Peace in the Arctic is under strain as global interest in the region intensifies, warned Hogni Hoydal, the Faroe Islands' foreign minister, according to Politico.
Speaking during a summit of Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands, Hoydal expressed concern about the unraveling of longstanding Arctic agreements on fishing, shipping, and environmental protection.
"All the agreements on fishing, shipping, the environment, and research that have created peace in the Arctic are also beginning to crumble as global tensions rise," Hoydal told Danish media outlet TV2.
The region has drawn heightened attention due to its strategic location, untapped resources, and new shipping routes made accessible by melting ice. US president-elect Donald Trump’s claimed focus on acquiring Greenland has amplified this spotlight, sparking unease in Denmark. Trump has escalated his rhetoric, declining to rule out military action to gain control of the island.
Hoydal criticized Denmark for treating Greenland and the Faroe Islands as "chess pieces" in its dealings with NATO and the US. He urged the Arctic territories to play a more active role in shaping their political futures.
"Not to be rude, Denmark has used the Faroe Islands and Greenland in its relationship to NATO and the US like chess pieces," he said. "But if we are going to be used as chess pieces, it is up to us how we move on the chessboard."
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