Nordic countries discuss updating the Helsinki Treaty

The eight Nordic ministers for cooperation from Denmark, Finland, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and Åland will meet tomorrow in Copenhagen. The meeting is the first ministerial meeting under the joint chairmanship of Denmark and the Faroe Islands of the Nordic Council of Ministers.

One of the main priorities of the chairmanship is to update the Helsinki Treaty to enable the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland to become equal parties to the agreement. The most recent amendment to the Helsinki Treaty was carried out in 1995.

At the meeting, the ministers for cooperation will discuss a revision of the Nordic cooperation agreement, which forms the framework for cooperation within the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Nordic Council.

Minister for Nordic Cooperation Morten Dahlin says:

“An update of the Helsinki Treaty would be a historic step and a way of future-proofing Nordic cooperation. I am therefore pleased and proud that under the joint chairmanship of Denmark and the Faroe Islands we will discuss the possibilities of updating the agreement so that all eight Nordic countries can participate in the cooperation on an equal footing.”

Minister for Nordic Cooperation Sirið Stenberg says:

“The Faroe Islands have participated in Nordic cooperation for more than 50 years, and for almost as long the Faroe Islands have sought full membership. In these times, we need closer Nordic cooperation and more Nordic values. Therefore, it is gratifying that we have reached the point where we are initiating a concrete discussion of a revision of the Helsinki Treaty to ensure equal participation for all eight Nordic countries.”

Naalakkersuisoq for Foreign Affairs Vivian Motzfeldt says:

“Greenland will actively participate in the process concerning the establishment of a commission with a view to updating the Helsinki Treaty. The process surrounding the Helsinki Treaty will be decisive for whether Greenland can be recognised as an equal partner in Nordic cooperation.”