Denmark Assumes Arctic Council Chair Amid Regional Tensions

The Arctic Council, a key intergovernmental forum focused on cooperation among Arctic states and indigenous groups, has recently transitioned its two-year rotating chairmanship from Norway to Greenland, represented by Denmark. This handover comes amid significant geopolitical tensions, including Russia's invasion of Ukraine and former U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to annex Greenland, which has been firmly rejected by Greenlandic leaders. Despite these challenges, the council has maintained unity and continued its work on environmental, social, and emergency preparedness issues, explicitly excluding military security from its agenda. Greenland's Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt emphasized the importance of cooperation and peace, asserting that Greenland neither wants to be part of Denmark nor the United States but values strong security alignment with both. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide acknowledged the difficulties faced during Norway's chairmanship but highlighted the council's success in preserving its membership and activity. The council's survival through these political strains underscores its role as a unique platform for dialogue and partnership in the Arctic region.