The EU High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, said on Wednesday 10 November that the Arctic was going to face a “new geopolitical landscape”.
“There are more and more players. New players that are not Arctic states are now increasingly active because they realise how important it is geopolitically to be present” in the region, he explained at the EU Arctic Forum, held a few weeks after the presentation of the new EU strategy for the region (see EUROPE 12811/15).
According to Mr Borrell, security, military, economic, political or environmental elements should not be seen in isolation from each other.
“It is very important to work together with all Arctic players in Europe, the US and Canada, and with other players involved in Arctic affairs. Such international cooperation is vital if the Arctic is to remain a region of peace and strong cooperation”, he explained.
The High Representative called for a strengthened strategic vision, particularly on the links between climate and security, adding that this work should be done with NATO.
Borrell called for the EU to be granted observer status in the Arctic Council, saying that the EU’s involvement in the Arctic was “a necessity”. “If the EU could be present as an observer, this would provide significant support for the Arctic Council ”, he said.
Finally, the High Representative announced that he would visit the Arctic in 2022. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)