Greenland assumes Arctic Council chairmanship during challenging times

On May 12, at the 14th meeting of the Arctic Council held in Tromsø, Norway, Greenland officially took over the chairmanship of the Council on behalf of the Kingdom of Denmark. The transition was marked by the adoption of the Joint Romssa–Tromsø Statement, in which all Arctic States and Permanent Participants reaffirmed their commitment to peaceful cooperation, environmental protection and inclusive governance.

The meeting brought together representatives from the eight Arctic States and six Indigenous organizations that serve as Permanent Participants. While the Council has faced operational slowdowns in recent years—particularly since the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022—delegates gathered to signal renewed intent to maintain dialogue and constructive engagement where possible.

The Joint Statement emphasized the importance of preserving the Arctic as a region of peace and stability, protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples and advancing sustainable development. It also recognized the role of the Council’s Working Groups in continuing research and cooperation on environmental and climate issues.

Norway’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and outgoing Chair of the Arctic Council, Espen Barth Eide, spoke about the significance of keeping the Council active despite current geopolitical divisions.

“In a challenging time for Arctic cooperation, I am pleased that the Arctic Council remains united. In today’s geopolitical situation, it is particularly important to maintain a forum for all Arctic States and the Indigenous Peoples in the region,” Eide said.

Greenland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Vivian Motzfeldt, who assumed the chair on behalf of the Kingdom, struck a clear diplomatic tone at a press conference in Tromsø following the meeting.

“The Arctic must remain a region where tensions are resolved through diplomacy, where Indigenous rights are protected and where cooperation wins over confrontation. That is more important now than ever,” she said.

Motzfeldt also acknowledged the challenges facing the Council—including geopolitical tensions and a slowdown in high-level dialogue—but expressed confidence in the Council’s ability to function constructively.

“We will cooperate with all member states in the Arctic Council,and we trust that they will also take part,” she said.

During her remarks, Motzfeldt reiterated Greenland’s vision for its chairmanship, first introduced earlier this spring: a strong focus on Indigenous Peoples, sustainable economic development, energy transition, ocean health, biodiversity and continued emphasis on addressing climate change. These priorities reflect Greenland’s desire to lead in a way that centers the needs of Arctic communities.

Though the Arctic Council has not held a foreign ministers’ meeting since Russia invaded Ukraine, the work of its technical expert groups continues. With Greenland now at the helm, the Council prepares to mark its 30th anniversary next year under a chairmanship committed to inclusion, diplomacy and sustainability.