Denmark and the Faroe Islands have officially taken over the Nordic Council of Ministers’ presidency for 2026. Their focus will be on enhancing Nordic cooperation, emphasizing societal security, competitiveness, and updating the Helsinki Treaty. One of their key goals is to ensure that the Helsinki Treaty reflects the current eight-country/part structure of Nordic cooperation.
During their joint presidency, Denmark and the Faroe Islands aim to strengthen collaboration in areas such as societal security, security of supply, cross-border crime, overall regional competitiveness, and safeguarding children and youth in the digital era. They also seek to enable Greenland and the Faroe Islands, as well as Aland, to become equal partners in Nordic cooperation if desired by Finland and Aland.
Denmark’s Minister for Nordic Cooperation, Morten Dahlin, expressed support for the Faroe Islands and Greenland to engage fully in Nordic cooperation on an equal basis with other Nordic nations. The Faroese Minister for Nordic Cooperation, Sirid Stenberg, highlighted the importance of enhancing relations and cooperation among Nordic neighbors amidst uncertainties. The presidency aims to establish a commission to update the Helsinki Treaty and pursue full membership for the Faroe Islands.
The Helsinki Treaty, known as the “Nordic constitution,” governs Nordic cooperation and was last updated in 1996. The presidency’s program was unveiled in October 2025 during the Nordic Council’s Session in Stockholm. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Faroese Prime Minister Aksel V Johannesen stressed the significance of Nordic unity during uncertain times, with the 2026 presidency themed as “The Nordic Region: Strong Ties in Changing Times.”
