No. 2, june 2013 NAP-NEWS BRUSSELS K a l a a l l i t N u n a a t a Sinniisoqafia Bruxelles-imi

Greenland- developing New Government in Policy Dialogue WTO-panel hearing in EU relations Greenland Meeting in Nuuk Genève Greenland Representation in See the new members of the EU-Greenland cooperation and WTO-panel hearing 29th - Brussels is hosting a seminar Cabinet implementation of the 30th April 2013 on EU-Seal on June 28th educational programme Products

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European Seafood Exposition in Brusels 2013

From left: CFO Henrik Krogh, Chairman Henrik Leth, Director Anders Brøns from Polar Seafood and Greenland Representation

!Greenland Representation • Rue d’Arlon 73 • 1040, Brussels !1 No. 2, june 2013

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Greenland - developing EU relations June 28 2013 in Brusels With Greenland's new Minister for Fisheries, Hunting and Agriculture, Mr Karl Lyberth as the front figure, Greenland Representation in Brussels will host a seminar titled "Greenland, - developing EU relations" on June 28th, which will be followed by a reception in relation to Greenland's National Day on June 21st. It is expected that around 95 people will participate.

Karl Lyberth will open the seminar with an introduction on his view on new opportunities for growth and how to create new jobs for the benefit of a sustainable economic development in Greenland.

For the occasion, the Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki, accepted the invitation to come and deliver the keynote speech at the seminar. She will talk about the EU as a key player in the partnership with Greenland.

In addition to this high-profile feature, there will also be presentations from the chairman of Mr. Karl Lyberth, Minister for Fisheries, the Polar Seafood group and Greenland Employers' Association, Henrik Leth, with a Hunting & Agriculture. description of how Greenland adapts to globalization and the fishing export.

After the break Rector at the University of Greenland, Ilisimatusarfik, Tine Pars, will give a speech on education and how we create a culture of education in building our Nation.

Dr. Ulrik Pram Gad, Centre for Advanced Security Theory, University of Copenhagen will talk about Greenland in the margins of Europe, human resources and sovereignty games.

The seminar closes with a presentation of the Deputy Director-General, Geographic Coordination and Overseas Countries and Territories, of the Commission, Mr. Marcus Cornaro. He will brief the assembly on EU's response to education in the wider context of Greenland development.

Afterwards there will be time for a panel discussion with the speakers, where participants have the opportunity to ask questions and give comments.

The seminar ends around 1 PM and Head of Representation Lida Skifte Lennert will conclude the seminar. CEO of Royal Greenland, Mikael Thinghuus, will give a presentation of the company and its products, which will launch the reception to mark the National Day of Greenland on June 21st.

At the reception the participants will Maria Damanaki, EU Commissioner on Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, in front of the mountain “Sermitsiaq” have the opportunity to taste the fresh in Nuuk, Greenland. Greenlandic commodities in the form of tasty shrimps and halibut.

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European Seafood Exposition 2013

Tuesday April 23rd Greenland Representation attended the European Seafood Exposition, which is the largest Seafood Exposition in Europe. Around 1600 companies from 70 different countries participated in this huge exposition.

Many Greenlandic companies were also represented this year and Polar Seafood attended as well. At the exhibition Greenland Representation had a small meeting with the Chairman Henrik Leth, Director Anders Brøns and CFO Henrik Krogh. Polar Seafood informed about their products of shrimp, halibut, smoked salmon and cod as well as their capacity and trawlers.

It was exciting to get a glimpse of an industry where quality, time and economy is essential to make it all work. After the meeting with Polar Seafood time was spent walking around the many halls looking at the different products from around the world. There were simply all kinds of fish, shellfish and equipment. From sushi to big fish, shrimps, squids, giant lobsters, crabs and much more. In short, there was everything, both fresh fish and prepared samples.

Stalls from the Faroe Islands and Iceland in the North Atlantic to North America and South America, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and many countries from EU – virtually The spirit was high as CFO Henrik Krogh and Chairman for Polar Seafood rd th Henrik Leth informed the representation about Polar Seafood activities. the whole world was gathered in Brussels on April 23 -24 , 2013.

