Nordic Trade Unions in Solidarity With Greenland
Nordic Trade Unions in Solidarity with Greenland
Once again, the Trump administration has raised the idea of asserting control over Greenland. And once again, the people of Greenland have reaffirmed their determination to decide their own future - free from external pressure or threats.
The Nordic trade union movement expresses its full support and solidarity with our member organisation, the National Confederation of Trade Unions of Greenland (SIK), and with the people of Greenland. Greenland is an integral part of the Nordic community, and its people have an unquestionable right to determine their own future. This includes the fundamental right to live in safety, free from external pressure or threats.
No country has the right to interfere with Greenland’s self-determination. Any attempt to exert influence through intimidation and coercion, or through economic or political pressure is unacceptable.
SIK President Jess Berthelsen has underlined the importance of responding to external pressure through closer, but equal, cooperation with Denmark. As he stated to the Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq:
“Now our politicians must do everything to safeguard the country, and not least the population, and this should be done through even closer cooperation with Denmark, naturally based on mutual respect.”
The will of the Greenlandic people has been clearly and unmistakably expressed. Large public mobilisations against foreign interference have demonstrated a strong and united commitment to sovereignty, dignity, and democratic choice. This is also reflected in public opinion: according to a recent opinion poll, 85% of Greenlanders want to remain in the Danish Realm. Only 6 % have expressed a wish to become a part of the United States.
The Nordic trade union movement stands firmly with Greenland. We will continue to support the right of the Greenlandic people to decide their own path and to be treated with respect as equal members of the international community.
In solidarity,
The Council of Nordic Trade Unions,
Morten Skov Christiansen, President of NFS and FH, Denmark
Hans-Erik Skjæggerud, Vice President of NFS and President of YS, Norway
Tomas Kepler, President of Akademikerne, Denmark
Jarkko Eloranta, President of SAK, Finland
Else-Mai Kirvesniemi, President of STTK, Finland
Sonja Jógvansdóttir, President of Verkafólk, Faroe Islands
Finnbjörn A. Hermannsson, President of ASÍ, Iceland
Sonja Ýr Þorbergsdóttir, President of BSRB, Iceland
Kolbrún Halldórsdóttir, President of BHM, Iceland
Kine Asper Vistnes, President of LO, Norway
Steffen Handal, President of Unio, Norway
Johan Lindholm, President of LO, Sweden
Therese Svanström, President of TCO, Sweden,
Sofia Rydgren Stale, President of Saco, Sweden
Magnus Gissler, General Secretary of NFS
January 2026
Nordic Trade Unions in Solidarity With Greenland
Nordic Trade Unions in Solidarity with Greenland
Once again, the Trump administration has raised the idea of asserting control over Greenland. And once again, the people of Greenland have reaffirmed their determination to decide their own future - free from external pressure or threats.
The Nordic trade union movement expresses its full support and solidarity with our member organisation, the National Confederation of Trade Unions of Greenland (SIK), and with the people of Greenland. Greenland is an integral part of the Nordic community, and its people have an unquestionable right to determine their own future. This includes the fundamental right to live in safety, free from external pressure or threats.
No country has the right to interfere with Greenland’s self-determination. Any attempt to exert influence through intimidation and coercion, or through economic or political pressure is unacceptable.
SIK President Jess Berthelsen has underlined the importance of responding to external pressure through closer, but equal, cooperation with Denmark. As he stated to the Greenlandic newspaper Sermitsiaq:
“Now our politicians must do everything to safeguard the country, and not least the population, and this should be done through even closer cooperation with Denmark, naturally based on mutual respect.”
The will of the Greenlandic people has been clearly and unmistakably expressed. Large public mobilisations against foreign interference have demonstrated a strong and united commitment to sovereignty, dignity, and democratic choice. This is also reflected in public opinion: according to a recent opinion poll, 85% of Greenlanders want to remain in the Danish Realm. Only 6 % have expressed a wish to become a part of the United States.
The Nordic trade union movement stands firmly with Greenland. We will continue to support the right of the Greenlandic people to decide their own path and to be treated with respect as equal members of the international community.
In solidarity,
The Council of Nordic Trade Unions,
Morten Skov Christiansen, President of NFS and FH, Denmark
Hans-Erik Skjæggerud, Vice President of NFS and President of YS, Norway
Tomas Kepler, President of Akademikerne, Denmark
Jarkko Eloranta, President of SAK, Finland
Else-Mai Kirvesniemi, President of STTK, Finland
Sonja Jógvansdóttir, President of Verkafólk, Faroe Islands
Finnbjörn A. Hermannsson, President of ASÍ, Iceland
Sonja Ýr Þorbergsdóttir, President of BSRB, Iceland
Kolbrún Halldórsdóttir, President of BHM, Iceland
Kine Asper Vistnes, President of LO, Norway
Steffen Handal, President of Unio, Norway
Johan Lindholm, President of LO, Sweden
Therese Svanström, President of TCO, Sweden,
Sofia Rydgren Stale, President of Saco, Sweden
Magnus Gissler, General Secretary of NFS
January 2026