In this section, we have collected and briefly described the main relevant policies for the Arctic region issued by the Arctic States, Indigenous Peoples Organizations, Non-Arctic States and main International Organizations. We have organized these policies according to the Arctic Council's structure: Arctic States - Permanent Participants - Observers - Intergovernmental and Interparliamentary Organizations - Non-Governmental Organizations, and we have added the policies from non-Observer States and other International Organizations. Click on the desired State or organization to learn more.
Arctic States
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) - 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 welfareKey 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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Permanent Participants - Arctic Indigenous Peoples
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- To protect the delicate Arctic environment, including marine and other resources upon which Inuit depend.
- 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.
- To favour those policies and principles which foster peaceful diplomacy and the use of appropriate and safe technologies in circumpolar regions.
- To promote international understanding and co-operation in Arctic matters through collaborative, co-operative research; informational, cultural, and educational exchanges; and international agreements.
- 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
- Text(s)
The Sámi Arctic Strategy: Securing enduring influence for the Sámi people in the Arctic through partnerships, education and advocacy - Year of Publication
2019 - Website
The Saami Council - Published by
The Saami Council - Previous Policies:
N/A - Main Goals/objectives, as stated in the document:
- The Saami Council acting as a robust and reliable partner on Arctic Sámi issues
- Ensuring the right to choose
- Addressing climate change and environmental protection
- Deploying Sámi Indigenous knowledge and science as a catalyst for Sápmi’s path forward
- Saami Council serving partner in policy-making and decision-making on Arctic issues
- The Saami Council as a partner in policy-making and decision-making on Arctic issues
Observer States
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
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:
- Ice, climate and rising sea levels
- Polar ecosystems
- Sustainable exploitation
- Social, legal and economic landscape
- Transcending the themes: Cross-cutting issues
Republic of India
ARCTIC POLICY
- Text(s)
India and the Arctic - Year of Publication
2013 - Website
Ministry of External Affairs - Government of India - Published by
The Government of India - Previous Policies:
N/A - Main Goals/objectives, as stated in the document:
- 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.
- To characterize sea ice in Arctic using satellite data to estimate the effect of global warming in the northern polar region.
- To conduct research on the dynamics and mass budget of Arctic glaciers focusing on the effect of glaciers on sea-level change.
- 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.
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:
- Promoting science and understanding of Climate Change consequences, strengthening the Spanish science knowledge and action within the International Scientific Community
- Considering and enhancing Spanish action and presence on geo-strategy issues around the Poles
- Improving polar logistics for scientific and commercial purposes
- 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.
Spain is one of the veteran Observers at the Arctic Council (2006), and its Arctic strategy aims to enhance its presence in Arctic scientific, socioeconomic and political matters, providing experts in all fields.
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:
- Promoting science and understanding of Climate Change consequences, strengthening the international cooperation and knowledge sharing
- The impact of Climate Change on the Greenland ice sheet
- Swiss contribution to modelling of Polar oceanic and atmospheric circulation
- Switzerland's leading role in Polar research on snow
- Impact of sea ice on the weather and climate in Europe
- From the Arctic to the Antarctic on the trail of Greenhouse Gases
- A window to past climate change and a benchmark for the future
- Investigating past changes in ocean circulation and global climate - A key to better predicting future climate change
- The history of Antarctic ice sheet is important for the future
- Arctic driftwood: an archive for changes in climate and environmental conditions
- The Polar Ocean window in the spotlight
- The biology of the Southern Ocean: Understanding its biodiversity and ecosystem
- Switzerland is taking part in the International Tundra Experiment - ITEX
During the Arctic Circle 2019 in Reykjavik, Switzerland announced it is currently working on a new Arctic Strategy and underlined the ties and similarities between the Poles and High Altitudes Areas.
Observer Status - Intergovernmental and Inter-Parliamentary Organizations
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:
- Polar Water Operational Manual (PWOM)
- Ship Structure
- Subdivision and Stability
- Watertight and Weathertight Integrity
- Machinery Installations
- Fire Safety/Protection
- Life-Saving Appliances and Arrangement
- Safety of Navigation
- Communication
- Voyage Planning
- Manning and Training
The IMO Polar Code is not a strategy or policy, but an international regulatory binding code to be respected by all ships navigating in Polar Waters (from signatories parties). The Code entered into force in 2017, taking into account the previous guidelines from 2010 where only recommendations and had no legally-binding effect. The IMO has the status of Observer within the Arctic Council.
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:
- The WMO Polar and High Mountain regions priority activity promotes and coordinates relevant observations, research and services that are carried out in the Arctic
- 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.
Observer Status - Non-Governmental Organizations
Other Non-Arctic Entities
Other International Organizations
NATO
- Text(s)
NATO and Security in the Arctic / The changing shape of Arctic security - Year of Publication
2017 - Website
NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organization - Published by
NATO - Main Goals:
- A political and military alliance
- Collective defence
- The Transatlantic link
- The 2010 strategic concept
NATO is an international organization focused on military and security issues. It is not a country by itself. NATO has not an Observer status within the Arctic Council.