On Thursday 7 October, called for constructive international cooperation in the Arctic, a region facing many challenges, including climate change and respect for indigenous communities.
“The Arctic is strategically and politically important for the EU”, according to a report by Anna Fotyga (ECR, Poland) entitled ‘The Arctic: prospects, problems and security challenges’, adopted by 506 votes in favour to 36 against, with 140 abstentions.
According to MEPs, it is essential that all stakeholders, including the EU and its Member States, act to maintain peaceful and intense international and regional cooperation, scientific research, prosperity and low tensions in the Arctic, as well as to address the highly alarming effects and consequences of climate change in the region. They also stress the need to ensure the preservation of the culture of the indigenous peoples of the Arctic region.
The Parliament also highlights its serious concerns about the gradual build-up of Russian military capabilities and China’s large-scale projects in the Arctic.
MEPs warn that Arctic states must engage in a constructive and mutually beneficial dialogue on all issues, from environmental protection to economic development to military operations.
In addition, MEPs call for the new EU Arctic Strategy, which is due to be presented in the next few days by the Commission and the EU High Representative, to reflect “the Union’s interest in the Arctic and to address the combined challenges of increased international attention and climate, environmental, geo-political and geo-economic changes in the region”. According to MEPs, this strategy should include a comprehensive approach to safety, including environmental and health considerations, as well as maritime security issues.
See the report: https://bit.ly/3iFw0bL (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)