Co-operation ministers discuss updating Helsinki Treaty

At the meeting, the Ministers for Nordic Co-operation are discussing a revision of the Helsinki Treaty, the framework for all of the activities of the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Nordic Council. 

One of the top priorities for the joint Danish and Faroese Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2026 is to update the Helsinki Treaty to allow the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland to become equal parties to it. Adopted in 1962, the treaty was last amended in 1996.

Morten Dahlin, Danish minister for Nordic Co-operation:

“Updating the Helsinki Treaty will be a historic step and will secure the future of Nordic co-operation. I am pleased and proud that the joint Danish and Faroese Presidency is discussing the potential for an update to the treaty so that all eight Nordic countries can work together on an equal footing.”

Sirið Stenberg, the Faroese Minister for Nordic co-operation:

“The Faroe Islands have been part of Nordic co-operation for more than 50 years and have wanted full membership for almost as long. The times we live in call for closer Nordic co-operation and more Nordic values. It is gratifying that we have reached a point where we are initiating real discussion on a revision of the Helsinki Treaty to ensure equal participation for all eight Nordic countries.”

Vivian Motzfeldt, the Greenlandic Naalakkersuisoq for Foreign Affairs:

“Greenland will play an active role in the process of setting up a commission to look at updating the Helsinki Treaty. The process will be crucial to whether Greenland can be recognised as an equal partner in Nordic co-operation.”

The agenda for the meeting also includes a dialogue on the Nordic Council of Ministers’ budget for 2027, and visits by the chair of the Freedom of Movement Council and the Presidency of the Nordic Council.