European leaders meet as Arctic thaw opens shipping routes and Russian buildup stokes security fears

ROVANIEMI, Finland (AP) — European leaders were meeting Monday to discuss growing competition in the Arctic, where global warming is opening new shipping routes, governments are vying for vast natural resources and a Russian military buildup is heightening security concerns.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen were among leaders expected for the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, a city perhaps best known for its Santa Claus village.

The two-day gathering that began Sunday comes on the heels of a Norwegian seizure of a Russian vessel earlier this month in the remote Arctic archipelago of Svalbard at the request of Ukraine, drawing the condemnation of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo told reporters as the meetings got under way that the Arctic was “very important" for European security and prosperity, and a “clear picture” and “common understanding” were needed.

“We have natural resources. We have new sea routes because of climate change. But also we have threats. That’s why we need concrete actions,” he said. “There is so much we can do together.”

The Centres for European Policy Network, a think tank, noted the “extremely dynamic backdrop” for the summit.

It cited factors like accelerating climate change, China's growing trade through the Arctic, and conflict around the Strait of Hormuz, which has raised the importance of the Northeast Passage for maritime shipments.

The meeting serves as a “dress rehearsal” for a looming revamp of the European Union's Arctic policy expected to be released this autumn, with security at the center of the strategy for the first time, the group said.

Climate change has been thinning the Arctic ice, promising to create a northwest passage for international trade and reigniting competition with Russia, China and other countries over access to the region’s mineral resources.

Meanwhile, the European bloc has been grappling with its response to U.S. President Donald Trump's persistent pressure over Greenland, a self-governing territory of EU member country Denmark. He has repeatedly said the icy, resource-rich island should be part of the United States. Greenland’s government opposes U.S. designs on the island.

Last week, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen offered 200 million euros ($232 million) in EU support over the next two years to help Greenland tackle climate change, boost internet connections and improve hydropower plants, fisheries and education.

Separately Monday, President Alexander Stubb of Finland announced his country was joining France’s “forward deterrence” program that aims to leverage the French nuclear arsenal for European defense. Ten countries have now joined, including Britain, Germany and Finland’s Nordic neighbor countries.

From left, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister of Latvia Andris Kulbergs, President of Romania Nicușor Dan, President of the European Council Antonio Costa, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo of Finland, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark and Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal attend a press conference as part of the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (Jouni Porsanger/Lehtikuva via AP)

Rear from left, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Security Policy Kaja Kallas, Prime Minister of Latvia Andris Kulbergs, President of Romania Nicușor Dan, President of the European Council Antonio Costa, Prime Minister Petteri Orpo of Finland, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark and Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal attend a press conference as part of the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (Jouni Porsanger/Lehtikuva via AP)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz speaks during a press conference as part of the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (Jouni Porsanger/Lehtikuva via AP)

Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo arrives ahead of the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (Jouni Porsanger/Lehtikuva via AP)

Members at the First Working Session of The European Arctic Summit meet in Rovaniemi, Finland, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (Jouni Porsanger/Lehtikuva via AP)

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France Jean-Noel Barrot, from left, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs, Security Policy Kaja Kallas, President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda, President of the European Council António Costa, Prime Minister of Latvia Andris Kulbergs, Finnish Prime Minister Petteri Orpo, Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal, Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela and President of Romania Nicușor Dan pose for a family photo during the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (Jouni Porsanger/Lehtikuva via AP)

Prime Minister of Latvia Andris Kulbergs speaks to the media during the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (Jouni Porsanger/Lehtikuva via AP)

President of Lithuania Gitanas Nauseda speaks with members of the media during the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (Jouni Porsanger/Lehtikuva via AP)

European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas speaks to the media during the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (Jouni Porsanger/Lehtikuva via AP)

Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz speaks to media during the European Arctic Summit in Rovaniemi, Finland, Monday, Sept. 14, 2026. (Jouni Porsanger/Lehtikuva via AP)

DETROIT (AP) — Jack Hughes scored on a breakaway off a slick pass from Jesper Bratt early in overtime, lifting the New Jersey Devils to a 5-4 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Tuesday night.

New Jersey's Evan Rodrigues, Nico Hischier and Bratt scored tiebreaking goals and Anthony Mantha had a tying goal. Jake Allen stopped 22 shots for the Devils.

Alex DeBrincat had a pair of tying goals after Emmitt Finne and Michael Brandsegg-Nygard scored to give the Red Wings a 2-1 lead.

Detroit's John Gibson made 32 saves, including a kick save that denied Arseny Gritsyuk on an odd-man rush late in regulation to send the game to overtime.

The Red Wings got off to a rough start, getting outshot 16-0 midway through the first period. New Jersey, though, didn't take full advantage as Rodrigues scored its only goal in the opening period.

Finne scored on Detroit's third shot with 1:25 left in the first period and Brandsegg-Nygard scored on the team's next shot early in the second period.

The Devils, hoping to get back to the playoffs after finishing seventh in the division last year, acquired Rodrigues in a trade and signed Mantha — a former Red Wing — in free agency to boost their third line.

Detroit, meanwhile, had a shaky offseason.

Dylan Larkin asked to be traded and the former captain is still on the team. Simon Edvinsson, a standout defenseman, remains unsigned as a restricted free agent.

Devils forward Luke Evangelista was out with an illness after feeling worse throughout the game Monday night against Ottawa and was replaced by Stefan Noesen. New Jersey defenseman Johnathan Kovacevic made his season debut after missing all of training camp recovering from knee surgery this past spring.

Devils: Host the New York Rangers on Thursday night.

Red Wings: Host Philadelphia on Thursday night.

See AP’s full NHL coverage here

New Jersey Devils center Evan Rodrigues, second from left, celebrates his goal against the Detroit Red Wings in the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson stops a New Jersey Devils shot in the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider (53) knocks the puck off the stick of New Jersey Devils right wing Anthony Mantha (39) in the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

New Jersey Devils right wing Anthony Mantha (39) and Detroit Red Wings defenseman Moritz Seider (53) chase the puck as John Gibson (36) watches in the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Detroit Red Wings goaltender John Gibson (36) stops a New Jersey Devils center Dawson Mercer (91) shot as Albert Johansson (20) defends in the first period of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)