12 November 2025

The Arctic Six Position on the EU’s Arctic Initiatives

The Arctic Six advocates for an EU-financed, dedicated Arctic research programme to address critical challenges in the region. Its position on this matter was presented to DG MARE and the EU Arctic Ambassador and Special Envoy on Iceland at the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavík on 16 October 2025.

The Arctic is warming rapidly, impacting climate, biodiversity, and European societies, while also holding strategic resources essential for Europe’s green transition and competitiveness. The Arctic Six emphasises the need for sustained investment in Arctic research to support science-based decision-making, societal resilience, and European leadership in global Arctic affairs. Key priorities include advancing the green transition, addressing security concerns, promoting Indigenous Peoples’ rights, and fostering cross-border cooperation.

The consortium calls for an updated EU Arctic Strategy that integrates Arctic research into policies on climate, security, and competitiveness, ensuring the region’s prosperity and resilience while aligning with global governance frameworks.

The Arctic Six recommends that the EU support an Arctic research programme through the EU’s Framework Programme 10 (FP10).

This programme could leverage the EU’s distinctive model, linking disciplines, regions, and talent so that universities can translate research into durable regional development and skills, ensuring Arctic research maximises its societal and strategic impact.

Read more about the recommendations of the Arctic Six in its position paper.

Position paper pdf, 3.6 MB.

Published: 12 November 2025

Updated: 25 November 2025

Latest news

Idag
As the European Union prepares its next Framework Programme (FP10) for research and innovation funding, it has a strategic opportunity to strengthen the EU’s capacity to act where climate impacts, security dynamics, and industrial transformation converge: the European Arctic. The Arctic Six calls on the EU to establish an EU-financed, dedicated Arctic research programme in the FP10 — to support evidence-informed policymaking, strengthen resilience and preparedness, and advance Europe’s competitiveness and open strategic autonomy.

The Arctic Six: The EU’s proposed research and innovation funding programme (FP10) should establish a dedicated Arctic research programme
4 December
As an Arctic Six Fellow and Senior Researcher at the University of Lapland, Amna Qureshi works at the intersection of Indigenous knowledge, emerging technologies, and cross-border Arctic collaboration.

Strengthening Indigenous Digital Storytelling in the Arctic
14 November
The Arctic Six comprises 14 early-career researchers who are building knowledge to address societal challenges in the Arctic regions of Norway, Sweden, and Finland. They receive guidance from experienced researchers, both academically and in terms of career development.

'A Clear Demand for Knowledge'
13 November
Postdoctoral fellow Michel Rouleau-Dick was appointed to the Arctic Six fellowship program earlier this year. The program started on 1 September 2025, and over the next two years, Rouleau-Dick hopes to expand his network within international law and AI, and learn how to include and develop these concepts in the rapidly ever-changing Arctic environment.

Arctic sovereignty through international law and AI perspectives

The Arctic Six Position on the EU’s Arctic Initiatives

Latest news

The Arctic Six: The EU’s proposed research and innovation funding programme (FP10) should establish a dedicated Arctic research programme

Strengthening Indigenous Digital Storytelling in the Arctic

'A Clear Demand for Knowledge'

Arctic sovereignty through international law and AI perspectives