Recognizing that global activities have contributed to the "significant risks posed by climate change and environmental impacts" to the Arctic, the EU Council has issued conclusions emphasizing the need for implementation of commitments under environmental agreements, especially the Paris Agreement on climate change.
The conclusions were adopted at a meeting of the EU's Foreign Affairs Council held on 20 June, where foreign ministers discussed an integrated EU policy for the Arctic, including a joint communication on the matter adopted on 27 April by the European Commission and the High Representative.
20 June 2016: Recognizing that global activities have contributed to the “significant risks posed by climate change and environmental impacts” to the Arctic, the EU Council has issued conclusions emphasizing the need for implementation of commitments under environmental agreements, especially the Paris Agreement on climate change. The conclusions were adopted at a meeting of the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council held on 20 June, where foreign ministers discussed an integrated EU policy for the Arctic, including a joint communication on the matter adopted on 27 April by the European Commission and the High Representative.
Recognizing the climate change mitigation and adaptation challenges facing the Arctic region, the Council’s conclusions underscore that many issues affecting the Arctic may be most effectively addressed multilaterally, including in cooperation with non-Arctic States. The Council also affirms the importance of engaging with Arctic indigenous peoples and local communities while promoting sustainable development in the region without harming the delicate environment and ecosystems.
In addition, the Council welcomes the Commission’s efforts, as outlined in the joint communication, to strengthen coordination among funding instruments to enhance sustainable development in the region and establish an Arctic Stakeholder Forum. With regard to the socioeconomic development of the region, the Council suggests strengthened trade and business cooperation, developing small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and sustainable tourism.
On science and research, the Council invites the Commission to coordinate across EU funding programmes, as well as among national, circumpolar and international monitoring and research programmes, including space programmes. It also invites the Commission to continue efforts to improve research quality, data collection and observing capability in the Arctic through international cooperation. It further invites the Commission and High Representative to follow through on the commitments highlighted in the conclusions and to closely monitor climatic, environmental, maritime and socioeconomic developments and to report back to the Council periodically. [Council Conclusions] [Council Press Release]