Belgium Needs a Bold Arctic Policy – Now

In the face of accelerating global climate change, the call for a Belgian Arctic Policy is not only obvious but urgently required. As the Arctic stands on the frontlines of climate disruption, Belgium must seize this moment to position itself as a key player in fostering security and stability

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Belgium Needs a Bold Arctic Policy – Now:
The Case for Investment in Research, fostering Security and Stability, and Global Leadership

In the face of accelerating global climate change, the call for a Belgian Arctic Policy is not only obvious but urgently required. As the Arctic stands on the frontlines of climate disruption, Belgium must seize this moment to position itself as a key player in fostering security and stability, as the foundation for the protection and sustainable development of this fragile region. The pillars of such strategy —protecting the climate, environment, and people; promoting research, knowledge, and innovation; pursuing sustainable economic development; and strengthening international cooperation—offer a robust framework to address the complex and rapidly evolving challenges of the Arctic. Within this changing environment and increased geopolitical tension, one area that demands particular attention and continued investment is scientific research.

The Arctic is warming four times faster than the global average, making it one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change. The melting ice caps, rising sea levels, and shifts in biodiversity pose direct threats not only to its inhabitants and ecosystems but to the global climate itself. Without serious intervention, these changes could trigger catastrophic consequences that extend far beyond the Arctic region. This is where Belgium’s role as a climate advocate becomes essential. Through a well-developed Arctic policy, Belgium can push for stricter environmental protections and promote sustainable development, ensuring that the Arctic remains a global priority in the fight against climate change.

However, climate advocacy is only part of the equation. A key pillar of Belgium’s Arctic Policy must focus on fostering research, knowledge, and innovation. Belgium has a proud history of over 125 years of scientific excellence in polar research. This legacy must continue. Already now, Belgium disposes of flagships in Polar research, notably the Princess Elisabeth Research Station in Antarctica – the only zero-emission station in the region, and the RV Belgica – a state-of-the-art, brand new research vessel, that already operated in the Arctic region. Now more than ever, as the Arctic transforms in unpredictable ways, scientific research is critical for understanding and mitigating the impact of climate change. If Belgium is to maintain its leadership on the international stage, it must continue investing heavily in research. The insights gained from this work not only deepen our understanding of global environmental shifts but also lay the groundwork for technological innovations that can help address these challenges head-on.

Investment in research is not just about prestige or knowledge accumulation-it is about driving solutions. The scientific data gathered from the Arctic informs global climate models, enables policymakers to make informed decisions, and guides the development of sustainable technologies that could slow or even reverse some of the region’s damage. By championing continued investment in Arctic research, Belgium positions itself as a leader in the global effort to address the most pressing environmental challenge of our time.

However, cutting investments in research, implying for example that the RV Belgica is unable to execute its missions, is unacceptable. In times of austerity, budget restraints are needed, but cutting research and innovation, which are key to Belgium, is the wrong decision.

The Arctic also offers undeniable economic opportunities. The retreating ice is opening up new shipping routes and making previously inaccessible natural resources, such as oil and minerals, available. The availability of critical raw materials in the Arctic is becoming increasingly important for the green transition, but also for the strategic autonomy of the EU and its Member States, including Belgium. But these opportunities must be approached with extreme caution. Economic exploitation of the Arctic risks further destabilizing its delicate ecosystems and undermining efforts to protect the indigenous populations who depend on them. Belgium, with its commitment to the green transition and expertise in sustainable practices, is uniquely positioned to advocate for responsible economic activities in the region. By leading the way in sustainable Arctic development, Belgium can demonstrate that economic growth and environmental preservation are not mutually exclusive. Belgian enterprises have impressive expertise in innovative technologies that enable sustainable developments in the high north. For the first time, Belgian representatives will be participating at the Business Forum of the Arctic Circle Assembly in Reykjavik (October 2024), showcasing Belgian innovations in cold climate technologies.

At the same time, the Arctic security landscape has undergone an immense transformation in recent times, having emerged at the forefront of strategic competition and affecting European security. The importance of the Arctic for security has increased. The growing security threats, resulting from Russia´s activities in the Arctic, affect European and thus also Belgium’s security interests. Hence, Belgium must assume an active role in security policy, and support an increased focus of NATO and the EU on the Arctic´s security policy implications.

International cooperation is the final, crucial pillar. The challenges facing the Arctic are not ones any single nation can solve. Climate change, resource management, and geopolitical tensions all demand a multilateral approach. Belgium’s long-standing tradition of multilateralism, combined with its unwavering support for international law, makes it an ideal partner in global efforts to promote peace and prosperity in the Arctic. By actively engaging in Arctic diplomacy and working with key international bodies, Belgium can help shape a future for the region that is both stable and sustainable.

In conclusion, Belgium’s Arctic Policy is not just a strategic necessity; it is a moral imperative. The Arctic is a bellwether for the health of the entire planet, and what happens there affects us all. By continuing to invest in research, Belgium can leverage its scientific expertise to drive innovative solutions, contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change, and safeguard the future of the Arctic. It should figure on the agenda of any new Belgian government, which among its other priorities, should not neglect a region that is so crucial to Belgium´s climate, economic, geopolitical, and security interests.

(Photo credit: Marie-Anne Coninsx )