European Union’s approach to the Arctic policy development through the lens of the Russian regional interests

Based on an extensive database, the authors analyzed the main features of the EU Arctic strategy and their relationship with Russian interests in the region. The authors proceed from the fact that the probability of reaching any significant points of contact between the two actors is minimal. The incompatibility of their strategic lines is because the EU considers the Arctic as another platform for its potential of “normative strength”, while Russia, in cooperation with its foreign partners, is primarily aimed at attracting investments in the development of the Arctic infrastructure. In the context of the ongoing crisis in bilateral relations caused by the events in Ukraine, it is not possible to talk about the prospects for harmonizing the regional aspirations of the EU and the Russian Federation.