Kallas: EU stands by Greenland’s sovereignty

European Commission Vice-President Kaja Kallas addressed the European Parliament, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to Greenland and emphasizing support for its people amid growing geopolitical interest in the Arctic, highlighting both financial aid and security cooperation.

"We have proposed to double our financial support for Greenland in the EU’s next multi-year budget. The leaders of Greenland and Denmark have been absolutely clear: the future of Greenland is for its people alone to decide," Kallas said.

She stressed that while the EU encourages dialogue, threats from outside parties risk undermining cooperation. "The United States, Denmark, and Greenland have been engaging in direct talks. That is what responsible allies do—they talk. But the tone of these discussions matters, as do threats made outside of them. Let me be abundantly clear: threats will not pressure Denmark into handing over Greenland. They only risk making both Europe and the United States poorer and undermining our shared prosperity."

Highlighting Greenland’s strategic importance, Kallas noted, "The Arctic is a new frontier for geostrategic competition. As Arctic ice melts, there is a growing risk that Russia and China will continue to increase their presence in the region." She said NATO and European forces are contributing to stability in Greenland, with military personnel on scouting missions to ensure safety without threatening others.

Kallas also linked Arctic security to broader environmental and geopolitical concerns. "Climate change is transforming the Arctic faster than any other place on the planet. Melting ice is opening new routes and economic opportunities, but it also creates new risks," she said, noting that Russia’s war in Ukraine has affected Arctic security and cooperation.

The EU is updating its Arctic policy to strengthen preparedness, societal resilience, and economic security while keeping Greenlandic priorities at the forefront. "Our Arctic engagement must reflect this reality: firm on geopolitical and geoeconomic challenges, resolute on climate action, and centered on the people who live in the region. In this effort, we stand by Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark," Kallas concluded.

By Aghakazim Guliyev