EU Arctic Communication streamlines the Union's policy

Press release 82/2016
27 April 2016

The Joint Arctic Communication adopted by the European External Action Service and the European Commission defines guidelines for the EU Arctic policy in three priority areas: combating climate change, sustainable development and international cooperation. The objective of the Communication is to integrate the sectoral EU policies into a single, coherent EU Arctic policy and to underline the role of the EU as an active player in the Arctic region also in future.

The Communication pays attention to the varying needs of the different parts of the Arctic region. Logistics, investments and structural policy are mentioned as examples of the challenges and needs of the European Arctic.

"I am pleased that the third EU Arctic Communication has been adopted. It streamlines the EU Arctic policy in the situation following the adoption of the Paris Climate Agreement", says Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini.

The objectives for Finland's Arctic policy are strengthening multilateral Arctic cooperation, raising Finland's profile as an expert in Arctic issues, and influencing the EU Arctic policy. Finland considers that the EU Arctic policy should focus on Arctic research, environmental protection of the Arctic region, economic growth and employment, wellbeing of the indigenous peoples such as the Saami and other people living in the north, and international cooperation. Finland deems it also important that the requirements set by sustainable development will be taken into consideration in all activities in the Arctic region.

"The Foreign Affairs Council must now discuss the implementation of the Arctic Communication. It is vital that we receive clear conclusions that form a foundation for further work. Arctic issues should be made one of the priorities of the international relations of the European Union. Finland, Sweden and Denmark could, together with the other Nordic countries, promote the practical implementation of the Communication", says Minister for Foreign Affairs Soini.

Finland's forthcoming chairmanship of the Arctic Council provides a good opportunity to influence the development of the Arctic policy also within the EU. Finland will assume its two-year term as chair of the Arctic Council in 2017.

Inquiries: Raili Lahnalampi, Chief of Cabinet, Office of the Minister for Foreign Affairs, tel. +358 50 550 7546 and Aleksi Härkönen, Ambassador for Arctic Affairs, tel. +358 295 350 471.