Germany agrees new Arctic policy to counter threats from Russia and climate change
Clean Energy Wire / Deutschlandfunk
Germany commits to “systematic climate and environmental protection in line with the Paris Climate Agreement” in the Arctic in new policy guidelines agreed by the chancellor and the country's ministers. The paper also stipulates the “preservation and expansion of responsible research as the basis for political action.” The guidelines, which were drawn up at interministerial level under the auspices of the foreign office, determine the direction of German Arctic policy in international negotiating platforms, especially as an observer state in the Arctic Council, the ministry said. “Furthermore, they offer clear orientation for future research activities with German involvement and for economic activities by German companies in the Arctic.”
“The accelerated melting of the polar ice sheets and its global and regional consequences are having a direct impact on living conditions and security in Germany,” the guidelines state. They call for clear rules for the environmentally friendly extraction of raw materials and support for the indigenous population groups in the Arctic.
The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has permanently changed the geopolitical environment in the far north, said German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock, according to a report by public broadcaster Deutschlandfunk. She added that Russia is strengthening its strategic presence and is becoming increasingly aggressive towards NATO neighbours in the Arctic. The policy guidelines envisage closer cooperation with NATO and other partners in the region.
