Von der Leyen visits Greenland as EU seeks greater Arctic role

The European Union is preparing to boost investment in Greenland, as Brussels moves to deepen political and economic ties with the Arctic territory amid growing strategic competition involving the U.S., Russia and China.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Greenland on Sunday for a two-day visit, during which she is expected to announce a new investment package covering critical minerals, satellite communications and renewable energy.

Von der Leyen said the package would be “substantial” but gave no further details. Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the territory wanted to build on its “close friendship and good partnership” with the EU.

Arctic competition grows

The visit comes as Greenland’s strategic importance grows, driven by its location, mineral resources and new opportunities emerging in the Arctic as climate change reduces ice coverage.

The region is increasingly at the centre of competition among major powers, including the U.S., Russia and China, while Europe seeks to strengthen its own position.

U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly pushed for Washington to gain control of Greenland, arguing that the U.S. needs a stronger strategic position in the Arctic. His proposals have been rejected by Greenland and Denmark, which have stressed the territory’s autonomy and existing NATO ties.

European officials say Greenland is already protected under NATO’s collective defence framework and that the U.S. has existing rights to expand its military presence on the territory under a longstanding agreement.

EU seeks deeper partnership

Denmark is an EU member, but Greenland left the bloc in 1985. Greenlanders, however, remain EU citizens through their Danish citizenship.

The EU has traditionally supported Greenland through funding primarily focused on sectors including fisheries and education. The new package is expected to broaden cooperation in strategic sectors including minerals, renewable energy and digital infrastructure.

NATO has also stepped up its focus on Arctic security. Around 40 Dutch marines are due to begin training in western Greenland as part of a wider alliance exercise aimed at strengthening Arctic defence capabilities.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the territory, Denmark and its partners must work together, comparing their relationship to “three people in the same boat” who must move in the same direction.

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With competition for Arctic resources and security intensifying, Greenland is becoming an increasingly important focal point in the broader struggle for influence across the High North.

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News Politics Greenland Ursula Von der Leyen