European Union and the Arctic
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Among the EU's 27 member states, there are three Arctic states (Finland, Sweden and Denmark (via Greenland). The number of EU citizens living north of the Arctic Circle by far outnumber the population in the Canadian North. The EU, therefore, is not an outsider but partly Arctic itself. With Iceland currently negotiating to join the EU, the Nordic influence and perspective will be strengthened even further.
Legal Acts of the EU are binding in its Arctic areas like in all other parts of the Union. They also have an indirect effect outside the EU, be it safety standards for marine vessels or import regulations for seals. In order to consider all relevant aspects in their decision making process, the EU is in the process of developing a coherent policy with regard to the Arctic. Much consideration will be given to the specific interests of indigenous northern populations.
As one of the larger member states of the European Union, Germany participates actively in the EU's decision making process. In 2008, the European Commission published a „Communication on Arctic Issues“, followed in 2009 by „Council Conclusions“ adopted by Ministers of Foreign Affairs. The European Parliament debated several times about the Arctic and adopted a comprehensive report in January 2011. http://ec.europa.eu/maritimeaffairs/arctic_overview_en.html
http://register.consilium.europa.eu/pdf/en/09/st16/st16857.en09.pdf
