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EU's von der Leyen visits Greenland amid Arctic security concerns

06.09.2026 11:00
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen began a two-day visit to Greenland on Sunday, with Arctic security and closer EU-Greenland cooperation high on the agenda as geopolitical interest in the region grows.
Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyentwitter

Von der Leyen is due to meet Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Faroese Prime Minister Beinir Johannesen in Nuuk.

The European Commission said the visit would underline Europe's commitment to the Arctic and address the main challenges and opportunities facing Greenland and the wider region.

On Sunday, von der Leyen is expected to travel by boat with Nielsen and Frederiksen toward Greenland's ice sheet. On Monday, the leaders will launch an expanded satellite connectivity project at Tusass, Greenland's telecommunications operator.

They are also due to sign a renewed Joint Declaration between the EU, Greenland's government, Naalakkersuisut, and Denmark, setting out priorities for further cooperation.

The European Union is currently reviewing its Arctic policy as it seeks to respond to rapid changes in the region and prepare for future security and geopolitical challenges.

Von der Leyen has also announced plans to double EU funding for Greenland under the bloc's 2028-2034 budget. Total EU support for the island is expected to exceed 500 million euros.

The visit comes as Greenland has drawn increasing attention from the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly questioned Denmark's control over the autonomous territory and said he wants the United States to take control of the island.

Tensions escalated in January when Trump threatened additional tariffs on eight European countries that had backed Copenhagen over Greenland. He withdrew the tariff threat several days later.

Trump renewed his claims in July, saying ahead of the NATO summit in Turkey that Greenland should be controlled by the United States rather than Denmark.

 

(aj)

SOURCE: PAP; IAR