The European Arctic Summit was held in Rovaniemi 13-14 September 2026, where EU leaders gathered to address issues related to the Arctic region.

The geopolitical significance of the Arctic continues to grow rapidly, and the aim of the European Arctic Summit held in Rovaniemi was to strengthen the EU’s common strategic approach to the region. Arktikum served as a meeting venue for the summit, where the EU leaders also got to visit the Arctic Opposites science exhibition by the Arctic Centre with the executive producer Nicolas Gunslay.

In addition, EU politicians discussed with local representatives about current Arctic questions such as the impacts of climate change and the perspectives of the Sámi People’s, the EU’s only Indigenous People, to the changing state of the region. The Rector of the University of Lapland Antti Syväjärvi and the President of the Sámi Parliament of Finland Pirita Näkkäläjärvi took part in these discussions held in Arktikum. The President Näkkälärvi emphasized to European heads of state that sustainable Arctic security can’t be achieved without the people of the Arctic and vibrant Indigenous peoples.

President of the Sámi Parliament of Finland Pirita Näkkäläjärvi, the Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo and the rector of the University of Lapland Antti Syväjärvi in Arktikum. Photo: Lauri Heikkinen, Prime Minister’s Office.

In the joined statement by the EU leaders Arctic was described as a strategically important region for both European and global security. The need for economic growth and investments in, for instance military mobility, in the region were noted, and as well the importance of sustainable development and protection of the fragile Arctic environment. Arctic scientific research and international academic cooperation was mentioned to be the foundation of responsible and knowledge-based governance. Additionally, commitment to safeguard the rights, livelihoods and culture of Indigenous Peoples was mentioned in the joined statement.

The participants of the European Arctic Summit in Arktikum. Photo: Katja Säilä, Prime Minister’s Office.

The summit was hosted by Prime Minister of Finland Petteri Orpo and attended by Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal, Prime Minister of Latvia Andris Kulbergs, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nausėda, President of Romania Nicușor Dan and Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noël Barrot. In addition, the summit was attended by following EU representatives: President of the European Council António Costa, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas and the Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela.

News from Sámi Parliament of Finland: President Näkkäläjärvi at the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi: Indigenous Peoples are a part of Arctic security

Joined statement by European Arctic Summit: European Arctic Summit 2026 Statement