EU strengthens its Arctic presence as von der Leyen heads to Greenland

Ursula von der Leyen is heading to Greenland on Sept. 6 and 7 as the European Union seeks to deepen its partnership with the autonomous Arctic island. The visit carries both geopolitical and symbolic weight, coming as Greenland’s strategic importance grows and U.S. ambitions in the region draw attention.

The official purpose is to strengthen ties between the EU and Greenland. But the timing is closely linked to Donald Trump’s repeated statements that Washington should gain control of the island, which he has described as an “absolute necessity” for U.S. security. Denmark, Greenland and Brussels have reacted strongly, insisting that Greenland’s residents alone have the right to decide the island’s future.

During the visit, von der Leyen will meet Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Faroese Prime Minister Beinir Johannesen. Their discussions will address the challenges and opportunities facing Greenland and the wider Arctic.

The program will begin with a visit to Greenland’s ice sheet by von der Leyen, Nielsen and Frederiksen. Beyond its climate symbolism, the trip is intended to highlight the effects of rapidly melting ice, which is dramatically changing the Arctic’s economic and strategic environment. On Monday, the leaders will inaugurate an enhanced satellite-connectivity program at telecommunications company Tusass and sign a renewed EU-Greenland-Denmark declaration on developing their relations.

The Commission president will be accompanied by International Partnerships Commissioner Jozef Síkela and EU Arctic relations adviser Jyrki Katainen. Their presence reflects Brussels’ growing focus on Greenland as a partner in infrastructure, connectivity, raw materials and security, as the Arctic gains geopolitical importance through emerging sea routes and critical mineral deposits.

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