Speeches

Mr President, Commissioner, I would like to thank the rapporteur for his good work. The Arctic is exceptionally sensitive and valuable. It faces the economic and security interests of the great powers, as well as the extreme effects of climate change. The importance of geopolitics has been growing, and we therefore need an active and constructive EU approach that strengthens peaceful cooperation between the countries in the region. From Brussels, we need to see all the way to the northernmost part of Europe and understand the challenges and opportunities of the Arctic. The EU has the power and responsibility to contribute to the sustainable and comprehensive development of the region. Special funding for northern sparsely populated areas has been particularly effective and now needs to be increased. In its communication on the Arctic, the Commission has the opportunity to take Parliament's strong and balanced report into account and to strengthen the position in the Arctic region in practice. Comprehensive and international contractual arrangements are now needed, and the EU now needs to be an active and proactive party.