The Arctic is becoming a key arena of geopolitical competition, shaped by Russian militarisation, China’s growing presence, and shifting global energy and maritime flows. Russia’s war in Ukraine and wider geopolitical tensions are accelerating this transformation, making the region increasingly central to European security and economic resilience.

This policy brief explores the Arctic as a space of sanctions adaptation and strategic competition, highlighting risks related to energy flows, shipping routes, and critical infrastructure. It provides targeted recommendations to strengthen Europe’s resilience through more effective sanctions enforcement, closer EU–NATO coordination, and reduced strategic dependencies.