European leaders were meeting Monday to discuss rising competition in the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes, countries are competing for natural resources and Russia’s growing military presence is raising security concerns.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen were among the leaders attending the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, a Finnish city known for its Santa Claus Village.
The two-day summit began Sunday, shortly after Norway seized a Russian vessel earlier this month in the remote Arctic Svalbard archipelago at Ukraine’s request. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the move.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said the Arctic was “very important” for Europe’s security and prosperity, stressing the need for a “clear picture” and “common understanding” among European countries.
“We have natural resources. We have new sea routes because of climate change. But also we have threats. That’s why we need concrete actions,” Orpo told reporters. “There is so much we can do together.”
The Centres for European Policy Network, a think tank, described the summit as taking place against an “extremely dynamic backdrop.”
It pointed to accelerating climate change, China’s expanding trade through the Arctic and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, which have increased the importance of the Northeast Passage for global shipping.
The summit is also being seen as a “dress rehearsal” for a major update to the European Union’s Arctic policy, expected this autumn. Security is expected to play a central role in the new strategy for the first time.
Climate change has reduced Arctic sea ice, raising hopes that a Northwest Passage could become more accessible for international trade. It has also intensified competition with Russia, China and other countries over the region’s mineral resources.
The EU is also dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated calls for Greenland, a self-governing territory of EU member Denmark, to become part of the United States. Greenland’s government has opposed the idea.
Last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced 200 million euros ($232 million) in EU support over the next two years for Greenland. The funding will help address climate change and improve internet connectivity, hydropower facilities, fisheries and education.
Separately Monday, Finnish President Alexander Stubb announced that Finland would join France’s “forward deterrence” program, which seeks to use France’s nuclear capabilities as part of European defense efforts.
The number of countries joining the program has now reached 10, including Britain, Germany and Finland’s Nordic neighbors.