Politics

Bulgaria began its Antarctic activities as early as 1967–1969, when Bulgarian meteorologists participated in the 13th Soviet Antarctic Expedition.

The Madrid Protocol: A Long-Term Spatial Ordering Mechanism

The Madrid Protocol functions as a long-term spatial ordering device.

Krill fishing and bycatch in the Southern Ocean

Krill fishing in the Southern Ocean is tightly managed, but new research shows that bycatch and local fishing pressure remain important concerns.

How Modern Radar Systems Secure the Arctic

The Arctic is increasingly moving into the focus of global politics. The reasons for this are vast natural resource deposits, new shipping routes emerging as ice melts, and its strategic location between major powers.

Brussels Imposes Sanctions on the Port of Murmansk

On 23 April 2026, the European Union adopted new measures against Russia as part of its 20th package of sanctions. The focus is on the northern Russian port of Murmansk.

Mine 7 Closure Ends Norwegian Coal Mining in Longyearbyen

The recent closure of Mine 7 marks the end of Norwegian coal mining in Longyearbyen and reflects a broader shift toward new economic activities on Svalbard.

50 Years of Georg Forster Station – A Milestone in Polar Research

On April 21, 1976, the future Georg Forster Station of the former GDR was officially inaugurated in the Schirmacher Oasis in Antarctica.

The Quiet Power of Nature in the Geopolitical Game

Nature does not concern itself with geopolitics or science… until either determines our collective fate.

Russia’s LNG Projects Under Sanctions

The Arctic is gaining increasing international importance due to its vast natural resources, especially natural gas.

The Falkland Islands return to the political spotlight

The Falkland Islands are once again the focus of international political reporting. The trigger is statements from the circle around Donald Trump, which have been reported in various media outlets in connection with foreign policy issues of the United States.

Svalbard introduces mandatory certification for Arctic guides

From 2027, guides outside Svalbard’s settlements must hold official approval under a new certification system.

The Odd Bird on the Fringe of History

Christian Hug

Nobu Shirase wants to go to the South Pole! That was the joke of the year in 1909. The Japanese were rolling with laughter, and the press openly mocked him.

The Svalbard Treaty: A Brief Overview

The Svalbard Treaty grants Norway sovereignty while ensuring equal access and peaceful use of the Arctic archipelago for all signatory nations.

Russia’s Icebreaker Program under Pressure

Russia, once a global leader in icebreaker construction, is facing a potential strategic setback.

Putin’s Prestige Submarine Back in Service

The return of the strategic nuclear submarine “Karelia” to active service marks a new phase in the expansion of Russia’s nuclear naval forces in the Arctic.

Camp Century – City Under the Ice

Camp Century looks like something out of a spy movie: a city beneath the ice, hidden in the Arctic.

Rising Arctic Shipping Activity

New data from the Arctic Council shows a significant rise in vessel traffic, with nearly double the distance sailed by vessels since 2013.

Cape Town Agreement Boosts Arctic Safety

The Cape Town Agreement, entering into force in 2027, sets new safety standards for fishing vessels reducing risks and pollution in Arctic waters.

Climate Change Reduces Radiation Risk of the “Komsomolets”

A recent study examines how climate change affects the potential spread of radioactive substances from the sunken Soviet nuclear submarine ‘Komsomolets’.

Fernando E. Franca – First Cuban in Antarctica

Fernando E. Franca is considered an important figure in the history of international polar research.

Waste management in Antarctica (Part 2)

Can waste management practices in Antarctica provide a model of sustainability for extreme environments?

U.S. Coast Guard Orders Five Icebreakers

The American shipbuilder Davie Defense has received a contract from the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for the construction of five Arctic Security Cutters (ASCs).

Russia issues missile warnings north of Norway

Russia issued two missile warnings in the Barents Sea north of Norway in recent weeks, including one during NATO’s Cold Response Arctic exercise.

Waste management in Antarctica (Part 1)

Can waste management practices in Antarctica provide a model of sustainability for extreme environments?

Longyearbyen Celebrates International Women’s Day

On March 8th, the community in Longyearbyen gathered at the Svalbard Museum to celebrate International Women’s Day, with speeches, a discussion panel, and music from a local choir.

