EU re-examining its role in Arctic, urges Russia to respect int’l law

The European Commission is re-examining the EU’s role in the Arctic ahead of an integrated EU policy by the end of 2021 and the European Parliament is expected to debate its report on the issue this week.

 

“A shift in the perception of the Arctic is urgently needed as an increasingly tense international situation forces us to review our Arctic policy,” said Anna Fotyga, author of the EP report.

 

Fotyga claims that the  EU’s Arctic strategy must reflect the new security realities in the region, rising geopolitical tensions and new players such as China.

 

The report urges Russia to fully respect international law and ‘to be mindful’ of the consequences of its actions.

 

It also states that potential EU cooperation with Russia in the Arctic must not jeopardise the goals of sanctions against Russian action elsewhere.