Rising Demand for Knowledge and Solutions
These were exciting days in many ways when the kick-off meeting for the FASDiNA research program was held on January 9 and 10. This program, overseen by Research Council faroe Islands, focuses on foreign, security, and defense policy in the North Atlantic.
At the conference, researchers, the programme committee, and the administration met for the first time to discuss the research projects that have been granted funding, the state of the field overall, and plans and needs for future research.
There were 16 participants from Greenland, Denmark, and the Faroe Islands, who discussed, among other things, the impact of the war in Ukraine, Russian trade strategies, the presidential transition in the United States, pressure on the Danish Realm, and more. Collaboration opportunities and the expansion of existing partnerships in the field were also discussed.
Tension in the Air
Rarely have research meetings in this region been so relevant to current events, and it showed. While the conference was held at Hotel Føroyar, debates raged in the media, particularly about the situation in Greenland. Phones were ringing constantly, and every so often, two or three researchers stepped outside to speak to journalists about the increasingly tense situation.
It became clear that the media relies on researchers with insight into current issues who, on very short notice, can provide interviews for programs and offer journalists background information.
The Faroe Islands in the midst of It All
As part of the conference, various site visits were organized. In good weather and thick snow, participants visited Sornfelli, where Sámal Ímundarson from Landsverk provided a tour and explained the history and current operations of the facility.
Sámal Tróndur Finnson Johansen from the National Archives explained the political developments related to NATO and military activity in the Faroe Islands since World War II. The current situation and future plans for the facility were also discussed.
The following day, participants visited the naval vessel Vædderen, where Bárður Sandá, the new head of the Arctic Command Liaison Element in the Faroe Islands, welcomed them along with his colleagues. They provided information about the Arctic Command's tasks and operations in the region, both civilian and military.
A recurring theme in discussions was the Faroe Islands' position amid tensions and interest in the area. The Faroe Islands are situated in the GIUK Gap (Greenland, Iceland, and the United Kingdom), which some suggested renaming the GIFUK Gap. It was noted that this location makes the Faroe Islands both strategically significant and vulnerable in light of increased military interest and activity in the North Atlantic.
Continuing to Strengthen Competence and Networks
The FASDiNA program is funded by the Danish Parliament. The tentative budget for 2025–2028 allocates 4 million DKK per year, contingent on budget approvals.
So far, funding has been granted for four policy papers and two research projects.
The expert committee for the FASDiNA program discussed the next steps in light of the discussions held during these days and the current situation. There was agreement to continue the current approach, with support for both small and large projects.
At an upcoming meeting, the expert committee will further discuss opportunities and requirements. Subsequently, there are plans to call for applications again, with a deadline later in 2025.
Read more about the FASDiNA program at gransking.fo
Image: (c) RCFI