European Leaders Meet in Rovaniemi as Arctic Competition Intensifies

European leaders convened in Rovaniemi, Finland, on Monday for a two-day European Arctic Summit aimed at addressing mounting competition in the far north, where melting ice is opening new maritime routes, resource claims are multiplying and a Russian military buildup is raising security concerns.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen were among those expected at the gathering, which began Sunday in a city known for its Santa Claus village.

The meeting follows Norway's seizure earlier this month of a Russian vessel in the Svalbard archipelago at Ukraine's request, a move that drew condemnation from Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told reporters the Arctic was "very important" for European security and prosperity, stressing the need for a "clear picture" and "common understanding." He said the region offered natural resources and new sea routes opened by climate change, but also presented threats. "That's why we need concrete actions," he said. "There is so much we can do together."

The Centres for European Policy Network, a think tank, described an "extremely dynamic backdrop" for the talks, pointing to accelerating climate change, China's expanding trade through the Arctic and conflict around the Strait of Hormuz, which has heightened the importance of the Northeast Passage for maritime shipments.

The summit serves as a "dress rehearsal" for a broader overhaul of the European Union's Arctic policy due this autumn, with security placed at the centre of the strategy for the first time, the group said.

Thinning Arctic ice is expected to create a northwest passage for international trade and has reignited competition with Russia, China and other countries over access to the region's mineral wealth.

The EU has also been weighing its response to persistent pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump over Greenland, a self-governing territory of EU member Denmark. Trump has repeatedly said the resource-rich island should be part of the United States, a position Greenland's government opposes.

Last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered 200 million euros ($232 million) in EU support over two years to help Greenland address climate change, improve internet connections and upgrade hydropower plants, fisheries and education.