Last Tuesday, the 25th of February, the city of Bologna hosted the fourth edition of the Italia Chiama Artico festival (Italy Calls the Arctic, literally translated), organised by the Italian magazine Osservatorio Artico at the Auditorium Biagi in Salaborsa, located in the very central Piazza Maggiore. The event, under the patronage of the Municipality of Bologna and the Italian Navy, once again provided a significant platform to explore the growing connections between Italy and the Arctic regions.
The year 2024 was pivotal for global democracies, marked by elections in Europe, the United States, India and Russia. At the same time, concerns over climate change intensified due to record-breaking global temperatures. Against this backdrop, the Arctic remains at the heart of these transformations, directly influencing the global climate and, consequently, the Mediterranean economy. Given its geographical position, Italy is particularly affected by these shifts. In Bologna, prominent experts from the military, academic, research, diplomatic and journalistic sectors gathered to discuss a broad range of Arctic-related issues. Representatives from private enterprises engaged in Arctic operations also contributed to the event, providing sponsorship and insights into industrial perspectives.
The day’s programme was structured around several thematic sessions, each shedding light on different challenges and opportunities concerning the Arctic. The first roundtable discussion, held in the morning, focused on climate and environmental issues, examining the impact of global warming on polar ice caps and its long-term consequences for the entire planet. Scientists, including representatives from the Institute of Polar Sciences of the National Research Council, presented the latest data on ice melt and rising sea levels, highlighting the direct repercussions on meteorological dynamics and coastal economies, including those of Italy. Officers from the Italian Navy contributed by discussing various aspects of their Arctic engagement, particularly the High North mission, which will celebrate its ninth anniversary this summer.
The second session shifted the focus to strategic developments from the perspective of allied Nations. It was introduced by the EU Special Envoy for Arctic matters, Claude Véron-Réville, and featured contributions from the ambassadors of the Kingdom of Denmark, H.E. Peter Taksøe-Jensen, and Finland, H.E. Matti Lassila. The discussion covered a range of compelling topics, including the geopolitical significance of Greenland, particularly in light of U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks on the territory, and even the debated true location of Santa Claus’s village.
In the afternoon, the debate turned to economic opportunities and prospects for Italian companies operating in key sectors such as logistics, energy and new technologies. Leading industrial players showcased their initiatives, demonstrating how innovation plays a crucial role in adapting to climate change and ensuring the responsible use of Arctic resources. Meanwhile, in a parallel session, professors and experts in international relations engaged in a discussion on Arctic affairs, analysing the strategic behaviour of key global players such as Russia, the United States and the European Union. Particular attention was given to the evolving role of the Arctic Council and the shifting balance of power in the region, with speakers assessing how geopolitical tensions and international cooperation are shaping the future of Arctic governance.
The event concluded with a roundtable dedicated to communication and raising public awareness about Arctic issues. Writers, photographers and explorers shared their firsthand experiences of life among the Arctic’s indigenous communities, aiming to engage audiences through storytelling rather than focusing solely on high-level geopolitical discussions, which may not appeal to everyone.
The festival’s strong public turnout and the widespread interest it generated reaffirmed that the Arctic has become an integral part of Italy’s scientific, economic and diplomatic agenda. Italia Chiama Artico once again proved to be a fundamental platform for dialogue between experts and citizens, fostering greater awareness of one of the world’s most vulnerable and strategically important regions.
See you next year for the fifth edition of Italia Chiama Artico!
Tommaso Bontempi
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Russia’s Arctic Zone to Expand? Key Proposals from the 2024 Arctic Forum
