Norway hands over Arctic Council intact after difficult term as chair
Guardian2 days
Denmark Takes Over Arctic Council Chairship, Greenland Leads
Above: The Greenland and Danish flags fly over Ilulissat, Greenland on March 11, 2025. Image copyright: Joe Raedle/Getty Images News via Getty Images
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.
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.