EU has launched its new Arctic strategy

The Saami Council is concerned about the Arctic’s ‘huge potential for renewables"‘ stated in the EU Arctic strategy. Photo: Márjá Partapuoli

On October 13th, the European Commission released their new Arctic strategy A stronger EU Engagement For A Peaceful, Sustainable And Prosperous Arctic. The Saami Council welcomes the updated EU Arctic Strategy and appreciates that the EU acknowledges the importance of Indigenous Peoples presence and needs in the Arctic’s development and future.

The EU recognizes UNDRIP as an integral part of the EU's human rights policy, and encourages full consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples, bearing in mind the principle of FPIC, before adopting and implementing measures that may affect us directly. The Saami Council welcomes this and we are prepared to take our responsibility when developing this mechanism in the European Arctic.

We welcome the focus on investing in the future of people living in the Arctic, including more involvement of Indigenous Peoples, women and youth in decision making. Furthermore, it is positive that the EU will continue to invest in knowledge production in the Arctic and use the research programme Horizon Europe as a platform while also underlining the importance of cooperation with Indigenous knowledge holders.

Saami Council notes with great concern the support for the Arctic’s ‘huge potential for renewables' and development of clean energy. Sámi and Sámi culture already experience negative impacts of such activities on traditional Sámi lands. On October 11 2021, the Supreme Court of Norway stated in their decision that Norway violated the rights of the Sámi people by permitting the construction of the gigantic wind farm in Fovsen Njaarke.

Furthermore, we note with concern the focus on the need to ensure the supply of critical raw minerals as part of the green shift. We see that the EU aims at doing this with respect for and involvement of Indigenous peoples, but we foresee many obstacles in this regard.

The Saami Council expects that the EU takes responsibility for its footprint on the Arctic region and seriously realizes its commitments towards Indigenous Peoples rights and human rights principles. Saami Council is ready to cooperate in the implementation of the new EU Arctic strategy.