Conveniently located in Brussels, the annual European Seafood Exhibition is the worlds largest seafood trade fair. The fair features over 1,600 exhibiting companies from over 70 countries. Attendees include thousands of seafood buyers and senior-level decision makers from retail, foodservice and other business categories. It was truly impressive! Greenland Representation had the opportunity to visit Royal Greenland’s location, which was very popular as well.

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New Government in Greenland On March 12, 2013 the ordinary election to the Greenland Parliament Inatsisartut took place. During the evening both in Nuuk and here in Brussels, the results of the election was clear; Greenland was about to get a new government. The results showed that the head of Siumut party, Mrs. Aleqa Hammond, was to become the first female Premier of Greenland.

Inatsisartut has 31 members; Siumut holds 14 mandates, IA received 11 mandates and Demokraterne, Atassut and Partii Inuit were each given two mandates. Inatsisartut appoints the Premier of Greenland, who will then appoint his/her cabinet of ministers.

The new government consists of eight members, six from Siumut, one from Atassut and one from Partii Inuit. The coalition agreement for Naalakkersuisut was signed on March 26th, 2013.

It is important for the new government to create transparency, global awareness and not least, the process of the people's democratic participation and responsibility be ensured in the best possible way.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is responsible for coordinating the entire government's international efforts. In addition to the Department of Foreign Affairs a large part of the international efforts lies within the individual ministries.

Naalakkersuisut 2013 The Premier and Minister for Minister for Fisheries, Foreign Affairs Hunting & Agriculture

Aleqa Hammond (Siumut) Karl Lyberth (Siumut)

Minister for Health & Minister for Industry & Infrastructure Minerals

Deputy-Premier Jens-Erik Kirkegaard (Siumut) Steen Lynge (Atassut)

Minister for Housing, Nature, Minister for Family and Environment & Nordic Cooperation Legal & Justice Department

Miiti Lynge (Partii Inuit) Martha Lund Olsen (Siumut)

Minister for Finance & Minister for Education, Church, Domestic Affairs Culture & Gender Equality

Vittus Qujaukitsoq (Siumut) Nick Nielsen (Siumut)

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European elections 2014

In the EU, the atmosphere is already affected by elections and the politicians are in the process of positioning themselves for the upcoming election, which takes place in the spring of 2014.

After the Lisbon Treaty in 2009 the European Parliament became just as powerful as the two other strong institutions in the EU; the Commission and the Council. The European Parliament has thus become much stronger due to the Treaty and the Union will grow with Croatia's membership from Jule 1st, 2013.

In 2014, the European Parliament elections take place, and the Commission Finn 80 years invites more people to vote. The Former head of Greenland Representation in Brussels, Finn Commission's approach is to ask the national political parties to make it clear to Lynge, turned 80 years on April 22. the European voters to which European group the parties belong to. It can help The charismatic politician has throughout his long life been widely voters with linking national policy around thanks to his numerous functions. Already during his training for programs with the European ones. becoming a Catholic priest, he was in France, Rome and the United States. At a later time he chose to step out of the priesthood and raise a Under the new rules, the Parliament has family. the responsibility to choose the new President of the Commission, which will In 1979 he was elected as Greenland's first and only representative in the be chosen by the EU countries' heads of European Community Parliament, where he worked until 1984 - the year government, who meets in the European before Greenland left the EC. It was with Greenland’s withdrawal from Council. If the selected candidate cannot the EC in mind, that Finn Lynge headed for Brussels. gain a majority of votes in the European Parliament, the European Council has to nominate a new candidate within one After his time as a Community parliamentarian he served as a senior month. adviser to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Copenhagen before he returned to Brussels as head of Greenland Representation from 1993 to "The European Parliament is the only EU 1995. institution directly elected by democratic elections every five years. The European In addition, Finn Lynge has held positions in Greenland Self- Parliament has mostly been known for Government Commission, the Danish Foreign Policy Society and the unattractive and misleading expressions World Wildlife Fund. such as 'Mickey Mouse House', “coffee club”, “elephant graveyard” or an exile for In his political career, he has devoted much of his efforts on the Arctic national politicians, who have already environment and the rights of indigenous people. More specifically he experienced the highlight of their political career. But the European Parliament has focused on sustainable fishing in the Arctic as well as the resistance changed faster than its reputation" says against a possible commencement of uranium extraction at Rasmus Nielsen, Editor, Altinget.dk and “Kuannersuit/Kvanefjeldet mine” in Narsaq. states that it is a minority in both Denmark and abroad, who really knows how much Finn Lynge is currently writing the second volume of his memoirs at his the European Parliament in fact have an home in Qaqortoq in South Greenland. impact on our everyday lives.

