BLUF

The Strategy adopts a more proactive, security-focused approach, prioritising resilience, economic prosperity, and cooperation. It responds to rising geopolitical competition while positioning the EU as a stronger Arctic actor within its traditional areas of expertise.

Learning Outcomes 

  • Analyse the strategic drivers behind the EU’s 2026 Arctic Strategy, including the impact of geopolitical competition, Russia’s actions, NATO expansion, and evolving Arctic security challenges.
  • Evaluate the key pillars of the EU’s Arctic approach by assessing initiatives related to resilience, economic security, infrastructure, digital connectivity, environmental monitoring, and international cooperation.
  • Assess the EU’s emerging role as an Arctic actor, examining how it seeks to balance cooperation with partners such as Greenland, Canada, and Nordic states while navigating competition and coordination with major powers and institutions. 
READ: The new EU Arctic strategy shows ambition—but also anxiety

References