The European Commission has appointed Jyrki Katainen as special advisor for the Arctic. His work will focus on economic security and international cooperation.

The European Commission has appointed former Finnish Prime Minister Jyrki Katainen as the special advisor of the European Union for the Arctic, in the context of a race for influence in this strategic region.

Katainen's work will focus on economic security, sustainable development, climate, and energy, highlighting the importance of the Arctic region for the EU in the current geopolitical and geoeconomic context.

The statement from the community executive highlights the challenges and opportunities that EU policies need to address.

American President Donald Trump has advanced territorial claims over Greenland and threatened European NATO allies with additional tariffs if they oppose his plans. In response, the European Commission announced initiatives to deepen cooperation in the Arctic region with partners, including the USA, to increase funding.

Jyrki Katainen was Prime Minister of Finland from 2011 to 2014, before holding positions within the European Commission.