In a show of solidarity and support for Greenland, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has announced her upcoming visit to the autonomous territory to strengthen the bond between the two nations. Scheduled to embark on a three-day tour starting April 2, Frederiksen intends to meet with Greenland's new premier, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, and key members of his coalition government.
The visit comes at a crucial time, following recent statements by US Vice President JD Vance reiterating claims that Denmark has been an inadequate ally for Greenland, and positioning the island as a crucial asset for US national security. Despite these assertions, the overwhelming sentiment among Greenlanders is against becoming part of the US.
Expressing admiration for the resilience and foresight of the Greenlandic people and politicians in the face of mounting external pressures, Prime Minister Frederiksen emphasized the importance of unity across political divides and respectful cooperation within the commonwealth.
Greenland, a longstanding part of the Kingdom of Denmark with a semi-autonomous status since 1979, has seen a shift towards increasing aspirations for full independence, with differing opinions among Greenlandic political factions regarding the timeline for this transition.
In response to US overtures towards Greenland, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asserted unequivocal support for Greenland and Denmark's sovereignty, emphasizing the need for partners that value and respect their independence and self-determination.
Standing in solidarity with Greenland, the European Union underscores its commitment to upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Arctic territory, affirming the right of Greenland and its people to forge their own path forward, free from external coercion.