On the recommendation for the Council, the Commission and the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy on the EU’s diplomatic strategy and geopolitical cooperation in the Arctic
AFET-PR-775465
Committee on Foreign Affairs · Rapporteur: Urmas Paet
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This draft report recommends that the Council, Commission and High Representative strengthen the EU's Arctic strategy, addressing security, infrastructure protection, climate adaptation, resource partnerships, Indigenous rights, and potential EU enlargement for Iceland, Norway and Greenland.¶¶
Committee position. The rapporteur recommends that the Council, Commission and High Representative adopt a comprehensive Arctic strategy focusing on security, infrastructure protection, climate adaptation, sustainable resource partnerships, Indigenous rights, and openness to EU enlargement for Iceland, Norway and Greenland.¶¶¶
Key points
- Acknowledge Arctic militarisation, especially Russia's military restructuring, and work with member states and NATO allies to strengthen deterrent capabilities.¶
- Substantially strengthen protection of underwater infrastructure like cables and pipelines, enforcing UNCLOS Articles 112–115.¶
- Support diplomatic dialogues for freedom of navigation and peaceful maritime cooperation along Arctic routes, resisting unilateral claims.¶
- Enhance climate adaptation strategies, monitoring, and research investments in cooperation with international partners.¶
- Strengthen partnerships with Greenland and other Arctic stakeholders on sustainable resource extraction, adhering to environmental regulations.¶
- Reaffirm respect for Greenland's right to self-determination, with decisions made exclusively by Greenlandic citizens without external pressure.¶
- Incorporate Indigenous knowledge into environmental and policy-making processes.¶
- Support continued EU funding for Arctic research, open data sharing, and integration of scientific findings into policy.¶
- Welcome Iceland's planned referendum on EU accession by 2027 and pledge to respect its outcome; engage proactively on EU membership benefits.¶
- Explore deeper cooperation with Norway, including possible extension of Article 42(7) TEU and potential EU accession.¶
- Enhance energy cooperation with Norway for resilience and supply diversification.¶
- Welcome Greenlandic initiatives for closer EU ties, including potential accession, and encourage deeper strategic and economic partnerships.¶
Who is affected
- Arctic states and Indigenous peoples: affected by calls for cooperation and inclusion in decision-making.¶¶
- Iceland: affected by recommendation to respect referendum outcome and engage on EU accession.¶
- Norway: affected by proposals for deeper cooperation and potential EU accession.¶
- Greenland: affected by reaffirmation of self-determination and encouragement of closer EU ties.¶¶