Arctic strategy shifts after 30 years: Military build-up takes centre stage

The European Union (EU) has unveiled a new Arctic strategy that, for the first time in more than 30 years, places military build-up at the centre of its priorities.

TodayPress TV reports that the document was presented by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas at the European Parliament in Strasbourg.

“To strengthen security in the Arctic, the EU will work with its member states and NATO partners to increase combat readiness, protect critical infrastructure, expand the EU’s capacity to operate in Arctic conditions, including by expanding Europe’s fleet of icebreakers,” the first section of the document presented by the European Commission states.

The European Commission has pledged to develop dual-use technologies and equipment for the Arctic, saying these will help secure northern maritime borders and protect the EU’s underwater infrastructure.

The Commission has also announced the establishment of a Maritime Security Centre to monitor maritime activities in the Arctic. During the initial phase, a dedicated structure will be set up to protect and repair underwater infrastructure in northern latitudes, particularly communications cables. Special attention will be given to cables connecting Greenland with Europe.

Although the document does not explicitly state that the EU is prepared to allow its member states to extract oil and gas from the Arctic continental shelf, it emphasises plans to promote innovative economic activities and develop new Arctic technologies intended to enable the extraction of regional resources without harming the environment.

The EU’s previous Arctic strategy was adopted in 2021. Like earlier documents on the subject, it focused primarily on environmental issues.

Aysel Matlab