!Greenland Representation • Rue d’Arlon 73 • 1040, Brussels !5 No. 2, june 2013

NAP-NEWS EU budget - MFF negotiations

Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF) of the European Union is a seven-year framework regulating its annual budget.

On February 8, 2013, the European Council unanimously reached an overall agreement on the next multiannual financial framework, which sets out EU's budgetary priorities for the years 2014-2020.

The Lisbon Treaty establishes procedures for the adoption of the multiannual budgetary framework. The Council - in form of a regulation - adopts the budget unanimously; secondly the European Parliament gives its approval by a majority of the members.

In accordance with the consolidation efforts in the Member States, EU leaders agreed to make a cut in EU’s financial funds, in relation to the current MFF 2007-2013. However in order to strengthen growth and employment, more funds is set aside for research, innovation and education. The leaders also agreed on a new initiative to deal with the current challenge of youth unemployment.

The succeeding MFF for 2014-2020 must ensure that the EU budget is prepared to bring Europe out of the crisis. The European Union's budget should be an important catalyst for growth and jobs across the European Union. The expenditures of the following MFF should be used to support growth, employment, competitiveness and convergence in line with the Europe 2020 strategy.

2014-2020

The agreement that was reached at the European Council, limits the maximum possible cost to a European Union of 28 Member States to 959.99 billion. EUR in commitments, which corresponds to 1.0% of EU gross national income (GNI). This is done to reflect the consolidation of public finances at national level. It is the first time that an overall spending limit in a MFF has been lowered compared to the previous MFF’s.

Finally, it should be noted that Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden receives reductions in their national GNI payments for the period 2014-2020, respectively 130 million EUR, 695 million EUR and 185 million EUR. Austria's annual GNI contribution will be reduced in 2014-2016.

The European Parliament still needs to reach a final agreement before the new MFF takes effect in January 2014.

Multiannual Financial Framework 2014-2020 - overview:

• Sub-heading 1a ”Competitiveness for growth and jobs”, including Connecting Europe Facility • Sub-heading 1b ”Economic, social and territorial cohesion” • Heading 2 ”Sustainable growth: natural resources” • Heading 3 ”Security and citizenship” • Heading 4 ”Global Europe” • Heading 5 ”Administration”

!Greenland Representation • Rue d’Arlon 73 • 1040, Brussels !6 No. 2, june 2013

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Human Rights on the agenda

In April 2013 EIDHR (European Instrument for Democracy & Human Rights) Forum was held in Brussels, focusing among other things on indigenous peoples. The forum took place at Albert Hall in Brussels on April 16th-17th.

The European Initiative for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR), which was created based on a European Parliament initiative, includes various budget posts, which aims to promote human rights, democratization and conflict prevention; these measures are implemented mainly in collaboration with non- governmental organizations (NGOs) and international organizations.

At a meeting in Luxembourg in 2012 EUs foreign ministers agreed on a package of measures designed to strengthen the common European efforts to promote human rights. The package consists of three parts: A Strategic Framework for EU external human rights policy, an action plan for implementation of the strategy and the creation of an EU Special Representative for Human Rights.

It is important for the EU to improve respect for human rights and the EU must work hard to promote the economic and social rights in the world's poorest countries. It is the hope that the EU can inspire in the struggle for human rights and the protection of civil society. Kristian Schmidt, Director for Human & Society Development - EU Commission and Stavros The seminar on indigenous people took Lambrinidis, EU Special Representative for place on April 16th in the afternoon and Human Rights. people from all over the world had come to tell their story.

The purpose of the afternoon session was to have a good dialogue about and with indigenous people. The organizers encouraged to share experiences, build bridges and to provide inputs and suggestions on how to improve the conditions for indigenous people.

