JOINT COMMUNICATION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS A stronger EU engagement for a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous Arctic
Date: 2021-10-13
Institutions: European Commission, European External Action Service
Subjects: Arctic, climate change policy, degradation of the environment, environmental cooperation, environmental protection, indigenous population, international cooperation, protection of minorities, sustainable development, the EU's international role

EN 

  EN 

   EUROPEAN COMMISSION HIGH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNION FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND SECURITY POLICY Brussels, 13.10.2021  JOIN(2021) 27 final  JOINT COMMUNICATION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT, THE COUNCIL, THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMITTEE AND THE COMMITTEE OF THE REGIONS A stronger EU engagement for a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous Arctic   
 
 
INTRODUCTION 

The European Union (EU) is in the Arctic.  As a geopolitical power, the EU has strategic 
and day-to-day interests, both in the European Arctic and the broader Arctic region. The EU 
also  has  a  fundamental  interest  in  supporting  multilateral  cooperation  in  the  Arctic  and  in 
working to ensure that it remains safe, stable, sustainable, peaceful and prosperous. Being a 
major  economic  player,  it  shares  the  responsibility  for  global  sustainable  development, 
including  in  the  Arctic  regions,  and  for  the  livelihood  of  inhabitants,  including  Indigenous 
Peoples. The EU exerts a significant impact on the Arctic through its environmental footprint 
and demand for resources and products originating there. 

Climate change is the most comprehensive threat the Arctic is facing and has reached an 
unprecedented  crisis  point1.  The  Arctic  is  especially  sensitive  to  global  warming  -  it  has 
warmed three times as fast as the planet on average during the last 50 years. Current Arctic 
sea ice cover is at its lowest level since at least 1850 and is projected to reach practically ice-
free conditions at its summer minimum at least once before 2050. In addition, the Greenland 
ice  sheet  is  declining,  and  permafrost  across  the  Arctic  is  increasingly  thawing.  These 
interconnected Arctic changes cause sea levels to rise, disturb weather systems, and lead to 
coastal erosion, biodiversity loss, and the destruction of associated ecosystems.  The loss of 
reflection due to shrinking sea ice  - the albedo effect  - and the release of greenhouse gases 
due  to  permafrost  thawing  further  accelerate  climate  change  and  could  contribute  to 
triggering  tipping  points  in  the  climate  system.  The  dire  consequences,  exacerbated  by 
environmental  degradation,  extend  to  the  whole  planet,  and  profoundly  affect  nature  and 
people in multiple ways, some of which are only just becoming apparent. Indigenous Peoples 
are particularly hard-hit and the worsening situation will undermine the prospects for future 
generations.  The  recent  Intergovernmental  Panel  on  Climate  Change  (IPCC)  report  stresses 
again the urgency to act now and decisively2. 

This is the make or break decade in the fight against the climate and biodiversity crises. The 
EU is a global leader in these efforts, and is ready to play its full part and assume its global 
responsibility, through its new climate law and the “Fit for 55” package3, ahead of COP26. 
Climate action is of particular importance to the Arctic, given the immense knock-on effects 
of Arctic warming. The legislative proposals under the European Green Deal (EGD) 4, will be 
at  the  heart  of  the  EU’s  Arctic  engagement,  together  with  the  EU’s  new  approach  for  a 
sustainable blue economy5, supported by science, innovation and regional investment. 
The  Arctic  States6  have  the  primary  responsibility  for  tackling  challenges  and 
opportunities  within  their  territories.  However,  many  challenges  extend  beyond  national 
borders and the region’s boundaries, and can be more effectively addressed through regional 
or multilateral cooperation. In this context, the EU's role as legislator for part of the European 
Arctic must also be taken into account. 

Intensified interest in Arctic resources and transport routes could transform the region 
into  an  arena  of  local  and  geopolitical  competition  and  possible  tensions,  possibly 
threatening the EU’s interests. Global demand for products from Arctic sources underlines 

1  IPCC  Climate  Change  2021:  The  Physical  Science  Basis.  Contribution  of  Working  Group  I  to  the  Sixth 
Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/) 
2  Idem. 
3  The  “Fit  for  55”  proposals  combine  application  of  emissions  trading,  increased  use  of  renewable  energy; 
greater  energy  efficiency;  faster  roll-out  of  low  emission  transport  modes  alignment  of  taxation  policies, 
measures to prevent carbon leakage; and tools to preserve and grow natural carbon sinks. 
4  COM(2019) 640 
5  COM(2021) 240 
6 Canada, Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, United States of America. 

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that Arctic development is not driven by local political and economic forces only. 

These challenges and opportunities are interlinked and many of them can best be tackled in a 
coordinated manner and in close cooperation with Arctic states, regional authorities and local 
communities. The EU’s full engagement in Arctic matters is a geopolitical necessity. EU 
action  must  be  based  on  its  values  and  principles,  including  the  rule  of  law,  human  rights, 
sustainable  development,  gender  equality,  diversity  and  inclusion,  support  for  rules-based 
multilateralism7 and the respect of international law, notably the United Nations Convention 
on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). 

OBJECTIVES 
Building on its policy as set out in previous Joint Communications on Arctic matters8 9, and 
based on the 2016 Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign and Security Policy and 
the  political  priorities  of  the  Commission,  the  EU  will  strengthen  its  Arctic  engagement 
through: 

•  contributing to maintaining peaceful and constructive dialogue and cooperation in  a 
changing geopolitical landscape, to keep the Arctic safe and stable, by raising Arctic 
matters  in  its  external  contacts,  intensifying  regional  cooperation  and  developing 
strategic foresight on emerging security challenges; 

•  addressing  the  ecological,  social,  economic  and  political  challenges  arising  as  a 
consequence of climate change and taking strong action to tackle climate change and 
environmental degradation, making the Arctic more resilient, through environmental 
legislation, concerted action on black carbon and permafrost thaw, and by pushing for 
oil, coal and gas to stay in the ground, including in Arctic regions; 

•  supporting  the  inclusive  and  sustainable  development  of  the  Arctic  regions  to  the 
benefit of its inhabitants and future generations, focusing on the needs of Indigenous 
Peoples, women and the young, and investing in future-orientated jobs and the blue 
economy. 

1.  A  REGION  OF  PEACEFUL  COOPERATION 

IN  THE  NEW 

GEOPOLITICAL SETTING 

The  EU  will  enhance  its  strategic  foresight,  mainstream  Arctic  matters  in  its  external 
diplomacy and build on regional cooperation. To mitigate safety concerns, it will extend 
civil protection capacities and search and rescue cooperation and intensify research into 
permafrost thawing. 

