The EU’s new Arctic Communication: not-so-integrated, not-so-disappointing?

Abstract

The new Joint Communication on “An integrated European Union policy for the Arctic” was published on 27 April 2016. The document generally follows the lines drawn in previous EU Arctic policy statements: climate and environment, sustainability and regional cooperation. However, the policy update also shows evolution of the EU’s understanding of its place in the changing Arctic economic, environmental and political landscape. The Communication does not deliver on the promise included in its title, namely that it proposes to establish a truly “integrated EU Arctic policy”. The EU Arctic policy encompasses too many diverse issues – both internal and external – and it is too marginal for the EU in order to realistically aim for the envisaged integration that is linking different sectors together.