European partners discuss geopolitical changes in the Arctic

At the invitation of the Finnish Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz took part in the EU-Arctic Summit. It took place on 13 and 14 September 2026 in Rovaniemi, Finland. Together with other EU partners and representatives of the EU institutions, Federal Chancellor Merz discussed the EU's common strategic approach to the Arctic.

"Here in the far north of Europe, one can see just how fragile peace in Europe is," the Chancellor emphasised at the start of the second day of the summit. That is why the consultations on the ground - in a geopolitical hotspot where, according to Chancellor Merz, the threat is truly visible - are particularly important. His participation underlines the fact that Germany is also taking the geopolitical changes in the region seriously. "We are part of this strategically vulnerable part of Europe," said the Federal Chancellor, emphasising Germany's interest in the region.

[Statements]

Growing interest in the Arctic

Following the two-day discussions, at the closing press conference with the summit participants, Federal Chancellor Merz called for the European Union to pay greater attention to the Far North in future. Russia's presence in the region and hybrid attacks in other parts of Europe are increasing on a daily basis. The European partners, and indeed NATO, must respond to this with unity and strength. He called on the European part of the transatlantic alliance in particular to make every effort to defend freedom and preserve peace.

Economic opportunities in the region

The Chancellor emphasised that the region is also becoming increasingly important as a result of economic and environmental developments. Consequently, these issues were on the agenda during the discussions in Finland. At the closing press conference, Federal Chancellor Merz described the Arctic region's raw materials, energy, transport and shipping routes, as well as its space capabilities, as promising economic sectors. He cited the first European rocket launch in northern Norway, in which a German company was involved, as a successful example of this.

In addition to the current security challenges, the participants discussed the EU's strategic approach in the region. At the conclusion of the consultations, Chancellor Merz reaffirmed that talks would continue in Brussels, as well as with other partners such as Iceland, Norway, Canada and the United Kingdom.

Take a look at the photo series from the EU-Arctic Summit here:

The EU-Arctic Summit took place on 13 and 14 September at the invitation of the Finnish Prime Minister, Petteri Orpo. In light of growing geopolitical, economic and environmental developments, the region is becoming increasingly important. Opportunities there include, amongst other things, the sectors of raw materials, trade, space travel and research. Furthermore, as climate change progresses, new sea routes are opening up in the Arctic.

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