The European Commission has presented a new Arctic strategy responding to increasing geopolitical competition in the region, which is home to half a million EU citizens from Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the strengthening of Russia’s military presence in the area. The strategy outlines the European Union’s approach to protecting its interests in the northernmost part of the planet. Czech Television reporter Barbora Maxová discussed the strategy’s preparation and objectives with European Commissioner Jozef Síkela, who oversaw its development. Síkela emphasized that events in the Arctic directly impact Europe, underlining the region's importance to the EU. The new strategy aims to address both opportunities and challenges presented by a changing Arctic.