ROVANIEMI, Finland, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Twelve European Union countries called for stronger EU engagement and investment in the Arctic in a joint statement issued Monday, highlighting the region's growing strategic importance for European security and prosperity.
The statement, released following the European Arctic Summit held on Sunday and Monday in Rovaniemi, urged the EU to take a more strategic and proactive role in the region, backed by adequate resources and concrete action.
The countries pledged to preserve the Arctic as a region of peace, stability and constructive cooperation, grounded in international law, respect for territorial integrity and multilateral governance.
They called for increased investment in military mobility, cross-border connectivity and infrastructure in the EU's northernmost regions, alongside stronger monitoring, maritime awareness and information-sharing capabilities.
Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, who hosted the summit, said Europe's approach to Arctic security should extend beyond military considerations to include economic security, energy, infrastructure, trade routes and climate change, according to a Finnish government press release.
Orpo called for concrete European projects in the north, including satellite launch capabilities, transport connections and critical mineral extraction and processing. He also proposed examining the possibility of joint European ownership of icebreakers.
The European Commission is expected to present a proposal for a new EU Arctic strategy and an implementation action plan this autumn, said the press release. Enditem
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