Indigenous perspectives and EU policy: “Navigating mining, the Sámi, and Arctic futures in the context of the Green Deal

Kavvatha, Eleni
(2025) Calotte Academy Travelling Symposium — Location: Rovaniemi, Finland; Kautokeino, Norway; Inari, Finland (10.November.2025)

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Indigenous Perspectives and EU Policy: Navigating Mining, the Sámi, and Arctic Futures in the Context of the Green Deal. – Eleni Kavvatha UCLouvain – SaintLouis, Bruxelles The future of Europe, especially from a Northern and Nordic perspective, is deeply intertwined with the region’s environmental challenges, geopolitical tensions, and the shifting dynamics of global power. This project explores the intersections of European Union (EU) policies, the Sámi Indigenous peoples, and the Green Deal in the context of these turbulent times. As Europe faces the mounting pressures of the climate crisis and great power rivalries, particularly in the Arctic, the role of Indigenous communities like the Sámi becomes increasingly critical. Their perspectives, deeply rooted in centuries of ecological knowledge and cultural resilience, offer essential insights into sustainable futures for the European North. Yet, the Sámi experience also highlights the complexities of European governance and policy, where Indigenous rights and interests often conflict with broader state agendas, including energy policies and national security concerns. The EU’s Green Deal, aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050, presents both challenges and opportunities for the Sámi and the Arctic region. While the Green Deal seeks to address environmental security and promote sustainable economic development, it also raises questions about the inclusivity of policy frameworks, the preservation of traditional knowledge, and the protection of Indigenous land rights in the face of industrial expansion. As the EU pushes forward with its climate agenda, it must balance environmental goals with the needs and rights of marginalized communities, including the Sámi, who are disproportionately impacted by climate change and energy transition policies. This presentation will examine the implications of the EU’s Green Deal for the Arctic and Sámi communities, highlighting the potential for greater Indigenous participation in shaping EU climate and energy policies. By critically analyzing EU policy frameworks, Indigenous governance systems, and the evolving role of the Sámi, the discussion aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable approach to the future of Europe. In the broader context of Europe’s future, this presentation underscores the importance of bridging the gap between state-driven policies and Indigenous-led solutions, advocating for a policy approach that respects cultural sovereignty, enhances environmental security, and advances the goals of the Green Deal in a truly inclusive and holistic manner.
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Kavvatha, E. (2025). Indigenous perspectives and EU policy: “Navigating mining, the Sámi, and Arctic futures in the context of the Green Deal. Calotte Academy Travelling Symposium, Rovaniemi, Finland; Kautokeino, Norway; Inari, Finland. https://hdl.handle.net/2078.5/271803