Faroe Islands to seek expanded foreign policy powers in talks with Denmark

The Faroese government will enter negotiations with Denmark later this year to secure greater independent authority over foreign affairs, Prime Minister Beinir Johannesen announced Thursday.

Johannesen told Faroese broadcaster KVF that the talks aim to formalise the Faroe Islands’ ability to join international organisations—including potential membership in the International Olympic Committee and trade bodies—without Danish oversight. “We must ensure the Faroe Islands have the necessary foreign policy powers,” he stated.

The move follows Denmark’s formation of a new government, which has signalled openness to discussing an expanded political framework for the Faroes. However, a Danish government briefing document makes no mention of Faroese sovereignty, a position backed by five of the six parties in the Faroese parliament.

Negotiations will begin after political parties finalise their joint platform in the coming months. The Faroes currently hold limited foreign policy autonomy, with most international agreements concerning the islands requiring Danish approval.