Recent years have brought a stark increase in the number of countries taking an interest in the 
Arctic  regions.  This  risks  transforming  the  Arctic  into  an  arena  of  geopolitical  competition 
and harming the EU’s interests. Alongside growing interest in Arctic resources and transport 
routes, there has  been a  sharp increase in  military  activity in  many parts of the Arctic. The 
EU is committed to upholding a safe, stable, sustainable and prosperous Arctic, which must 

7  JOIN(2021) 3. 
8  COM(2008) 763, JOIN(2012) 19 and JOIN(2016) 21. 
9  Council Conclusions on Climate and Energy Diplomacy delivering on the external dimension of the EGD, 25 
January 2021. 

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remain  a  region  of  low  tension  and  peaceful  multilateral  cooperation.  In  its  conclusions  on 
climate and energy diplomacy of January 20218, the Council of the EU noted the importance 
of  environmental  issues  and  climate  change  for  security  and  defence,  and  the  need  to 
cooperate  closely  with  partner  countries,  international  organisations  such  as  the  United 
Nations (UN) system, and through multilateral partnerships. 

Military build-up across the Russian Arctic seems to reflect both global strategic positioning 
and domestic priorities, including dual use of infrastructure. In addition to increasing security 
challenges,  it  could  also  further  aggravate  the  consequences  of  climate  change.  It  is  likely 
taking  place  partly  because  the  long  northern  coastline  is  becoming  much  more  accessible, 
but is largely related to non-Arctic issues10. Many countries, including the US, Norway, UK, 
Denmark,  Canada  and  Iceland  are  following  these  developments  closely,  as  is  the  North 
Atlantic  Treaty  Organisation  (NATO),  with  a  view  to  responding  to  Russia’s  increased 
assertiveness in Arctic waters and airspace. There has also been an upturn in the activities of 
other  actors,  including  China,  and  growing  interest  in  areas  like  ownership  of  critical 
infrastructure, the construction of sea cables, global shipping, cyberspace and disinformation. 

The  increase  in  applications  for  observer  status  at  the  Arctic  Council  reflects  the  new 
geopolitical environment. With a view to further enhancing its engagement in Arctic Council 
Working and Expert Groups, the EU reiterates its application for official Observer status. The 
EU  will  continue  to  contribute  to  the  work  of  the  Arctic  Council  in  line  with  the  Arctic 
Council  Declaration  in  Kiruna  of  May  201311.  The  EU  will  work  in  cooperation  with 
observers, including with EU Member States, as appropriate. 

Enhancing strategic foresight 

The  EU  is  following  security  developments  closely  and,  in  certain  respects,  with  concern. 
Arctic security encompasses environmental, economic and political-military elements, which 
cannot  be seen in isolation from  each other. Climate change and melting ice  are leading to 
greater geopolitical interest with a high potential for increased strategic competition. The EU 
will enhance its strategic foresight capabilities, in line with various action areas of the 2021 
Strategic  Foresight  report12, 
implications  of  the 
climatological  changes  in  the  Arctic  region,  and  their  impact  on  the  global  security 
environment. It will work with its partners, including the US, Canada, Norway and Iceland, 
and will also cooperate with NATO on strategic foresight, looking at the medium to longer 
term  security impact  of  climate change  and sharing studies and data,  as part of the broader 
ongoing exchange with NATO on climate change and security. 

to  better  understand 

the  security 

With  economic  and  military  activities  increasing  in  the  region,  the  EU  Satellite  Centre 
(SatCen)  offers  secured  geospatial  analysis,  which  will  support  the  EU’s efforts  to  monitor 
the  security  situation  in  the  Arctic  region,  enhancing  stability  by  enabling  confidence-
building  measures  and  the  prevention  of  unforeseen  incidents.  Galileo  is  already  offering 
Search and Rescue services and can offer other security related services. The Galileo Public 
Regulated  Service  will  ensure  unlimited  and  uninterrupted  access  to  robust  navigation 
services  in  the  Arctic  to  its  authorised  users,  enhancing  the  security  of  operations  in  the 
region. 

10 Cf. Joint Communication on EU-Russia relations, JOIN(2021) 20. 
11  Arctic Council Secretariat, Kiruna Declaration, Kiruna Sweden, 15 May 2013. 
12 COM(2021) 750 final of 8.9.2021 – “2021 Strategic Foresight Report - The EU’s capacity and freedom to 
act” 

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Building on the EU’s mutually supportive policies 

The EU’s policy is built upon the principles set out in UNCLOS, the UN 2030 Agenda and 
the  Sustainable  Development  Goals,  as  well  as  its  involvement  in  the  work  of  the  Arctic 
Council, the Barents Euro-Arctic Council and the Northern Dimension policy framework (cf. 
focus box 1). 

FOCUS 1: The EU and the Northern Dimension 

The Northern Dimension (ND) is a common policy of the EU, Russia, Norway and Iceland. 

The  four  ND  Partnerships  deal  with:  i)  Environment  (including  nuclear  safety);  ii)  Public  Health  and  Social 
Wellbeing; iii) Transport and Logistics; and iv) Culture. 

The Northern Dimension Environmental Partnership (NDEP) improves wastewater treatment in the  Baltic Sea 
catchment area and tackles black carbon emissions. Projects are implemented through the NDEP Support Fund 
(EUR 350 million in total) managed by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), which 
was  extended  till  2027.  The  Nuclear  Window  of  the  NDEP  is  a  multilateral  funding  mechanism  aimed  at 
addressing risks associated with the Soviet-era nuclear legacy in North-West Russia. The Barents Sea area has 
one of  the  largest accumulations  of  spent nuclear  fuel and  radioactive  waste  in  the  world.  Contributors  have 
provided EUR 166.3 million to the Nuclear Window since 2002. The EU has contributed EUR 44 million for the 
environmental window and EUR 40 million for the nuclear window. NDEP projects have dramatically improved 
the environmental condition of the Baltic Sea and reduced the danger of radiological contamination in Arctic 
waters. 

The  EU  has  built  strong  international  networks  on  Arctic  research  as  a  diplomatic  tool13, 
including  bilateral  Science  and  Technology  Cooperation  Agreements  with  Canada,  Russia 
and  the  US.  Since  2016,  the  EU  has  supported  science  diplomacy  via  the  Arctic  Science 
Ministerial  meetings14.  The  All  Atlantic  Ocean  Research  Alliance  has  been  mobilised  to 
strengthen  Arctic  research,  and  the  EU  will  work  towards  an  All  Atlantic  ocean  research 
alliance  from  Pole  to  Pole.  The  EU  will  mainstream  Arctic  matters  into  its  dialogues  with 
Arctic and other players, including the US, Canada, Norway, Iceland, Russia, China, Japan, 
Republic of Korea and India, as well as regional bodies. The creation of the post of Special 
Envoy for Arctic Matters within the European External Action Service gives the EU a focal 
point for its Arctic diplomatic outreach. 

