Finland announced on Monday that it will host an EU leaders summit on the Arctic in the northern city of Rovaniemi on September 13-14. The Finnish government said the meeting aims to strengthen the EU’s common strategic approach to the region as its geopolitical significance continues to grow rapidly.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo said in a statement: “The Arctic region is an increasingly important part of Europe's security environment. The European Union has direct interests in its stability, security and sustainable development. It is very valuable to be able to discuss these issues together with a comprehensive group of EU leaders.”
The summit will bring together leaders from several EU member states, including German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal, Latvian Prime Minister Andris Kulbergs, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda, and Romanian President Nicușor Dan. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and European Council President António Costa are also scheduled to attend.
In connection with the meeting, EU leaders and institutional heads will hold a working dinner on Sunday, September 13, with Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
The summit takes place as the Arctic draws heightened international attention. US President Donald Trump has claimed that Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory, should become American. China has also moved to send a container vessel on a route through the Arctic. The melting of sea ice has improved access to crucial natural resources and opened up new maritime routes, increasing the region’s strategic importance.