OMM Redaksiyası
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on Monday a 200 million euro ($232 million) agreement with Greenland.
Known as the “Global Gateway Partnership Package,” the initiative aims to strengthen cooperation between the European Union and Greenland. The agreement was announced amid growing US interest in the Arctic island.
The package will support investment in several priority areas, including education, fisheries, satellite and cable communications, hydropower and critical raw materials.
The European Union will also finance projects aimed at improving daily life in Greenland. These include improving housing conditions, developing sustainable tourism and supporting small businesses.
The EU said the investments would create new economic opportunities for Greenland’s population and contribute to a sustainable, prosperous and peaceful Arctic region.
“Greenland can count on the EU. That was my main message during my last visit. Today, I have returned to present the tangible results of our close cooperation,” von der Leyen said.
She added that the initiative would create new opportunities in Greenland and across the Arctic. Von der Leyen described Greenland as a strategic ally and a trusted friend.
The European Commission president reaffirmed the EU’s support for Greenland’s sovereignty and its right to determine its own future. The statement came after US President Donald Trump repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring the territory.
“Greenland’s future must be determined by the Greenlandic people and Denmark. By no one else. Territorial integrity, sovereignty and the inviolability of borders are fundamental principles of international law,” von der Leyen stressed.
The financial package was announced after von der Leyen signed a joint EU-Greenland declaration with Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
Greenland, a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, is also part of the NATO alliance. The island’s strategic location, mineral resources and proximity to North America have drawn increasing geopolitical attention.
Nielsen called the 27-member EU a “loyal and reliable friend.” He said Greenland faced “new challenges” that it could not address alone.
Von der Leyen also announced that the EU wanted to double its budget support for Greenland under the 2028-2034 Multiannual Financial Framework, raising it to 530 million euros, or approximately $616 million.