The  EU  has  important  ties  with  Greenland  and  the  Faroe  Islands.  Both  are  part  of  the 
Kingdom of Denmark, and both are seeking closer relations with the EU. In order to further 
consolidate  and  enhance  the  longstanding  cooperation  between  the  European  Commission 
and Greenland, the European Commission will establish an office to be located in Nuuk. This 
office will manage EU support to Greenland as well as facilitating further strengthening and 
deepening  of  the  partnership  between  the  European  Commission  and  the  Government  of 
Greenland, including through cooperation and dialogue in areas of common interest, in close 
cooperation with the Special Envoy for Arctic Matters. 

Under the Overseas Association Decision, Greenland has a wide-ranging political and policy dialogue with the 
EU, preferential trade arrangements to access the EU market and is one of the largest recipients of EU support 

FOCUS 2: Greenland 

13  The EU Programmes for Research and Innovation offer a unique basis for international cooperation, with five 
of the eight Arctic countries being EU Member States (Finland, Sweden, Kingdom of Denmark) or associated 
countries  Norway, Iceland). Faroe Islands have  a specific status and participate  as associated  country, even if 
part of the Kingdom of Denmark. 
14  Arctic Science Ministerial meetings are intergovernmental events, hosted on a biannual basis by countries 
with an interest in Arctic research. 

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per capita in the Overseas Countries and Territories (EUR 225 million foreseen between 2021 and 2027). This 
supports  Greenland’s  sustainable  development  and  diversification  of  its  economy.  So  far,  long-term  EU 
cooperation  has  in  particular  contributed  to  strengthening  the  education  system  and  enhancing  learning 
opportunities, as knowledge and skills are essential for Greenland’s socio-economic development. 

The 2021 renewed EU-Greenland Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement is an important milestone in the 
long-standing cooperation between the two, promoting sustainable use of marine resources. The EU is seeking 
to  deepen  and  broaden  its  partnership  with  Greenland,  including  possible  cooperation  on  issues  related  to 
green growth. 
A  permanent  presence  of  the EU  in  Greenland  would  be  a  strong  signal  to  enhance our  partnership  and  the 
visibility of EU actions on the ground, for example through the establishment of a European Commission office 
on Greenlandic territory. 

Cooperating  on  civil  protection,  civilian  safety  and  security  challenges  in  the  Arctic 
regions 

Increasing interest in Arctic science, resources, infrastructure, transport and tourism requires 
enhanced safety and security  systems,  such as satellites to  collect  data on the environment, 
weather, ice, biology, shipping and air traffic and to improve communication. Wildfires and 
flooding are also becoming more commonplace in Arctic regions due to the effects of climate 
change,  and  the  Arctic  Council  is  now  monitoring  these  developments15.  Consequently, 
emergency response capacities are increasingly in demand. 

The  EU’s  tools  and  experience  in  crisis  response  to  environmental  disasters  will  be  of 
considerable  use  in  the  European  Arctic  and  beyond.  The  EU  will  cooperate  with  key 
partners  through  the  Union  Civil  Protection  Mechanism  (UCPM)16  and  its  Emergency 
Response Coordination Centre. The UCPM is already present in the Arctic through Denmark, 
Finland, Sweden, Iceland and Norway, and similar cooperation is expected with other Arctic 
States,  including  through  the  Arctic  Council’s  Emergency  Prevention,  Preparedness  and 
Response Working Group. 

The  EU’s  Copernicus  Emergency  Management  Service  already  offers  monitoring,  early 
warning  and  mapping,  both  before  and  in  the  immediate  aftermath  of  a  disaster.  The  EU’s 
Global  Disaster  Alert  and  Coordination  System  (GDACS)17  will  improve  alerts  and 
coordination  after  major  sudden-onset  disasters.  The  EU  will  boost  the  capacity  of 
Copernicus  and the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODNet) to  better 
anticipate  the  effects  of  extreme  weather  events,  with  a  special  focus  on  the  Arctic.  The 
future  Galileo  Emergency  Warning  Service  will  be  used  to  reach  out  directly  and  warn 
populations  threatened  by  a  looming  disaster,  in  particular  in  remote  areas  not  covered  by 
terrestrial connectivity networks. 

Timely and efficient search and rescue (SAR) operations are crucial in the Arctic because of 
its  severe  climate,  unpredictable  weather,  and  the  huge  distances  involved.  Galileo  SAR 
significantly reduces the time needed to rescue people at sea. The new Galileo Return Link 
Service offers new functions for sailors and pilots operating in hostile environments, and is 
currently offered uniquely by Galileo, worldwide and free of charge. 

15  There is evidence that in the past ten years, 83% of all disasters triggered by natural hazards were caused by 
extreme weather- and climate-related events, such as floods, storms and heatwaves. International Federation of 
Red Cross and Red Crescent, 2020 World Disaster Report. 
16  The  EU’s  UCPM  strengthens  cooperation  on  civil  protection  between  the  EU  Member  States  and  six6 
Participating States (including Iceland and Norway). 
17  GDACS is a cooperation framework between the UN, the Commission and disaster managers worldwide to 
improve  alerts,  information  exchange  and  coordination  in  the  first  phase  after  major  sudden-onset  disasters 
anywhere on Earth. 

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Further work will be done on maritime SAR, making greater use of EU satellite systems and 
the services provided by EU Agencies. In line with the EU Maritime Security Strategy Action 
Plan18, cooperation between Coast Guards will be promoted, particularly through the Arctic 
Coast  Guard  Forum.  To  upgrade  vessel  safety  in  the  Arctic,  the  EU  supported  the 
International  Maritime  Organisation  (IMO)  safety  guidelines  for  fishing  vessels  and 
recreational craft in the Arctic as well as the development of mandatory measures on voyage 
planning and navigation - phase 2 of IMO’s Polar Code. 

FOCUS 3: The thawing permafrost 

There  is  an  urgent  need  to  address  the  adverse  effects  of  thawing  permafrost  and  associated  gas  hydrates, 
which  present  a  clear  danger  to  the  Arctic  environment  and  its  people,  and  which  have  wider  repercussions 
beyond the Arctic as well. 

-  Climate change: greenhouse gases released from thawing permafrost threaten to cause irreversible changes 
in the Arctic and other regions. The EU will improve knowledge of this process, using satellite observation and 
measurements from aircraft, ships and ground stations. 

-  Infrastructure: thawing permafrost weakens infrastructure and increases coastal erosion. Over 70% of Arctic 
infrastructure and 45% of oil extraction fields are built on permafrost. Potential measures include developing 
devices and methods for local cooling and stabilisation, providing satellite data on subsidence and erosion in 
permafrost areas and setting tougher building standards. 

