European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled a 200-million-euro investment package for Greenland during the second of a two-day visit. The European Union has increased its focus on the vast, strategic island since President Donald Trump began insisting that the United States should take control of it for security reasons.
Issued on: 07/09/2026 - 16:58
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Following a two-day visit to Nuuk, the capital of the Danish autonomous territory, von der Leyen stressed that "Greenland's future is for the people of Greenland and Denmark to decide, no one else." US President Donald Trump insisted earlier this year that Washington needed to control Greenland for national security reasons, though he ultimately ruled out annexing it by force. "Territorial integrity sovereignty, the inviolability of borders, these are fundamental principles of international law," von der Leyen told a press conference alongside Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Greenlandic counterpart Jens-Frederik Nielsen. Von der Leyen also announced the EU-Greenland Partnership Package, which comes on top of the doubling of direct EU aid to Greenland, intended to support the development of concrete projects. Von der Leyen said the investment partnership "will create new opportunities and a strong and engaged EU in both Greenland and the Arctic, because Greenland is a strategic ally and a trusted friend." 'American? No!' says Greenland after latest Trump threat It will also help Greenland improve education and fisheries, internet connectivity, hydropower systems, and the use of critical raw minerals. Funds are also earmarked for better housing, support to small businesses and sustainable tourism. US President Donald Trump’s persistent claims on the island have raised sovereignty concerns and pushback from Greenlandic and Danish leaders and heightened tensions among NATO allies. Denmark and seven of its European allies sent a small group of military personnel to the island in January, publicly for military exercises focused on strengthening Arctic security, but with the intention of showing support for Greenland’s sovereignty.