The moderator Birgitte Feiring initiated the workshop, followed by EU Special Representative for Human Rights Stavros presentations representing various Lambrinidis, Bahrain Centre for Human Rights Maryam countries and organizations. The Al Khawaja and Human Rights in China Sharon Hom. presentations focused on the scientific studies and conclusions that are currently available respectively for indigenous peoples and human rights. Particular emphasis was put on the situation in North Africa, Latin America, Mali, and Peru etc.

This was followed by a panel discussion where participants had the opportunity to ask questions and share experiences. Primarily Africa and Latin America was debated. There were some NGOs present; they shared their own experiences and personal stories. The challenge regarding indigenous people is a general lack of knowledge in the area and its issues. The goal is fostering a deeper understanding of the Throughout the day there was a constructive debate collective rights of indigenous peoples and to create greater among participants and many speeches. visibility of projects going on.

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NAP-NEWS Lithuania will hold the upcoming presidency largely depend on a constructive cooperation between Presidency of the Council of all EU institutions. the European Union in the As 2013 is also the "European Year of second half of 2013. Citizens", the Presidency is very aware of their overall responsibility to the Lithuania is the southernmost of the citizens. The Lithuanian Presidency will three Baltic States - and the largest and ensure that future negotiations will be most populous. Lithuania was the irst conducted with representatives from of the occupied Soviet republics to the European Parliament committees, break free from the Soviet Union and as the Parliament is the only EU reintroduced its sovereignty by the institution elected through democratic independence declaration of March 11, election in Europe. 1990. During Lithuania's 6 months Lithuania's current female president Presidency attention will be given to Dalia Grybauskaite is expected to lead inal agreement on the succeeding the coming EU Presidency. The multiannual inancial framework for president in Lithuania is elected for ive 2014-2020 and the EU budget for 2014, years and is primarily responsible for economic security, economic growth the country's foreign and security and the upcoming EU elections. The landscape is lat with a few low hills policy. There are 141 members of the in the west and the highlands in the east. Lithuania has 758 rivers, more Lithuanian unicameral parliament, than 2800 lakes and 99 km coastline called the Seimas. along the Baltic Sea, which is mainly Lithuanian Deputy Foreign Minister used for recreation and nature Vytautas Leškevičius presented parts of conservation. More than 30% of the Lithuania’s Presidency program to the country is covered by forest. European Parliament in Strasbourg on The Capital – Vilnius, with approx. June 11, 2013. 550,000 inhabitants - is a picturesque town on the banks of the rivers Neris Because of the upcoming elections to and Vilnia. In the old town you can see the European Parliament the some of the inest architecture in Eastern Europe. University of Vilnius, Lithuanian Presidency will lead and founded in 1579, is a large complex of negotiate an exceptionally large buildings in Renaissance style with amount of legislation, which must be countless inner courtyards, forming a agreed upon before the elections in city within a city. 2014. Therefore, the results for the

EU PRESIDENCY

Lithuania July – December 2013

Greece January – June 2014

Italy July – December 2014

Latvia January – June 2015

Luxembourg July – December 2015

Netherlands January – June 2016

Slovakia July – December 2016

!Greenland Representation • Rue d’Arlon 73 • 1040, Brussels !8 No. 2, june 2013

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Policy Dialogue meeting in Nuuk, June 5th-7th

In the beginning of June one of the two annual meetings between Greenland and the EU Commission took place – concentrating on the cooperation between the EU and Greenland and implementation of education.

The Policy Dialogue meetings are held twice a year between Greenland and the EU Commission and the annual results in the cooperation regarding education in Greenland and the future tasks will be discussed and A gloomy atmosphere in Nuuk, Greenland. agreed upon. Through the Partnership Agreement, Greenland receives approx. 200 million per year to work for an implementation of the special education efforts. Together with the Commission, the Department of Education, Church, Culture and Gender Equality composes the criteria Greenland and the EU seeks to achieve in the development of Greenland's education system. Twice a year the parties meet to discuss and exchange the results, strategies and challenges there may be.

