Canada

ARCTIC POLICY

• Text(s)
  Canada's Arctic and Northern Policy (September 2019), An infographic showing framework partners, goals, key milestones and next phase (September 2019)
• Year of Publication 
  2009, 2010 (amd), 2019 (the newest Arctic and Northern Policy) 
• Website 
  Canada's Arctic and Northern Policy (September 2019)    
• Published by
  Government of Canada, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians
• Previous Policies:
  Canada’s Northern Strategy: Our North, Our Heritage, Our Future, 2009, Statement on Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy: exercising sovereignty and promoting Canada’s northern strategy abroad, 2010, Government of Canada-Canada and the circumpolar Arctic and Canada's Northern Strategy (archive)
• The framework builds on 8 overarching and interconnected goals:
  
  - Strong, sustainable, diversified and inclusive local and regional economies;
  - Canadian Arctic and northern Indigenous peoples are resilient and healthy;
  - The Canadian Arctic and North and its people are safe, secure and well-defended;
  - Strengthened infrastructure that closes gaps with other regions of Canada;
  - The rules-based international order in the Arctic responds effectively to new challenges and opportunities;
  - Knowledge and understanding guides decision-making;
  - Canadian Arctic and northern ecosystems are healthy and resilient;
  - Reconciliation supports self-determination and nurtures mutually-respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

NOTES:
1. The Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians later changed into “Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC). Since 2017, it has been reorganized in to two new departments: Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada.
2. In December 2016, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a new Arctic Policy. It is expected to be released by 2019. This new Policy will replace the Canada’s Northern Strategy Our North, Our Heritage, Our Future and Statement on Canada’s Arctic Foreign Policy, and it has been co-developed in collaboration with Indigenous, territorial and provincial partners.
3. Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami, has released its position paper for the upcoming Canadian Arctic Policy: Development and Implementation of the Arctic Policy Framework, November 2018.

Kingdom of Denmark

ARCTIC POLICY

• Text(s)
  Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands: Kingdom of Denmark Strategy for the Arctic 2011– 2020
• Year of Publication 
  2011
• Website 
  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark - Arctic
• Published by
  Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Energy - Government of Greenland, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Culture - The Government of The Faroe Islands
• Previous Policies:
  N/A
• Main Goals/objectives, as stated in the document:
  1. A peaceful, secure and safe Arctic
  2. Self-sustaining growth and development
  3. Development with respect for the Arctic’s vulnerable climate, environment and nature
  4. Close cooperation with [our] international partners

NOTES:
I. Despite the common framework for the Arctic jointly released by the Kingdom of Denmark, the Faroe Islands released an Arctic Strategic Assessment, The Faroe Islands – a nation in the Arctic (2013).

Main issues addressed are:

1. The Faroe Islands as a Stakeholder in Arctic Cooperation
2. On the Northern Sea Route
3. New Economic Opportunities
4. Fisheries in the Arctic Ocean
5. Research and Education
6. The Environment
7. Maritime Safety and Emergency Response in Faroese Waters

II. The Government, the Government of the Faroes and the Government of Greenland are currently working on a new strategy for the Arctic for the period 2021-2030

Finland

ARCTIC POLICY

• Text(s)

• Year of Publication 
  2013, 2016, 2021
• Website 
  Ministry for Foreign Affairs of FIland - Arctic Cooperation
• Published by
  Prime Minister’s Office
• Previous Policies:

• Main Goals/objectives, as stated in the document: 
  • to strengthen multilateral Arctic cooperation
  • to take part in the shaping of the EU's Arctic policy
  • to raise Finland's profile as an expert in Arctic issues

NOTES:
1. Finland Arctic Strategy is intrinsically connected with the EU’s policy in the region, as to underline, once again, the pivotal role of Finland in rising the “Arctic attention” in the European Union: “The Government’s objective is to ensure that Finland is a leading actor in international Arctic policy, both in the EU and globally” (Government Policy Regarding the Priorities In The Updated Arctic Strategy”).

