European Commission presents EU strategy for the Arctic, with an R&I component

The European Commission has presented its new European Union strategy for the Arctic, which includes a research and innovation component.

President of the Commission Ursula von der Leyen presented on 20/10/2026 its new strategy redefining the EU’s approach to the rapid climatic and geopolitical upheavals in this northern region.

This strategy includes an R&I component, which will, in particular, establish an EU Polar Research Hub. The EU is strengthening its European Polar Coordination Office, established in 2024, to turn it into a central coordination hub. This hub aims to better link research, observation and policy-making, and to optimise access to polar infrastructure. "This will support better informed decisions and scientific innovation," the Commission said.

To address the lack of…