-  Health aspects: risks to human, animal and plant health will be monitored and evaluated by national health 
authorities.  These  include  risks  from  pathogens,  such  as  anthrax,  or  contaminants  like  mercury  contained  in 
permafrost, damage to sewage pipelines, and pathogen transport into permafrost areas due to species migration 
and human activities. 

Further  research  is  needed  to  develop  adaptation  and  mitigation  measures  and  increase  knowledge  of  the 
impact on communities and sustainable development. The EU already supports these activities under Horizon 
2020 in the Nunataryuk project. The Arctic Passion project will build on this work, monitoring and forecasting 
permafrost  thaw  and  mapping  permafrost  parameters  using  Copernicus  satellites  and  in  situ  observations, 
including data provided by indigenous groups. 

A key goal will be closer cooperation with the Arctic states, particularly Russia, in creating data and services 
for permafrost areas to improve environmental and health security and  develop mitigation measures. There is 
also a need to understand better the possible links between climate change, permafrost thaw and the release of 
new and old pathogens with epidemic potential.  A monitoring system could be set up as part of the Northern 
Dimension Partnership in public health to detect such pathogens and for modelling and early warning in the 
region. 

The Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA) will play a key role in anticipating future 
health  threats,  including  possible  reactivation  of  thawing  germs  which  have  been  locked  in  permafrost.  In  a 
potential future health emergency, HERA will reinforce the European health security architecture to respond to 
threats, with the involvement of agencies including the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. 

The EU will 

-  enhance  its  strategic  foresight  on  Arctic  security  risks,  in  particular  associated  with 

climate change, working with partner countries and NATO. 

-  establish  a  European  Commission  Office  in  Nuuk,  Greenland  in  order  to  strengthen  and 

enhance EU-Greenland cooperation. 

-  enhance the EU’s involvement in all relevant Arctic Council working groups. 

-  push for an All Atlantic ocean research alliance from Pole to Pole. 

18  EU Maritime Security Strategy and its implementing Action Plan adopted on 24 June and 16 December 2014. 

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-  contribute  to  improving  maritime  SAR,  making  greater  use  of  EU  satellite  systems  and 

cooperation between coastguards, in particular the Arctic Coast Guard Forum. 

-  work  with  key  partners  and  regional  fora  through  the  UCPM  to  strengthen  response 

capacities and cooperation on civil protection in the region. 

-  promote  research  and  collection  of  data  on  the  long-term  implications  of  thawing 
permafrost,  to  assess  the  potential  impacts  on  communities,  health  and  sustainable 
development and develop mitigation measures. 

-  use HERA to anticipate future health threats in the Arctic, including possible reactivation 

of thawing germs which have been locked in permafrost. 

2.  MAKING THE ARCTIC MORE RESILIENT TO CLIMATE CHANGE AND 

ENVIRONMENTAL DEGRADATION 

The EU recognises and will continue to assess its own impact on the region19. It aims to 
tackle this impact in a coordinated manner, in close cooperation with national, regional 
and local authorities, and Arctic communities. The EU will act against major sources of 
pollution  affecting  the  Arctic  regions  in  the  air,  on  land  and  at  sea,  such  as 
plastics/marine  litter,  black  carbon,  chemicals,  and  transport  emissions  as  well  as 
unsustainable exploitation of natural resources. 

Climate change and biodiversity: two sides of the same coin 

Climate  change  and  biodiversity  are  interdependent.  The  EU  is  a  leading  force  in  the 
negotiations  under  the  UN  Framework  Convention  on  Climate  Change  (UNFCCC)  and  the 
Convention on Biological  Diversity  (CBD). The EU  recently  adopted a  climate law, which 
sets the goal of becoming climate neutral by 2050 and strengthening resilience and reducing 
vulnerability  to  climate  change.  The  proposed  “Fit  for  55”  package  aims  to  make  the  EU's 
climate, energy, land use, transport  and taxation policies able to  reduce  net  greenhouse  gas 
emissions  by  at  least  55%  by  2030,  and  will  be  translated  into  sound  policies  and 
commitments  that  will  benefit  the  Arctic.  The  EU  also  supports  the  global  ‘30*30’  goal  of 
protecting  30%  of  land  and  30%  of  the  ocean  by  2030  through  establishing  a  network  of 
Marine  Protected  Areas  and  Other  Effective  Conservation  Measures  (OECMs).  The  EU  is 
also  a  strong  proponent  of  an  UNCLOS  implementing  agreement  on  the  conservation  and 
sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ). 

The conservation and sustainable use of Arctic marine living resources, including fish stocks, 
is crucial. The EU is a Party to the Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in 
the Central Arctic Ocean20 (cf. focus box 4). 

FOCUS 4: Making the Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean a 
success 

The  coming  into  force  of  this  agreement  is  a  success  story  for  the  Arctic.  It  protects  marine  ecosystems  by 
applying a precautionary and science-based approach to any future fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean. The 
EU  contributed  significantly  to  the  negotiations  and  the  preparatory  work  before  the  agreement  entered  into 
force.  The  EU  will  support  its  swift  implementation,  including  the  establishment  of  the  joint  scientific 
programme,  conservation  and  management  measures  for  exploratory  fishing,  and  necessary  institutional 

19  Overview  of  EU  actions  in  the  Arctic  and  their  impact,  Office  for  Economic  Policy  and  Regional 
Development, EPRD, Poland, June 2021 (‘EPRD Report’). EU Partnership Instrument funded study report. 
20  Council Decision (EU) 2019/407 of 4 March 2019 on the conclusion, on behalf of the European Union, of the 
Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean (OJ L 73, 15.3.2019, pp. 1-
2) 

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arrangements. The EU will also conduct research in the Central Arctic Ocean as part of its contribution to the 
joint scientific programme. 

To protect the Arctic, the EU also supports the designation of Marine Protected Areas in the 
Arctic Ocean, including in the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of 
the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR). 

The  EU’s  joint  Earth  System  Science  Initiative  with  the  European  Space  Agency  has  been 
vital  for  understanding  climate  change.  The  Copernicus  programme  operates  a  dedicated 
Arctic  Ocean  monitoring  and  forecasting  centre  and  specialises  in  sea  ice  observation  and 
monitoring.  The  EU  will  further  expand  the  Arctic  services  of  Copernicus,  and  use 
knowledge  and  data  gathered  by  projects  like  Arctic  Passion  under  Horizon2020.  It  will 
explore the establishment of a Copernicus Arctic thematic hub to present as a one-stop-shop 
all relevant services to monitor the poles, both inland and at sea. 

Addressing plastics/marine litter pollution 

The EU has plastic litter and micro-plastics reduction targets of 50% and 30% respectively by 
203021. The EU is looking to secure a Global Plastics Agreement to combat plastic pollution, 
using  a  circular  economy  approach  and  addressing  the  entire  life  cycle  of  plastics.  In 
addition, through the Zero Pollution Action Plan on air, water and soil, the EU will push for a 
toxic-free  environment  worldwide.  The  EU  is  actively  engaging  in  the  work  of  the  Arctic 
Council and OSPAR, which specifically addresses marine litter including plastics. 

