Iceland, Greenland and Faroe Islands Agree Annual Arctic Leadership Summits

Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands have agreed to hold annual summits between their heads of government, creating a regular political forum for the three North Atlantic neighbours as Arctic security climbs the international agenda. The decision was announced after a meeting in Reykjavík on October 7, 2026, hosted by Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir together with Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Faroese Prime Minister Beinir Johannesen — the first dedicated trilateral meeting of the three leaders’ heads of government hosted in one of the three territories.

Iceland Greenland Faroe Islands Arctic summits: what was agreed

The three leaders agreed to make their meetings an annual event, with the host location rotating between Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. Although the territories have a long history of cooperation, this was the first time their heads of government held a dedicated trilateral meeting in one of the three territories, according to the Icelandic Prime Minister’s Office — a step that introduces a more structured dialogue at the highest political level.

The visit was the first trip to Iceland since taking office for both Nielsen and Johannesen. It followed Frostadóttir’s own visits to Tórshavn in May and to Nuuk in October last year, underlining the steady build-up of direct contacts between the three governments.

Security and investment on the agenda

According to the Government of Iceland’s announcement ahead of the meeting, the leaders discussed shared West Nordic interests in the North Atlantic and Arctic, including the region’s security challenges and opportunities for investment. The programme included a visit to the security area at Keflavík Airport and meetings with international investors about regional and Arctic investment opportunities.

The government described the gathering as its first dedicated trilateral consultation in one of the three places. It followed recent defence-minister talks in Iceland and sits alongside wider efforts to keep Arctic discussions grounded in the region’s own priorities.

“Not the people who live in the Arctic”

Faroese Prime Minister Beinir Johannesen stressed that Arctic discussions are too often dominated by actors outside the region. “Often, it is not the people who live in the Arctic who speak about the region,” he said, arguing that this makes it particularly important for the three neighbours to stand together.

Frostadóttir said the three countries face shared challenges as well as opportunities, making closer cooperation increasingly important. Their relationship is already supported by the West Nordic Council, established in 1985, which promotes common interests in natural resources, economic development, environmental protection and Arctic affairs.

Part of a busy Arctic week in Reykjavík

The summit came just as Reykjavík prepared to host the 2026 Arctic Circle Assembly on October 8–10 at Harpa Concert Hall and Conference Centre — the largest annual international gathering on the Arctic, drawing participants from more than 70 countries. The back-to-back meetings underline how the Icelandic capital has become a focal point for Arctic dialogue as the region’s strategic importance grows.

Conclusion

By committing to annual summits, Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands are giving their West Nordic cooperation a permanent political rhythm. Whether the rotating format can turn shared challenges into concrete joint action will be the test — but the three leaders have made clear they intend the Arctic’s future to be shaped by the people who live there.

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For more on Arctic security cooperation, see our earlier coverage: JEF Defence Ministers Back Ukraine Partnership and Canadian Membership Bid at Iceland Summit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did Iceland, Greenland and the Faroe Islands agree?

Their heads of government agreed to hold annual summits, with the host location rotating between the three, creating a regular political forum for the North Atlantic neighbours.

Who attended the Reykjavík meeting?

Icelandic Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir hosted Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Faroese Prime Minister Beinir Johannesen on October 7, 2026.

Why is the meeting significant?

It was the first dedicated trilateral meeting of the three heads of government hosted in one of the three territories, formalizing cooperation as Arctic security becomes a bigger international issue.

What topics were discussed?

Shared North Atlantic and Arctic interests, security challenges and investment opportunities, including a visit to the Keflavík Airport security area and meetings with international investors.

What is the West Nordic Council?

A parliamentary cooperation organisation established in 1985 that promotes the three territories’ common interests in natural resources, economic development, environmental protection and Arctic affairs.

When is the next summit?

The leaders agreed the summits will be annual with a rotating host, but no date or venue for the next meeting has been announced yet.