Danish PM in 'unity' Greenland visit amid US takeover threats
Denmark’s Prime Minister, Mette Frederiksen, is visiting Greenland on a three-day trip to strengthen Denmark’s unity with the autonomous territory, following tensions with the United States. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in purchasing Greenland, citing the island’s valuable resources and strategic position in the Arctic. This has caused significant friction between Denmark and the US.
Frederiksen emphasized the importance of solidarity with Greenland, especially given the pressure from the US on issues of sovereignty and security. "We need to stay united," she said upon arriving on the island, which has 57,000 residents, many of whom desire independence from Denmark but do not want to join the United States.
The visit follows a provocative trip by US Vice President JD Vance to Greenland and Denmark, which led to further strains between the parties. It also comes after a new Greenland coalition government, led by the centre-right Democrats party, was formed following the March elections.
Frederiksen’s visit is seen as a move to reassure Greenlanders of Denmark’s commitment to the territory’s future. Experts have noted that Greenlanders are likely to feel reassured by the presence of Denmark’s head of government, as past efforts from Copenhagen were perceived as accommodating US interests, especially under Trump’s administration.
The Prime Minister’s visit is also seen as an opportunity for Denmark to showcase its support for Greenland while navigating tensions with the US. It is expected that Frederiksen will maintain Denmark’s stance on enhancing the US military presence in Greenland under a 1951 defense agreement, but the issue of US interest in Greenland’s resources remains a sensitive topic.
The US is reportedly evaluating the costs and potential profits from controlling Greenland, which remains a point of contention. Denmark is also planning meetings with US officials, though Greenland’s future is not expected to be a central focus at these discussions.
