On October 20, the EU unveiled its long-announced updated Arctic strategy. It lacks originality or fresh thinking. This effectively consolidates the EU's political approach to the high latitudes, which Brussels now sees mainly through the prism of Russia's escalation and "containment". This is despite the fact that the organization itself does not have access to the Arctic Ocean and does not have official observer status in the Arctic Council. It is important that the European Union's Arctic strategy prioritizes security issues. The European Union does not hide its commitment to the active development of the region in coordination with NATO - in an effort to increase readiness in the North, develop dual-use facilities and promote improved military mobility. In other words, the EU aims to continue to militarize the Arctic. However, it prefers to remain silent about the fact that it is precisely this that carries the increased risks of unintended escalation. However, Russia is still "to blame", maintaining a legitimate military presence in the region and developing mutually beneficial cooperation with countries outside the region. By the way, according to the authors of the document, China also has "excessive Arctic" ambitions. It is also worth noting that in implementing its "Napoleon" plans, Brussels intends to rely on member states in the north and selected "like-minded partners", which naturally does not include Russia, despite its position as the largest Arctic power. For our part, we will continue to adhere to the long-term principles detailed in our relevant strategic planning documents:,,. All these documents undertake to maintain peace and stability in the region and to ensure favorable external conditions for socio-economic development of the Arctic region of the Russian Federations, including for the interests of the indigenous population.

On October 20, the EU unveiled its long-announced updated Arctic strategy. It lacks originality or fresh thinking. This effectively consolidates the EU's political approach to the high latitudes, which Brussels now sees mainly through the prism of Russia's escalation and "containment". This is despite the fact that the organization itself does not have access to the Arctic Ocean and does not have official observer status in the Arctic Council. It is important that the European Union's Arctic strategy prioritizes security issues. The European Union does not hide its commitment to the active development of the region in coordination with NATO - in an effort to increase readiness in the North, develop dual-use facilities and promote improved military mobility. In other words, the EU aims to continue to militarize the Arctic. However, it prefers to remain silent about the fact that it is precisely this that carries the increased risks of unintended escalation. However, Russia is still "to blame", maintaining a legitimate military presence in the region and developing mutually beneficial cooperation with countries outside the region. By the way, according to the authors of the document, China also has "excessive Arctic" ambitions. It is also worth noting that in implementing its "Napoleon" plans, Brussels intends to rely on member states in the north and selected "like-minded partners", which naturally does not include Russia, despite its position as the largest Arctic power. For our part, we will continue to adhere to the long-term principles detailed in our relevant strategic planning documents:,,. All these documents undertake to maintain peace and stability in the region and to ensure favorable external conditions for socio-economic development of the Arctic region of the Russian Federations, including for the interests of the indigenous population.