Besides discussing indicators, results, strategies and implementation criteria’s, the future cooperation was also discussed. The current partnership agreement runs until the end of 2013, therefore, this was the penultimate meeting in this format. The Programming Document, GLPD which is the basis for cooperation and focuses on education must be renegotiated during the autumn of 2013. The first meeting is scheduled to take place in Brussels in the first week of There was a good dialogue and discussion between September. representatives from the European Commission and the Government of Greenland.

It will be some exciting and important negotiations, as it is Greenland's largest and most important international agreement that ensures Greenland more than 200 million Danish kroner per year. At present, Greenland has no other agreements whose value focuses so much on education. Therefore, it is also expected that the Government of Greenland attend with a strong delegation with representatives from different areas such as the Department of Education, Church, Culture and Gender Equality, Ministry of Finance, Department of Foreign Affairs and the Representation in Brussels.

Karl Kristian Olsen from the Department of Education, Church, Culture & Gender Equality and Paulus Schildkamp from the European Commission after signing the Aide-Memoire.

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WTO-panel heang in Genève WTO-panel hearing in Genève April 29th–30th, 2013, EU-Seal Products – DS 400 and 401.

On behalf of the Ministry for Fisheries, Hunting and Agriculture in Nuuk and the Government of Greenland, Jacob Isbosethsen from the Greenland Representation participated in the second WTO- panel hearing on Seal Products in Geneva April 29th -30th, 2013. It is important to clearly state, that Greenlandic seal products have a legal access to the EU marked and Greenland is not a part of this WTO-court case.

The inuit exemption secures the access to the marked for Greenlandic products, and on the other hand, excludes the commercial products from Canada and Norway. That is why the Complainants in this case is Canada and Norway, who claims that the EU measures and the Commission’s Seal regime is discriminating and argue that the commitments under the WTO Agreement is being ignored.

Three main subjects was discussed during the two days: The public Morality and Animal Welfare issue and finally the distinction between commercial and non-commercial hunting. Canada and Norway argued intensely that the EU Seal Regime reflect a series of political compromises and the rationale behind the decisions for the establishment of the seal ban. The EU argued that the Greenlandic seal hunting and the inuit exemption is not contrary to EU internal regulations and measures but also the common trade principles in the WTO agreement. It is also common that there are exemptions that secure indigenous hunting methods and communities in order to secure and consider the Greenlandic (and the Canadian inuit) social, cultural and economic interest, which is in alignment with important common EU principles. These considerations shall be recognized along with the three main subjects listed above.

Even if Greenland has de facto monopoly-like advantages on sale of sealskin and derived products in the EU, the inuit exemption has not helped increase the sale of the sealskins to the market. Unfortunately, it is a common concern that the general public see the Seal regime as a total ban in the EU. The Greenlandic seal hunt is sustainable and the animal welfare aspect is a part of the traditional hunt, but there is a need for general information if it is going to be a part of the public awareness.

The WTO Panel has asked the parties to forward their last and final written submissions and exchange of information and data by the end of June this year. The panel will subsequently finalize their first Panel Report, which is expected published by the end of August. The final Panel Report is expected to be ready by the end of this year or in the beginning of 2014.

Nordic Cultural Meetings in Brussels

In the past year, the Nordic countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland) - all represented in Brussels by their respective embassies, representations and cultural institutions – have held regular meetings to develop a cultural cooperation, share network and experiences.

! As a novelty, the Faroe Islands and Greenland are now also included in the group. Initially, as observers, but we hope in the long term to participate actively in this cooperation and contribute to its future cultural projects, so as to raise awareness of Greenland in Brussels.

!Greenland Representation • Rue d’Arlon 73 • 1040, Brussels !10 No. 2, june 2013

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Roundtable on European Island’s Challenges. Islands – key actors: What kind of partnership at the EU level?

Greenland Representation participated in an afternoon seminar moderated by MEP Maurice Ponga in the European Parliament on May 7th, 2013. The meeting was organized by IUCN and EBCD.

The seminar was a good and relevant initiative that had been created due to GLISPA Ambassador Ronny Jumeau visiting Brussels. There were many representatives from the MEP Maurice Ponga. OCTs, Outermost Regions and the Commission.

