The European Union presented a new Arctic policy on Tuesday as it seeks to assert greater influence in the region. The new strategy was reported by mbl.is.
The policy aims to increase the EU’s competitiveness in the Arctic against geopolitical rivals including Russia, China and the United States. According to mbl.is, the EU intends to strengthen its position in response to growing competition in the region.
As part of the new approach, the EU plans to expand its satellite monitoring of the Arctic. The policy also includes measures to increase the number of icebreakers available to EU member states operating in the region.
Why it matters
The Arctic has emerged as a strategically important area due to its natural resources and new shipping routes opening up with melting sea ice. Increased activity from Russia, China and the United States has led the EU to rethink its presence and technological capabilities there.
Sources
- mbl.is (first reported) in Icelandic
