Regulatory framework for the development policy of the NSR

This chapter explains the context and foundations of the formation of the regulatory framework for the development of the Northern Sea Route. In general, the transformation of regulatory legal documents of the Russian Federation can be divided into three stages. In the first period from 1991 to the 2000s, the NSR was formally a transit route accessible to interested entities. During the second stage, from 2001 to 2013, the development of the NSR became an essential component of regulatory documents. Its socio-economic and infrastructural component was dynamically developed. In the period after 2014, the development of the NSR, based on the general principles formed in the previous stage, was transformed into detailed plans that included the definition of responsible entities, specific aspects, directions, and activities. Russia has slowly reassumed exclusive control over the NSR, though not like during the Soviet period, implementing a restrictive regime for passage by foreign vessels. There is also a significant protectionist context for its shipbuilding industry, combined with a focus on attracting foreign partners, which is not a threat to national security for the development of the NSR.