The Arctic, a challenge for Europe

Icebergs detached from the Ilulissat Glacier from the city. © RFI / Thomas Massé

By: Daniel Desesquelle

Global warming goes through the Poles, and first through the North Pole. In February 2018, the region experienced a heat spike with temperatures 30 degrees above seasonal norms.

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Even if the phenomenon is exceptional, it takes place against a background of warming in the Arctic. With the melting of the ice floe, new maritime routes are emerging, gas and oil fields become accessible, the uranium mines and the “rare earths” of Greenland will soon be exploitable. In the Arctic, the economy takes precedence over ecological concerns. And appetites are growing, in addition to Canada, the United States and Russia, China intends to develop its “polar silk route”. However, the Arctic is also an issue for Europeans. Norway is at the forefront of this next geostrategic weapon pass, while Greenland under Danish supervision aspires to become independent.
(May 13, 2018 replay)

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With:

- André Gattolin, Senator LREM (The Republic on the Move) from Hauts-de-Seine. Member of the Arctic, Antarctic and Southern Territories study group of the Senate.
→ His site here

- Barbara Kunz, researcher at IFRI (French Institute for International Relations). Coordinator of the Foreign Policy N ° devoted to the Arctic.
→ More info here

- Thierry Garcin, associate researcher at Paris-Descartes University and author of Arctic Geopolitics at Economica

- Damien Degeorges, consultant based in Iceland and specialist in European issues in the Arctic. Reykjavik online.
→ More info here

With Maria Afonso, photos of Greenland by Thomas Massé, and in partnership with Courrier International

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  • Denmark
  • Diplomacy
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