One of the EU’s most important strategic relationships concerning the Arctic is with Russia. As the region’s climate changes, the potential for both cooperation and conflict is set to increase. New issues involving natural resources, transport routes and territory may surface as both the EU and Russia seek to assert their interests. The European Commission and the high representative for foreign affairs have pointed out that changes in the Arctic can have potential consequences for European security and international stability.

Currently, Russia is the only country with which the EU organises two summits a year, highlighting the importance of the relationship. Russia is also the EU’s third main trading partner, while the Union ranks as Russia’s largest. Both are active partners in the Northern Dimension, which includes Iceland and Norway. The partnership increasingly focuses on issues in North-West Russia, but also covers the European Arctic, Sub-Arctic and the Southern shores of the Baltic Sea. It seeks to ensure that no dividing lines become established in Northern Europe between members of the Northern Dimension. This is also the regional expression of the EU-Russia common spaces and is used to achieve objectives of specific relevance to the North on issues such as the environment, indigenous peoples and health.

Despite cooperation within this framework, the EU has concerns about an assertive Russia in the Arctic. The planting of a Russian flag on the North Pole seabed in 2007 partly illustrates this. Russia claims the North Pole as part of its Arctic territory. This is based on the Lomonosov Ridge, which it believes to be an extension of the Siberian continental shelf. The EU does not accept the claim. A Commission communication in 2008 clearly states that no country or group of countries has sovereignty over the North Pole or the Arctic Ocean around it. The issue is bound to prove a point of contention between the EU and Russia in the future. Without an EU-wide Arctic policy, it may be difficult to achieve results in line with EU interests in such a conflict. In addition, many MEPs raised concerns over Russia’s role in the region in a debate in the European Parliament on the Arctic, held on 10 March. However, opinions differed on how best to cooperate or contain what some MEPs saw as Russian designs on Arctic regions and territory. What became clear, though, was the need for a common Arctic policy towards current or potential international disputes in the area.

In general, evolution of the Arctic due to climate change and renewed interest in the area will arguably have an influence on EU-Russia relations. How this relationship continues to play out will depend on politicians on both sides. However, without an integrated Arctic policy, it may become difficult for the EU to engage constructively and effectively with Russia.