Promoting collective responses to reducing black carbon in the Arctic 

The reduction of black carbon emissions that impact the Arctic continues to be an important 
challenge. As a short-lived climate pollutant, black carbon causes strong regional warming by 
darkening highly reflective surfaces and absorbing solar radiation while airborne. It is also an 
air pollutant harmful to health. The EU is responsible for around 36% of Arctic black carbon 
deposition22, leading to the warming of both the atmosphere and the land and ice surface. As 
such, the EU promotes a comprehensive policy to tackle this challenge (cf. focus box 4). 

FOCUS 5: Black carbon 

The EU supports the Arctic Council’s indicative target of reducing black carbon emissions that reach the Arctic 
by as much as 33% below 2013 levels by 2025, and will endeavour to contribute to this target. 

The EU encourages all Arctic states to ensure that their Arctic communities operate on renewables, reducing 
diesel (for electricity) use and reducing black carbon emissions. 

The EU will seek to reduce black carbon emissions through a multilateral approach with the US, Canada and 
others,  building  on  the  work  in  the  Arctic  Council23  24,  in  line  with  the  action  announced  in  the  recent  Zero 
Pollution Action Plan. 

The  EU  will  also  promote  cooperation  to  limit  black  carbon  from  fires  (forest  and  peat),  in  particular  by 
proposing that Arctic states and others consider building and sharing aerial and terrestrial forest firefighting 
means, which could be set up through regional cooperation, such as the Union Civil Protection Mechanism. 

The  EU  will  continue  to  work  closely  with  the  Arctic  Monitoring  and  Assessment  Programme  of  the  Arctic 
Council 22 on black carbon, building on the previous Partnership Instrument funded action. 

The NDEP will also support black carbon projects in Russia. An important step would be to establish a network 
of measuring stations. 

The  Commission  will  further  explore  black  carbon  emissions  reduction  as  part  of  the  review  of  the  National 

21  COM/2021/400. 
22  EPRD report, p.5 
23  Report  from  the  Arctic  Council  Expert  Group  on  Black  Carbon  and  Methane,  Summary  of  Progress  and 
Recommendations 2021, Reykjavik (para.22). 
24  https://eua-bca.amap.no/ 

8 

 
 
                                                 
Emission Reduction Commitments Directive (EU) 2016/2284 by 2025. 

The  Copernicus  Global  Wildfire  Information  System  will  monitor  the  impact  of  fires  in  the  Arctic  and  their 
emissions, which have grown dramatically in the last few years25. 

The EU will continue to strengthen the capacity of the Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service to provide 
global forecasts for black carbon aerosol values26. 

Supporting the Arctic’s renewable potential 

The  Arctic  has  a  huge  potential  for  renewables  (geothermal,  wind,  green  hydrogen  and 
hydroenergy). The development of clean energy technologies is in the interest of the Arctic 
and  the  EU;  which  is  why  the  EU  will  strengthen  clean  energy  cooperation,  increase 
exchanges in this field, and explore the supply of clean energy and energy transition. 

Curbing chemical pollution 

Local,  regional  and  multilateral  work  towards  zero  chemical  pollution  in  the  environment 
will help reduce pollution of the Arctic. The EU is probably responsible for 6-8% of mercury 
deposited  north  of  the  Arctic  Circle27,  and  supports  strong  action  under  the  Minamata 
Convention  on  Mercury  to  further  curb  mercury  pollution.  The  upcoming  revision  of  the 
Mercury Regulation28 will also contribute to these objectives. 

Lowering the carbon and environmental footprint of maritime transport 

The EU is responsible for 31% of CO2 and 16.5% of black carbon emissions from maritime 
transport in the Arctic29. The Sustainable and Smart Mobility Strategy30 sets out the European 
transport system’s path towards a green and digital transformation in line with the European 
Green  Deal  and  allows  sparsely  populated  areas  in  the  Arctic  to  remain  connected  and 
become more resilient. 

The  EU  will  lead  the  drive  for  Zero  Emission  and  Zero  Pollution  shipping  in  the  Arctic 
Ocean,  in  line  with  our  Green  Deal  objectives  and  the  Fit  for  55  package31.  The  EU 
recognises the recent adoption of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Heavy Fuel 
Oil  ban  from  Arctic  shipping,  and  will  push  for  its  rapid  and  full  implementation.  The  EU 
and  its  Member  States  will  promote  both  in  the  IMO  and  at  EU  level  faster  and  more 
ambitious emission reductions for Arctic shipping. 

Ensuring sustainable and responsible extraction and processing for climate-neutrality 

The EU32 consumes 20% of the world’s mineral products while producing only 3% of them. It 
is  dependent  on a few or single source-countries for many critical  minerals,  with  China for 
example  providing  98%  of  Rare  Earth  Elements  and  93%  of  magnesium.  The  eight  Arctic 
States  are  potentially  significant  suppliers  of  critical  and  other  raw  materials,  and  there  are 
already  important  mineral  extraction  activities  in  the  European  Arctic:  Sweden  plans  to 
produce  iron  ore  in  a  carbon  neutral  way  by  2035  for  instance.  Such  activities  can  be  an 
important  economic  driver  for  creating  local  value  added  products  and  mid-downstream 
industries, thereby promoting growth and jobs. 

The EU will promote environmental, economic and social assessments and best practices for 
mining,  waste  management  and  accident  response,  as  well  as  supporting  area-based 

25  https://erccportal. j rc.ec.europa.eu/getdailymap/docId/3662 
26  https://atmosphere.copernicus.eu/global-forecast-plots 
27  EPRD report, p. 60. 
28  Regulation (EU) 2017/852. 
29  EPRD report, p. 94. 
30  COM/2020/789 
31  COM/2021/551; COM/2021/559; COM/2021/562. 
32  EU plus the UK, EPRD Report, p. 114. 

9 

 
 
                                                 
management and implementing circular economy initiatives. The EU Action Plan on Critical 
Raw Materials33 aims to ensure a sustainable and secure supply of critical raw materials for 
EU industry, with full respect for and involvement of local and indigenous communities. The 
EU principles for sustainable raw materials underline the importance of sound environmental 
management  and  biodiversity  protection,  promote  efficient  energy  use,  support  climate 
change mitigation and adaptation, and contribute to the resilience of indigenous people in the 
face of climate change effects. They call for increased circularity through safe use, recycling, 
disposal,  and  recovery  of  raw  materials  from  mining  and  processing  waste  and  other 
secondary resources. They also address social aspects, such as respect for human rights, local 
cultures, customs and values, as well as a constructive, transparent and active dialogue with 
the local community. 

