Resolution on the international situation in the Arctic

The Arctic is becoming a strategic area where geopolitics, security, energy and climate change collide. MEPs stress that the EU must adopt a "robust, security-oriented strategy" and strengthen cooperation with the US and NATO to counter Russian and Chinese influence.

The Parliament criticises the massive militarisation of the region, in particular Russia's restructuring of its armed forces and the creation of the so-called 'Maritime Colleges'. According to MEPs, these steps are increasing tensions and threatening the stability of the entire region. At the same time, they warn that China is increasingly seeking to gain economic and strategic influence in the region.

MEPs also warn of threats to critical undersea infrastructure, including cables and pipelines around Greenland. In the wake of recent incidents in the Baltic Sea, they call for stronger protection and stricter rules for sanctions and countermeasures against actors suspected of using a 'shadow fleet'.

At the same time, the resolution stresses that the governance of the Arctic must remain firmly anchored in international law, in particular the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Parliament rejects unilateral claims to Arctic sea lanes, such as along the Northern Sea Route, and supports the diplomatic settlement of disputes.

The Arctic is also a source of strategic raw materials that are key to Europe's energy security and technological independence. Parliament stresses the importance of Norway and the role of a possible deeper partnership with Iceland and Greenland, where there is growing support for closer integration with the EU.