EU & Faroes boost ties amid Russia fish deal

Ursula von der Leyen, President of the EU Commission, visits the Faroe Islands to reinforce relations as the Faroes continue trading fish with Russia despite the conflict in Ukraine. She celebrated an agreement to improve the islands’ market access in the EU, potentially including processed fish products. Leyen signed a declaration with Faroese PM Aksel V. Johannesen to collaborate on green energy, research, education, and trade. While the Faroe Islands meet EU sanction policies, fishing is exempt. The islands have a duty-free raw materials export deal with the EU but seek better terms for processed goods. Johannesen acknowledges the declaration does not address these trade challenges yet. Leyen sayd her visit visit underscores the geopolitical importance of the Arctic’s stability, especially due to increasing assertiveness from China and Russia.