Greenlandic minister Vivian Motzfeldt, whose remit includes foreign affairs, has completed a round of meetings with representatives of EU institutions, including a meeting with Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier.
According to the government of Greenland, the purpose of the meeting was to draw attention to Greenland’s interests in relation to Brexit. In addition, the intention is to share information on current conditions in Greenland, as well as a general update on the EU’s work in Brexit.
‘When Britain is no longer an EU Member State, and if Britain leaves the EU’s internal market, Greenlandic fishery products coming into Britain could be met with import duties and veterinary checks,’ Vivian Motzfeldt pointed out during the meeting.
‘This could hit the industry in Greenland hard. In particular, it is likely that this would reduce import prices for Greenland shrimp and cod before customs. Greenland therefore has an interest in maintaining good commercial access to the UK market after Brexit. For this reason, the government of Greenland wants the EU to be aware that negotiation results are of major importance to Greenland,’ she said, and commented that although Michel Barnier could not guarantee that Greenland’s interests will be reflected in a final negotiation result, he has a clear understanding of Greenland’s situation.
During the meeting, it was also acknowledged that there is good cooperation between Greenland and the EU in the fisheries sector and there is generally a good political dialogue between the parties.
