46 nations have been granted permanent observer status by the Arctic Council . China , Japan , South Korea , South Korea , Italy and Italy became permanent observers . The EU 's bid has been `` deferred '' , possibly due to an unresolved dispute with Canada . It is open only for about five months of the year , from late June to November or early December , and requires icebreakers to cut a path through the Arctic ice for specially strengthened oil and gas carriers . Melting ice in the the North Sea Route region has opened up Arctic , cutting shipping times .
46 nations have been granted permanent observer status by the Arctic Council . China , Japan , South Korea , South Korea , Italy and Italy became permanent observers . The EU 's bid has been `` deferred '' , possibly due to an unresolved dispute with Canada . Melting ice in the the North Sea Route region has opened up Arctic , cutting shipping times .