Building  resilient  EU  value  chains  through  sustainable  raw  materials  extraction  and 
processing  will  help  the  Arctic  region  to  develop  sustainably  through  innovation  and 
circularity, ensuring health and safety at work and the creation of future-oriented decent jobs. 
While achieving cleaner and more sustainable extraction and processing, a greater local and 
EU  uptake  of  secondary  raw  materials,  enabled  by  clean  green  technologies,  is  needed  to 
increase circularity in the region, phase-out the current linear model, and ultimately minimise 
environmental  impacts  of  extractive  industries.  Given  the  Arctic  region’s  unique  pristine 
character  and  its  high  sensitivity  to  climate  change,  the  EU  will  champion  with  global 
partners  the  setting  of  the  highest  standards  for  reducing  the  environmental  impact  of 
processes for exploitation and processing - in line with the EU Action Plan. To this end, raw 
materials  research  and  innovation  topics  under  Horizon  Europe  will  cover  environmentally 
friendly, sustainable sourcing in line with biodiversity protection, circularity, and the use of 
Earth Observation technologies for environmental monitoring. 

Other  global  players  are  already  moving  fast  to  secure  supplies.  Access  to  sufficient 
resources is key for the EU’s open strategic autonomy. The EU must also diversify sourcing 
from outside the EU to meet the growing demand. We are developing strategic partnerships 
with resource rich countries like Canada, and are offering closer integration of our respective 
value  chains,  cooperation  on  R&I  and  alignment  on  ambitious  environmental,  social  and 
governance standards, in return for clean and ethically sourced raw materials. 
The  EU  is  also  an  importer  of  oil  and  gas  extracted  in  the  Arctic34.  It  is  committed  to 
achieving the targets under the Paris Agreement by implementing the European Green Deal. 
Building on the partial  moratoriums on hydrocarbons exploration in  the Arctic35, the EU is 
committed to ensuring that oil, coal and gas stay in the ground, including in Arctic regions. 
An  important  consideration  in  this  regard  is  the  specific  difficulty,  due  to  the  prevailing 
weather conditions, for response and clean-up, in case of industrial or maritime accidents. 

To this end, the Commission shall work with partners towards a multilateral legal obligation 
not  to  allow  any  further  hydrocarbon  reserve  development  in  the  Arctic  or  contiguous 
regions, nor to purchase such hydrocarbons if they were to be produced. 

Strengthening the Arctic’s ocean governance 

The Arctic Ocean and the adjacent subarctic seas are at the centre of global transformations 
caused by  climate change36. The most obvious change to  the  Arctic  Ocean is  the retreating 
sea ice during the summer months, with  some models  predicting an ice-free summer in  the 
Arctic  Ocean  within  a  decade.  Changes  in  temperature  affect  ocean  currents,  including  the 

33  COM (2020) 474. 
34  The EU imports 87% of the liquefied natural gas produced in the Russian Arctic (EPRD Report, p. 104). 
35  In parts of the US, Canada, and Greenland. 
36  https://www.ipcc.ch/srocc/ 

10 

 
 
                                                 
Gulf Stream. The acidification of seawater as well as the rapid change in temperature zones 
will have a marked impact on Arctic marine and coastal ecosystems. These impacts could be 
catastrophic. 

UNCLOS  provides  a  framework  for  managing  the  Arctic  Ocean,  including  the  peaceful 
settlement  of  disputes.  The  EU  will  contribute  to  strengthening  international  ocean 
governance  and  will  support  partners  to  ensure  that  the  oceans  are  clean,  healthy  and 
sustainably managed37. 
The EU will continue to develop sustainable relationships with its partners in the region, such 
as  Iceland,  Norway,  the  UK,  Greenland  and  the  Faroe  Islands,  including  through  fisheries 
agreements. The international legal regime that governs Svalbard and its waters must be fully 
respected.  Under  the  EU’s  exclusive  competence  for  conservation  of  marine  biological 
resources, it represents 22 EU Member States that are Parties to the 1920 Treaty of Paris on 
Spitzbergen (Svalbard). 

The  EU  will  strengthen  the  capacity  of  the  Copernicus  Marine  Environment  Monitoring 
Service to address the specific needs of the Arctic Ocean. 

The EU will 

- promote  sustainable  and  responsible  solutions  in  the  European  Arctic  for  extracting 
critical  materials  needed  for  the  green  transition,  and  seek  strategic  partnerships  with 
resource-rich third countries. 

- promote  with  global  partners  the  setting  of  the  highest  standards  for  reducing  the 

environmental impact of processes for exploitation and processing. 

- push for oil, coal and gas to remain in the ground, including in Arctic regions, building on 

partial moratoriums on hydrocarbons exploration in the Arctic. 

- support  and  contribute  to  the  Arctic  Council  indicative  target  to  reduce  the  quantity  of 
black carbon emissions which reach the Arctic by as much as 33% below 2013 levels by 
2025. 

- negotiate  for  a  strong  agreement  on  BBNJ  and  contribute  to  the  implementation  of  the 

Agreement to Prevent Unregulated High Seas Fisheries in the Central Arctic Ocean. 

- support the designation of Marine Protected Areas in the Arctic Ocean. 

- boost  Earth  and  ocean  observation,  forecasting  and  climate  prediction  through  greater 
capacity for Copernicus and EMODnet to better anticipate the effects of global warming 
and extreme weather events. 

- support the possible implementation of a Copernicus Arctic thematic hub to present as a 

one-stop shop all relevant services to monitor the poles, both inland and at sea. 

- fund research to improve the understanding of the long-distance transport of plastic waste 

in the North Atlantic and air transport of micro plastics. 

- lead the drive for Zero Emission and Zero Pollution shipping in the Arctic Ocean. 

- promote faster and more ambitious emission reductions for Arctic shipping. 

3.  STIMULATING  AN 

INNOVATIVE  GREEN,  BLUE  AND  DIGITAL 

37  JOIN(2016) 49 

11 

 
 
 
                                                 
TRANSITION 

By  implementing  the  European  Green  Deal,  including  the  new  approach  for  a 
sustainable blue economy, and pursuing priorities at international level, the EU seeks to 
mitigate,  adapt  to  and  recover  from  climate  change-related  problems  and  offer 
European solutions to ensure a robust green and blue transition. 

Promoting science, research and innovation for the benefit of the Arctic 

Science, research, innovation and technology are at the heart of EU policies and actions in the 
Arctic.  The  EU’s  approach  to  science  and  innovation38  is  to  lead  by  example,  promoting 
multilateralism,  openness  and  reciprocity  in  its  cooperation  for  green,  digital,  health  and 
innovation  solutions,  but  also  a  fair  and  inclusive  transition.  The  EU  invested  around  EUR 
200 million in Arctic-related research under Horizon 2020 between 2014 and 2020, and will 
support Arctic science via the Horizon Europe Programme (2021-2027)39. 

