“For the first few years the Mission dedicated most of its resources to improving the 1996 Trade Agreement,” Mr. Holm-Jacobsen said. “As far as concerns trade in goods, the feeling is that we have something now that basically works. But we’ve still got a long way to go toward our goal of reaching agreement on the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people.”
That goal forms part of what is outlined in a newly drafted resolution regarding the Faroe Islands’ policy on Europe, recently tabled to the Faroese Parliament, the Loegting. The policy resolution is set to clear the air of uncertainty over the political will of the Faroese in relation to the EU — confirming that the country will not be seeking membership in the near future, although prominent political figures have suggested change.
“In its current wording, the new policy will essentially consolidate the work that has been carried out while providing guidelines on further development,” Mr. Holm-Jacobsen said.
On a daily basis, the Mission’s activities cover a range of matters, such as maintaining existing agreements, representing Faroese authorities vis-à-vis EU authorities and embassies in Brussels as well as in various international fora, following developments within the EU in issues of particular interest, following up on requests from individuals and businesses.
Membership for the Faroes in the Pan-Euro-Med Cumulation of Origin System was achieved in 2005, making Faroese seafood exports to the EU less cumbersome as raw materials from third countries could be used without affecting originating status.
Last year, the Agreement between the European Union and the Government of the Faroes on Scientific and Technological Cooperation was signed, associating the Faroe Islands to the so-called Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development.
Efforts to join the European Common Aviation Area (ECAA) are likewise beginning to yield results after questions over member state competency have been resolved.
Mr. Holm-Jacobsen said: “A pragmatic solution has been found through Denmark’s expansion of its ECAA membership and we expect that before the end of this year, the Faroes will enjoy the same status as associate members.”
Faroe Business Report — The International Review of Faroe Islands Industry and Trade - Faroe Business Report — The International Review of Faroe Islands Industry and Trade
Brussels: The Road to Four Freedoms
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The Faroese have had a busy representation office in Brussels since 1998 with diplomatic activities gradually changing focus from improving the 1996 Trade Agreement to facilitating cooperation in science, technology, and aviation.
Following the implementation of the 1996 Trade Agreement between the Faroe Islands and the European Union, the Faroese agenda with regard to the EU was limited to setting up office in Brussels and make good efforts to improve that Trade Agreement. In the last few years, however, the focus has shifted toward establishing cooperation in key areas including science and technology and aviation, said Gunnar Holm-Jacobsen, head of the Mission of the Faroes to the European Union.
Welcome to the 2011 Edition of the Faroe Business Report
I’m proud to present the 6th edition of the Faroe Business Report. It’s a pleasure again this year to bring you this information package about the Faroese business scene in cooperation with leading businesses and government departments and agencies. I encourage you to take a read to check the state of affairs in the Faroese business environment and see what some of the main events are compared to last year or a few years back. I guarantee that there’s quite a few things that happen in the course of a single year — major change can occur very quickly in the Faroe Islands.
Búi Tyril
Publisher and Editor in Chief
Reach International Businesspeople with an Eye on the Faroe Islands
Sponsoring an article or placing an ad in the Faroe Business Report is a great way of accessing important market segments or conveying your values to key constituencies. For those keen to share with an international audience what their position in the Faroe Islands may mean, this yearly publication is recognized as the information medium of choice — an undisputed leader in its field.
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Sannførandi søgur byggja álit millum viðskiftarar og veitarar
Fyri bæði fyritøkur og stovnar er umráðandi at samskifta væl við umheimin, soleiðis at góð og hóskandi kunning altíð er tøk í rættari tíð. Hesin samskiftis tørvur ger seg altíð galdandi, eisini tá vit ikki beinleiðis síggja hann.
Hetta kemst millum annað av at broytingar við meir ella minni avgerandi ávirkan á virksemið hjá fyritøkuni ella stovninum kunnu henda óvæntað skjótt.