Polar Strategy 2026-2030

Strategic interests, new shipping routes, raw materials, melting ice caps and fragile ecosystems - developments in the polar regions are accelerating rapidly, and the consequences are being felt around the globe. They impact our security, our economy and the global climate.

This article explores how the Netherlands is working with its partners to safeguard stability and security, establish clear agreements, combat climate change and advance scientific research in both the Arctic region and Antarctica.

What are the polar regions?

The term 'polar regions' refers to the northernmost and southernmost areas of our planet. North of the Arctic Circle lies the Arctic, a region known for its reindeer, polar bears and the northern lights. To the far south lies the unique wilderness of the South Pole: Antarctica. These two regions are literally polar opposites: the Arctic is an ocean surrounded by continents, while Antarctica is a continent surrounded by oceans. Some four million people live in the Arctic region, while Antarctica is uninhabited.