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Arctic Yearbook 2014
background the implications of the Arctic changes for the European Union and the role of the
EU in shaping these changes are discussed.
The assessment was carried out for the European Commission as part of the preparatory action
testing the feasibility of the EU Arctic Information Centre initiative (see
http://www.arcticinfo.eu/en/brouchure). The project was implemented by a network of 19
diverse European research, communication and information institutions under the lead of Arctic
Centre (University of Lapland) in Rovaniemi. The authors of the report hope that it highlights
the human dimension of Arctic change as well as paints for European audiences a less dramatic
and more balanced picture of Arctic realities. The task was supported well by a broad
engagement of stakeholders, who have greatly contributed to strengthening the message of
moderate pace and scope of developments in the region.
This picture of a moderate outlook for economic developments departs from the hopes and
fears associated with the vision of “Arctic boom”. Although these hopes and fears generated
global interest in the Arctic, they cannot be considered good foundations for the much needed
sustained, long-term policy responses. Clearly, the EU and any other actor present in the region
should act appropriately to actual reality rather than imagined