In the unfolding narrative surrounding Greenland, the European Union has firmly positioned itself alongside Denmark. This stance was articulated by European Commission spokeswoman Anitta Hipper during a press conference in Brussels, prompted by inquiries about the impending visit from a high-profile US delegation. The planned visit, which includes Usha Vance—the wife of the US Vice President—alongside National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and Energy Minister Chris Wright, has ignited a wave of criticism from both Greenlandic and Danish authorities.
The Acting Prime Minister of Greenland, Mute B. Egede, took to Facebook to convey his strong sentiments, denouncing the visit as anything but a private affair. He declared, “Our integrity and democracy must be respected without any outside interference,” a resolute stance against perceived encroachment.
Hipper emphasised that the EU is steadfastly committed to the principles of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and upholding the Charter of the United Nations. She affirmed that these are universal tenets that “we champion, and we will not waver in our defence of them, particularly in light of any threats to the territorial integrity of our EU member states.”
In a clear message, Hipper insisted that the EU’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark is paramount.
Meanwhile, Egede cautioned that until a new government is formed in Greenland, there will be no meetings with the visiting US delegation. This situation follows the recent elections in early March.
Greenland’s Prime Minister called the visit ‘very aggressive American pressure.’ He added: ‘Until recently, we could trust the Americans, who were our allies and friends, and with whom we enjoyed working closely … But that time is over.’
In a rallying call to the people of Greenland, the Prime Minister urged citizens to “unite in defence of the country.” His words resonated strongly after an anti-American demonstration swept through Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, in mid-March, where nearly 1,000 Greenlanders took to the streets in a show of solidarity and national pride.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen added her thoughts, emphasising that the US delegation’s visit should not be viewed in isolation from a context filled with prior public declarations. Recently, US President Donald Trump has publicly expressed a notable desire to acquire Greenland, stirring both intrigue and discontent. “We aspire to cooperate with the Americans,” Frederiksen asserted, “but such collaboration must be built on the foundational values of sovereignty and mutual respect between nations and their people.”
