15-16 June: High-level event on EU Arctic Policy in Oulu

The news:

The European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Karmenu Vella i will co-host, together with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Federica Mogherini i and the Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Timo Soini i, a high-level event on EU Arctic Policy on 15 and 16 June in Oulu, Finland. The conference will feature speakers from both EU and non-EU countries.

The background:

The event will look at innovative approaches to address the challenges confronting the Arctic. Climate change is putting the region under pressure, but increased access also opens new opportunities. There is a clear need to ensure the environmental protection and sustainable development of the Arctic to the benefit of local communities, including indigenous peoples. Science, research, innovation and involvement of stakeholders are key factors to this end. Equally important is close international cooperation at the political, economic and technical levels. After all, actions and decisions taken elsewhere in the world directly affect the Arctic, whilst environmental and climatic changes in the Arctic increasingly will have far-reaching global impact.

The event:

Registration form to attend the high-level event on EU Arctic Policy here: http://europa.eu/!kT98hw

Commissioner Vella and Minister Soini will hold a press conference at 18.30 at the Oulu Music Hall.

The sources:

EU Arctic Policy https://eeas.europa.eu/arctic-policy/eu-arctic-policy_en

A new integrated EU policy for the Arctic adopted http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-16-1539_en.htm

The contacts:

Journalists who wish to attend can contact Ms Mari Lankinen: mari.lankinen@formin.fi

AGENDA/17/1456