European leaders will discuss joint action against Russia's growing influence in the Arctic and strengthening the region's security.
Modern.az reports that, according to Bloomberg, the meeting will be held on Sunday in Rovaniemi, Finland. The summit will be hosted by Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo.
Orpo wants more funds allocated to Europe's security capabilities in the Arctic. He stated that there are common interests for the European Union and the United States to act jointly in the face of competition between Russia and China for influence and control in the Arctic.
The EU's updated Arctic strategy is expected to provide for a more active role and additional funding in the region. It is also planned to strengthen roads and railways, digital communications, and satellite technologies for the movement of NATO forces and equipment.
Finland's 1340-kilometer border with Russia increases the strategic importance of the region. Russia's Kola Peninsula hosts the Northern Fleet, submarines carrying nuclear weapons, and significant military aviation forces.
The European Commission has proposed allocating 131 billion euros to defense, security, and space in the next budget. This is approximately five times more than the current program. Orpo stated that Europe must be strong enough for Russia not to consider challenging it in northern Europe and the Baltic region.
