EU Explores Ban on Oil and Gas Exploration in the Arctic

Multilateral Legal Obligations Review to Prohibit Hydrocarbon Development and Purchase in the Arctic

The European Union (EU) Commission announced that it is seeking measures to ban new oil, coal, and gas exploration to protect the Arctic, which is facing a crisis due to climate change. Photo by AFP/ Yonhap News [Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The European Union (EU) Commission announced that it is seeking measures to ban new oil, coal, and gas exploration to protect the Arctic, which is facing a crisis due to climate change.

According to foreign media including AFP on the 14th (local time), the EU Commission urged that oil, coal, and gas remain in the Arctic land in its newly released Arctic strategy the day before.

Additionally, the EU Commission stated that it is reviewing multilateral legal obligations with partner countries to prohibit the development of future hydrocarbon reserves in the Arctic or adjacent areas and the purchase of hydrocarbons produced through such development.

Virginijus Sinkevi?ius, EU Commissioner for the Arctic and Environment, told Bloomberg News, "The EU Commission hopes for an international agreement to halt such development activities."

Furthermore, Josep Borrell, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, emphasized, "The Arctic is rapidly changing due to the effects of global warming, natural resources, and geopolitical competition," adding, "Europe must clearly define its geopolitical interests to promote the security, safety, and peaceful cooperation of the Arctic."

Meanwhile, the EU Commission also announced plans to establish a Commission office in Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory located between the North Atlantic and the Arctic Ocean.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.