Renew Europe, represented by the Rapporteur Urmas Paet, has led the development of a new Parliament recommendation on the EU's diplomatic strategy and geopolitical cooperation in the Arctic, adopted today.
Our group calls on the European Commission to urgently update its Arctic strategy based on the consensus proposals developed by the European Parliament in consultation with Arctic regional partners, as Russia's militarisation and China's Polar Silk Road transform the region into a critical geopolitical flashpoint.
Renew MEP Urmas Paet (Reform Party, Estonia), EP rapporteur on this file, stated:
"In recent years, we have experienced significant turbulence in world politics. This is having a clear effect on the Arctic region. The EU needs a smart strategy to face the Arctic's growing geopolitical importance and, among other efforts, I hope to see Iceland, Norway and Greenland joining the EU in the near future."
Urmas PaetRenew Europe MEP, Estonia, Eesti Reformierakond
Arctic is a key piece of the puzzle for Europe’s prosperity and security. Renew Europe calls for deeper, more structured EU-NATO cooperation in the region, reinforcing our strategic autonomy.
We firmly support potential EU membership for willing Arctic nations. The report prioritises Indigenous peoples' rights, sustainable resource management, and upholding international law in the High North.
Key demands in the Renew Europe-led report include:
-Full observer status for the EU in the Arctic Council.
-Work with our partners in Greenland on critical raw materials and energy to ensure Europe has the resources it needs.
-Secure Arctic satellite connectivity with European technology Iris2 and Galileo.
-Ensure next Multiannual Financial Framework funds Arctic shipping, icebreakers, and infrastructure investments.