Renewable energy / critical raw materials: more European investment in the Arctic region

The EU is set to increase its investment in the Arctic region to develop renewable energy and its potential for critical raw materials, according to the European Commission’s new Arctic strategy, published on 20 October 2026.

“The Arctic is Europe’s northern neighbour: close, connected and essential to our future. And it is changing. New shipping routes and resources are fuelling strategic competition. With our new strategy, we are investing in enhanced security, resilient infrastructure and economic opportunities,” says Ursula von der Leyen, President of the Commission.

The strategy highlights the region’s potential in hydropower, geothermal energy, wind power and renewable hydrogen. The EU will continue to support renewable energy through its cohesion programmes, with over €1 billion…