Nordic foreign ministers issue joint statement on Greenland and the Arctic

On Tuesday, the Nordic foreign ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden issued a joint statement on the Arctic and Greenland.

In the statement, the ministers emphasize that, as Nordic countries, Arctic states, and NATO allies, they share a common commitment to safeguarding security, stability, and cooperation in the Arctic. They highlight that steps have been taken to strengthen deterrence and defense in the region through new capabilities, activities, presence, and enhanced situational awareness.

The Nordic countries support NATO’s increased presence and vigilance in the area, and the statement makes clear that investments in Arctic security have been significantly increased — and that the countries are prepared to do even more in close cooperation with the United States and other NATO partners.

According to the statement, security in the Arctic is based on respect for the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law, including the inviolability of borders.

Denmark, including Greenland, is one of the founding members of NATO and has, according to the statement, historically maintained close cooperation with the United States on Arctic security, including through the 1951 defense agreement between the United States and Denmark, which provides for enhanced security cooperation.

In conclusion, the statement reads: “We jointly reiterate that matters concerning Denmark and Greenland are for Denmark and Greenland alone to decide.”

Several European leaders, including Macron, Merz, Meloni, and Tusk, also issued a joint statement today together with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. You can read more about this in the article: European leaders issue joint statement on Greenland and the USA