Iceland

ARCTIC POLICY

• Text(s)

• Year of Publication 
  2009, 2011, 2021
• Website 
  Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland - Arctic Region
• Published by
  Ministry for Foreign Affairs
• Previous Policies:
  
  Ísland á norðurslóðum (2009)
  A Parliamentary Resolution on Iceland's Arctic Policy (2011)
• Main Goals/objectives, as stated in the document (2011): 
  1. Promoting and strengthening the Arctic Council
  2. Securing Iceland's position as a coastal State within the Arctic region
  3. Promoting understanding of the fact that the Arctic region extends both to the North Pole area proper and the part of the North Atlantic Ocean
  4. Resolving differences that relate to the Arctic on the basis of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
  5. Strengthening and increasing cooperation with the Faroe Islands and Greenland with the aim of promoting the interests and political position of the three countries
  6. Supporting the rights of indigenous peoples in the Arctic
  7. Building on agreements and promoting cooperation
  8. To use all available means to prevent human-induced climate change and its effects
  9. Safeguarding broadly defined security interests in the Arctic region through civilian means and working against any kind of militarisation of the Arctic.
  10. Developing further trade relations between States in the Arctic region
  11. Advancing Icelanders' knowledge of Arctic issues and promoting Iceland abroad
  12. Increasing consultations and cooperation at the domestic level on Arctic issues

NOTES:
N/A

Norway

ARCTIC POLICY

• Text(s)
  Norway’s Arctic Strategy – between geopolitics and social development, 2017, The Norwegian Government's Arctic Policy - White Paper (2020)
• Year of Publication 
  2017, 2020 
• Website 
  Government of Norway
• Published by
  Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Norwegian Ministry of Local Government and Modernisation
• Previous Policies:
  The Norwegian Government’s High North Strategy, published in 2006, later followed it up with the report New Building Blocks in the North in 2009. In 2012, the Norwegian Government released another paper, a white paper, titled “The High North - Visions and Strategies”.
• Main Goals/objectives, as stated in the document: 
  

  The overarching goals of the Norwegian Government remains unchanged in respect of the 2012 white paper “The High North - Visions and Strategies”; that is to say:

  • Peace, stability and predictability
  • Integrated, ecosystem-based management
  • International cooperation and the international legal order
  • A stronger basis for employment, value creation and welfare

  Key priorities in the Norwegian strategy are:

  • continuation of a well-function international cooperation with Arctic neighbors
  • securing a sustainable business development,
  • a knowledge-based development of the Arctic,
  • an infrastructure in tune with growth and the green transition and ensuring a responsible approach when it comes to environmental protection,
  • safety, emergency preparedness and response

NOTES:

N/A

Russian Federation

ARCTIC POLICY

• Text(s)
  “Strategy for Developing the Russian Arctic Zone and Ensuring National Security through 2035” (in Russian)
• Year of Publication 
  2020
• Website 
  N/A
• Published by
  Decree of the President of the Russian Federation
• Previous Policies:
  Russian Federation’s Policy for the Arctic to 2020 (unofficial English Translation), 2008 
• Main Goals/objectives, as stated in the document: 
  -

NOTES:

n/a

Sweden

ARCTIC POLICY

• Text(s) 
  Sweden's strategy for the Arctic region (2020)
• Year of Publication 
  2011, 2015 (amd.), 2020
• Website 
  Government of Sweden
• Published by
  Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Department for Eastern Europe and Central Asia Arctic Secretariat
• Previous Policies:
  Sweden's strategy for the Arctic Region (2011)
• Main Goals/objectives, as stated in the document:

  • Climate and the environment (Climate, Environmental protection, Biodiversity, Climate and Environmental Research)
  • Economic development (Free trade in the Arctic, Industrial policy interests in the Barents region, Economic interests in the rest of the Arctic, Educational and research needs)
  • Human Dimension (Geographical conditions in the Arctic affect health, Climate change and hazardous substances affect the population, Impact on indigenous cultures and industries, The survival of Sámi languages, Knowledge transfer , Research programmes on Sámi society)

NOTES:

1. Similarly to Finland, Sweden’s Arctic Policy is strictly connected and aligned with the EU’s, as “Sweden will actively contribute to the ongoing development of an EU policy on Arctic issues”.

