The Arctic Debrief: Anticipated US Arctic Strategy to focus on NATO cooperation

In this edition:

• Anticipated US Arctic Strategy to focus on NATO cooperation
• EU set on banning Russian LNG exports by mid-summer
• Denmark assigns defense attaché to Canada with Arctic focus

Latest Developments

Anticipated US Arctic Strategy to focus on NATO cooperation

The United States is set to release its updated Arctic strategy before the end of May, according to the US DoD. The strategy has been created in collaboration with allies who have a presence in the Arctic region. The strategy will focus on interoperability with NATO allies to keep the north safe and secure across their collective borders.

An Arctic strategy will outline the country's priorities and main security concerns. The strategy will highlight the impact of climate change on the Arctic and the economic opportunities that could come with these developments.

Most importantly, the document will point to Russia and China as the main potential threats to the US's national interests, who are also increasingly cooperating on various projects in the region.

EU set on banning Russian LNG exports by mid-summer

European Union member states are finalizing sanctions that would ban the transshipment of Russian Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). While most members agree on the move, final details are being discussed.

Belgium, France and Germany requested the European Commission to assess whether the restriction would impact Europe more than Russia. However, there is a general agreement that the sanctions need to come into effect before Hungary, which attempted to stall sanctions against Russia in the past, takes over the EU presidency in July.

This would be the EU's 14th sanctions package against Russia. While the Russian economy seemed to be unscathed by sanctions, the last several months have shown that it is hindering the country's oil and gas sector. The energy sector makes up nearly one third of Russia's overall economy.

Denmark assigns defense attaché to Canada with Arctic focus

Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced that Denmark will send a defense attaché to its embassy in Ottawa, Canada, as it aims to increase its Arctic security focus. The new role was created as a part of the "Danish Defence Agreement" which lays out the country's security focus from 2024 to 2033.

Cooperation with Arctic allies is regarded as a top priority for Denmark, according to Minister Poulsen. A defense attaché reports to the Danish defense department about military and defence policy developments of the country to which they are assigned.

Much like its northern NATO allies, Denmark has shifted its focus to bolster its Arctic defence capabilities over growing concerns of Russian and Chinese collaboration in the region.