EU looks to strengthen ties with Arctic, protect environment
BRUSSELS – The European Union announced plans Wednesday to open a representation in the Arctic and vowed to protect the environment in a region the bloc says is of key strategic importance. The 27-nation bloc said it will open a European Commission office in Greenland and use EU funding to promote sustainable development in the Arctic. Acknowledging its environmental footprint in the region, the EU pledged to support marine protection and to promote research into the thawing permafrost.