Nordic Council reform: Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Åland join the Presidium
The Nordic Council has decided to take a historic step towards more inclusive and modern co-operation. A change to the rules of procedure now gives Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Åland permanent seats on the Presidium – the Nordic Council’s senior body between the annual sessions.
The decision means that the three countries will participate on an equal footing with Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland in the key decisions that shape Nordic co-operation.
“This isn’t just a change on paper. It is about sharing responsibility for co-operation and making it reflect the Nordic Region of today, a region characterised by equality, respect and collective responsibility,” said Henrik Møller (Denmark), member of the Nordic Council Presidium, when he presented the proposal.
Møller, who chaired the working group that drafted the proposal, stressed that there was broad political agreement from the outset on permanent representation for Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Åland.
The proposal received support from a broad range of parliamentarians from the podium and was accepted unanimously.
Our co-operation is characterised by equality and respect. It is only natural that this should also be reflected in our decision-making bodies. We have taken the decision that was within our powers while we wait for an update to the Helsinki Treaty.
Representatives from the three countries welcomed the decision with pride and joy:
“This isn’t just about equality for us. It is about us taking full responsibility for strengthening Nordic co-operation. We can now commit our energy to a visionary Nordic agenda,” says Høgni Hoydal (Faroe Islands).
“It gives us a clearer voice and a responsibility to help shape the future of the Nordic Region,” says Annette Holmberg-Jansson (Åland).
“We are delighted that the Nordic Council has taken responsibility for fully involving Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Åland in the Nordic co-operation. Greenland now looks forward to the governments following suit and updating the Helsinki Treaty. As soon as possible,” says Justus Hansen (Greenland).
The change will take effect on 1 January 2026 and marks a symbolic and practical boost to Nordic democracy. While the Nordic governments continue to consider updating the Helsinki Treaty, the decision shows that the Nordic Council is willing to reform itself to make Nordic co-operation more relevant and inclusive, which reflects reality in the whole of the Nordic Region.
“We want to show that the Nordic Region can change from within. We often talk about innovation – this decision shows that we are capable of making it happen,” said Henrik Møller.
