Speaking at a news conference after the European Arctic Summit in Finland, European Council President Costa said the approach to security in the Arctic should be shaped according to the “new geopolitical reality.”
Costa said the Arctic was of strategic importance to Europe and noted that developments in the region had consequences beyond the local level. Linking Arctic security directly to Europe’s security, Costa said the European Union would continue its solidarity with allies in the region.
Principles of international law under strain
Costa said the Arctic was among the regions affected by the weakening of the multilateral system, adding that the principles of respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity could no longer be taken for granted. He said fundamental concepts of international law, including freedom of navigation, were being put to the test.
Costa described Russia as one of the main driving forces behind the weakening of the multilateral system.
Security and defense budgets to increase
Costa said the European Arctic Summit supported the goal of developing a rules-based approach to the region’s security. He said the new geopolitical reality would be reflected in Europe’s next long-term budget and announced that investments in security and defense, including in the Arctic, would increase.
Costa also drew attention to the adverse effects of climate change in the Arctic, saying the region was rich in critical raw materials. He further noted that the European Commission was in the process of renewing its Arctic strategy.