The Arctic Forum Foundation functions as an independent, non-profit platform & bridge builder for Arctic-focused actors in politics, science, civil society and business. Through its three pillars - the Arctic Economic Forum, the EU Arctic Forum, and the Science Policy Forum, the foundation utilizes its extensive network to ensure impacts in decision-making and efficient cooperation.
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EU Commission publishes Arctic Communication and the EU Arctic Forum takes next steps
“Good things take time!” After months of preparations, the EU Commission will publish its long awaited New Arctic Communication, incorporating the prepared progress report, and highlighting the European Union’s commitment to the Arctic. Read more
New Arctic Communication of the European Commission – Arctic Meeting arranged by the EU Arctic Forum in the European Parliament with MEP’s, European Commission and EEAS, May 2012
From left to right: Pat the Cope Gallagher MEP Chair of the SINEEA Delegation, Bernard Friess, Matthew King, EU Commission DG Mare
The EU Arctic Forum (EUAF) continues to provide a platform for MEP’s to meet with the responsible directors, heads of unit and political leadership in the Commission and the EEAS, to ensure an impact on the drafting process of the communication of the European Commission. In the context of the development of the EU Arctic policy, the Communication of the European Commission is an important document expected by EU actors and Arctic partners. HR Catherine Ashton’s visit to the Arctic boosted the work on the communication of the Commission which is to be released on July, 3 2012. Read more
EU Arctic Forum co-organizes seminar on Arctic oil and gas in the European Parliament with the North Norway Office and Statoil
Herbert Reul, MEP, Chair of the Committee on Industry, Technology, Research and Energy
A seminar on “European Arctic Oil & Gas: Experiences and Development,” in the European Parliament on the 6th of March, brought together about 200 participants, among them MEPs, high-ranking energy industry officials, representatives of northern regions, business representatives as well as environmental groups.
MEPs Herbert Reul, Chair of the ITRE committee, Michael Gahler, rapporteur on the High North and Vicky Ford, rapporteur on offshore oil and gas safety, gave their perspectives on the issue of resources and the future of EU-Arctic relations, specifically with regard to the energy dimension, the current debate on the safety of offshore oil and gas activities, and to the technological and environmental dimensions of energy extraction in the High North. The seminar thus served as a continuation of a debate between stakeholders of the Arctic as well as between stakeholders and decision-makers on the EU level. Read more
EU Arctic Forum’s Secretary General Steffen Weber addresses leading scientists and key industry players at the 7th Annual Conference “Russia Offshore 2012”
Vice President of the World Petroleum Council
The 7th Annual “Russia Offshore 2012” conference and exhibition took place in Moscow on 26 – 28 March 2012, attracting all the key operators working on the Russian continental shelf, government representatives, scientist, investors and leading technology providers. Steffen Weber of the EU Arctic Forum addressed the audience and discussed European interests and contributions. Following the debate he was interviewed by for the Spotlight program of the News Station “Russia Today.”
Breaking the Ice: the European Union and the Arctic by Steffen Weber and Iulian Romanyshyn, International Journal, Vol. LXVI, n°4, Autumn 2011
“An accelerated path of climate change has tremendously increased the Arctic’s profile over the last decade. Formerly remote and of little relevance, the region now attracts significant political and economic interest as melting ice opens possibilities for the exploitation of Arctic natural resources and access to new trade routes. Rising temperatures and sea level as a result of retreating snow and ice coverage also provoke global security concerns. Consequently, interested states increasingly link the Arctic more closely to their security and foreign policy strategies. In addition, existing territorial disputes combined with unsettled patterns of governance and actor constellations trigger regional developments with important implications for international legal and political systems….”
