Finland's Arctic Strategy and the EU (Huddersfield Liberal Democrats)

Huddersfield Liberal Democrats <info@huddersfieldlibdems.org.uk>

Finland's Arctic Strategy and the EU

September 2, 2010 8:48 AM
Originally published by Diana Wallis MEP

Diana Wallis speaks at the FIIA event Diana spoke in Helsinki recently on Finland's Arctic strategy from an EU perspective. Speaking at a seminar organised by the Finnish Institute of International Affairs Diana began also by congratulating Finland's Ambassador for Arctic Affairs, Hannu Halinen and those involved in drafting the strategy. She stressed that she can't speak on behalf of all three EU institutions and also gave some background as to why a British parliamentarian is interested in these issues. Wallis stated that five years ago the Baltic Sea strategy took precedence in the "Northern Dimension" of the EU. It was Mr Stubb, then an MEP, that pushed for this, but now it is also right that we redress the balance and begin to focus on Arctic affairs.

On the Strategy, Diana also agrees that Arctic makes, in cross-cutting fashion, countries cooperate and engage. She also completely agrees on the stance on the role of the Arctic Council, saying this must become more of a political body, with ministerial meetings every two years not being enough, and needing more than the soft law possibilities it currently has.

In detailing the European position, it was explained that the European Parliament passed a resolution on the Arctic in 2008 with a further debate in March 2010. These were momentous for the wide-range of MEPs involved. Additionally, there are two different parliamentary groupings dealing with the region, with a formal report to be prepared for this autumn, as well as a formal response to policy. As for these parliamentary groups, Diana reassured the audience that the MEPs are ambitious and try to reflect the desires of the people they represent. The Parliament has new powers and has made gains due to Lisbon treaty, especially in areas of agriculture and fisheries. Thus, the EU now has new powers to become involved in areas where other governments cannot.

However, Diana stated that she cannot predict at this stage which way the EU will go. In the last mandate on the drilling issue, it narrowly did not back a call for a moratorium. Yet, given these new powers and new reach, there could be interesting times, especially in this area. Finally, she asserted that the EU - and Finland - should not be shy about stating they have an Arctic interest. These are difficult and changing times in the Arctic and we need to come to terms with the fact the Arctic is the centre and symbol of climate change. Thus, everyone has an interest. Indeed, there is a need a more diverse, flexible and modern methods of governing the Arctic.

Whilst in Helsinki Diana later met the Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb to discuss Arctic matters.

More details of the event at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs can be found here http://www.upi-fiia.fi/fi/event/296/