"Fewer Polar Bears, More Force"

A polar bear destroying what appears to be an oil barrel. Source: iStock.com/BlackAperture

The European Union’s updated Arctic strategy shifts its focus from ecology to geopolitics and security. TASS refers to Politico reports that the new document has “fewer polar bears and more force.”

The strategy is due to be presented by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen today, October 20.

Earlier, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said that the EU intends to push back against Russia and China and seek unrestricted access to the Northern Sea Route.

According to TASS, the strategy will include the following:

• Investment in icebreakers, including joint procurement, pooling, and sharing of polar vessels
• Better data sharing to monitor Russia’s presence in the region
• Softer limits on Arctic offshore oil and gas mining for the EU

Source: TASS