EU moves to strengthen Arctic strategy as competition intensifies

European Union countries have agreed to step up investment and strategic engagement in the Arctic as the region becomes increasingly important to global security, trade and access to natural resources.

Representatives from 12 European countries met on Monday and called for the European Union to adopt a more active and coordinated approach to the European Arctic, describing the region as an emerging geopolitical hotspot.

The meeting brought together the leaders of Finland, Denmark, Estonia, France, Greece, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Sweden.

Discussions focused on growing competition for influence in the Arctic as melting sea ice creates new opportunities for shipping, fishing, energy production and mineral extraction.

Russia was identified as the most significant security concern facing the European Arctic, while the growing interests of China and the United States were also highlighted.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said the strategic importance of the Arctic could no longer be overlooked by European governments.

He argued that Germany's participation in the meeting, despite not being an Arctic nation, demonstrated how closely developments in the region were linked to wider European security.

Merz said the period of limited European attention to the far north was coming to an end.

Russia has significantly expanded its military presence in the Arctic in recent years, including the reopening and modernisation of military facilities that had been abandoned following the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said Russia represented the most serious long-term challenge to security and stability in the Arctic and argued that the EU should treat the region as a strategic frontier.

Climate change is also transforming the Arctic, with the retreat of sea ice gradually making previously difficult areas more accessible.

The changes are creating opportunities for new shipping routes and increased access to fisheries, oil, gas and minerals, while also intensifying competition between major powers.

China has expanded its economic and strategic interest in the Arctic despite not being an Arctic nation, while the United States has also placed increasing emphasis on the region.

The growing competition has created tensions among NATO allies, particularly over Greenland.

Greenland is a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark and is not part of the European Union. Its strategic location and natural resources have made it increasingly important in discussions about Arctic security.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States needs greater control or influence over Greenland, citing concerns about Russia and China and questioning Denmark's ability to protect the territory.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Greenland had come under significant pressure as a result of the competing strategic interests.

The European Union recently strengthened its relationship with Greenland through a new declaration that included a commitment to closer cooperation and a €200 million investment package.

The initiative came amid continued uncertainty surrounding US ambitions for the territory.

For European governments, the growing importance of the Arctic represents both a security challenge and an economic opportunity. The region is expected to remain a focus of international competition as climate change continues to alter its geography and accessibility.