Pole position
Civil society plays a key role in the EU’s Arctic policy. Despite the harsh climate, the Arctic region is, above all, a region of possibilities. Forestry, fishing, mining and tourism are important job creators and catalysts for growth. The unspoiled Arctic nature is a source of creativity, art and general wellbeing. The Arctic region and its people are full of potential. Civil society has played a key role in developing and supporting the EU’s Arctic policy.
The university of Lapland and its partners presented one of the most promising proposals, the EU Arctic information centre. The centre would serve as a channel for dissemination of Arctic information within and outside the EU offering relevant and updated information. The establishment of the information centre would help the EU strengthen its Arctic policy. It would also give a strong signal of a long-term EU commitment to the Arctic issues. I hope in its next communication on the Arctic, the commission has developed the idea further together with key Arctic research centres and universities in Europe to make it reality. I welcome the fact, that high representative Ashton reinforced EU’s commitment to the region during her recent visit to the Arctic Circle, Finland, Sweden, and Norway.
The European parliament has also been a staunch advocate of the EU’s Arctic policy. It approved a resolution on the high north in 2011, and allocated funds for the Arctic cooperation in the 2012 budget. The EU has an interest and responsibility for equitable and sustainable development of the Arctic region. For it to be successful, the EU institutions need to foster their well-started cooperation with civil society actors. Strong grass-roots contacts with local communities is a starting point for better understanding and better policies – and for stronger EU profile in Arctic issues.
The European parliament will continue to give the Arctic policy the support and visibility it deserves. Good cooperation with civil society continues to be the cornerstone of parliament’s commitment.
Editorial in Parliament Magazine April 2012