European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to sign a joint declaration with Greenland on Monday as the European Union moves to deepen ties with the Arctic territory.
Von der Leyen’s arrival in Greenland on Sunday comes as the Danish autonomous territory has drawn renewed attention after United States President Donald Trump’s threats earlier this year to take control of the island.
The latest visit also aims to reaffirm the bloc’s support for the territory, while the declaration is expected to strengthen co-operation between the two sides.
Strategic importance
Greenland has become increasingly important because of its strategic location, abundant critical raw materials and growing role in Arctic security, according to analysts.
Trump had initially expressed intent to annex the territory by force, though he later ruled it out. Since then, Washington has formed a working group with Denmark and Greenland to discuss future co-operation.
Von der Leyen’s visit coincides with the start of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation’s (NATO) Arctic Shield military exercise, involving troops from ten countries, which geopolitics researcher Mikaa Blugeon-Mered said is “not insignificant coincidence”, Agence France-Presse reported.
Denmark and NATO have also stepped up investment in Greenland’s defence after repeated criticism from the Trump administration over Arctic security, according to AFP.
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Deeper EU ties
Von der Leyen is expected to unveil additional EUR200 million EU funding for Greenland during her visit to Nuuk, where she will be joined by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, according to the Financial Times.
Ahead of the visit, Nielsen also appeared to allude to Trump’s pursuit of the island.
“The EU has made clear its support for us in the geopolitical situation, while responding to our desire for even greater partnership. I look very much forward to the coming days and to share more about the importance of the Joint Declaration for Greenland,” the prime minister said, as reported by CNBC.
Following Trump’s renewed interest in Greenland, Brussels has proposed doubling direct EU aid to Greenland to USD616 million under the bloc’s 2028-2034 budget.
Long-term partnership
While NATO remains Greenland’s primary source of military security, analysts said the EU can provide political support and long-term economic investment.
“Greenland needs investment, infrastructure and markets if it is to realise its mining ambitions, while the EU is looking for more secure and diversified access to critical raw materials,” Marc Jacobsen, a researcher at the Royal Danish Defence College, said in an AFP report.
“The EU cannot provide Greenland with a military security guarantee in the way NATO can, but it can provide something politically important: a clear signal that Greenland is not standing alone.”
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