The melting of the icecap, the most visible sign of global warming, could cause serious problems for collective security. The opening of new navigation routes and access to new resources give rise to considerable strategic upheaval. Whilst Russia has for some time affirmed its wish to invest in the region, the reaction from its neighbours is still awaited. The stakes in the High North are not only environmental but also have a direct impact on the security of the Western world. (Summary of the report ‘The northern dimension of European security’ by the Western European Union/European Security and Defence Assembly, dated 5 November 2008.)