Titolo completo
EU-NATO Cooperation in the Arctic Region: Climate, Energy and Security Challenges
Climate change is rapidly transforming the Arctic into a central arena of geopolitical competition, amplifying both opportunities and risks. Melting ice opens access to critical resources, shipping routes and strategic infrastructure, but also threatens ecosystems, local communities and stability. These dynamics intersect with intensifying great power rivalries, particularly Russia’s militarisation and China’s growing footprint, challenging the cooperative frameworks that once characterised the High North. For the EU and NATO, the Arctic presents a multidimensional security challenge that transcends military concerns, encompassing energy, environmental and governance dimensions. While NATO reinforces its defence posture, the EU may contribute with diplomatic, economic and regulatory tools, creating both overlaps and complementarities. Effective coordination between the two institutions, along with like-minded partners such as Canada, Norway, and the UK, is essential to prevent escalation, foster sustainable resource management and enhance cooperative governance.
1. The Arctic’s pivotal role in climate and energy security
2. Consequences of climate change
2.1 Physical and human security threats in a fragile Arctic ecosystem
2.2 The securitisation of Arctic resources
3. The Arctic strategies in NATO, EU and global players
3.1 A long-lasting interest in the High North
3.2 Forging a unified EU-NATO approach to Arctic security
4. Conclusions and policy recommendations for EU and NATO
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