The European Commission adopted the Communication on the "EU and the Arctic Region" (COM (2008) 763 on 20 November 2008. The document is divided into three broad headings: protecting and preserving the Arctic in unison with its population (environment and climate change, indigenous peoples, research and monitoring,); sustainable use of resources (hydrocarbons, fisheries, maritime transport and tourism) as well as Arctic multilateral governance.
The document contains around 50 specific proposals for action which partially concern areas of shared competence.