Greenland has officially assumed the rotating presidency of the Arctic Council, taking over from Norway during a handover ceremony in Tromsø. The transition comes at a time of significant geopolitical tensions in the Arctic, particularly following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and shifting dynamics with the United States.
At the ceremony, Vivian Motzfeldt, Greenland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, accepted the chairmanship on behalf of the Kingdom of Denmark. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the Arctic as a region where diplomacy prevails over confrontation, and where indigenous rights, climate action, and collaborative science take precedence.
Focus on indigenous rights and sustainability
Motzfeldt presented Greenland’s vision for the two-year presidency, underscoring priorities such as sustainable economic development, energy transition, and the protection of biodiversity. Central to the agenda is the inclusion of the Arctic’s indigenous peoples, represented in the Council by six permanent participant groups.
“The Arctic must remain a region where tensions are resolved through diplomacy, where the rights of indigenous peoples are protected, and where cooperation wins over confrontation,” Motzfeldt declared.
Council operations constrained by global tensions
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the Arctic Council has functioned at a reduced capacity. The seven other member states — Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the United States — suspended full collaboration with Russia, which remains one of the Council’s eight founding members.
Currently, only the Council’s technical working groups continue to operate, primarily through virtual meetings. No foreign ministers’ meetings have occurred since 2021, and no senior official summits have taken place since early 2022.
In addition to Russia, diplomatic friction with the United States has added to the Council’s challenges. Analysts note that President Donald Trump’s interest in buying Greenland and his views on climate policy have strained Arctic cooperation.
Greenland’s rising diplomatic profile
This presidency marks a pivotal moment in Greenland’s efforts to amplify its international diplomatic voice. Although it remains part of the Danish realm, Greenland has gained increasing autonomy and aims to assert more influence in global Arctic affairs.
Greenland’s leadership of the Arctic Council also arrives ahead of the body’s 30th anniversary in 2026, offering a symbolic opportunity to reflect on the Council’s evolution and role in Arctic governance.
Arctic cooperation remains vital
Despite obstacles, Greenland’s presidency aims to restore constructive dialogue and scientific collaboration in the Arctic region. Motzfeldt affirmed the country’s commitment to engage all members, including Russia, stating: “We will cooperate with all Arctic Council members, and we trust they will also take part.”
By prioritizing diplomacy, environmental protection, and indigenous inclusion, Greenland hopes to steer the Council through one of its most complex periods since its foundation in 1996.
