The European Union plans to significantly strengthen its political, economic, and defense support for Greenland amid the growing importance of the Arctic region for global security.
According to the European bureau Report, this was announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at the World Economic Forum in Davos.
“The EU considers Arctic security a strategic priority and stands in full solidarity with Greenland and the Kingdom of Denmark,” she said, adding that Greenland’s sovereignty and territorial integrity are “non-negotiable.”
Von der Leyen said that the European Union is preparing a large-scale investment package for Greenland. It will be aimed at developing the local economy and infrastructure and increasing the region’s sustainability. The initiative is planned to be implemented in close coordination with the authorities of Greenland and Denmark.
Special attention was paid to military and defense issues in the speech. The EU intends to increase investment in Arctic security, including by creating a European icebreaker fleet and supplying specialized equipment. According to von der Leyen, the northern NATO countries already have forces adapted to Arctic conditions, and the security of the region can only be ensured through the joint efforts of the allies.
