Politics
Nordic Security in Focus as Denmark, Greenland, and Faroe Islands Meet
Leaders of Denmark, Greenland, and Faroe Islands Meet in Tórshavn to Discuss Security and Sovereignty Amid Global Tensions
This week, the prime ministers of Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands convened in Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, for their biannual summit—a meeting marked by heightened global insecurity and evolving geopolitical pressures.
Also on the agenda was a session of the Faroe-Greenland-Denmark Committee on Foreign, Security, and Defense Policy, bringing together key ministers and, for the first time, the Chief of Defense, underscoring the seriousness of the current global climate.
“The world is not only more turbulent—it is more dangerous,” said Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen during a joint press conference on Tuesday. “This is evident in the pressure we feel on Greenland, which extends to the entire Danish Realm. That’s why the Chief of Defense has joined our discussions for the first time.”
Frederiksen highlighted “unreasonable American pressure,” referencing former U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated interest in acquiring Greenland, while also noting increased threats from Russia and China.
“Under normal conditions, the Chief of Defense wouldn’t be part of these discussions,” Frederiksen added. “But I don’t think normalcy will return. My main message is: We must stand together—across NATO, the Nordics, and the Danish Realm. Denmark is committed to investing in all parts of our Realm.”
Defense, Arctic Security, and Infrastructure Investment
The meeting took place against the backdrop of increased NATO focus on Arctic and North Atlantic security. In May, all seven Arctic NATO countries agreed on a unified approach to strengthening defense in the region.
“We welcome this stronger NATO presence in the North,” Frederiksen said. “Denmark is ready to contribute more, including through a new Arctic capabilities package currently in development.”
She also emphasized the importance of supporting Greenland's development, not just through defense-related infrastructure like ports, but also to support tourism, business, and resource extraction.
A stronger Danish military presence in and around Greenland is also underway.
Sovereignty and Modernization of the Realm
Discussions also focused on modernizing the political framework of the Realm, especially in regard to sovereignty and international representation.
“There is broad agreement in the Faroe Islands that we need greater authority over foreign policy,” said Faroese Prime Minister Aksel V. Johannesen. “We need to represent ourselves in organizations like the WTO, the Nordic Council, and EFTA. Since nearly all our production is exported, the ability to forge trade agreements is critical.”
A dispute resolution committee, established by Denmark and the Faroe Islands, is currently evaluating whether the Faroe Islands can seek WTO membership within the framework of its constitutional status.
“We want to remain part of a strong community with Denmark and Greenland,” Johannesen continued, “but that community must be based on equal partnership and cooperation.”
Greenland Calls for Greater Autonomy
From the Greenlandic side, calls for more foreign policy authority were echoed.
“Greenland has long sought equal standing in the Realm and greater say in foreign policy,” said Jens-Frederik Nielsen, head of Greenland’s government (Naalakkersuisut). “These discussions have been open and constructive, and we look forward to building solutions together.”
He also pointed to increasing international pressure on Greenland as a matter of serious concern.
“Signals from the United States pose a challenge to international law. That’s why unity with friends and allies based on trust and respect is more important than ever,” Nielsen stated.
While Prime Minister Frederiksen declined to share specific details on negotiations regarding future autonomy for Greenland and the Faroe Islands, she concluded:
“From Denmark’s side, our signal is clear—we must modernize the Realm, and this will be a continuing dialogue. In difficult times, unity is our strength.”
