The European Union backs Greenland in deciding its own future and wants to build on an already strong relationship with the Danish autonomous territory, the EU High Representative on Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas stated.
Kallas spoke on the issue at a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg. She underlined that Greenland chose democratically its government in a general election in March, and the people of Greenland are those with the power to decide their future, in a clear rebuttal of the US’s interest over the territory.
During her speech, the commissioner said the EU is already among Greenland’s highest international partners and contributes around 4% of its budget. This partnership has been recently strengthened by opening an EU office in Greenland’s capital, Nuuk. The office will help the bloc and the Arctic island deepen their cooperation, facilitating private and public engagement and investments.
In addition, Kallas welcomed Denmark’s upcoming chairing of the Arctic Council. The Nordic country will have Greenland get the chairmanship on behalf of Copenhagen. Greenlander Kenneth Høegh will be chair of the Senior Arctic Officials. This will ensure Greenland a voice in dealings with the Arctic issue, an increasingly important geopolitical region. Security threats are also high on the list for the area, with the EU working on strengthening submarine cables’ security and more dialogue with NATO and partner countries like Iceland, Norway and Canada.
