Foreword by the prime ministers of Denmark and the Faroe Islands
The Nordic Region has entered a new era.
Russia’s brutal attack on Ukraine brought war to our backyard. Misinformation campaigns are targeting our democracies, and hybrid attacks are putting our unity to the test.
In such uncertain times, it is crucial that we stick together in the Nordic Region. We are strong countries united by a unique social model, with high levels of trust, a long shared history and co-operation with deep roots. We have a need for that strong sense of community now. That is why the title of the Presidency of the Nordic Council of Ministers in 2026 is The Nordic Region: Strong ties in changing times.
When the world changes, we cannot and must not stand still. Now that Sweden and Finland have joined NATO, the Nordic family is closer than ever. All eight Nordic countries face a major challenge in safeguarding our values and welfare societies.
To name but a few issues, we need to work even more closely together on societal security, security of energy supply, contingency planning, combating cross-border crime, competitiveness, the green transition and protecting children and young people in the digital age. We will continue work on updating the Helsinki Treaty, the Nordic constitution, to make it possible for the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland to become full members of the official bodies involved in Nordic co-operation.
Greenland participates in some of the Nordic Council of Ministers’ activities but is not part of the Danish and Faroese Presidency in 2026. Greenland will, however, play an active role in the process of establishing a commission to update the Helsinki Treaty, which will be crucial in determining whether Greenland is recognised as an equal partner in Nordic co-operation.
The Nordic countries must maintain close links with the rest of the world. In the new geopolitical reality, we cannot count on the status quo. We will strive for closer working relationships with countries around the world that share our values.
In these changing times, it is imperative that the Nordic Region remains the world’s most integrated and sustainable region. Not only for the benefit of our own countries but as inspiration for the rest of the world.
We look forward to taking Nordic co-operation further.
Photo Statsministeriet & Erla Rajani Ziskasen