USA

ARCTIC POLICY

• Text(s)
  - 2009 National Security Presidential Directive 66/ Homeland Security Presidential Directive 25, Arctic Region Policy, amended by 2019 Department of Defense (DoD) Arctic Strategy 
  - Arctic Strategy (2020)
  - A Blue Arctic: A Strategic Blueprint of the Arctic (2021)
• Year of Publication 
  2013, 2019 (amd.), 2020, 2021
• Website 
  - Department of Defence 
  - Department of the Navy 
  - The Department of the Air Force
• Published by
  Department of Defense, Department of Defence, The Department of the Air Force 
• Previous Policies:
  

  The current Arctic Strategy updates the 2016 DoD Arctic Strategy. These documents build upon the 2009 National Security Presidential Directive 66/ Homeland Security Presidential Directive 25, Arctic Region Policy, and the 2013 National Strategy for the Arctic Region (NSAR).

• Main Goals/objectives, as stated in the document: 
  
  1. Advance United States Security Interests – [The U.S.] will enable our vessels and aircraft to operate, consistent with international law, through, under, and over the airspace and waters of the Arctic, support lawful commerce, achieve a greater awareness of activity in the region, and intelligently evolve [U.S.’s] Arctic infrastructure and capabilities, including ice-capable platforms as needed. U.S. security in the Arctic encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, ranging from those supporting safe commercial and scientific operations to national defense.
  2. Pursue Responsible Arctic Region Stewardship – [The U.S.] will continue to protect the Arctic environment and conserve its resources; establish and institutionalize an integrated Arctic management framework; chart the Arctic region; and employ scientific research and traditional knowledge to increase understanding of the Arctic.
  3. Strengthen International Cooperation – Working through bilateral relationships and multilateral bodies, including the Arctic Council, we will pursue arrangements that advance collective interests, promote shared Arctic state prosperity, protect the Arctic environment, and enhance regional security, and we will work toward U.S. accession to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (Law of the Sea Convention).

  DoD must be able to quickly identify threats in the Arctic, respond promptly and effectively to those threats, and shape the security environment to mitigate the prospect of those threats in the future. The 2019 DoD Arctic strategy outlines three strategic ways in support of the desired Arctic end-state:
  • Building Arctic awareness;
  • Enhancing Arctic operations; and,
  • Strengthening the rules-based order in the Arctic.

NOTES:

N/A

Inuit Circumpolar Council (ICC)

ARCTIC POLICY

• Text(s)
  Inuit Arctic Policy - To establish a comprehensive Inuit Arctic Policy in Inuit circumpolar regions in regard to matters of economic, social, cultural, environmental as well as political concerns
• Year of Publication 
  2010
• Website 
  ICC
• Published by
  ICC
• Previous Policies:
  N/A
• Main Goals/objectives, as stated in the document: 
  1. To establish a comprehensive Inuit Arctic Policy in Inuit circumpolar regions in regard to matters of economic, social, cultural, environmental as well as political concerns.
  2. To achieve a broad consensus on the priorities, policies, and principles to be advanced in Inuit circumpolar regions, taking into account the significance of the Arctic and its resources to both present and future generations of northern peoples.
  3. To encourage co-ordination of policy-making and decision-making in the international community, particularly in and among those states with Arctic jurisdictions and interests.
  4. To ensure the survival of Inuit as a distinct people, and to integrate Inuit cultural values and concerns in all aspects of Arctic Policy, as appropriate.
  5. To emphasize the importance of an economic base in the North, and the continuing right of Inuit to participate in the management and development of the Arctic and its resources.
  6. To give due priority to improving the quality of life in Inuit communities and the right of Inuit to exercise adequate control over actions and activities significantly affecting their northern regions.
  7. To protect the delicate Arctic environment, including marine and other resources upon which Inuit depend.
  8. To devise principles for an Inuit Arctic Policy which not only ensures recognition and respect for Inuit rights and interests, but also protects the human and other fundamental rights and freedoms of all northern peoples.
  9. To favour those policies and principles which foster peaceful diplomacy and the use of appropriate and safe technologies in circumpolar regions.
  10. To promote international understanding and co-operation in Arctic matters through collaborative, co-operative research; informational, cultural, and educational exchanges; and international agreements.
  11. To proclaim November 7th, the birth day of the ICC visionary and founder, Eben Hopson Sr., as “Inuit Day”, and all Inuit governments, agencies and communities should also be urged to proclaim annually this day as “Inuit Day” with appropriate ceremonies and celebrations

