland,  Sweden  and  the 
United Kingdom as well as the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and Norway (with 
possible  participation  of  the  Russian  Federation  and  Canada),  has  a  budget  of  €59 
million, of which EU funding amounts to €35 million. The Programme aims to help 
remote  communities  in  northern  Europe  develop  their  economic,  social  and 
environmental potential; 

€6.7  million.  http://www.interregnord.com/en/projects/sapmi/4-sapmi-borderless-

funding 

https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/maritimeforum/content/1831 
Total 
development.aspx 
http://www.interregnord.com/en/projects.aspx 
http://www.botnia-atlantica.eu 
http://www.interreg-sverige-norge.com/ 
http://www.northernperiphery.eu/en/projects/main/ 

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• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

The transnational Baltic Sea Region Programme27 (of which EU funding amounts to 
€217 million out of €278 million), finances the  Bothnian 'Green Logistic Corridor' to 
connect  northern  Scandinavia  and  the  Barents  with  end  markets  in  the  Baltic  Sea 
region and central Europe; 

In  the  2007-2013  period  ERDF  invests  €  243  million  in  the  North  Sweden 
programme and € 177 million in the Mid-Nort h Sweden programme to increase the 
competitiveness of the regions.28 Sami issues are integrated into the different priority 
areas; 

The  Northern  Finland  ERDF  Programme29  is  operating  with  an  overall  budget  of 
om the EU budget. The programme's 
€1.1 billion, of which €311.3 million comes fr
the  Sami,  supporting 
priorities 
entrepreneurship and business based on the Sami culture; 

include  measures  specifically  designed  for 

The  Kolarctic  programme30  is  one  of  13  cross-border  cooperation  programmes 
currently co-funded under the European Neighbourhood and Partnership Instrument 
(ENPI)  and  ERDF.  The  2007-2013  budget  of  the  programme  amounts  to  €70.48 
million,  of  which  €28.24  million  is  EU  f unding.  Northern  regions  of  Finland, 
Sweden, Norway and the Russian Federation participate in the programme.  

In  the  sub-Arctic  part  of  the  Barents  region,  another  cross-border  cooperation 
programme – the Karelia programme31 - is operating with an overall budget of €46.5 
million, of which €23.2 comes from the EU budget and the remaining part consists of 
contributions from Member States and the Russian Federation; 

The  Northern  Dimension  Partnership  in  Public  Health  and  Social  Well-being  (NDPHS)  has 
developed  a  work  plan  to  improve  mental  health,  prevent  addiction  and  promote  child 
development  and  community  health  among  indigenous  peoples.  The  work  plan  is  to  be 
implemented by 2013.  

On the issue of sealing, there was widespread public consultation32, including with indigenous 
peoples,  prior  to  the  adoption  of  EU  Regulation  1007/2009  on  trade  in  seal  products. 
Challenges  to  the  legislation  have  been  made  by  the  Inuit  community.  One  application  was 
rejected  in  September  2011  by  the  Court  of  Justice  of  the  EU  on  the  grounds  of 
inadmissibility33; a second case is pending. A World Trade Organisation panel has also been 
constituted to review the ban at the request of Canada and Norway.  

Research, monitoring and assessments  

Collectively,  the  EU  and  its  Member  States  have  made  a  leading  contribution  to  Arctic 
research over the last 10 years. Around €200 milli on of EU funds has been allocated to Arctic 
research.  The  EU  promotes  research  focussed  on  sustainable  development  and  global 

27 
28 

29 
30 
31 
32 
33 

http://eu.baltic.net/Project_Database.5308.html?&&contentid=70&contentaction=single 
http://www.tillvaxtverket.se/huvudmeny/euprogram/programomraden/ovrenorrland 
http://www.tillvaxtverket.se/huvudmeny/euprogram/programomraden/mellerstanorrland 
http://ec.europa.eu/regional_policy/atlas2007/finland/fi1a_en.htm?4 
http://www.kolarcticenpi.info/ourprojects 
http://www.kareliaenpi.eu/en 
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/biodiversity/animal_welfare/seals/seal_hunting.htm 
Order of the General Court, 6 September 2011, Case T-18/10. 

and 

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environmental change aimed at furthering the understanding of their co-relation with natural 
processes affecting the Arctic, putting particular emphasis on climate change and increasingly 
on its impact on local populations and economic activity.  

