In Reykjavik, European Commission Commissioner Josef Síkela delivered a speech dedicated to the Arctic policy of the European Union. The event took place with the participation of the President of Iceland and other official guests. At the beginning of his remarks, the commissioner noted the impressive and harsh beauty of Iceland's nature, drawing a parallel between the region's natural characteristics and the importance of Arctic cooperation. In his speech, Síkela emphasized the growing significance of the Arctic region for the European Union in terms of economics, climate policy, and security. The Arctic is viewed by Brussels as a territory of strategic interests, where issues of climate change, natural resource development, and geopolitical competition intersect. The commissioner noted that the EU intends to strengthen partnership with Arctic states, including Iceland, to jointly address challenges related to ice melting, the development of shipping routes, and sustainable development of the region. The importance of scientific cooperation and the exchange of data on climate changes in the Arctic was also emphasized. The speech came against the backdrop of growing interest from major powers in the Arctic region, which in recent years has become a platform for increasing presence by various states interested in its resources and transportation opportunities. The European Union seeks to position itself as a responsible partner focused on sustainable development and multilateral cooperation in this sensitive region of the planet.