Denmark and Greenland have agreed to strengthen cooperation on food, fisheries and seafood exports, with a clear focus on easing access to global markets for Greenlandic fish products.
The talks took place in Copenhagen this week between Danish food and fisheries minister Jacob Jensen and Greenland’s fisheries minister Peter Borg.
Fisheries account for more than 95% of Greenland’s total exports. Both sides said closer technical and regulatory cooperation is key to keeping exports flowing and expanding access beyond the EU.
Focus on direct exports
A central topic was Greenland’s ability to export fish and seafood directly to third countries. Denmark has allocated DKK 1.5 million for a 2026 analysis to assess whether export certificates can be issued locally in Greenland.
This equals about EUR 0.2 million. The study will be carried out in close dialogue with the Greenlandic authorities and industry.
Food authority presence in Nuuk
The Danish Veterinary and Food Administration now runs a fully staffed office in Nuuk.
All inspections of food businesses and factory vessels in Greenland in 2025 were handled from the local office.
Authorities say this has improved oversight and understanding of local conditions.
Seal products and skills building
The ministers also discussed steps to expand exports of seal products. Work is underway on national rules to allow exports to more non-EU countries, alongside an EU approval process. In parallel, a cooperation agreement aims to strengthen food and veterinary skills linked to export control.