Twelve  projects  launched  since  2008  under  the  EU's  Seventh  Framework  Programme  for 
Research  (FP7)  are  helping  to  close  gaps  in  the  above  fields  and  to  enhance  long-term 
monitoring and data availability on natural and man-made processes in the Arctic. A further 
eight  projects  support  the  creation  of  new  leading  research  networks  and  infrastructures  in 
Europe,  while  strengthening  existing  ones.  The  EU's  research  programmes  harbour  close 
relationships  with  all  Arctic  states.  The  Faroe  Islands,  Norway  and  Iceland  are  countries 
formally  associated  to  FP7  and  as  such  enjoy  equivalent  rights  to  EU  Member  States  under 
this instrument. In addition, the EU has Science and Technology cooperation agreements with 
Canada,  the  Russian  Federation  and  the  US  involving  research  programmes  in  the  fields  of 
environment,  health,  fisheries,  transport,  energy  and  space.  Research  partners  from  these 
countries regularly participate in FP7 actions.  

The  EU  and  projects  supported  through  FP7  actively  contribute  to  international  efforts  to 
promote polar research and align international research agendas. Examples of this include the 
International Polar Year 2007-2009.  

In  terms  of  enhancing  monitoring  and  surveillance  capabilities,  the  EU  supports  the  Shared 
Environmental  Information  System  initiative  (SEIS),  which  aims  to  modernise  current 
reporting systems and put in place a network providing online access to data. The quality and 
timeliness of Arctic environmental information should therefore improve and eventually lead 
to better knowledge-based decision making. In addition, the EU supports other programmes 
and  initiatives  with  relevance  to  the  Arctic  region,  such  as  the  Global  Monitoring  for 
Environment and Security (GMES), the Group on Earth Observations (GEO) and the Global 
Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS). The EEA has also been active in establishing 
the Sustained Arctic Observing Network (SAON).  

2. 

PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES 

Hydrocarbons and raw materials  

Since  access  to  raw  materials  remains  an  important  element  in  the  EU's  drive  to  move  to  a 
high-technology  and  high  value-added  economy, 
the  Commission  has  adopted  a 
Communication on Commodities and Raw Materials which reinforced the three pillar based 
approach  to  achieving  sustainable  supply  of  raw  materials:  supply  from  global  markets 
(external  pillar),  sustainable  supply  from  sources  in  the  EU  and  recycling  and  resource 
efficiency.  

The  Commission  also  recently  adopted  a  Communication  entitled  “EU  Energy  Policy: 
Engaging with Partners beyond Our Borders"34, setting out a comprehensive strategy for the 
EU's external relations in energy by improving transparency on energy agreements with third 
countries,  strengthening  coordination  between  Member  States  and  developing  energy 
partnerships with key countries. 

34 

COM(2011) 539 of 7 September 2011 

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Transport  

A key EU policy objective remains full compliance with international law and principles as 
defined  in  UNCLOS,  including  the  principles  of  freedom  of  navigation  and  the  right  of 
innocent  passage35.  A  study  on  "Legal  Aspects  of  Arctic  shipping"  was  completed  in  April 
201036.  

Efforts  to  establish  multi-modal  trans-European  connections  are  taking  place  through  the 
development of Trans-European Networks, which also cover Europe’s High North. These are 
of  direct  benefit  to  the  Arctic.  In  addition,  Memorandum  of  understanding  on  the  Northern 
Dimension Partnership on Transport and Logistics (NDPTL) is now entering in its operational 
phase,  with  the  identification  (for  future  endorsement  by  the  partners)  of  an  infrastructure 
network and potential priorities on transport related projects.  

3. 

INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION 

The  EU's  evolving  policy  on  the  Arctic  aims  to  establish  a  coherent  and  comprehensive 
approach on matters where the Arctic region has an impact on the EU and vice versa. This is 
based  on  existing  international  law  (notably  UNCLOS)  and  cooperation  with  international 
bodies,  such  as  the  Arctic  Council  and  IMO,  as  well  as  with  Arctic  states,  autonomous 
territories, indigenous peoples, local populations and other stakeholders. 

Since 2008, the EU has substantially increased its involvement in Arctic cooperation, notably 
through  its  engagement  with  the  Arctic  Council  and  Arctic  Council  members.  The  Arctic 
Council remains the most important forum for international cooperation in the region, and its 
recent  agreement  on  Cooperation  in  Aeronautical  and  Maritime  Search  and  Rescue  in  the 
Arctic is an important indicator of its development.  

Regional cooperation also takes place through the Barents Euro-Arctic Council, of which the 
Commission is a member, and the Northern Dimension (ND), which is a common policy of 
the  EU,  Iceland,  Norway  and  the  Russian  Federation.  The  2010  ND  Ministerial  meeting 
instructed  the  ND  Steering  Group  “to  consider  ways  to  develop  the  ND  Arctic  Window 
without  duplicating  work  within  the  mandates  of  the  Arctic  Council  or  the  Barents  Euro-
Arctic Council”. The ministers noted that consideration would be needed to be given to how 
indigenous  peoples  could  be  included  in  deliberations.  The  Steering  Group  has  invited 
indigenous  peoples’  representatives  to  participate  in  meetings  and  requested  that  ND 
partnerships and initiatives consider further actions regarding the Arctic.  

Cooperation  also  takes  place  bilaterally  with  Arctic  States.  Arctic  cooperation  is  regularly 
included  in  the  agendas  of  bilateral  meetings  with  the  Arctic  states,  including  Canada,  the 
Russian  Federation  and  the  US  -  strategic  partners  of  the  EU.  The  visits  of  the  High 
Representative  /  Vice  President  Ashton  and  Commissioner  Damanaki  in  the  Arctic  areas  in 
Finland,  Sweden,  Norway,  including  Svalbard,  and  Greenland  underlined  the  importance  of 
the  region  and  provided  opportunity  for  firsthand  assessment  of  the  changes  as  well  as 
possibility  to  discuss  the  challenges  with  local  populations,  Saami  and  Inuit  representatives 
and Arctic experts.  

35 
36 

Transit passage also being stated in the Council Conclusions 
https://webgate.ec.europa.eu/maritimeforum/content/2396 

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In  addition,  the  EU  Delegations  in  Arctic  states  have  a  significant  role  in  communicating 
relevant EU policy to governments and the public as well as informing EU on national Arctic 
activities of relevance in the Arctic states.  

Regarding  Greenland,  the  current  partnership  allows  for  policy  dialogue  on  areas  of  mutual 
interests,  beyond  targeted  financial  aid,  such  as  research,  raw  materials  and  energy.  During 
the period 2007-2013, Greenland will receive EU financial support amounting to €25 million 
per year in 2006 prices. The targeted sector for financial cooperation in the period 2007-2013 
is education and both Greenland and Denmark have expressed an interest in maintaining that 
focal  sector  for  the  future  financial  period  (2014-2020).  The  EU-Greenland  Partnership  is 
complementary to the EU-Greenland Fisheries Partnership Agreement (FPA), and defines the 
EU's  financial  contribution  for  development  beyond  the  area  of  fisheries.  Given  that  the 
current  protocol  to  the  FPA  will  expire  end  of  2012,  a  new  three-year  protocol  was 
succesfully  initialled  in  February  2012.  Under  the  terms  of  the  new  protocol,  the  EU  will 
annually  provide  a  financial  contribution,  including  sectoral  support,  to  Greenland,  to  a 
maximum  amount  of  €17.8  million.  In  2010,  th e  EEA  and  Greenland  signed  a  cooperation 
agreement  to  support  sustainable  development  and  to  protect  and  improve  the  environment 
through targeted, relevant and reliable information to policymakers in Greenland and Europe. 
In  January  2012,  the  EEA  and  the  Greenland  Ministry  of  Health  signed  a  cooperation 
agreement covering environment and health issues. 

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