NATO shows enhanced interest in Arctic
“Important changes are under way in the High North which will have a broad impact on international affairs”, NATO says in a press release. In late January, the alliance will hold a meeting on its Arctic challenges in Reikjavik, Iceland.
“The economic interests are reflected in a growing global awareness in the region, competing claims by relevant stakeholders, and resumed military presence in the area. As it is a region of enduring strategic importance for NATO and allied security, developments in the High North require careful and ongoing examination”, the press release continues.
The Russian newspaper Rossiiskaya Gazeta meanwhile describes the enhanced NATO focus on the region as a sign of a colder political climate in the Arctic and believes the Arctic eventually will become the scene for long-term military adventures.
“[…] It is clear that without the military component, the foreign policy strategy of the alliance will not succeed”, journalist Yevgenii Shestakov writes for the newspaper. “If it does not happen now, it will definitely happen in the near future”, he adds.
Norway, which has the High North on top of both its domestic and foreign policy agenda, has long advocated a stronger NATO presence in the region. As BarentsObserver reported, Norwegian Defence Minister in her recent speech to the Oslo Military Society stressed Norway’s intent to engage NATO in the High North, and to a certain extent admitted that the alliance now is persuaded to look towards the region.
