Members at the First Working Session of The European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, on September 14, 2026. Photo: Jouni Porsanger / Str / Lehtikuva
International news
European leaders meeting in Rovaniemi have backed a stronger EU role in the Arctic, with Finland pressing for joint icebreaker capacity, more investment in northern infrastructure and a coordinated response to Russian pressure in the region.
Prime Minister Petteri Orpo received support for the icebreaker proposal from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who said Europe needed more such vessels and that Finland had Germany’s backing to advance the idea jointly.
The summit brought together leaders from Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania and several EU institutions as the bloc prepares an updated Arctic strategy.