Innovative  technologies,  such  as  satellites,  big  data,  artificial  intelligence  and  advanced 
modelling,  are  likely  to  transform  the  Arctic  economy.  They  can  enable  sectors  such  as 
shipping, fisheries and tourism to improve their sustainability and circularity, while emerging 
sectors  such  as  blue  technologies,  offshore  renewable  energy,  hydrogen  and  maritime 
security also rely on innovation and technology. 

The Horizon 2020 project EU-PolarNet 2 (2020-23), the successor to EU-PolarNet 1 (2015-
2019) on ‘Coordinating and co-designing the European Polar Research Area’, will strengthen 
a European Polar research community. 

38  COM(2021) 252. 
39  Horizon Europe encompasses three new initiatives, which will help to advance the societal impact of research 
in the Arctic region in the next 10 years: 

•  the Mission on healthy ocean, seas, coastal and inland waters; 
•  the Mission on adaptation to climate change, including societal transformation; and 
•  a co-funded Partnership for a climate-neutral, sustainable and productive blue economy. 

12 

 
 
 
                                                 
Most Arctic projects funded under Horizon 2020 engage with local and Indigenous Peoples, 
who possess historic and local knowledge of the unique Arctic ecosystems. Further work in 
this direction will be developed via dedicated workshops under EU-PolarNet 2 (cf. focus box 
6) and through the All Atlantic Ocean Research Alliance. 

FOCUS 6: EU-Polar Net 

EU-PolarNet  coordinates  the  EU  Polar  Cluster,  consisting  of  the  European  Polar  Board,  the  Svalbard 
Integrated Arctic Earth Observing System and 21 EU-funded Polar projects. The projects investigate: drivers 
and  changes  in  Arctic  biodiversity;  transitions  in  Arctic  coastal  systems;  ice  sheets  and  sea  level  rise 
projections; adaptation and sustainable development in the Arctic; capacity building in Arctic standardisation. 

The  Marie  Skłodowska-Curie  actions  provide  grants  for  the  training  of  early  career 
researchers  and  for  mobility  of  researchers,  including  for  the  Arctic  area,  for  all  stages  of 
researchers'  careers.  Several  on-going  Horizon  2020  funded  projects  have  also  delivered 
training schemes for young scientists in close cooperation with the Association of Polar Early 
Career Scientists. 

Prioritising people living in the Arctic 

Arctic regions  are expected to  be increasingly  affected by both  demographic and migration 
processes  as  a  result  of  the  ever-accelerating  climate  and  socio-economic  pressures.  While 
the total Arctic population is projected to remain relatively constant in the future, substantial 
differences  are  expected  in  growth  rates  and  migration  processes  between  different  Arctic 
regions.  The  EU  will  invest  in  the  future  of  people  living  in  the  Arctic,  stimulating  better 
education, sustainable growth and jobs, including more involvement of young people, women 
and Indigenous Peoples in Arctic decision-making, on issues such as innovation and research, 
job creation, digital skills and education. 

People are the key to sustainable development and resilient societies. The Arctic regions are 
diverse in terms of ethnicities, governance, economies, demographics, migration patterns and 
social  realities.  A  sustainable  way  forward  requires  inclusive  dialogue,  diversity  and 
meaningful participation in decision-making at all levels. 

The Arctic Stakeholders’ Forum  and the  Indigenous Peoples’ Dialogue are now an integral 
part of the EU’s Arctic policy. The EU has regular discussions with business groups such as 
the  Arctic  Economic  Council,  organisations  representing  municipalities,  like  the  Arctic 
Mayors’ Forum, and Arctic-wide representatives, including the Northern Sparsely Populated 
Areas network. The EU also maintains regular contact with the Sámi Council. 

The  COVID-19  pandemic  underlined  the  need  to  improve  understanding  of  health  threats 
from the impact of climate change in the Arctic (cf focus box 7). 

FOCUS 7: Health and resilience 

The  EU  will  aim  to  run  specific  projects  with  the  World  Health  Organisation  and  the  authorities  of  the  most 
affected  Arctic  regions  to  strengthen  and  share  knowledge  and  best  practices  on  disease  outbreaks,  natural 
disasters, and other threats to wildlife, plants and humans from climate change and environmental degradation. 
It will support the work of the ‘One Arctic, One Health ’ project, managed by the Arctic Council’s Sustainable 
Development  Working  Group;  the  Arctic  Council  pays  particular  attention  to  the  situation  of  Indigenous 
Peoples. 

EU  cohesion  policy  programmes,  in  particular  the  Interreg  Northern  Periphery  and  Arctic 
programme  (NPA),  provide  support  for  Sámi  and  Inuit  culture, 
livelihoods  and 
entrepreneurship.  Interreg  provides  a  framework  for  people-to-people  contacts  across 
borders,  tailored  to  the  specific  characteristics  of  the  Arctic,  including  cooperation  with 
partners.  The  COVID-19  Response  Project  (CORE),  which  includes  Russia,  is  based  on 

13 

 
 
NPA’s long legacy in eHealth. 

The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is integral to the EU’s human rights 
policy.  The  EU  will  promote  Indigenous  Peoples’  rights  and  freedoms  in  line  with  the 
International Labour Organisation (ILO) Convention No 169, and encourage full consultation 
and  cooperation  with  Indigenous  Peoples,  bearing  in  mind  the  principle  of  free,  prior  and 
informed consent, before adopting and implementing measures that may affect them directly. 

The EU will maintain the close contacts established with young people across borders during 
the  public  consultation  on  its  Arctic  policy,  and  establish  regular  consultations  with  youth 
representatives from the Arctic. Youth organisations in the Arctic are already participating in 
actions funded by the Erasmus+ programme to develop projects and offer information about 
work  and  training  opportunities,  learning  mobility  or  other  opportunities  to  become  active 
citizens. Iceland and Norway are fully associated to the programme. 

True sustainable development is not possible without gender equality. The EU’s commitment 
to  Arctic  science  can  support  a  better  understanding  of  gendered  and  human  insecurities 
associated  with  climate  change,  environmental  changes,  migration  patterns  and  industrial 
development.  The  EU  welcomes  the  fact  that  women  make  up  a  significant  part  of  the 
leadership of the Sámi Council and, based on the work of the Arctic Council and the EU’s 
core  principles,  the  EU  will  ensure  that  women’s  voices  are  heard  in  drawing  up  policies 
applicable  to  the  Arctic.  Under  the  Neighbourhood,  Development  and  International 
Cooperation Instrument, the EU will finance programmes for young people and women in the 
Arctic and contribute to cooperation between cities. 

