The impact of the EU seal ban on the Inuit population in Greenland

For centuries, seal hunting is part of the culture of numerous indigenous people living in the High North. Adopted in 2009, the EU Regulation on trade in seal products lays down an exemption for Inuit and other indigenous communities, designed to protect this traditional way of life, synonym of cultural diversity[1]. But after two years of implementation, the fundamental economic and social interests of these communities are adversely affected.

The two-hour briefing will provide a great opportunity to show-case, discuss and raise awareness on the real impact of the EU seal ban on the Inuit population with a particular focus on Greenland. It is time to take stock of the implementation of the exemption and to think about ways forward.