Brexit and the Faroe Islands

Faroese fisheries and trade are particularly likely to be affected by Britain leaving the European Union. The Faroese Government wants to ensure a close future relationship both with the UK and the EU after Brexit becomes a reality.

The Faroe Islands have strong historical ties to the UK and were the third largest exporter of fish to Britain only a few years ago. Despite a decline in exports more recently, the UK remains one of the most important markets for Faroese seafood exports. A new trade agreement with the UK to ensure future exports has therefore been a priority of the Faroese government.

Reciprocal access for fisheries is agreed between the Faroes and the EU in the annual bilateral fisheries agreement, with Faroese vessels operating largely in British and Irish waters. The Faroese Government has come to an agreement with the UK over fisheries, while the current arrangement with the EU will likely be revised. Similarly, the Faroese Government is preparing for the UK’s increased role in negotiations between the coastal states, particularly concerning the allocation of the mackerel and blue whiting stocks.

Other areas which could be affected by Brexit include research and education. The Faroe Islands are associated to the EU’s Horizon 2020 - the Framework Programme for Research and Innovation (2014-2020). Many of the research projects in which Faroese researchers participate with funding from Horizon 2020 are in close collaboration with British researchers and institutions. Many Faroese students also choose to study at British universities, where they classify as equivalent to EU and EEA citizens. As with EU nationals in the UK, the status of their future access to higher education in the UK remains uncertain.

In February 2019 the Faroes and Britain finalized a Free Trade Agreement between the countries to take effect when Britain no longer is part of the EU. Until then, and during the EU-UK Implementation Period (1 February 2020 to 31 December 2020), the UK will be treated as a Member State for the purposes of international agreements. The Faroe Islands’ agreements with the EU will thus continue to apply to the UK during the Implementation Period.

The Faroese Government appointed a Brexit task group in June 2016. The group, which includes the Faroese representatives in London and Brussels, assesses the impacts of Brexit and works to ensure Faroese interests.

Contact: Kate Sanderson, Minister Counsellor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Culture 
Email: kates@ummr.fo - Tel: (+298) 551007