12 European nations call on EU to expand Arctic presence amid growing threats
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat, said the bloc had to remain "vigilant" in the face of increasing Russian military activity in the Arctic, as well as China's growing interest in the region.
Twelve European nations have called on the European Union to expand its presence in the Arctic due to growing threats from Moscow and US President Donald Trump. The call came after the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, where German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, and French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, among others, participated.
EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas emphasized the need for vigilance against escalating Russian military activity and China's increasing interest in the region. Kallas stated that the EU will unveil a new Arctic strategy in October, with security as its cornerstone. The Arctic serves as a vital link connecting North America and Europe, offering crucial transport, communication, and trade routes.
However, it has become a contentious battleground in recent years. Russia has intensified its military presence, establishing a new Arctic Command and opening military sites. Meanwhile, China seeks access to valuable resources, such as critical minerals, energy, and new communications infrastructure. Following the Rovaniemi summit, the European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Greenland, reaffirming the EU's support for the island nation.
Brussels has pledged substantial investment in Greenland, with von der Leyen announcing a €200 million partnership during her visit. This investment is set to be distributed over the next two years. With Trump's recent push for the US to take control of Greenland for national security reasons, the Arctic remains a significant geopolitical concern in Europe.
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