Danes criticise Faroese links with Russia

Two prominent Danish politicians have voiced their concerns about the close trade relations between the Faroe Islands and Russia.

This comes after the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) last month approved a trade agreement with the Faroes.

The EAEU is a political and economic union of states located primarily in northern Eurasia. Member countries are Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.

“This is an important step in our efforts to firmly establish our trade relations with the EAEU nations,” Poul Michelsen, the Faroese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade, said last month. “I hope the agreement will pave the way for a free trade deal between the Faroe Islands, Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan.

However, Danish politicians are less impressed with the close ties between the Faroes and the EAEU.

Social Democrat Nick Hækkerup told TV 2 yesterday that while the new agreement may make good business sense for the Faroes, it disrupts the unity that Europe needs in the face of a possible Russian threat.

“The Faroese authorities must not forget who ultimately provides the safety and independence that they’re enjoying. This is an act of disloyalty towards their allies.”

Michael Aastrup Jensen, a spokesman for conservative-liberal party Venstre, is also concerned.

“I had hoped that the Western World would manage to stand united against the pressure from Putin,” he said.

Translated by prosa.fo.