Twelve European countries have urged the European Union to strengthen its role in the Arctic, describing the region as an increasingly important arena for security, economic activity and climate-related change. The appeal came at a summit in Rovaniemi, Finnish Lapland, attended by leaders and senior officials including representatives of Denmark, France, Germany, Greece and Sweden.
In a joint statement, the countries called on the EU to take a more strategic and proactive approach to the European Arctic. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc needed icebreakers or other vessels capable of operating in difficult conditions, although it was not clear whether she was proposing a jointly acquired fleet or greater national investment by member states.
Kallas linked the need for such capabilities to climate change and the opening of maritime routes. EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen had previously suggested that part of the bloc’s increased defence spending could support a European icebreaker capability, which has traditionally been viewed as civilian infrastructure.
The leaders cited what they described as the long-term threat posed by Russia, including Moscow’s efforts to expand its influence in the Arctic and what the statement called hostility toward Europe and increased hybrid activity. EU Council President Antonio Costa said developments in the region should be treated as a European matter rather than solely a local or regional issue.
No formal decisions were made at the meeting. However, the European Commission is expected to publish a new Arctic strategy within weeks, providing a framework for the EU’s policy in the region. Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo’s senior adviser Tuomas Tikkanen said the summit was intended to help shape that document as the Arctic’s geopolitical and economic significance grows.
The summit also took place against a backdrop of rapid environmental change. The source reported that the Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the global average, while melting sea ice is contributing to interest in natural resources and new shipping routes. Russia, China and the United States have all increased activity in the region, adding to European governments’ calls for a more coordinated EU presence.