Speaking to ministers at the GLACIER conference in Anchorage, Mr Vella emphasised the EU's strong commitment to ensuring the Arctic region's sustainable development while safeguarding its fragile environment. Research could play a particular role in this regard, he said, noting that the EU had earmarked 40 million euros for 2016-2017 to promote research in and on the Arctic region.

He also pointed to the importance of global cooperation and consultation as a way of getting a grip on the increasing challenges the Arctic region faces today – be it on climate change, fisheries or ocean governance.

In this context, Mr Vella stressed that commercial fisheries on the Arctic high seas should not begin before a science-based and precautionary management regime existed, and that all key actors, including the EU, should be involved early on in discussing such measures.

He also highlighted the Commission's public consultation on international ocean governance, which asks how the EU can ensure that the world's oceans are managed more sustainably. The consultation is open until 15th September.

Speech: The Arctic's Unique Role in Influencing the Global Climate