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)

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Bottom-placed Pakistan hopes to find a pool of promising young players for the next World Test Championship cycle when it takes on Sri Lanka in the first cricket test on Monday.

Pakistan has won only two of the nine test matches in this WTC cycle that included its chaotic 3-0 loss in England and a 2-0 drubbing at the hands of Bangladesh.

Seven players and two coaches were flown back home midway through the tour of England and of those only Salman Ali Agha has been recalled for the two-test home series against Sri Lanka, with selectors naming eight uncapped players in the squad of 16.

“After the England tour, we decided to take a different step and inject several new players,” Pakistan test captain Babar Azam said on the eve of the first test Sunday.

“We are almost out of this World Test Championship, (and) now we are looking forward to the next WTC and make preparations for it … we will give opportunities to youngsters to express themselves.”

The uncapped players include fast bowlers Ali Shabbir and Saqib Khan, all-rounder and player of the recent triangular ODI series Arafat Minhas, batters Mohammad Suleman, Mohammad Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Taha, Saad Baig and Sameer Minhas.

Seam bowling all-rounder Aamir Jamal was also recalled after his recent impressive domestic performances to team up with experienced seam bowler Mohammad Abbas and pace bowler Razullah.

“The intent is to build a vast and strong pool of players for both home and away conditions so that we can turn the tables in the next (WTC) cycle,” Babar said.

It has been 40 innings since Babar scored his last test century in December 2022, when he made 161 against New Zealand at Karachi. He even tried to regain his lost touch by playing in three domestic first-class cricket matches, but ended up with a top-score of 42 from six innings.

The closest Babar came to ending his century drought was at Port of Spain against the West Indies in August before he got was for 88 as Pakistan drew the two-test series 1-1 in Babar’s return as skipper of the test side.

“I know I am not performing,” admitted Babar. “If I sit out and don’t play, it won’t solve the problem. You can only improve if you continue to play. You will get results when you have belief in yourself. I am talking to the coaches and doing all the hard work.”

Sri Lanka’s new test captain Kusal Mendis, who replaced Dhananjaya de Silva as skipper in October, hoped his batters will come good on an expected pace-friendly green wicket prepared at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Sri Lanka has been in Pakistan for more than a month, losing the T20 series 2-1 and the final of the ODI tri-series against the host, but returns to Rawalpindi where it chased down the second-highest ODI score of 430 against England in the tri-series.

“We know they will be giving a little bit different wicket,” Mendis said. “The batters have to manage our skills and preparation well. We have a very good batting line-up with some very senior players ... Dinesh Chandimal, Dhananjaya de Silva, myself, and a couple of other guys.”

The tourists had ideal preparation for the test matches when they beat Pakistan Cricket Board XI by 142 runs in a practice game in which Mendis and Lahiru Udara scored half-centuries.

“Overall, we’re on a very good path, and when coming to test cricket, we have to focus on our test game,” Mendis said. “It’s not easy to play tests away from home. I think Pakistan will give a very good wicket, and we have a plan in how (we want) to play.”

Sri Lanka is ranked No. 7 in the WTC points table, winning just one of its six test matches while drawing three and losing two. Lahore will host the second test from Nov. 17-21.

See AP’s full cricket coverage here

Ground staff give final touches to pitch prepare for the first test cricket matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

Ground staff gives final touches to pitch prepare for the first test cricket matches between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

Sri Lanka's captain Kusal Mendis speaks during a press conference ahead of the first test cricket match against Pakistan, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)

Pakistan's captain Babar Azam gestures during a press conference ahead of the first test cricket match against Sri Lanka, in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Anjum Naveed)