Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs - The Svalbard Treaty in a New Century

Sep 25, 2026

Republic of Latvia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlines Latvia’s position on the Svalbard Treaty and its ambitions in the Arctic. It explains Latvia’s stated motivations: climate change mitigation and adaptation, cultural heritage preservation, and regional economic growth. The text details Latvia’s involvement in the snow crab dispute involving the Latvian trawler Senator, subsequent legal and financial losses, and the case’s reopening. It sets objectives for expanded fishing rights, cooperation with the EU, and potential bilateral talks for compensation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLetters

FormatPDF

Pages9

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Your position

Your objectives

Hidden Agenda

To do ahead of the summit

Additional readings

Materials

Jean Monnet Centre of Excellence Republic of Latvia Ministry of Foreign Affairs 2 The Svalbard Treaty in a New Century 3 The Svalbard Treaty in a New Century Republic of Latvia -Ministry of Foreign Affairs Link | GDP (nominal) | $38 billion (2021, IMF est.) | | --- | --- | | Signatory to Svalbard Treaty (yes/no) | Yes | | Significance Fisheries (GDP/Employment) | 1% GDP
5,36%(National Employment) | | Membership International Organisations | EU NATO | Your position: Although situated rather far away from the Arctic on the east coast of the Baltic Sea, Latvia has begun to show interest in the region. In October 2021, the Latvian government declared its intention to apply for an observer role in the Arctic Council.1 The main reasons stated are to contribute to the mitigation and adaptation to climate change, to preserve cultural heritage, and to encourage economic growth in the region to present opportunities for Latvian businesses. Latvia has already launched scientific expeditions and economic endeavours in the Arctic region and seeks to intensify its engagement in the region also politically. Latvia has been directly involved in the Svalbard snow crab controversy. In 2017, the Norwegian coastguard arrested the Latvian trawler Senator which was fishing snow crab under an EU fishing licence. A minor diplomatic dispute ensued as the Latvian Ministry of Foreign Affairs submitted a note to the Norwegian Embassy requesting not only the release of the vessel but to stop interfering with international agreementson fishing. In 2018, the Latvian government failed to convince the EU to bring international legal proceedings against Norway. Latvia ultimately also lost the case atthe Norwegian supreme court, incurring as a result significant economic losses and legal uncertainties for future fishing operations. In March 2021, SIA North Star Ltd, owner of the Senator, estimated its losses due to investments and unearned profits at €388 million. But in early 2023, the case was reopened and is debated in the Norwegian Supreme Court.2 Latvia strives for a revised Svalbard Treaty that extends indiscriminate access to Svalbard’s resources to the FPZ. The EU Commission is a natural ally in this pursuit, and close cooperation with the EU would further underline Latvia’s commitment to multilateralism and“the West” as opposed to their former overlords Russia. Acting primarily in its own interest, Latvia should, however, prioritise attaining snow crab fishing rights, to receive compensation for the losses incurred by Senator’s arrest and receive assurance that the incident is never repeated. Your objectives: “Latvia may be small, but…” 1. Attain sufficient snow crab fishing rights and ensure legally that incidents like the arrest of the Senator cannot happen again. 2. In close and visible alliance with the EU, strive towards a revised Svalbard Treaty that expands indiscriminate fishing rights to the 200nm of sea around the archipelago. 3. Strike a side-deal with Norway to get compensated for the financial and reputational losses suffered from the arrest of the Senator. Hidden Agenda: If a solution under EU leadership appears unattainable, attempt to get snow crab fishing rights and compensation in bilateral talks with Norway. Make sure you retain the image of supporting multilateral solutions nonetheless! To do ahead of the summit: 1. Familiarise yourself with the position of Latvia. 2. Distribute the different roles of delegates among your group. 3. Draft an opening statement on your position. 4. Identify which other actors share this view and try to find common positions. 5. Develop a strategy to reach your objectives in the committee and negotiations phases. Additional readings Heininen, L. (2017) The Arctic, Baltic, and North-Atlantic‘cooperative regions’ in ‘Wider Northern Europe’: similarities and differences. Journal of Baltic Studies, 48(4), 434-450. [https://doi.org/10.1080/01629778.201

FAQs

Why does Latvia seek an observer role in the Arctic Council?

Latvia states that it aims to support mitigation and adaptation to climate change, preserve cultural heritage, and encourage economic growth and opportunities for Latvian businesses in the region.

What happened in the snow crab controversy involving the Latvian trawler Senator?

In 2017 the Norwegian coastguard arrested the trawler fishing snow crab under an EU licence. Latvia then requested the vessel’s release and cessation of interference, but the EU did not pursue legal proceedings and Latvia ultimately lost at Norway’s supreme court, leading to losses and legal uncertainty.

What are Latvia’s main objectives for the summit?

Latvia aims to secure sufficient snow crab fishing rights and prevent similar incidents, pursue a revised Svalbard Treaty expanding indiscriminate fishing rights to the 200 nm sea area around the archipelago through close EU alliance, and seek compensation from Norway for financial and reputational losses.

Sep 25, 2026

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