«Government Hour» on Arctic problems in the Council of the Federation

On February 26, the Council of the Federation during «Government Hour» heard Deputy Prime Minister of Russia, Chairman of State Commission on Arctic Development D.О. Rogozin. The speaker covered various aspects of social and economic development of the Arctic, as well as measures to improve education and medical provision of the native peoples, living in the Arctic. D.O. Rogozin touched upon the problems of transport and energy security, with the key role of the Northern Sea Way, as well as modernization and construction of hydro electric stations and other heating facilities. He drew attention to the works on recreation of contaminated lands and elimination of existing rubbish dumps as parts of the plan to meet the ecological security requirements. Special focus was made on international cooperation in the Arctic. «The cooperation with the Arctic partners of Russia does not stop even during the sanctions», – said D.O. Rogozin. He outlined the importance of participation of RF subjects in international Arctic organizations. «Despite the absence of visible economic effect, such activity is very important, taking into account the immense geopolitical fight for the Arctic, which is underway now», – he declared.

The speech was followed by a lively discussion on the topics raised.

In preparation to the «Government Hour» CF Office published «Analytical Bulletin» containing article of leading scientific associate of IE RAS Center for Northern European Studies Valery Zhuravel «Russia in the Arctic. Will the State Commission Be Its Steersman?» (The Bulletin (in Russian) can be downloaded here, the article - p. 60).