About: Arctic
Brussels should follow Biden’s lead in engaging Russia
Putin's Russia is a consistent source of tension among EU countries, but a certain degree of engagement with this country could deliver tangible benefits for the EU on increasingly urgent issues such as climate change, the Arctic, and cybersecurity, writes Nick Lokker.
US, Russia to hold Arctic talks in push for summit
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russia's veteran Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov were expected to hold talks on Wednesday night (19 May) amid a push to agree a presidential summit despite dire ties between the former Cold War foes.
Russia, US tout cooperation ahead of Arctic Council meeting
With a warming climate melting more Arctic ice cover and global industries eager to exploit the region for shipping, fishing, drilling and mining, the United States and Russia sounded a rare, cooperative note going into an Arctic meeting this week.
Nordic countries set up Sámi reconciliation commissions to investigate indigenous injustices
Colonial era policies in northern Scandinavia continue to affect Sámi life, culture and land use. Meanwhile, truth commissions are being set up and aim to investigate injustices against Indigenous people carried out by the states. There are an estimated 100,000...
Norway’s top court rejects climate challenge to Arctic oil exploration
Norway's Supreme Court struck down a challenge from environmental groups trying to stop oil exploration in the Arctic, after a historic battle over the country's climate change commitments on Tuesday (22 December).
EU needs to be prepared for rapid developments in the Arctic
The Arctic is a unique region and is becoming more important in international politics. The region is under high attention as the Arctic itself is changing, mostly due to climate change. However, with the attention, also must come the responsibility,...
Norway plans heavy oil ban around Svalbard
The Norwegian government has announced plans to ban heavy fuel oil (HFO), a dirty marine fuel that propels most vessels, around its Svalbard archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. The effort comes as UN efforts have been deemed too slow.
As the Arctic’s attractions mount, Greenland is a security black hole
On a windy August afternoon in 2017, Akitsinnguaq Ina Olsen was relaxing in the old harbour of Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when a Chinese icebreaker sailed unannounced into the Arctic island’s territorial waters.
Arctic shipping study exposes flaws in planned fuel ban
A proposed ban on polluting ship fuel in Arctic waters would only eliminate 5% of the most harmful climate-busting emissions due to a raft of waivers and exemptions, a new study warned on Thursday (3 September).
UN says seeking to verify Arctic heat record
The United Nations said Tuesday (23 June) it was working to verify reports of a new Arctic record temperature of 38 degrees Celsius in a Siberian town over the weekend. The suspected record temperature was measured in the Russian town...
Scientists warn of ‘zombie fires’ in the Arctic
Dormant "zombie fires" scattered across the Arctic region – remnants of record blazes last year – may be coming to life after an unusually warm and dry Spring, scientists warned Wednesday (27 May).
Forget Europe: Scots scout warmer Arctic connections
Amidst Brexit rubble, Scotland is sporting a newfangled cosmopolitan coat up north, writes Antonio Alcazar. Antonio Alcazar is a researcher at the Central European University’s School of Public Policy. In 2016, Scottish voters decided overwhelmingly to remain in the EU....
Arctic countries puzzled about EU’s engagement in the region
Three years after the EU adopted its Arctic Policy, it is preparing work on a new strategy document. But countries in the region are confused about what the bloc really wants. Last December, the Council of Ministers under Finnish leadership,...
New ‘Arctic paradox’ emerges, as economy and ecology seek balance
As the world pushes for stronger climate measures to stop the destruction of the Arctic, many countries are also keen to take advantage of the region's new opportunities in shipping, mining, drilling and security.
Russia’s Rosneft-led Arctic oil project requires $157 billion of investment
A ambitious new Arctic oil project led by Russia’s top oil producer Rosneft will require about 10 trillion roubles ($157 billion) of investment, Russia’s deputy energy minister Pavel Sorokin told reporters.
Thinning of the Arctic ‘unprecedented for at least 1,000 years’ – IPCC report
The Arctic has lost around 12.8% of its surface area every decade between 1979 and 2018, which is "likely unprecedented for at least 1,000 years" and could shrink even more if no action is taken, according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). EURACTIV's partner le Journal de l'environnement reports.
Trump cancels Denmark visit after PM refuses to sell Greenland to US
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday (20 August) called off a visit to Denmark scheduled for early September after the country’s prime minister rebuffed his idea of purchasing Greenland.
Pompeo: Russia is ‘aggressive’ in Arctic, China’s work there also needs watching
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday (6 May) that Russia is behaving aggressively in the Arctic and China’s actions there had to be watched closely as well, amid growing divisions in the polar region over global warming and access to minerals.
Pentagon warns on risk of Chinese submarines in Arctic
Deepening Chinese activities in the Arctic region could pave the way for a strengthened military presence, including the deployment of submarines to act as deterrents against nuclear attack, the Pentagon said in a report released on Thursday (2 May).
Arctic black carbon work hampered by US and Russia, says Finland
The Arctic region’s co-operation in the battle against global warming by reducing black carbon emissions is being hampered by the United States and Russia, the Finnish foreign ministry said on Wednesday (20 March).
Cruise ships chief: ‘The goal is zero impact, just fun’
More gigantic cruise ships will take to the high seas in the coming years, according to industry CEO Michael Thamm. In an interview with EURACTIV, he revealed how cruising intends to embrace low-carbon technologies in an effort to reduce its environmental impact and keep its customers satisfied.
New treaty bans commercial fishing in the Arctic for 16 years
The European Union and nine other countries, including the US and Russia, approved an international agreement on Thursday (14 February) that will prohibit commercial vessels from fishing in the Arctic in order to preserve the region's fragile ecosystem.
Trans-Europe Express – Songs about land and ice
Northern Europe's indigenous Arctic people battle to maintain traditions as their culture and age-old way of life is increasingly threatened by climate change and globalisation.