Former Finnish prime minister becomes EU special adviser for Arctic

The European Commission has named former Finnish prime minister Jyrki Katainen special adviser for EU-Arctic relations amid a race for influence in the most northern region.

“In the current geopolitical and geoeconomic context, the strategic importance of the Arctic region for the EU is clear, with challenges and opportunities that EU policies should address,” a commission statement published on Monday read.

US President Donald Trump has asserted territorial claims over Greenland, the Arctic island that is part of Denmark, and warned European NATO allies of potential additional tariffs if they oppose his plans to acquire it.

In an attempt to defuse tensions, the commission has previously announced plans to deepen cooperation in the Arctic with partners, including the US, and to make more funding available for the region.

Katainen’s work is to focus on the areas of economic security, connectivity, sustainable development, climate and energy, the commission said.

Katainen was prime minister of Finland from 2011 to 2014 before working for the European Commission.