The EU to strengthen its relationship with Greenland

Sep 7, 2026

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EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is in Greenland along with Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to sign a renewed partnership agreement with Greenland which will come with an increased investment by the EU of up to €200 million for 2027. A longer-term proposal of up to €530 million in investments during the 2028-2034 period may also be signed.

The EU seeks to help Greenland exploit its critical raw materials and build its renewable energy infrastructure and communications network. The EU is also helping to uplift Greenland’s SMEs.

The agreement is a continuation of the 2015 joint-agreement which establishes political ties between Greenland and the EU and close cooperation on matters including fisheries and renewable energy. Both sides seek to expand and develop this original agreement.

Greenland’s Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen hailed the visit and augured for the continued strengthening of Greenland’s relations with the EU. Last October, Premier Nielsen urged the EU to trade more with Greenland including on critical raw-materials which the EU desperately needs. Greenland’s Prime Minister has also consistently rejected the idea of becoming part of the United States of America in favour of closer ties with Europe.

Upon her arrival, the trio took a boat trip through Arctic waters and visited melting ice caps, observing the ongoing consequences of climate change. The EU Commission President said that melting ice caps are opening new trade routes and bringing new security issues, but the EU will help and support Greenland in these matters.