Call for papers/International congress A European Arctic Policy: the role of non-Arctic Member States

The congress provides a forum for academic, scientists and early careers to discuss the role of non-Arctic Member States in developing a European Arctic policy and roadmap; contributing to the action of the European Union as a unitarian actor. Following the call for papers issued last January, the congress will focus on several key issues related to the influence and committment of the European Union in the Arctic, mainly sustainable development and governance, security and the protection and promotion of lifestyle of Indigenous Peoples.

Its main objectives are the creation of debate among scientists, policy- makers and stakeholders on issues that constitute the structure of a comprehensive and integrated European Arctic Policy. Therefore, the initiative will be an opportunity to discuss the perspectives, proposals and interests of all European non- Arctic countries in the region.

Finally, the congress aims at promoting the presentations and participation of early career scientists through the presentation of their contributions, giving an insight on innovative proposals on Arctic matters and European related policies.

Madrid, 10th June 2016

International Symposium: The Arctic: opportunities and challenges deriving from climate change

The symposium titled The Arctic: opportunities and challenges deriving from climate change pursues three main objectives:

1. To analyze the scientific basis of climate change dynamics and its main regional consequences in the Arctic. 

2. To explore the international legal and political framework available in addressing the challenges taking place in the Arctic, considering climate change. 

3. To examine the strategic and economic interests due to possible Arctic resources" exploitation, in a long term perspective. 

The starting point of the proposal is climate change and therefore, the rapid changes taking place in the Arctic due to global warming. An alteration is already evident when the Arctic ecosystem, environment or the human activities therein are considered. The international relevance of the North Pole has increased because of its abundance in natural resources. At the same time, the retreat of the ice has awaken the interests of the International Community and of all Arctic states; which claim their sovereignty"s rights on resources, territories and maritime areas. While the scientific community calls on the necessity of addressing climate change, developing adaptation and mitigation strategies; the exploitation of Arctic natural resources is seen by many as a unique opportunity of economic expansion. The melting of the ice is opening up new sea routes, the possibility of gaining access to hydrocarbons, mineral resources and fishing stocks. All these factors contribute in creating conditions for tourism and commerce development; while at the same time Indigenous Peoples, their traditional lifestyles and the Arctic environment are endangered.

To sum up, the Arctic has proved to be a region where multiple interests converge; therefore the seminar wants to be both a forum for scientific, legal and political analysis of these opposing forces; and a space of debate for the consideration of possible future strategies of adaptation, governance and sustainable development.

Then again, as the Arctic relevance increases worldwide, the Spanish interest for such a global concern rests on the present development of a Spanish Polar Strategy document; that, besides being the counterpart of the Antarctic one, fits in with the European Union"s international commitment for climate change and environmental protection.

Madrid, 12th November 2015

1st Spanish Symposium on the Arctic Region: the Arctic facing International Law, Politics and Research.

The Symposium aims at creating an interdisciplinary space of disscussion and debate among different Arctic scientists, policy makers and stakeholders. Including academics and representatives of both Arctic and non- Arctic research Institutes, the congress will give a general overview of the most relevant issues related with the North- Pole region and derived from climate change. It must be noticed, considering that Spain is developing its first Polar Strategy, that this is the first Spanish Symposium on Arctic issues from the perspective of Human and Social Sciences, particularly, International Law and Political Science. The Congress not only intends to be a forum for scientific discussion, but also a way to make known among students of the main challenges present in the Arctic.

Madrid, 13th November 2013