Arctic: growing militarisation undermines regional stability

EU-US cooperation fundamental to contain Russian and Chinese influence

Arctic governance must remain anchored in international law

EU should use shifting political momentum in the Arctic to deepen EU integration

EU must assert clear, security-oriented Arctic strategy, anchored in international law, Foreign Affairs MEPs argue in a text adopted on Tuesday.

Condemning the growing militarisation of the Arctic, MEPs point to Russia’s extensive military restructuring, including the establishment of its “Maritime Collegium”. This, they say, in combination with China’s clear interest in the region, has escalated regional tensions and undermined regional stability.

In response, MEPs say the EU needs to work together with member states and NATO allies to strengthen deterrent capabilities, as well as deepen practical EU-NATO cooperation in the Arctic in areas of shared concern. This includes maritime domain awareness, the protection of critical infrastructure, logistics, and search-and-rescue interoperability. MEPs also say EU-US cooperation in the Arctic is fundamental to contain Russia and China and ensure our common security.

Protection of essential underwater infrastructure and application of international law

In the light of recent incidents in the Baltic Sea attributed to Russia’s shadow fleet and Chinese vessels, MEPs say the EU should substantially improve its protection of essential underwater infrastructure in the Arctic, particularly submarine cables and pipelines, including those in the proximity of Greenland, and tighten the regulatory framework for sanctions and countermeasures.

MEPs also stress that the legal framework for Arctic governance must remain anchored in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Pointing to increased geopolitical competition along Arctic maritime routes, particularly the Northern sea route, MEPs reject unilateral territorial or navigational claims and support diplomatic dialogue to establish clear international agreements regarding freedom of navigation and peaceful maritime cooperation. They also support the application of international law to counter attempts to legitimise contested shipping corridors or project geopolitical influence under pretexts of scientific or economic cooperation.

Provider of critical resources for Europe’s strategic autonomy

As the region provides critical resources for Europe’s strategic autonomy, strengthening partnerships in this domain is key to reducing reliance on external authoritarian powers, MEPs add. With a shift in political momentum toward deeper EU integration in the Arctic, MEPs want the EU to engage in deeper strategic and economic partnerships.

Impact of climate change

Given the disproportionate impact of climate change on the Arctic, MEPs call for the urgent improvement of adaptation strategies which also have a security policy dimension. They stress that the rights and knowledge of Arctic Indigenous Peoples must be protected and respected and that they must be fully included in decision-making processes.

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The rapporteur Urmas Paet (Renew, Estonia) said: “In recent years, we have experienced significant turbulence in world politics. This is having a clear effect on the Arctic region. The EU must have a smart strategy to face the growing geopolitical importance of the region and, among other efforts, I hope to see Iceland, Norway and Greenland joining the EU in the near future.”

The text was adopted by 45votes in favour, 7 against and 5 abstentions.

Next steps

Parliament as a whole will vote on the draft resolution at one of the plenary sessions in Strasbourg.