EU Commission President von der Leyen Visits Greenland to Sign New Partnership Deal
On Sunday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen commenced a two-day trip to Greenland aimed at enhancing EU collaboration with the Arctic territory, despite assertions of US control by President Donald Trump. A new declaration between the EU and Greenland is set to be signed on Monday, with investment commitments anticipated to total hundreds of millions of euros. Von der Leyen referred to the visit as solidifying a distinctive partnership, declaring on social media, "We are family." Upon her arrival at Nuuk airport, she was welcomed by Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. Nielsen highlighted the visit as a testament to their strong friendship and partnership. Although Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark, it enjoys significant autonomy and is not an EU member. The trip highlights the EU's strategic interest in Greenland's resources amid Arctic competition.
Key facts
- European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Greenland on Sunday for a two-day visit.
- A new EU-Greenland declaration is to be signed on Monday.
- Investment pledges running into the hundreds of millions are expected.
- Von der Leyen was received at Nuuk airport by Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
- Von der Leyen said the visit was about further cementing a unique partnership and wrote on social media, "We are family."
- Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but is largely autonomous and not a member of the European Union.
- The visit occurs despite US President Donald Trump's claims of control over the Arctic island.
- Nielsen said the visit represented a very close friendship and a good partnership to build on.
Entities
Institutions
- European Commission
- European Union
- Kingdom of Denmark
Locations
- Greenland
- Nuuk
- Denmark