Ambassador Ronny Jumeau stated that “GLISPA has come to Brussels and they intend to stay". It is GLISPA's mission to reach out to as many islands as possible. Since approx. 70% of the EU's biodiversity is found in the OCTs and Outermost Regions, he urged the EU to recognize that the islands would lead the delegations and negotiations at for example CBD COP.

The discussion also addressed challenges in relation to invasive species, climate change, biodiversity, sea level rise and hotspots. A biological hotspot is a biogeographic region with a significant reservoir of biodiversity that is threatened by human activities. New Caledonia is such a hotspot. It is important that the EU contributes and not remains passive if the EU wants to be loyal to its values and since 70% of the EU's biodiversity is overseas, it is essential to be able to address these global challenges. The EU will not be able to confront the challenges alone, which is why it is important to have a constructive dialogue between the EU and the overseas territories.

OCT Chairman of this year St. Pierre et Miquelon, represented by Mr Olivier Gaston, GLISPA Ambassador Ronny Jumeau. stressed that it is extremely important for OCTA to be involved in the actions initiated by the EU. Afterwards Olivier Gaston informed about the Chairman theme and priorities in 2013; "Competitiveness with focus on Innovation and Green Growth". OCTA is working to create awareness of environment and climate where the goal is more access to programmes and especially funds that can support the local OCTs projects in the field.

GLISPA – GLOBAL ISLAND PARTNERSHIP

Since its inception in 2005, GLISPA has engaged leaders all over the world. More than 60 governments of Small Islands Developing States (SIDS), large island countries, countries with islands, overseas territories, as well as multi and bilateral agencies, and international, www.glispa.org national and regional organisations have worked with GLISPA to www.iucn.org advance high-level commitments and on the ground action for island conservation and sustainable use of natural resources. Without formal structure or dedicated staffing, GLISPA has helped catalyse more than US$70 million in commitments to island conservation. www.ebcd.org

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Arctic Consensus

With the opening of Arctic Consensus, the city of Aalborg recognizes an increased cooperation with Greenland as financially attractive. The centre will mark a greatly strengthened strategic initiative that brings together the many collaborations that have already been established between Greenland and North Jutland and it is the ambition that the centre will be established in partnership between the key players in Greenland and Denmark.

Arctic Consensus is established as a 2-year pilot project in 2013-2014 with the aim to become an independent Centre for Arctic Cooperation from 2015.

Thorkild Mørk Rønbøl Lauridsen is the director of Artic Consensus. Thorkild previously lived in Greenland, where he since 2007 has been director of the technical area in Nuuk. Thorkild Mørk Rønbøl Lauridsen is making an effort to Director for Arctic Consensus, Thorkild Mørk focus more on differences than similarities, since it is the former, that makes the Rønbøl Lauridsen. cooperation work, he says. He mentions both cultural and social differences but also the economic challenges facing Greenland regarding mining and offshore drilling.

Greenland Representation attended a meeting at North Denmark EU office in Brussels where Thorkild Dark Rønbøl Lauridsen introduced the concept behind Arctic Consensus. The starting point is growth - growth in Greenland creates growth in North Jutland and vice versa, he says. Arctic Consensus must be an international centre and a natural partner in Arctic issues. Further, it must be an instrument for the EU to channel EU objectives for the Arctic in specific implementations where the centre can support the implementation.

!Greenland Representation • Rue d’Arlon 73 • 1040, Brussels !12 No. 2, june 2013

NAP-NEWS EU Arctic Policy

In November 2008 the EU Commission launched an Arctic communication outlining how the EU wants to engage more actively in the Arctic. In June 2012, the Commission presented a progress report on actions and objectives achieved since the 2008 communication and EU underlines that it wants a permanent observer status in the Arctic Council.

The EU's intention is to intensify its engagement and cooperation with the EU Arctic partners, for the benefit of both the local population in the Arctic and the EU. This will lead to increased investment in climate research by the EU. EU wants - along with Arctic partners - to protect the environment while ensuring sustainable development in the Arctic region.

In relation to Greenland, it is emphasized that there is a wide- ranging cooperation with Greenland (based on Greenland's association with the EU as an OCT, and part of the Realm/’Rigsfællesskabet). In relation to Greenland it is indicated specifically in the communication, that the Commission's draft on a stronger partnership between the EU and Greenland provides the opportunity to cooperate on environmental protection in relation to diversification of Greenland's economy and development. The Partnership will allow for an expanded dialogue on raw materials Ilulissat Icefjord, Greenland © European Commission. and in this way be able to share know-how and experiences.

