EU unveils Arctic strategy to counter increasing Russia, China influence

The European Commission has presented an updated strategy for the Arctic as climate change and rapidly melting ice open up the remote but resource-rich region.

“With Russia and China increasing their footprint and ambition, the Arctic has become a front line of global power competition,” said European Union foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas on Tuesday.

With the new strategy, the commission aims for the EU to keep pace with rivals as new shipping routes and mining opportunities, including for critical raw materials, become available.

“Access to Arctic sea lanes and natural resources is of strategic interest to the EU,” Kallas said.