12 European Nations Gather in Finland to Urge Expanded EU Role in the Arctic

Twelve European nations have urged the European Union to strengthen its presence in the Arctic, which has recently become a geopolitical battleground as Russia, the United States, and China actively vie for influence.

According to AFP and other media outlets, the 12 countries issued a joint statement following a summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, on the 14th (local time), emphasizing that "to protect our interests while simultaneously promoting stability and sustainable development, the EU must play a more strategic and active role in the Arctic region in tune with geopolitical realities."

The joint statement was joined by EU member states including Finland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Greece, Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, and Romania.

The meeting was attended by key leaders from the region as well as top EU leadership, including António Costa, President of the European Council, and Kaja Kallas, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

They also pointed out that the need to reinforce the EU's Arctic policy has grown significantly due to threats from Russia, which has recently sought to expand its influence in the Arctic while intensifying hostile actions against Europe, including hybrid attacks.

Driven by global warming, shrinking sea ice has opened up new maritime routes and improved access to key natural resources, heightening international interest in the Arctic region.

Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that the U.S. must incorporate Greenland, a self-governing territory of Denmark in the Arctic, into U.S. territory by any means necessary to counter threats from China and Russia. This sparked friction with European allies in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), further raising tensions in the Arctic.

During the meeting, Council President Costa emphasized, "What happens here is no longer just a local matter, but an issue for all of Europe," expressing agreement on the need to formulate an EU-level Arctic strategy.

Reflecting the results of the meeting, the European Commission plans to release a new Arctic strategy in the coming weeks, focusing on Europe's more active engagement in the Arctic region, security, and economic development, including natural resources.

Meanwhile, Finland, which hosted the meeting, expressed its desire for icebreaker capabilities to be included in Europe's new Arctic strategy.

As an icebreaker powerhouse, Finland argued that icebreakers are essential to stably protect goods and trade routes in the vast Arctic region and to support military presence, according to dpa.

(Photo: AP, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.