Sought-After Island: von der Leyen Arrives in Greenland for a Highly Sensitive Visit

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen arrived in Greenland on Sunday for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening the EU’s ties with the resource-rich Arctic island. A new EU-Greenland declaration is due to be signed on Monday, and investment commitments worth hundreds of millions of euros are expected.

“It's about further consolidating a unique partnership,” von der Leyen wrote on her arrival. She added a short message on social media: “We are family.” Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen received her at the airport in Nuuk.

Greenland enjoys broad autonomy but remains part of Denmark, an EU member state. The visit is sensitive because the United States, under President Donald Trump, has asserted claims over the island and sought to force its sale. Trump argues that Denmark cannot protect the world’s largest island from Russia and China.

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It’s about further consolidating a unique partnership.

Greenland’s population is only about 57,000, but its extensive deposits of critical raw materials have also made the territory strategically attractive. Trump renewed his claims over Greenland in July and linked them to an ongoing review of the US military presence in Europe. The United States could reduce its contribution to deterring Russia if it does not secure what it considers a satisfactory agreement on Greenland’s future, according to the article.

It remains unclear whether Trump still considers himself bound by an understanding brokered by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte in January. That arrangement was intended to protect Arctic security through joint action by the seven Arctic allies: the United States, Canada, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. NATO sources said the United States could also be allowed to expand its military presence in Greenland and might receive a say over certain investments.

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We are family.