Greenland has decided to temporarily suspend its participation in the Nordic Council due to a conflict over missing invitations to important meetings. This move comes after reports that Greenland, along with the Faroe Islands and Åland, have not been invited to an upcoming meeting on foreign, security, and defense policy under the Swedish presidency. Prime Minister Múte B. Egede expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation and explained that he will not participate in events where there is discrimination against participants. “It is unacceptable that we are not invited when we represent the Arctic, which is a significant part of the Nordic geopolitical interests,” Egede said in an open letter.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen commented on the situation and expressed hope that a solution can be found to restore full cooperation within the Nordic Council. “It is important for us that all Nordic regions are represented and can participate on equal terms,” Frederiksen said. The Nordic Council, established in 1952, plays a central role in Nordic cooperation and consists of 87 members from the Nordic countries and regions. The Council meets twice a year to discuss and make decisions on Nordic issues.
Greenland’s decision to pause cooperation is a clear signal of the need for more inclusivity and equality within the Nordic institutional framework. It is expected that intensive efforts will be made to resolve this diplomatic crisis before the next major meeting in Reykjavik in the autumn.