Faroese independence push driven by economic control and foreign policy autonomy

A desire for greater economic self-determination and independent foreign policy is fueling the Faroe Islands’ renewed push for sovereignty, according to a researcher from the University of Copenhagen and the Danish Institute for International Studies.

Speaking to Danish broadcaster DR, Petra Mathilde Jørs, a PhD researcher, said Faroese voters—who head to the polls today—want the ability to negotiate trade and fisheries agreements under their own name rather than as part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Key goals include joining the World Trade Organization (WTO) and gaining recognition in international forums without the “Denmark” label attached.

“They want to manage their own economy,” Jørs said. “That means entering trade deals and fisheries agreements independently, not as an appendage to Denmark.”

Russian fisheries ties pose potential conflict

The Faroe Islands’ fisheries sector, which accounts for 95% of the archipelago’s exports, remains a central issue. A long-standing fisheries agreement with Russia allows Faroese vessels to fish for cod in the Barents Sea in exchange for Russian access to blue whiting in Faroese waters and the use of Faroese ports for transshipment.

While the Faroes have reduced exports to Russia to a minimum and imposed sanctions on some Russian shipping companies, Jørs noted that maintaining ties with Moscow is seen as economically vital—particularly by the pro-fisheries Fólkaflokkurin party, currently leading in polls.

“Fólkaflokkurin directly represents the fishing industry, and they view access to Russian waters as crucial,” she said. “The economic crisis of the 1990s, triggered by collapsing fish stocks, left deep scars. Keeping these trade routes open is seen as essential for stability.”

However, Jørs warned that deeper Faroese independence could strain relations with Denmark and the EU if the islands continue balancing Western alignment with Russian fisheries cooperation. “There will be resistance,” she said. “The question is how much tolerance Denmark and Europe will have for this approach.”