NOTES:
1. Two documents forerun and prepare the ground for the Inuit Arctic Policy: "A Circumpolar Inuit Declaration on Sovereignty in the Arctic 2009” and the “Nuuk Declaration, 2010”
2. One year after the Inuit Arctic Policy, ICC released an additional document, addressing more specifically the issue of resource development in the Arctic: A Circumpolar Inuit Declaration on Resource Development Principles in Inuit Nunaat 2011.

The Saami Council

ARCTIC POLICY

1. Text(s)
   The Sámi Arctic Strategy: Securing enduring influence for the Sámi people in the Arctic through partnerships, education and advocacy
2. Year of Publication 
   2019
3. Website 
   The Saami Council
4. Published by
   The Saami Council
5. Previous Policies:
   N/A
6. Main Goals/objectives, as stated in the document: 
   1. The Saami Council acting as a robust and reliable partner on Arctic Sámi issues
   2. Ensuring the right to choose
   3. Addressing climate change and environmental protection
   4. Deploying Sámi Indigenous knowledge and science as a catalyst for Sápmi’s path forward
   5. Saami Council serving partner in policy-making and decision-making on Arctic issues
   6. The Saami Council as a partner in policy-making and decision-making on Arctic issues

France

Name of the document: French Arctic Initiative 2015-2020

Year of publication: 2015

Website: www.chantier-arctique.fr

Published by: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique

Year and place of becoming as Observer to the Arctic Council: Barrow Ministerial meeting, 2000

Germany

Germany’s Arctic Policy Guidelines Assuming Responsibility, Creating Trust, Shaping the Future (2019)

Guidelines of the Germany Arctic policy. Assume responsibility, seize opportunities (2013)

Italian Republic

Towards an Italian strategy for the Arctic

Japan

Japan’s Arctic Policy

The Netherlands

ARCTIC POLICY

The Netherlands’ Polar Strategy 2021-2025: Prepared for change

• Year of Publication 
  2014, 2021
• Text(s)
  
• Website 
  Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research - Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
• Published by
  Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research - Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek
• Previous Policies:

• Pole Position - NL 2.0 - Strategy for the Netherlands Polar Programme 2016 - 2020
• The Netherlands and the Polar Regions, 2011 - 2015 

Main Goals/objectives, as stated in the document: 

1. Ice, climate and rising sea levels
2. Polar ecosystems
3. Sustainable exploitation
4. Social, legal and economic landscape
5. Transcending the themes: Cross-cutting issues

People's Republic of China

China’s Arctic Policy

Poland

Cele i narzędzia polskiej polityki arktycznej (2015) (in Polish)

Republic of India

ARCTIC POLICY

1. Text(s)
   India and the Arctic
2. Year of Publication 
   2013
3. Website 
   Ministry of External Affairs - Government of India
4. Published by
   The Government of India
5. Previous Policies:
   N/A
6. Main Goals/objectives, as stated in the document: 
   1. To study the hypothesized tele-connections between the Arctic climate and the Indian monsoon by analyzing the sediment and ice core records from the Arctic glaciers and the Arctic Ocean.
   2. To characterize sea ice in Arctic using satellite data to estimate the effect of global warming in the northern polar region.
   3. To conduct research on the dynamics and mass budget of Arctic glaciers focusing on the effect of glaciers on sea-level change.
   4. To carry out a comprehensive assessment of the flora and fauna of the Artic vis-à-vis their response to anthropogenic activities. In addition, it is proposed to undertake a comparative study of the life forms from both the Polar Regions.

