EU Arctic strategy puts security at its core

The European Commission and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas presented an updated Arctic strategy on October 20, setting out plans to expand the European Union’s security, infrastructure and economic engagement while retaining its stated opposition to Arctic fossil-fuel development. The strategy describes the Arctic as a region of growing strategic importance and places security at its core. Kallas said the region had become a frontline in global power competition. The document calls for cooperation with Arctic partners and stronger European capacity to operate in harsh conditions, protect critical infrastructure and improve monitoring of maritime activity. Among its proposals, the EU would develop options for allies to jointly procure, pool and share polar vessels. The strategy does not decide on a joint purchase. It also proposes an Arctic Cable Hub to monitor and protect subsea cables in the North Atlantic and Arctic and help with repairs. The hub is expected eventually to support broader maritime monitoring and coordination. The strategy also sets out plans to improve information-sharing on maritime threats, including activity by Russia’s shadow fleet. It supports...