China joins Arctic Council- EU is deferred

[Terpe]

China is one of a number of countries that has gained permanent observer status on the Arctic Council.

At a meeting in Sweden, the eight members of the Council accepted India, Italy, Japan, South Korea and Singapore.



Source:-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-22527822

[Terpe]

Interesting mix of countries on that Arctic Council

[Arthur Little]

However following dissent from Canada, a decision on the EU's application has been deferred.

But the Council was unable to agree on the application from the European Union. It is believed that Canada, which has now assumed the chairmanship of the Council was strongly opposed to the EU getting a permanent observer seat.

There have been ongoing disputes between the two over an EU ban on seal fur and other products.

The Council said that the application of the EU for observer status was received affirmatively, but it deferred a final decision until the concerns of members are resolved. It is believed that negotiations are now ongoing over the seal fur issue between the Council and the European Commission.

... according to my interpretation of events, it would seem that - for the time being at least - the EU has been given the "cold shoulder" pending the Council's "Seal" of Approval!

[Terpe]

... according to my interpretation of events, it would seem that - for the time being at least - the EU has been given the "cold shoulder" pending the Council's "Seal" of Approval!