Politics

Denmark Takes Over Arctic Council Chairship, Greenland Leads

Published MAY 12 2025

Story

Above: The Greenland and Danish flags fly over Ilulissat, Greenland on March 11, 2025. Image credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images News via Getty Images

The Facts

On Monday, the Kingdom of Denmark — comprising Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands — officially assumed the Arctic Council chairship from Norway during a virtual meeting hosted in Tromsø. The new two-year term will see Greenland’s Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt serve as chair.
Arctic Council
Newsday
At the 14th Arctic Council meeting, Arctic states and Indigenous Permanent Participants issued the Romssa-Tromsø Statement, reaffirming their commitment to peace, stability, and cooperation, and underscoring the role of Indigenous Peoples and the Council’s regional importance.
Arctic
High North News
Norway ended its chairship after what Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide called a “difficult” period, as Council meetings were paused in 2023 following the suspension of cooperation with Russia over its 2022 military actions in Ukraine.
Guardian
Arctic Council
Newsday
Work gradually resumed in 2024 with virtual Working Group meetings and renewed engagement. Despite ongoing tensions, all eight Arctic states remain active members of the Council.
Arctic Council
Guardian
The Kingdom of Denmark’s chairship program for 2025–2027, led by Greenland, outlines five focus areas: Indigenous Peoples, sustainable economic development, oceans, climate change, and biodiversity. It will support both ongoing Council activities and new projects.
Arctic Council
High North News
The 14th meeting was held virtually, with delegations from all eight Arctic states, six Permanent Participants, and the Council’s six Working Groups. Heads of Delegation for Norway, the Kingdom of Denmark, the Inuit Circumpolar Council, and the Saami Council attended in person in Tromsø.
Arctic Council
X

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Under Greenland's leadership, the Arctic Council has an opportunity to embrace cautious optimism. By prioritizing Indigenous rights, environmental protection, and sustainable development, the Council can bridge geopolitical divides and counterbalance tensions. Despite challenges from Russia and the U.S., the region’s shared interests in climate action and resource conservation present promising opportunities for cooperation, fostering long-term stability and prosperity.

Orfonline

Narrative B

Greenland’s leadership of the Arctic Council comes at a perilous time. After Norway's effort to keep the council intact amid the Ukraine conflict, Greenland now faces increased pressure from both East and West — Russia’s aggression and Trump’s renewed threats over Greenland. This dual challenge strains the consensus-driven model, risking the Council’s ability to effectively address vital issues like climate change and Arctic security. The future of Arctic cooperation is uncertain.