Year
2016
Abstract
On 1 February 2016, Greenland and Denmark announced the details of a joint deal on uranium, along with two joint declarations on safeguards and export controls. Taken as a package, they establish a cooperative, shared approach to ensure compliance with the Danish Realm's (Rigsfællesskab's) international non-proliferation obligations such as those related to the Treaty on the Nonproliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) and the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNM). The package deal recognises Denmark as the Rigs authority on non-proliferation matters, specifically nuclear safeguards, physical protection and dual-use exports. Greenland still retains control over mining, environment and safety. The package also frames a Danish-Greenlandic structure with Greenland’s Department of Industry, Labour and Trade (DILT) acquiring a pivotal, joint role in treaty implementation (such as on inspections and reporting). As a whole, the deal and accompanying declarations set the stage for two legislative acts — one on safeguards and another on dual-use exports — to be debated in both Parliaments in spring 2016. This paper looks at the Danish-Greenlandic case as a unique study in how a 'Kingdom' with various autonomous working parts and legislative responsibilities has been able to work together to ensure the Kingdom's international obligations are implemented.