EU pledges hundreds of millions to Greenland amid Trump territorial claims

The European Commission has pledged investment running into hundreds of millions for Greenland as President Ursula von der Leyen arrived to formalize a new partnership declaration, a move that underscores Brussels' determination to strengthen ties with the Arctic territory despite recent U.S. pressure.

Von der Leyen touched down at Nuuk airport, where she was received by Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, ahead of the signing ceremony scheduled for the next day. The two-day visit, which began on a Sunday, comes as U.S. President Donald Trump has made claims of control over the resource-rich island.

"We Are Family"

Upon arrival, von der Leyen described the visit as being about further cementing a unique partnership, writing on social media that "we are family". At a brief joint press appearance, Nielsen said von der Leyen's visit represented a very close friendship, a good partnership and something they wanted to build on further.

The new EU-Greenland declaration represents Brussels' effort to deepen cooperation with the Arctic island despite Trump's claims. Greenland is part of the Kingdom of Denmark but is largely autonomous and not a member of the European Union.

The visit signals Europe's strategic intent to secure influence in the Arctic at a moment when the region's geopolitical importance has come into sharp focus. The investment pledges are expected to be formalized when the declaration is signed.

Source: South China Morning Post