Denmark opens door to reconciliation process with Greenland

Denmark’s new government has signaled willingness to establish a reconciliation commission with Greenland, marking a shift from its 2013 refusal to participate in such efforts, state broadcaster DR reports.

The coalition agreement between the Social Democrats, Socialist People’s Party, Radical Left, and Moderates states that Denmark and Greenland’s government, Naalakkersuisut, will “dare to examine the dark chapters” of their shared history. An expert group will first conduct a comprehensive historical review, which could lead to the formation of a formal reconciliation commission.

“Together with Naalakkersuisut, the government will follow up on the historical investigation once completed, for example by establishing a reconciliation commission,” the agreement reads.

In 2013, then-Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt rejected Greenland’s invitation to join its reconciliation process, stating Denmark saw “no need for reconciliation,” though she acknowledged the importance of the debate for Greenlanders. The subsequent 2014–2017 commission, which proceeded without Danish involvement, focused on internal reconciliation and the societal impacts of colonialism.

Qarsoq Høegh-Dam, a Folketing member for the Greenlandic party Naleraq, welcomed the policy shift. “Where they once said no outright, they’re now proactively offering it,” he said. “This is crucial for good cooperation—now and in the future.”

Astrid Nonbo Andersen, a senior researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies, noted Denmark’s slow recognition of reconciliation processes compared to its Nordic neighbors. Sweden, Norway, and Finland established truth and reconciliation commissions between 2018 and 2021 to address historical injustices against Sámi, Kven, and other Indigenous groups.

“Denmark’s bureaucracy long viewed these questions as dangerous, fearing they could trigger compensation claims,” Andersen said. She added that investigations alone do not equate to reconciliation, citing international cases where unresolved follow-up deepened conflicts.

The government’s announcement follows recent apologies by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, including a 2020 statement on the 1951 “experiment children” and a 2025 apology for the non-consensual IUD insertions of Greenlandic women between 1960 and 1991. A political agreement now commits to fast-tracking compensation legislation for the latter.