From RFI · · 1m 50s
EU charts Arctic strategy amid Russian threat and US uncertainty
The European Union unveils plans to strengthen its Arctic presence through infrastructure, security measures and partnerships as competition intensifies over resources and shipping routes.
In brief
The European Union unveils plans to strengthen its Arctic presence through infrastructure, security measures and partnerships as competition intensifies over resources and shipping routes. The EU announced a new Arctic strategy to expand its presence in the region through infrastructure investment, security hubs and…
EU unveils Arctic strategy
The European Union announced a new Arctic strategy on October twentieth to strengthen its presence in the far north as melting sea ice opens new shipping routes and competition intensifies over resources, infrastructure and security.
Von der Leyen's strategic shift
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday: When we see that sovereignty, territorial integrity and the rules that have underpinned stability in the region can no longer be taken for granted, we…
“When we see that sovereignty, territorial integrity and the rules that have underpinned stability in the region can no longer be taken for granted, we have to act and change our strategic posture.”
Maritime Security Hub and cable protection
Von der Leyen announced plans for a Maritime Security Hub to track Russia's sanctions-busting shadow fleet, alongside a centre to monitor, protect and repair undersea cables in the North Atlantic and Arctic.
Infrastructure and connectivity plans
The EU will fund cameras, sensors and satellites to detect threats and back a secure submarine cable connecting Greenland directly to the bloc.
Partnerships and US uncertainty
The strategy places cooperation with like-minded countries at its centre, identifying Canada, the United Kingdom and Norway as important partners.
Countering Russian military buildup
Russia's military buildup and activities at sea are a central concern.Officials estimate Europe has around ten icebreakers, most in Finland, compared with roughly forty in Russia.
Economic priorities and fossil fuel stance
The strategy foresees investment in renewable energy and critical raw material projects, linking the Arctic more closely to Europe's wider economic priorities.
The headline
The EU announced a new Arctic strategy to expand its presence in the region through infrastructure investment, security hubs and partnerships, responding to Russian military activity and uncertainty over US intentions.
