Faroe Islands to secure self-determination in all matters affecting the islands

The Faroe Islands will have formal self-determination rights in all affairs concerning the territory, according to a new coalition agreement between the People’s Party, Union Party, and Social Democratic Party, reports Faroese national broadcaster Kringvarp Føroya.

The term “national sovereignty” will not appear in the coalition document, but the agreement states that the Faroe Islands must have “confirmed self-determination rights in all matters affecting the Faroe Islands.” The parties also commit to consulting with the Danish government to explore membership in international organisations and to negotiate or join international agreements, including free trade and double taxation treaties.

The coalition will examine the possibility of Faroese membership or associate membership in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) and work to establish free trade agreements with the EU and other key export markets. The Faroe Islands will remain part of NATO and the Western alliance, with all defence and security decisions affecting the islands requiring approval from Faroese authorities.

The agreement also includes a freeze on the annual block grant from Denmark, currently set at 541.8 million Danish kroner. Further details will be finalised in negotiations between the coalition parties.

Bárður á Steig Nielsen will serve as minister for foreign affairs and fisheries in the new government.