Adoption of the arctic search and rescue agreement: A shift of the arctic regime toward a hard law basis?

► Led by the Arctic Council, the Arctic regime was established in a soft law format. ► The newly-adopted Arctic Search and Rescue (SAR) Agreement, which is legally binding, is a new approach among Arctic States. ► The Arctic SAR may be a model to respond to new challenges brought about by climate change in the Arctic. ► At the same time, the Arctic SAR should not be treated today as a shift from soft to hard law.