Historic Joint Declaration on Arctic Security
On January 6, 2026, the Foreign Ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden issued a unified statement reinforcing their commitment to Arctic security and explicitly affirming Denmark and Greenland's sovereignty over territorial matters.
Full Text of the Joint Statement
As Nordic countries, Arctic States and NATO allies we are collectively committed to preserving security, stability and co-operation in the Arctic. We have all taken steps to increase deterrence and defence in the region, including through new capabilities, activities, presence and increased situational awareness. We support NATO increasing its presence and vigilance in the region. We have substantially increased our investments in Arctic security and we are ready to do even more in close consultation with the United States and other NATO allies.
Security in the Arctic rests on respect for the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law, including the inviolability of borders. The Kingdom of Denmark, including Greenland, is a founding member of NATO, and has historically worked closely with the United States on Arctic Security, including through The Defence Agreement between the US and Denmark from 1951, which offers opportunities for increased security cooperation.
We collectively reiterate that matters concerning Denmark and Greenland are for Denmark and Greenland to decide alone.
Key Points from the Statement
The joint declaration addresses several critical aspects of Nordic Arctic security policy:
Collective Security Commitment: All five Nordic nations reaffirm their dedication to preserving security, stability, and cooperation in the Arctic region. This includes enhanced deterrence measures, new defense capabilities, increased military presence, and improved situational awareness.
NATO Cooperation: The statement emphasizes support for NATO's expanded presence and vigilance in the Arctic. The Nordic countries have significantly increased their Arctic security investments and express readiness to do more in consultation with the United States and other NATO allies.
Legal Framework: Security in the Arctic must rest on respect for the UN Charter's fundamental principles and international law, particularly the inviolability of borders.
Denmark-US Defense Partnership: The statement highlights Denmark's founding NATO membership and its historical cooperation with the United States on Arctic security, specifically referencing the 1951 Defence Agreement between the US and Denmark.
Sovereignty Affirmation: The ministers collectively reiterate that matters concerning Denmark and Greenland are solely for Denmark and Greenland to decide.
Context and Timing
This joint statement comes at a time of increased international attention on Arctic territories and their strategic importance. The explicit affirmation of Danish and Greenlandic sovereignty over their own affairs represents a unified Nordic position on territorial integrity.
The statement reflects growing Arctic security concerns and the region's increasing geopolitical significance. Climate change has opened new shipping routes and resource access points, making Arctic governance and security cooperation more critical than ever.
The 1951 Defence Agreement
The statement references the Defence Agreement between the United States and Denmark from 1951, which established the framework for US military presence in Greenland, including the Thule Air Base. This agreement has been a cornerstone of transatlantic Arctic security cooperation for over seven decades.
Nordic Unity on Arctic Policy
The joint statement demonstrates the strong coordination among Nordic nations on Arctic security matters. Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden share common interests in maintaining a stable, secure Arctic region governed by international law and multilateral cooperation.
All five nations are committed to working within the NATO framework while respecting each country's sovereignty and decision-making authority over its own territories.
Implications for Arctic Security
This unified Nordic position strengthens the region's collective security posture and sends a clear message about respect for sovereignty and international law in the Arctic. The statement emphasizes both defensive capabilities and diplomatic cooperation as essential elements of Arctic security strategy.
The Nordic countries' readiness to increase investments and cooperation with the United States and NATO allies signals their commitment to maintaining security in an increasingly important strategic region.