On 14 March 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Enhanced Cooperation between the EU and the Government of the Faroe Islands was signed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Faroese Prime Minister Aksel V. Johannesen. This enhanced cooperation, based on the Faroese close partnership with the EU, is guided by the recognition of shared values, principles and commitments to democracy, rule of law and respect for human rights, peace and stability, international law, and sustainable development.
The MoU acknowledges the already vibrant cooperation between researchers and research and innovation entities in the Faroe Islands and the EU, based on the Faroe Islands’ association to the European Union’s Framework Programmes for Research and Innovation since 2010 - currently Horizon Europe. The close cooperation is expected to continue bring mutual advancement of excellence in science, innovation and technology. In the area of fisheries and marine ecosystem science, the Partners expect to continue and strengthen their productive cooperation in and through the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) on shared fish stocks and scientific topics of common interest.
President Ursula von der Leyen, in her press statement, said:
“We are already doing great work together under for example Europe's Horizon programme. We just saw it with renewable energy where Horizon Europe played a role in developing these technologies. We are teaming up on Arctic research, for example. We would like to start working on more areas where we share interests, be it digital technologies, education, or skills development.”
The signature of the MoU took place in Tòrshavn, and for the first time ever, a European Commission President paid visit to the Faroe Islands.
More information
Video recording from press conference
Details
- Publication date
- 15 March 2024
- Author
- Directorate-General for Research and Innovation