EU to Increase Investment in Greenland Amid Trump’s Pressure
World
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has arrived in Greenland for a two-day visit aimed at demonstrating support for the island and its government amid repeated statements by US President Donald Trump that Washington should establish control over Greenland. On Monday, von der Leyen is expected to announce new EU investment plans and stronger political ties with the Danish autonomous territory.
According to Reuters, von der Leyen is expected to present investment plans covering strategic areas for Greenland, including critical minerals, satellite communications and renewable energy. On Sunday in Nuuk, the island’s capital, the European Commission president said the new package would be “significant” but did not disclose its size.
Earlier, the European Commission proposed allocating €530 million to Greenland under the EU budget for 2028–2034. Von der Leyen said the proposal reflected Greenland’s “growing geostrategic importance in the Arctic.” Reports have also indicated that an additional €200 million for the island could be announced during her visit.
In January, von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa stressed the importance of “territorial integrity and sovereignty” and expressed “full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.”
Since returning to the White House in January last year, Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States should establish control over Greenland for “national security” reasons. He has said that otherwise the island could come under the control of China or Russia.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the island seeks to develop “close friendships and good partnerships” with the EU.
Against this backdrop, the geopolitical importance of the Arctic is increasing for the United States, Russia, China and Europe. The material notes that melting ice is opening new maritime routes and making the region’s mineral resources more accessible.
The United States is also considering strengthening its presence in Greenland. In May, Trump’s special envoy for Greenland, Jeff Landry, who is also governor of Louisiana, said it was necessary to “reestablish its presence” in the territory. According to him, this could involve expanding national-security-related operations and reoccupying some bases.
Earlier, the European Commission proposed allocating €530 million to Greenland under the EU budget for 2028–2034. Von der Leyen said the proposal reflected Greenland’s “growing geostrategic importance in the Arctic.” Reports have also indicated that an additional €200 million for the island could be announced during her visit.
In January, von der Leyen and European Council President António Costa stressed the importance of “territorial integrity and sovereignty” and expressed “full solidarity with Denmark and the people of Greenland.”
Since returning to the White House in January last year, Trump has repeatedly argued that the United States should establish control over Greenland for “national security” reasons. He has said that otherwise the island could come under the control of China or Russia.
Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the island seeks to develop “close friendships and good partnerships” with the EU.
Against this backdrop, the geopolitical importance of the Arctic is increasing for the United States, Russia, China and Europe. The material notes that melting ice is opening new maritime routes and making the region’s mineral resources more accessible.
The United States is also considering strengthening its presence in Greenland. In May, Trump’s special envoy for Greenland, Jeff Landry, who is also governor of Louisiana, said it was necessary to “reestablish its presence” in the territory. According to him, this could involve expanding national-security-related operations and reoccupying some bases.
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