Von der Leyen unveils €200 million investment package for Greenland

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen presented a €200 million investment package for Greenland, declaring that the island "can count on the EU" as Brussels seeks to strengthen its relationship with the semi-autonomous territory of Denmark.

Von der Leyen signed an EU-Greenland declaration with Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen. She said the investment partnership would create new opportunities and establish a stronger, more engaged European Union presence in Greenland and the Arctic, "because Greenland is a strategic ally and a loyal friend."

The package is intended to support Greenland's fisheries, internet connectivity, hydropower systems and use of critical minerals. It will also provide funding for housing, small businesses and sustainable tourism.

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Greenland can count on the EU.

The EU has increased its focus on Greenland since U.S. President Donald Trump began insisting that the United States should take control of the island for security reasons. His repeated claims have raised concerns about sovereignty and drawn opposition from leaders in Greenland and Denmark, while increasing tensions among NATO allies.

In January, Denmark and seven European allies sent a small military contingent to Greenland for exercises publicly described as efforts to strengthen Arctic security. The deployment also signaled support for Greenland's sovereignty. Trump threatened new tariffs against Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Britain. The countries said the threats undermined transatlantic relations and risked a dangerous downward spiral. Trump eventually backed away after NATO agreed to an Arctic security arrangement. Von der Leyen's visit coincided with the start of NATO exercises involving about 400 troops, including Arctic-trained special forces from Canada, Denmark and Finland. No U.S. troops are taking part in the Atlantic Shield exercises, which run from Sept. 7 to Sept. 18.

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because Greenland is a strategic ally and a loyal friend.