Faroe Islands activate self-governance law to seek WTO membership

For ten years, the Faroe Islands have sought to become an independent member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), but have repeatedly faced rejection from Danish legal advisors. Frustrated with the ongoing delays and the consistent response citing constitutional barriers, the Faroe Islands have decided to activate a provision of the Faroe Islands’ self-governance law for the first time in an effort to find a solution.

“There needs to be action on this matter,” stated Aksel V. Johannesen, the Prime Minister of the Faroe Islands. He announced that in agreement with the Danish Prime Minister, they would attempt to establish a dispute resolution body under their self-governance law, a process that has not been tried before. “I am optimistic and believe we will reach a conclusion that allows us to apply for WTO membership,” he said.

This issue was at the forefront of a press conference held by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen earlier in the day, following a meeting of top ministers from Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. “This is a significant step,” Frederiksen commented, promising that efforts to initiate the process would begin immediately.

The Danish government and the Faroese government will now each appoint two members to the dispute resolution body, while the Supreme Court will appoint three judges to resolve any disagreements between the two parties.

Political analyst Jens Ringberg described the decision to activate an otherwise overlooked provision as noteworthy, highlighting the ongoing dynamics between Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands regarding autonomy.

Johannesen emphasized the urgency of the matter, underlining the importance of being able to represent themselves as an independent entity to establish trade agreements with other nations. “For our economy and industry, securing more trade agreements is crucial, and thus we need WTO membership,” he concluded.