EU chief due in Greenland to boost Arctic ties

EU chief Ursula von der Leyen is set to visit Greenland for a two-day trip starting on Sunday, aiming to reinforce the European Union's allegiance to the autonomous Danish territory. The bloc seeks to enhance its presence in the Arctic, given Greenland's strategic location, valuable raw materials, and role in Arctic security. Marc Jacobsen, a researcher from the Royal Danish Defence College, explained that Greenland holds significance for the EU as a gateway to the Arctic and due to its geopolitical importance.

Despite Trump's earlier intentions to secure the island for national security, he ultimately declined to annex it by force. In January, von der Leyen had promised substantial EU investment in Greenland to bolster Arctic security. During her visit, she is expected to endorse a joint declaration between the EU and Greenland, as well as potentially propose an extra €200 million in support.

Von der Leyen's visit aligns with the beginning of NATO's Arctic Shield military exercise, involving troops from ten nations. The timing of her trip is deemed significant by some experts, as the US administration has continuously criticized Denmark's neglect of Greenland and Arctic security. While the EU cannot offer military security like NATO, it can provide a politically vital message that Greenland is not isolated.

The US has maintained pressure on Greenland, albeit less vocally since Trump's May visit by his special envoy Jeff Landry. Greenland is grappling with challenges in developing its mining industry and oil and gas exploration, which could aid its pursuit of independence from Denmark. European interests in Greenland and its mining sector are seen as highly complementary, with the EU seeking to secure diverse access to critical raw materials.