Time for changes to the community of the realm

The Faroese coalition is busy drafting a constitution, and Greenland has now appointed a minister of independence for the first time.

These efforts to create two independent nations have now put the community of the realm on the political agenda in Denmark, possibly more so than ever.

In journalist Martin Breum’s new book, the leader of the Danish Social Democrats, Mette Frederikssen, says she is open to the idea of Greenland and the Faroe Islands breaking away from Denmark.

The Danish ambassador in India, Peter Taksøe-Jensen, also encourages changes to the community of the realm. He wants Denmark, the Faroes and Greenland to be placed on an equal footing.

This means that Greenland and the Faroes can take charge of any portfolios they want, while also having the opportunity to become members of organisations such as the United Nations.

However, Denmark, Greenland and the Faroes would still be united in areas such as the royal house, currency, defence.

Suggesting changes to the community of the realm is one thing. How this is to be carried out in practice is an entirely different matter, prompting the question of whether we will be seeing and concrete changes in the community of the realm in the coming years.

Martin Breum does not expect to see the Faroe Islands or Greenland breaking away from Denmark any time soon, but he does believe it is likely that there will be changes to the community of the realm.