The EU Strategy for the Arctic was discussed at the European Parliament plenary debate on April 17th, 2013 and Štefan Füle (Member of the Commission) made the statement on behalf of Catherine Ashton (Vice-President of the Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy).

EU intensifies its Arctic cooperation and there has been great progress since 2008. Over the last decade, EU has become the largest sponsor of Arctic research, with contributions of 20 million EUR per year. Additionally, as part of its regional and cross-border funding, the European Union has put over 1 billion EUR into economic development from Greenland to Russia. Add Member States’ bilateral contributions to that and the figure rises to almost 2 billion EUR. Arctic will need support in the fight against the enormous environmental and economic challenges that will affect both today's generation but also future generations and EU believes that cooperation is the key.

The EU arctic policy focuses on three key components: knowledge, responsibility and engagement. Starting with knowledge: the European Union’s new Horizon 2020 programme will establish closer links with researchers from third countries. EU is also exploring the feasibility of creating a European Arctic Information Centre. Turning to responsibility: EU wants to work with their Arctic partners and with the private sector to develop environmentally-friendly, low-risk technologies that could be used by the extractive industries and the shipping industry. And finally, on engagement: EU is stepping up their dialogue with all Arctic states and stakeholders.

The Commission will continue to engage with Arctic indigenous groups to find ways to work together in a number of practical areas.

From an overall assessment there is currently no definitive Arctic Strategy for Europe. It is a dynamic and evolving process that will lead to a European Arctic strategy at a time.

!Greenland Representation • Rue d’Arlon 73 • 1040, Brussels !13 No. 2, june 2013

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A Greenlandic student culture, language, traditional and Representation has and how contemporary lifestyles and climate Greenland will have an increased visited Greenland change. Further, she has participated global interest. Tukumminnguaq was Representation in Brussels in a number of seminars; inter alia, happy to visit the representation, nuclear energy, the environment, talked some Greenlandic while cultures and environmental reading the Greenlandic newspapers Tukumminnguaq Nykjær Olsen was friendliness. AG and Sermitsiaq, which she born in Nuuk, and raised in appreciated, as the Greenlandic Qaanaaq, but lives and works Tukumminnguaq told that she has election was at its highest point at currently in Hannover, Germany. In become much more environmentally that time. connection with a study trip to conscious after her stay in Germany. Brussels she took the initiative to visit She has met a lot of interesting the representation and told us a little people and learned a great deal. By bit about life in Germany and the contrast, she misses the friendliness Mauris convallis est things she misses about Greenland. and 'always-welcome' mentality that • Quis mattis lacus ligula augue. is in Greenland. She says that people Tukumminnguaq has taken a year are much more private and tend to leave from her studies and is working invite people less into their homes, as as a volunteer through the EU they do in Greenland. Finally she Programme "European Volunteer misses the Greenlandic food! Service". She works for the environmental organization 'JANUN' Tukumminnguaq was on a study trip in Hannover, Germany. to Brussels to experience the political Tukumminnguaqs primary job is to Tukumminnguaq pointing out Qaanaaq, where she centre and stopped by at the grew up. get out to schools, organizations, etc. Representation. She is surprised how to talk about Greenland and its many tasks the Greenland

Did you know... Brussels is a part of Greenland Self- internship at their graduate study. Government and is affiliated to the With a total of 20 interns at The Staff at Greenland Department of Foreign Affairs. Since Greenland Representation, 14 of Representation in Brussels consists of 2002, there has been employed a fixed those were Greenlandic university the Head of Representation and the intern, each working for 6 month. It is students who have completed an Secretary to the Embassy, both with a requirement that all trainees must internship of 6 months. In 2009, we diplomatic status. Furthermore, the hold a bachelor degree at the also had the first intern from office has a secretary. The University and have the opportunity Ilisimatusarfik, University of Representation of Greenland in to transfer credits from their Greenland.

!Greenland Representation • Rue d’Arlon 73 • 1040, Brussels !14