On Wednesday, Jens-Frederik Nielsen addressed Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in Strasbourg, marking a historic moment as the first leader of a Greenlandic government to speak before this body. In his address, Premier Nielsen, who assumed office in April 2025, articulated, “Greenland needs the European Union, and the European Union needs Greenland,” thereby underscoring the significance of the partnership between Greenland and the EU and expressing appreciation for the EU’s steadfast support during challenging times.
Premier Nielsen highlighted the potential to strengthen further cooperation in various critical areas, including mining, renewable energy, the digital divide, youth education, and sustainable tourism. He noted that Greenland is home to 24 of the 34 critical minerals identified by the European Union, which presents substantial opportunities for collaboration. Nielsen pointed out that while Greenland possesses many of the critical raw minerals sought by the EU, the extraction of these resources is “capital intensive.”
Furthermore, he emphasised the importance of trade relations, particularly in the context of fish and shellfish, and advocated for mutually beneficial trade practices.
Nielsen urged EU member states to capitalise on the untapped hydroelectric potential available through the island’s rivers and glaciers.
The Premier characterised 2025 as an eventful year for Greenland, acknowledging the pressing challenges posed by climate change. He refrained from discussing any specific political issues related to the island’s status. Instead, he focused on how the Arctic is being transformed by accelerating climate change, transboundary pollution, and biodiversity loss.
Nielsen emphasised that the people of Greenland have a longstanding commitment to living sustainably off both land and sea and expressed concern regarding the impact of the EU’s general prohibition on placing seal products on the market, highlighting the cultural significance of seal hunting to Inuit heritage.
Given the geopolitical tensions surrounding Greenland, particularly in light of US President Donald Trump‘s previous remarks regarding the island, Premier Nielsen has emphasised the need for respectful management of US-Greenland relations, stressing adherence to international law. He expressed a desire for improved cooperation with the United States, predicated on a foundation of mutual respect.
While Greenland operates as an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, both Greenlandic and Danish authorities reaffirm their commitment to Greenland’s right to self-determination, declaring that Greenland is “not for sale.”
Welcoming Premier Nielsen, European Parliament President, Roberta Metsola said, “With Greenland as a strategic partner, we are working side by side to strengthen stability across the Arctic, to counter hybrid threats, and to tackle growing security risks. This Parliament will always stand with the people of Greenland for their right to choose their own path, for their territorial integrity,. When Greenland looks to Europe, they will find friends and allies.”
