EU aims for greater Arctic role and calls for oil, coal and gas to stay in the ground

Bloc says it needs to play greater part in region, citing global heating and possible tensions over resources

The European Union has called for oil, coal and gas in the Arctic to stay in the ground, as it announced aspirations to play a greater role in the world's northernmost region.

The EU, which has three member states with Arctic territory, said there was a geopolitical necessity" for it to be involved in the region, as global heating opens up competition for resources and the prospect of new shipping lanes.