Denmark’s view on Faroese trade with Russia

Denmark will not stand in the way if the Faroes want to continue trading with Russia. But there are certain considerations that have not been adequately addressed.

This is the essence of Danish foreign minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen’s view of the Faroese decision to extend the fisheries deal with Russia for 2023.

He is currently on a visit to the Faroes where he will be meeting with his Faroese counterpart, foreign minister Høgni Hoydal, to talk about Denmark’s wish to strengthen the unity within the Danish Kingdom regarding foreign policy matters.

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“We live in a time of great uncertainty. All the turmoil going on in the world today presents a great challenge to small nations like Denmark, Greenland and the Faroes,” says the minister, whose wife, Sólrun, is Faroese.

“In situations like this, it is important that we stand united as a commonwealth so we can meet the challenges ahead.”

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He says he fully respects the Faroese decision to extend the deal with Russia, but he has some reservations.

“The Faroes are following the EU line on sanctions and refugees, which is great. As a non-EU member and an autonomous part of the Danish Kingdom, the Faroes are free to make their decisions on international trade, just like Norway, which also recently renewed its fisheries deal with Russia,” he says.

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“The Faroese authorities are keen on strengthening trade ties with the EU and the UK. But for that to happen, we need to take into account how these markets respond to the Faroese decision.

“This aspect may not have been adequately addressed in the public debate in the Faroes.”

Read the Faroese version of this article here.

More Faroese News in English.