The European Commission is currently updating its Arctic policy, with a new policy statement expected this coming autumn. Unlike the latest policy from 2021, the update will place greater emphasis on security, defense and connectivity. These additions matter. But there is a risk that Brussels will articulate an ambitious Arctic policy while overlooking one of Europe’s most significant strategic assets: Andøya Spaceport in Northern Norway. The barrier preventing Andøya from becoming a standard part of Europe’s launch infrastructure is not technical, but political.

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Johannes Schmied-Wirén is senior advisor at the High North Center for Business and Governance and the Business School of Nord University in Bodø, Norway.

Andreas Raspotnik is director at the High North Center for Business and Governance at Nord University in Bodø, Norway.