Does Canada face a European Challenge in the Arctic?

In late November the European Commission released a discussion paper called "The European Union and the Arctic Region." The Commission news release describes the paper as a first step towards an E.U. Arctic policy.

Among other things, the paper recommends that, "...Member States and the Community should defend the principle of freedom of navigation and the right of innocent passage in the newly opened routes and areas."

Canada considers the straits of the Northwest Passage to be her own internal waters.  Some Canadians think the reference to "freedom of navigation" suggests a threat to this Canadian position.  Mark Collins has a helpful set of links to the Canadian debate over at The Torch:The Arctic and the Northwest Passage: The Euro threat.

Comments

[Canada life insurance]

Oh, these artificially crated "conflicts", I think nobody would believe European Union is really going to be a threat to Canadian position. I think even Russians or not very dangerous for us, generally they just like to show their muscles. Let's solve some serious and real problems...
Take care
Lorne