The EU has presented its new Arctic Strategy. As one of the Union’s three Arctic Member States, Sweden welcomes that the EU strengthens its role in the region and puts security at the forefront. It is important that we pay more attention to the Arctic region’s increasing geopolitical weight, protection of critical infrastructure, and deepened cooperation with like-minded partners – in addition to issues such as climate, environment, and research. We also welcome that the strategy gives priority to matters regarding space policy, which is becoming essential to the EU’s security and autonomy. The Arctic is our part of Europe. It is both a domestic and a foreign policy matter. We look forward to continuing the work with the Arctic Strategy both within the EU and with international partners.

As the United Nations convened this week, I had one clear message for Russia.