Developing Europe's strategy for the Arctic in dialogue with civil society

Background

It is becoming ever clearer that the Arctic has an important role in strengthening Europe’s strategic autonomy, resilience, and competitiveness. It is also a fact that the Arctic is, unfortunately, not any more a low-tension area; on the contrary it is becoming ever more important for the security interests of the (Western) Arctic states and the EU at large. Given the profound European interest in this topic, it seems obvious that the EU needs to strengthen its activities, be it in the shape of more ambitious policies, more resources or enhanced diplomatic activity.

Stepping up cooperation with Greenland would give the EU the scope to diversify its access to critical minerals and provide a clear opportunity for a partnership based on a shared commitment to democracy, rule of law and human rights.

Key points

In the opinion the EESC:

• suggests that a systematic stocktaking exercise be carried out, evaluating how EU funds and instruments are perceived and used by the Arctic stakeholders in practice;
• calls for Arctic decision-makers at all levels to more rigorously apply legal obligations and draw inspiration from best-practice standards and mechanisms for including, consulting and empowering all section of local civil society;
• supports and encourages full consultation of and cooperation with indigenous peoples in the Arctic, bearing in mind the principle of free, prior and informed consent, before adopting and implementing measures that might affect them directly.

Additional Information

EESC section: External Relations (REX)

Opinion number: REX/592

Opinion type: Own-initiative

Rapporteur: Anders LADEFOGED, (Employers-GR I/Denmark), co-rapporteur: Christian MOOS, (Civil Society Organisations-GR III/Germany)

Date of adoption by the section: 19/12/2024

Result of the vote in the plenary: 193 in favour/2 against/2 abstentions

The opinion passed the EU Youth Test at the EESC

Contact

Millie Tsoumani

Press Officer, Tel.: +32 (0) 2 546 9088, Email: Amalia.tsoumani@eesc.europa.eu

Maarit Laurila

Policy Officer, Tel.:+32 (0) 2 546 9739,Email: Maarit.Laurila@eesc.europa.eu