Republic of Korea

Content coming soon...

Republic of Singapore

Content coming soon...

Spain

ARCTIC POLICY

• Text(s)
  "Directrices para una Estrategia Polar Española” / “Guidelines for a Spanish Polar Strategy”
• Year of Publication 

• Website 
  Spain’s Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities 
• Published by
  Comité Polar Español / Spanish Polar Committee - Gobierno de España, Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades
• Previous Policies:
  N/A
• Main Goals/objectives, as stated in the document: 
  1. Promoting science and understanding of Climate Change consequences, strengthening the Spanish science knowledge and action within the International Scientific Community
  2. Considering and enhancing Spanish action and presence on geo-strategy issues around the Poles 
  3. Improving polar logistics for scientific and commercial purposes
  4. Improving the research and exploitation of Arctic and Antarctic resources, taking into consideration the Indigenous Peoples and the fragile environment. Promoting the sustainable development of extractive resources in the Arctic, taking into consideration the Arctic Economic Council framework.

Switzerland

ARCTIC POLICY

• Text(s)
  Swiss Polar Research - Pioneering Spirit, Passion and Excellence
• Year of Publication 
  2015

• Website 
  Federal Department of Foreign Affairs - Swiss Confederation
• Published by
  Federal Department of Foreign Affairs - Swiss Confederation
• Previous Policies:
  N/A
• Main Goals/objectives, as stated in the document: 
  1. Promoting science and understanding of Climate Change consequences, strengthening the international cooperation and knowledge sharing
  2. The impact of Climate Change on the Greenland ice sheet
  3. Swiss contribution to modelling of Polar oceanic and atmospheric circulation
  4. Switzerland's leading role in Polar research on snow
  5. Impact of sea ice on the weather and climate in Europe
  6. From the Arctic to the Antarctic on the trail of Greenhouse Gases
  7. A window to past climate change and a benchmark for the future
  8. Investigating past changes in ocean circulation and global climate - A key to better predicting future climate change
  9. The history of Antarctic ice sheet is important for the future
  10. Arctic driftwood: an archive for changes in climate and environmental conditions
  11. The Polar Ocean window in the spotlight
  12. The biology of the Southern Ocean: Understanding its biodiversity and ecosystem
  13. Switzerland is taking part in the International Tundra Experiment - ITEX

United Kingdom

Beyond the Ice. UK policy towards the Arctic (2018)

IMO

ARCTIC POLICY

• Text(s)
  International Polar Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters 
• Year of Publication 
  2017
• Website 
  International Maritime Organization
• Published by
  International Maritime Organization
• Previous Policies
  Guidelines for Ships Operating in Polar Waters (2010)
• The framework builds on 11 overarching and interconnected goals:

1. 1. Polar Water Operational Manual (PWOM)
   2. Ship Structure 
   3. Subdivision and Stability
   4. Watertight and Weathertight Integrity
   5. Machinery Installations
   6. Fire Safety/Protection
   7. Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangement
   8. Safety of Navigation
   9.  Communication
   10. Voyage Planning
   11. Manning and Training

UN

Arctic region

WMO

ARCTIC POLICY

• Text(s)
  Pan-Arctic Regional Climate Outlook Forum - Summary Report 
• Year of Publication 
  2018
• Website 
  World Meteorological Organization  
• Published by
  World Meteorological Organization
• Previous Policies
  N/A
• The main focus and goals are:
  1. The WMO Polar and High Mountain regions priority activity promotes and coordinates relevant observations, research and services that are carried out in the Arctic
  2. It interfaces with all WMO activities (including the World Climate and World Weather Research Programmes) and other related programmes throughout the world, meeting global needs and requirements for observations, research and services in the polar and high mountain regions.