Greenland meetings focus on security, reconciliation and EU ties

Political leaders from Greenland, Denmark, the Faroe Islands and the European Union have held a series of meetings in Greenland, with security, a possible reconciliation commission and closer EU cooperation on the agenda, DR reports.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Greenland on Sunday and Monday. On Monday, Greenland’s head of government, Jens-Frederik Nielsen, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen and Faroese Prime Minister Beinir Johannesen held the semi-annual meeting between the three governments.

On Tuesday, a number of ministers are due to meet in the Foreign, Security and Defence Policy Contact Committee.

The meetings are taking place as cooperation between Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Denmark faces geopolitical pressure. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly expressed a desire to control Greenland.

Security policy at the centre of talks

The meeting between the three governments was the first to be held on Greenlandic soil since the latest crisis with the United States, according to DR reporter Cecilie Kallestrup.

Emergency preparedness and security were therefore naturally high on the agenda, she said.

Speaking to the press after Monday’s meeting, Frederiksen said the leaders had spent most of their time discussing security policy.

“It has had an incredible impact. It has affected Greenlandic society, the unity of the realm and Europe. In fact, it has affected the whole world,” Frederiksen said.

She said the security situation had changed completely compared with only a short time ago.

“When we spend most of our time on defence and security policy, it is because the world is almost in total upheaval and the security policy situation around our three countries has completely changed,” she said.

Possible reconciliation commission

The leaders also discussed issues linked to the relationship between Greenland and Denmark. A reconciliation commission could be moving closer to becoming a reality.

Nielsen said Greenland wanted a dedicated commission based in Greenland, drawing inspiration from other countries that had established similar bodies.

“The most important thing is that the work begins quickly. We need this reconciliation commission to examine the things we have from our past,” he said.

Frederiksen said the Danish government had received the proposal positively.

“Our history has good sides, but it also has some truly dark chapters,” she said. “The problems are here, and I actually believe that the more willing you are to look at your past, the better you understand it.”

The Danish government has already launched a historical investigation. Frederiksen has also issued an apology in the case concerning contraceptive coils and in the case involving the so-called experimental children.

EU offers 200 million euros for investment

During her two-day visit, von der Leyen put 200 million euros, equivalent to around 1.5 billion Danish kroner, on the table for investments including better internet and improved housing in Greenland.

On Monday, the EU, Greenland and Denmark signed a joint declaration expanding cooperation on critical raw materials, housing, tourism, energy and digital communications.

Nielsen said Greenland had been discussing its cooperation with other countries and the EU for many years, making the stronger partnership a natural development.

However, closer cooperation does not mean that Greenland wants to join the EU.

“We would like to build on this cooperation, make it more strategic and strengthen it. But membership is not in the pipeline,” Nielsen said.

Greenland was part of the European Economic Community when Denmark joined in 1973, but left in 1985 after a referendum in 1982.

Ministers meet on Arctic security

Tuesday’s meeting of the Foreign, Security and Defence Policy Contact Committee is focused on the security situation in the North Atlantic and the Arctic.

In addition to the three government leaders, participants include Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Ramussen, Justice Minister Nicolai Vammen and Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus, along with their Greenlandic and Faroese counterparts.