The European Commission presented its new Arctic Strategy. The document contains a number of initiatives to protect the Arctic climate and environment as well as promote sustainable development in the Arctic region. In addition, the strategy focuses on strengthening international cooperation on Arctic issues.
Simon C. Bergulf, Director EU Affairs for the Danish Shipowners’ Association, welcomes the strategy but calls on the EU to support initiatives in the Arctic Council and in the UN maritime organization, IMO.
“The EU’s Arctic strategy is an interesting and broad initiative which reflects a greater European focus on this important region. The EU must, however, be careful not to take too many parallel initiatives in the Arctic, which will compete with existing and successful forums, such as the Arctic Council. ”says Simon C. Bergulf.
The EU Arctic strategy includes a lot of initiatives for an active role of the EU in the region. The Communication calls for, among other things, measures to address black carbon and methane emissions, but also to guarantee safe and secure maritime activities in the Arctic. The focus is among other on the security threats linked with using the North East Passage and the complex search and rescue operations in the region. Furthermore, the strategy encourages the creation of a European Arctic Forum.
EU Arctic policy has 3 main policy objectives:
- protecting and preserving the Arctic in cooperation with the people who live there
- promoting sustainable use of resources
- international cooperation.
The European Commission and the High Representative propose that further development of EU Arctic policy focus on 3 key areas:
- supporting research and channelling knowledge to address environmental and climate change in the Arctic
- acting responsibly to help ensure that economic development in the Arctic is based on sustainable use of resources and environmental expertise
- stepping up constructive engagement and dialogue with Arctic states, indigenous peoples and other partners.
Simon C. Bergulf points out that Arctic policy and legislation should, as far as possible, be formulated at international level and on the basis of the cooperation between the Arctic states. The EU’s role should therefore primarily be to support this international approach.
“The IMO and the Arctic Council have shown their ability to discuss the many complex issues faced in the Arctic. It should, therefore, be ensured that international regulations have priority over regional rules, which could not be enforced as effectively. The EU should instead focus on the areas where it can really add value. E.g.by supporting research and development as well as investments in various forms of infrastructure in the Arctic,” he says.
Please click below to view the EU Arctic Policy
Please click here to view FAQs on the Integrated EU policy for the Arctic
Source: eeas.europa.eu
