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

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 is warming rapidly, accelerating environmental change with direct implications for ecosystems, infrastructure, and communities. At the same time, the region is increasingly relevant to Europe’s green and digital transitions, critical raw materials and supply chains, and emerging security challenges. Without sustained and targeted investment in Arctic research, the EU risks weaker situational awareness, higher adaptation costs, and missed opportunities for innovation and sustainable regional development.

What a dedicated Arctic research programme in FP10 should deliver

A dedicated Arctic programme should be designed to have an impact across policy priorities and borders — connecting excellent science to implementation, skills, and long-term capacity. The Arctic Six highlights four core building blocks:

• A dedicated programme with continuity and scale: a clear Arctic programme architecture in FP10 that avoids fragmentation and enables long-term research, innovation, and deployment pathways.
• Responsible knowledge integration: approaches that integrate Indigenous knowledge and rights-based engagement alongside natural sciences, social sciences, and technology, in line with ethical and participatory standards.
• Cross-border cooperation and shared infrastructures: strengthened pan-Arctic collaboration, data and observing capacity, and access to research infrastructures that improve monitoring, forecasting, and operational readiness.
• Structural support for Arctic universities and regional ecosystems: long-term capacity-building, talent and skills pipelines, and knowledge valorisation so research translates into resilient communities, competitive regions, and scalable solutions.

This approach also supports an updated EU Arctic Strategy by integrating Arctic research into climate, security, and competitiveness policies, aligning with relevant international frameworks and cooperation formats.

“If the EU wants to strengthen resilience, competitiveness, and security, it must invest where these priorities meet: the European Arctic. A dedicated Arctic research programme in FP10 is essential to build the evidence base, capabilities, and partnerships Europe needs.” — Arctic Six Leadership

The Arctic Six will continue engaging with EU institutions and partners as FP10 takes shape, offering a concrete programme proposal and opportunities for collaboration.

For policymakers: a summary of the recommendations and the full position papers are available here:

• Position paper pdf, 3.6 MB.