Speaking at a news conference after the European Arctic Summit in Finland, European Council President Costa said developments in the Arctic had consequences beyond the region. Costa said the region was of strategic importance to Europe and that the Arctic’s security meant Europe’s security.
Costa said the approach to security in the Arctic needed to be adapted to the “new geopolitical reality” and noted that the summit supported the goal of establishing a rules-based approach.
Principles of international law under strain
Costa said the Arctic was among the regions affected by the weakening of the multilateral system. He said the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity could no longer be taken for granted and noted that fundamental concepts of international law, such as freedom of navigation, were being put to the test.
Describing Russia as one of the main drivers behind the weakening of the multilateral system, Costa announced that the European Union would continue its solidarity with its allies in the Arctic region.
Security emphasis in the long-term budget
Costa said Europe’s new geopolitical reality would be reflected in the next long-term budget and that investments in security and defense, including in the Arctic, would be increased.
Costa also drew attention to the adverse impact of climate change on the Arctic and the region’s abundance of critical raw materials. He recalled that the European Commission was in the process of renewing its Arctic strategy.