A new integrated EU policy for the Arctic: press conference by Federica Mogherini & Karmenu Vella

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EN - Read-out of the College meeting - Adoption of a new integrated EU policy for the Arctic: press conference by High Representative & European Commission Vice-President Federica Mogherini and by Commissioner Karmenu Vella, in charge of the Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries - 27.04.2016 - European Commission, Brussels. EXTRACTS OF THE TRANSCRIPT - Federica Mogherini: "What we have adopted today is an integrating approach; so putting together all different programs, all different policies from the environmental to the maritime one but also the scientific, the technological one and touching on all the different aspects for which the Arctic is essential to the Europeans and what the Europeans can do for improving the conditions in the Arctic in 3 main pillars. One is obviously the climate change related one and the environmental one. (...) The second pillar of our Arctic policy is on the economic and social dimension, making sure that the developments of the Arctic which has a huge economic potential is done in a sustainable way and that there is a social part to it especially looking at the conditions of the indigenous people and the need to ensure that the development of the region is taken in a sustainable way. (...) The Arctic is a key strategic region for our foreign security policy. It is the only place in the world where 3 continents and major players in the world meet being it Russia, the united States, Canada, several EU member states, several EU countries too notably that are not members of the EU but with which we work a lot and it is a region of the world where we have a good example of constructive, cooperative regional and international approach. It is in the key interest of the EU and of the European citizens to make sure that the constructive international cooperation there is maintained and even increased and that the EU is part of that. (...)" Karmenu Vella, Member of the EC in charge of Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries: "For many years we have been invested in the region. But time is becoming urgent. If we are to make progress on Climate Change in the Arctic, if we are to develop sustainable economic activity – cooperation is essential. The Arctic is being hit by a number of external factors. Greenhouse gas emissions in particular. (...) The importance of the Arctic for the EU is also strategic. European companies are developing innovative cold-climate technologies. We are developing farmed fish techniques for the Arctic region and clean energy advances. This shows our commitment to sustainable development in the region. And it shows a commitment to the 4 million people who live there mostly indigenous people. (...) This Communication allows for a more focussed and integrated policy towards the Arctic region and to strengthen our already substantial presence the region. (...)" © Frédérick Moulin 2016 - EU2016 - European Commission - All rights reserved.