The increasing need for energy and the fact that the loss of sea ice due to global climate change allows access to new resources increases the interest in the Arctic Region day by day. The Arctic Ocean, the shallowest sea in the world, holds more than 1/3 of the global hydrocarbon reserves, while 3 of the 8 countries bordering this ocean are members of the European Union and the other 2 countries are part of the European Economic Area.

Increasing activity in the Arctic raises issues related to national security and energy security. The European Union aims to strengthen its involvement in Arctic affairs, building on its policy on Arctic issues set out in previous Joint Communications and based on the 2016 Global Strategy for the European Union's Foreign and Security Policy and the Commission's political priorities. To achieve this objective, the policy aims to,

• Contribute to maintaining peaceful and constructive dialogue and cooperation in a changing geopolitical environment. To keep the Arctic safe and stable by raising Arctic issues in its external contacts, intensifying regional cooperation and developing strategic insights into emerging security challenges;
• Addressing the ecological, social, economic and political challenges that arise as a result of climate change, taking strong action to combat climate change and environmental degradation, making the Arctic more resilient through environmental legislation, joint action on black carbon and permafrost melting, and building pressure to keep oil, coal and gas in the ground, including in the Arctic;
• Supporting the inclusive and sustainable development of the Arctic region for the benefit of its inhabitants and future generations; focusing on the needs of Indigenous Peoples, women, youth and investing in jobs for the future and the blue economy.

October 13, 2021 to access the document published by the European Commission Click here.