The Faroese government has suggested blocking two major Russian fishing companies, Murman SeaFood and Norebo JSC.
Both firms hold licenses to fish in Faroese waters. In the EU, they are under suspicion of so-called hybrid actions and therefore face restrictive measures.
MP: “Copy Politics”
Jacob Vestergaard, Member of Parliament for the liberal party Fólkaflokkurin, is not convinced. Speaking as his party’s spokesperson on foreign affairs, he said he does not expect his party to support what he calls a “copy policy” from Brussels and Oslo.
“We should not run after the EU and Norway just because they act. If we have no concrete evidence against these ships, we should not block them,” Vestergaard said.
Long History of Conflict with Norway and the EU
He also pointed out that the Faroe Islands have had repeated conflicts with both Norway and the EU over fishing rights.
“They have never stood with us. We have fought with them about fish for years. Now they use the same methods against Russia that they once used against us,” he argued.
Focus on Faroese Interests
Vestergaard underlined that he spoke for himself but believes his party shares the same line. He stressed that the Faroese economy depends heavily on fisheries and should not be guided by outside pressure.
“We need our own policy, not just arguments borrowed from the EU and Norway,” he said.
For now, Fólkaflokkurin has not held an internal meeting on the issue.