This discussion paper is an introductory piece that aims to spark a discussion about the European Union’s (EU) approach to consultations on the fitness of its trade in seal products regulations. Our preliminary review of statistics released by the EU on its 2024 public consultation process suggest that there are no contributions to the EU’s review on its seal product regulations from members of the Greenlandic public.
The absence of Greenlandic public input is particularly relevant in this instance as Greenland is one of only three recognised bodies with permission to export seal products into the EU. This paper includes insight from seven Greenlandic seal hunters based in Narsaq, Nanortalik and Qaqortoq as part of an early effort to help reopen the discussion on the fitness of the EU seal product regulations and highlight the need for Greenlandic inclusion. Our interviews expose a lack of public awareness about the 2024 public consultations amongst fishers/hunters who would have been a key demographic for contribution to the EU regulatory fitness check process.
As of October 2025, the EU has yet to publish its final report on its fitness check review. The recommendations of this paper are that the EU takes additional time before completing its report so that it can re-open its public consultation in Greenland in tandem with a targeted engagement strategy developed in consultation with local rightsholders and stakeholders. By taking additional time to focus on engaging Greenland, the EU can raise awareness about the purpose and opportunity for the Greenlandic public to contribute their views on the EU trade in seal products regulations so they can help inform the EU’s consideration of changes to its rules.
The paper is embedded in the project “Seals, Stigma and Survival: Finding Solutions to the EU Stigmatization of Seal Hunting” a Nordic Arctic Programme funded project. Additional financial support was provided by Innovation South Greenland for engagement with local communities.