European states warn of 'long-term Russian threat' in Arctic, urge EU to take proactive role

In a joint declaration adopted at the European Arctic Summit, leaders from Finland, Denmark, Estonia, France, Greece, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Romania and Sweden said growing geopolitical competition and the ongoing war in Ukraine are reshaping the Arctic's strategic environment.

"We note with serious concern the significant and long-term threat Russia poses to Euro-Atlantic security," the leaders said, pointing to what they described as Moscow's efforts to increase its influence in the Arctic and growing hostile and hybrid activities against Europe.

The leaders called for a stronger and more strategic EU role in the European Arctic, stressing the need for enhanced preparedness amid changing security conditions.

"We call for the European Union to take on a more strategic and proactive role in the European Arctic and commit to strengthening the Union’s Arctic engagement in a coherent and forward-looking manner with adequate resources and in line with evolving geopolitical realities," the declaration said.

They called for increased maritime domain awareness and greater use of space-based capabilities to improve information-sharing and develop a more integrated picture of developments in the region.

The statement also highlighted the need for greater investment in military mobility, cross-border connectivity and infrastructure in the EU's northernmost regions.

They stressed the importance of developing dual-use infrastructure and protecting critical infrastructure on land and at sea as the Arctic becomes increasingly accessible and strategically contested.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed his desire to take control of Greenland for strategic and historical reasons, pointing to China and Russia's interest in and growing presence in the region.