The European Commission is scheduled to present an updated Arctic strategy Tuesday, with draft proposals on security, infrastructure and resource access as melting sea ice intensifies competition in the region.
AFP reported that the draft links growing access to Arctic resources and shipping routes with increased activity by Russia, China and the United States. Denmark, Finland and Sweden are the European Union’s three Arctic members, giving the bloc a direct stake in the region.
On polar vessels, the draft says the Commission would develop options for allies to procure, pool and share them. No joint purchase has been decided. The document also envisages a recurring summit with Canada, Britain and Norway; the United States is listed as a possible participant, AFP reported.
For security, the draft identifies drone incursions and undersea cable sabotage as hybrid threats. It proposes greater data sharing to monitor tankers in Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. The document also foresees investment in renewable energy and critical raw materials projects.
A submarine cable between Greenland and the EU mainland is another proposal in the draft, as part of a wider Arctic route that would also connect Canada, Japan and South Korea. EconoTimes previously covered the Greenland-to-EU cable proposal; that report, based on Euronews reporting, said the link could improve network resilience, add data routes for Europe and benefit Arctic communities.
Separately, the EU is already working to provide Arctic satellite connectivity through its IRIS² constellation project, AFP reported. EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela said the updated policy addresses climate change alongside security and geopolitical tensions.
The Commission said Oct. 19 that its College of Commissioners was scheduled to adopt the strategy on Oct. 20. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen was due to speak afterward. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas and Sikela were scheduled to discuss the meeting and strategy with reporters in the European Parliament press room.
