EU chief inaugurates $232 million Greenland package as tensions heighten with Trump claims
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled on Monday a 200-million-euro ($232 million) investment package for Greenland, as the European Union seeks to boost its relations with the vast island.
“Greenland can count on the EU,” von der Leyen said, after signing an EU-Greenland declaration with Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Greenland is a semiautonomous territory of NATO ally Denmark. The EU has increased its focus on Greenland since US President Donald Trump began insisting that the United States should take control of the island for security reasons.
Von der Leyen said the investment partnership “will create new opportunities and a strong and engaged EU in both Greenland and the Arctic, because Greenland is a strategic ally and a trusted friend.” It aims to help Greenland improve education and fisheries, internet connectivity, hydropower systems, and the use of critical raw minerals. Funds are also earmarked for better housing, support for small businesses and sustainable tourism.
Trump’s persistent claims on the island raised sovereignty concerns and pushback from Greenlandic and Danish leaders and heightened tensions among thae NATO partners. Denmark and seven of its European allies sent a small group of military personnel to island in January, publicly for military exercises focused on strengthening Arctic security, but with intention of showing support for Greenland’s sovereignty.