Sunken Nuclear Waste Legacy Sites in the Arctic Located

Scientists located sunken vessels containing radioactive waste during an expedition with the research ship Akademik Ioffe in the Barents and Kara Seas.

Commemorative Stamp Marking 30 Years of the Akademik Vernadsky Antarctic Station

To mark the 30th anniversary of the Ukrainian Antarctic station Akademik Vernadsky, Ukrposhta issued a special stamp on 6 February 2026.

Trade Secret: Arctic Premiere Sheds Light on Polar Bear Fur Trade

Lisa Scherk

Last Friday, on International Polar Bear Day, Trade Secret had its Arctic premiere in Longyearbyen, Svalbard.

Largest oil field discovered on Yamal in 30 years

In the Arctic zone of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Gazprom Neft has discovered one of the most significant oil fields of the past 30 years.

15 New Dogs for the Sirius Sled Patrol

Rosamaria Kubny

The Sirius Sled Patrol welcomed new Greenlandic sled dogs into service last year.

Plan to Protect Polar Bears Adopted Through 2028

Rosamaria Kubny

The five countries in which polar bears are native have agreed on a new international action plan to protect the species.

The United States Staying the Course in Antarctica

William Muntean

Three recent actions should cool speculation that the United States would significantly change its approach towards Antarctica.

WEF Davos: Trump halts planned tariffs after talks on Greenland

Following Donald Trump’s appearance in Davos, there was an immediate political and economic reaction both in Europe and within the transatlantic alliance.

New UN High Seas Agreement: What Opportunities Does It Offer for the Polar Regions?

Lisa Scherk

On January 17, 2026, the BBNJ Agreement of the United Nations (Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction) entered into force.

Russia plans to salvage sunken submarines

The Russian government has included funds for the recovery of the sunken Soviet nuclear submarines K-27 and K-159 in the draft federal budget for the years 2026 to 2028.

Postage Stamps Marking 100 Years of Marine Science

With a special stamp issue, the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands is honoring a key chapter in international marine research.

41 Years of BCAA: Science, Service, and the Future in Antarctica

With pride and deep respect, Uruguay’s Artigas Antarctic Research Station (BCAA) celebrated its 41st anniversary.

Joint Statement on Greenland

Arctic security remains a key priority for Europe and it is critical for international and transatlantic security.

When Will the Dispute Over Greenland Escalate?

For now, the situation still appears calm. It is still considered unlikely that the United States will gain control over Greenland in the near future.

Donald Trump: “We do need Greenland, absolutely”

“We do need Greenland, absolutely” Donald Trump said in a telephone interview with the American magazine The Atlantic.

Trump speaks at the WEF about Greenland and Arctic security

During his appearance at the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, U.S. President Donald Trump once again emphasized the security-related importance of Greenland.

Royal Letterbox for Antarctica

Rosamaria Kubny

In the middle of the eternal ice, a special gift caused a stir shortly before Christmas.

Diomede Islands: Only 3.8 Kilometers Separate the USA and Russia

Nestled in the harsh expanse of the Bering Strait, between Alaska and the Russian Chukotka Peninsula, lie the Diomede Islands.

Agreement on Air Traffic Control Signed in Nuuk

Greenland Airports and the Danish state-owned air navigation service provider Naviair have officially signed their agreement on the future provision of air traffic control at Nuuk Airport.

Norway and Russia Agree on Fishing Quotas for the Barents Sea

After record-long and difficult negotiations, Norway and Russia have reached an agreement on fishing quotas for the Barents Sea for the year 2026.

Oil Pipeline Through the Permafrost

With the “Vankor–Payakha–Sever Bay Pipeline,” Russia is pushing ahead with one of the largest energy projects in the High North.

The United States appoints a special envoy for Greenland

Denmark’s Foreign Minister, Lars Løkke Rasmussen, has responded firmly to a new move by Donald Trump that has intensified diplomatic tensions surrounding Greenland.

New postage stamps from South Georgia

On 13 November 2025, the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands announced the release of a new stamp series celebrating the cultural heritage of South Georgia.

Putin approves North Pole base and additional Arctic projects by decree

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin ordered by decree on 15 December the construction of a non-permanent ice base at the North Pole.

“Arctic Watch” Ceases Tourist Operations