EU foreign policy chief pledges continued support for Greenland

ISTANBUL

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reiterated on Tuesday the bloc’s "full support" for Greenland and Denmark, emphasizing sovereignty, Arctic security, and the need for peaceful cooperation in the region.

Kallas welcomed Greenland’s new coalition government formed in April, following the March 11 elections, and stressed that decisions over Greenland’s future must remain in the hands of its people.

"This is exactly how it should be, government for the people, decided by the people," she said in Brussels.

Stressing the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity, Kallas noted that these values are essential to maintaining a rules-based international order.

"This is precisely why the European Union fully supports Denmark and Greenland and coordinates its positions with both honorable members,” she added.

​​​​​​​Kallas also highlighted that the bloc is Greenland’s largest international partner, contributing around 4% of its governmental budget.

Recalling European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Greenland in March 2024, Kallas noted the inauguration of the EU’s permanent office in Nuuk, Greenland's capital.

"Having a permanent presence in Greenland is important for collaboration, investment, and deepening cooperation across a variety of fields," she said.

Amid rising security concerns due to Russia’s war in Ukraine and growing military activity in the Arctic, Kallas stressed the need for vigilance.

"While there is no direct military threat, dual-use activities, economic security concerns, and sabotage of submarine cables make it essential to remain alert," she warned.

Kallas said the EU is addressing such risks through joint initiatives, including strengthened cooperation with NATO and Arctic partners such as Iceland, Norway, and Canada.

However, she identified climate change as the “largest and most concrete threat” to the Arctic, warning that the region is warming three to four times faster than the global average.

"The melting sea ice and thawing permafrost pose serious challenges to livelihoods and open up potential shipping routes and resource access, which could further heighten security tensions," she said.

- Trump’s interest in Greenland

Since returning to the office in January, US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland despite Denmark's rejections.

Greenland has been part of the Kingdom of Denmark since the 18th century and was granted home rule in 1979.

Situated between the Arctic and Atlantic oceans, it is rich in minerals and strategically located.

Both Denmark and Greenland have rejected any proposal to sell the territory. A survey conducted in January found that 85% of Greenland’s population opposes joining the US.

In March, Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen urged European countries to stand with the territory, asserting that it is not for sale.

“Stand with us and make clear that Greenland is not and will never be for sale. Greenland is run by the Greenlandic people, and that will never change,” Nielsen told Anadolu.