Promoting sustainable regional development 

The  EU’s  Arctic  policy  aims  to  stimulate  an  innovative  green  transition,  where  the  Arctic 
regions  can showcase future-compatible job  creation in innovative sectors, including:  green 
energy,  hydrogen,  sustainable  extractive  industries,  e-based  learning,  e-health,  connectivity 
and infrastructure, sustainable tourism, green technologies, fisheries and agriculture (cf focus 
box 8). 

EU  Arctic  funding  is  disbursed  within  the  cohesion  and  rural  policy  programmes  for 
Northern Sweden and North-East Finland, while the Interreg programmes extend the reach of 
EU  actions  by  involving  the  Faroe  Islands,  Iceland,  Greenland,  Norway  and  Russia.  These 
programmes are key instruments for the EU to steer developments taking place in the Arctic. 
The  Long-term  Vision  for  Rural  Areas  initiative  develops  a  common  European  vision  for 
stronger, connected, prosperous and resilient rural areas, which include the Arctic regions40. 

In  2021-2027,  the  EU’s  cohesion  programmes  will  focus  on  green  and  digital  transition, 
providing support for smart economic transformation through continuous smart specialisation 
strategies,  funding  for  entrepreneurship,  and  initiatives  for  young  people  in  the  Arctic.  The 
northern  Finnish  and  Swedish  regions  are  eligible  for  the  new  Just  Transition  Fund  which 
aims  to  alleviate  the  social  and  economic  costs  resulting  from  the  transition  to  a  climate-
neutral economy. 

FOCUS 8: InvestEU for the Arctic 

The  InvestEU Programme consists of the fund, the Advisory  Hub and the web portal,  and also applies to the 
Arctic. The EIB Group 41 will play a key role in implementing InvestEU, alongside other implementing partners, 
including  National  promotional  banks  or  International  Financial  Institutions,  such  as  the  Nordic  Investment 
Bank. Any non-EU country can be associated by contributing to InvestEU. 

40  COM(2021) 345 
41  Consisting of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and European Investment Fund (EIF). 

14 

 
 
                                                 
The EU budgetary guarantee provided through the InvestEU Fund is expected to be able to mobilise EUR 370 
billion  in  public-private  investments  to  finance  projects  in  key  policy  areas,  including  the  green  and  digital 
transitions, research and innovation, new action areas in the European health sector and strategic technologies. 

Existing and new EU programmes (e.g. Interreg Aurora, the NPA, Karelia and Kolarctic) and 
organisations  (the  European  Investment  Bank  Group)  that  can  support  sustainable 
development  in  the  European  Arctic  will  be  made  more  visible  for  beneficiaries,  through  a 
portal:
dedicated 

information 

investment 

and 
https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters- 

online 

homepage/100774/arctic-funding en 

Smart  specialisation  can  support  development  of  innovative  technologies  and  solutions  for 
the green transition, helping European Arctic regions benefit from investments from the EU 
Recovery  Plan,  which  emphasises  energy  efficiency,  sustainable  energy  and  industrial 
transitions.  In  addition,  the  EU  Climate  Action  Innovation  Fund  supports  demonstration 
projects of low-carbon technologies in the marine environment. 

The EIB will support green energy in  the Arctic. Financing and investment  is  available for 
projects  that  implement  the  circular  economy  by  increasing  resource  efficiency  and  by 
progressing  on  sustainable  production  processes,  as  well  as  other  circular  projects  across 
products’ life cycle. 

Connecting the Arctic 

Space  infrastructures  provide  essential  services  to  businesses  and  communities  in  a  region 
that has limited terrestrial connectivity infrastructures. 

In  the  absence  of  comprehensive  terrestrial  connectivity  in  the  Arctic,  the  EU  through  its 
spacebased secure connectivity initiative will offer reliable and functional means to provide: 

(i) governmental  secure  communications  and  sensitive  data,  protection  of  critical 
infrastructures  in  the  harsh  Arctic  environment,  crisis  management,  telemedicine, 
maritime and air space surveillance; 

(ii)  commercial  secure  communications  for  5G/6G  integration,  Internet  of  Things,  e-

health, in-flight and maritime connectivity, and smart education; and 

(iii)  high-speed broadband availability removing dead zones and ensuring cohesion across 
the  Arctic  and  the  Member  States,  addressing  digital  imbalances  to  underpin  a  fully 
functioning Single Market even in the sparsely populated northern regions. 

The digital component of the Connecting Europe Facility will be opened up to Arctic regions, 
offering the possibility to provide financing for a range of projects including 5G cross-border 
corridors,  5G  smart  communities,  connecting  high  performing  computer  centres,  the 
European Cloud Federation and submarine cable systems. 

The ports of Luleå, Kemi, Oulu, Narvik and Hammerfest are TEN-T ports, forming important 
interlinks between maritime and land transport. The Corridor extensions were adopted with 
the Connecting Europe Facility 2021-2027, with the aim to transport freight originating in the 
Arctic regions on land and potentially via the Northern Sea Route. 

- 

invest in Arctic research under Horizon Europe, including cooperation with indigenous 
knowledge holders. 

The EU will 

15 

 
 
 
-  enhance  knowledge  of  health  threats  linked  to  Arctic  climate  change  and  support  the 
‘One  Arctic  One  Health’  project,  possibly  via  the  European  Climate  and  Health 
Observatory. 

- 

lead  by  example  in  sustainable  solutions  in  the  European  Arctic  and  promote  their 
uptake  in  other  Arctic  regions  and  other  parts  of  the  world  with  harsh  climatic 
conditions. 

-  advance research on the societal and demographic impact of changes in the Arctic. 

- 

involve  women  and  young  and  Indigenous  people  more  in  relevant  decision-making 
processes. 

-  boost  digital  connectivity  in  Arctic  regions  through  EU  space  programmes  and  the 

Connecting Europe Facility. 

- 

through EU funding programmes, stimulate an innovative green transition where Arctic 
regions can showcase future-compatible job creation. 

-  make EU funding possibilities more visible through an online ‘one-stop-shop’. 

- 

improve transport connectivity through TEN-T corridor extensions. 

CONCLUSION 

This Joint Communication commits the EU to increased engagement in and around the Arctic 
region,  in  response  to  the  geopolitical,  environmental,  economic,  security  and  social 
challenges  they  face,  and  to  working  with  others  to  manage  new  opportunities  there.  It 
presents a range of EU actions in the Arctic, building on ongoing work and in new areas of 
expertise.  The  Commission  and  the  High  Representative  will  work  with  the  European 
Parliament, the Council and other institutions to implement these actions, and take note of the 
Parliament’s Report on the opportunities, concerns and security challenges in the Arctic. The 
EU  will  extend  its  cooperation  with  all  key  partners  and  stakeholders  in  the  Arctic  and 
beyond, taking account of the shared responsibility to work for a safe, sustainable, prosperous 
and peaceful region, which is in the interest of the entire world. 

16