The guidelines determine the direction of German Arctic policy in international negotiating platforms, especially as an observer state in the Arctic Council. Furthermore, they offer clear orientation for future research activities with German involvement and for economic activities by German companies in the Arctic.

The content of Germany’s new Arctic policy guidelines at a glance:

• Safeguarding of security and stability in the Arctic and strengthening of security policy engagement within the NATO and EU frameworks
• Defence of the rules-based international order and strengthening of resilience in the Arctic
• Commitment to systematic climate and environmental protection in line with the Paris Agreement
• Preservation and expansion of responsible research as the basis for political action
• Sustainable development of the Arctic in line with the precautionary and polluter-pays principles
• Consistent involvement of the indigenous population and the safeguarding of their rights to freedom, good health and self-determination in their habitat.

Developments in the Arctic have a global impact

Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and the resulting Zeitenwende have fundamentally altered the geopolitical environment for Germany’s and Europe’s Arctic policy. At the same time, China is increasing its strategic presence and its cooperation with Russia in the Arctic. This makes it all the more urgent to consider the questions arising from climate change and the accelerated melting of ice in relation to new sea routes and access to raw materials in the Arctic.

It is in Germany’s interest to safeguard security and stability in the Arctic. To this end, Germany must defend the rules-based order in the Arctic. This is the basis for Germany’s contribution to the best possible protection for the Arctic ecosystem and to the sustainable development of the region. When implementing measures, the interests of the people living in the Arctic region must be taken into consideration and the rights of indigenous peoples protected.