EU pledges €200 million to Greenland as Arctic geopolitics heat up
The EU announced €200 million in new funding for Greenland and signed an updated cooperation declaration, as Arctic competition intensifies.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a €200 million ($232 million) investment package for Greenland on Monday, during a visit to the island's capital, Nuuk. The funds are intended to strengthen ties between the EU and the semi-autonomous Danish territory.
Von der Leyen made the announcement alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen. The three leaders also signed an updated Joint Declaration on EU-Greenland Cooperation, expanding collaboration into areas such as infrastructure, connectivity, maritime management, and civil preparedness.
"It reflects a clear choice expressed by Greenland to strengthen the ties with the European Union," von der Leyen said at a press conference. She added that Europe has also made a choice "to be more present and more engaged in Greenland and in the Arctic."
Nielsen welcomed the EU's continued support, calling the bloc "a loyal and trusted friend." He said the updated declaration creates a framework for "more frequent and robust dialogues."
The investment package will focus on education, fisheries, internet connectivity, hydropower, and critical raw minerals. Funds are also earmarked for housing, small businesses, and sustainable tourism.
The visit comes amid heightened geopolitical attention on the Arctic. Von der Leyen noted that the region has become "one of the places where the tectonic plates of geopolitics collide," and said the EU is preparing a new Arctic strategy to be presented this autumn.
The EU's outreach follows repeated statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting the United States should take control of Greenland for security reasons. Those remarks were rejected by Greenlandic and Danish leaders and caused friction among NATO allies.
Separately, around 400 military personnel from 11 NATO countries began the Arctic Shield exercises in Greenland on Monday. The drills, running from September 7 to 18, involve special forces from Canada, Denmark, and Finland, but no U.S. troops.