The EU's new strategy for the Arctic: Geopolitics and infrastructure

On Tuesday, at the European Parliament’s seat in Strasbourg, the European Commission presented its strategy for the Arctic. The new document is intended as a response by EU structures to the region’s growing geopolitical significance. According to the Commission, the changes occurring in the Arctic (including melting glaciers opening new shipping routes and revealing further sources of natural resources) are intensifying strategic competition and military activity in the region.

The strategy’s objectives include improving the security of critical infrastructure located in the region. From now on, the European Union is to strengthen cooperation with Arctic NATO members; this is intended not only to cover an increased scope of protection for undersea infrastructure but may also influence the expansion of European icebreaker capabilities.

Furthermore, the Commission intends to establish a maritime security centre ultimately responsible for streamlining information exchange as well as monitoring activity in Arctic waters. An Arctic cable protection centre is also to be established.

In addition, the announced initiatives include accelerating the Rail Nordica project and laying the Pan-Arctic Cable, an undersea cable intended to connect Greenland directly with Europe, with the potential for future expansion to Canada and Japan.