With the European Arctic undergoing rapid environmental, societal, and geopolitical change, the joint position paper of the Arctic Six underscores the need for sustained EU investment in Arctic research and innovation to support climate adaptation, regional security, and a just green transition.

Firmly rooted in northern communities, the Arctic Six universities emphasise their role as engines of regional development and knowledge co-production with Indigenous and local actors. Their recommendations echo the European Polar Board (EPB), which also urges EU leaders to secure long-term polar research funding, EPB Position.

The position paper was presented to EU policymakers in June ahead of the FP10 negotiations at the EU Arctic Forum and Indigenous Peoples Dialogue in Kittilä, Finland. It calls for action that reflects the urgency of Arctic change and the opportunities for Europe to lead through research excellence and cross-border cooperation.


The Arctic Six

The Arctic Six (A6), a UArctic regional centre, includes the University of Oulu and the University of Lapland in Finland; Nord University and UiT—The Arctic University of Norway; and Luleå University of Technology and Umeå University in Sweden. Together, we represent over 10,000 researchers and 106,000 students. Embedded in Arctic communities and integrated into stakeholder networks, the A6 forms the EU’s most comprehensive Arctic research and education infrastructure.

More information: Arctic Six