0
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (center), European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (right), and Greenland Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen visit Eutelsat OneWeb in Nuuk, Greenland, on the 7th (local time). / AP, Yonhap

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced a financial assistance and partnership agreement worth 200 million euros (approximately 310 billion won) for Greenland, an autonomous territory of Denmark, on the 7th (local time).

According to Reuters, the EU's large-scale investment is seen as a move to solidify its strategic foothold in the Arctic region at a time when melting ice caused by climate change has heightened access to Arctic shipping routes and untapped mineral resources, drawing intense interest from major powers including the U.S., Europe, Russia, and China.

Von der Leyen, who conducted a two-day visit to Greenland starting the previous day, reaffirmed the close cooperation between the EU and Greenland.

The funding package will be disbursed through 2027, expanding investment areas beyond traditional focal points such as fisheries and education to cover critical minerals, sustainable mining, digital connectivity and satellite communications, renewable energy, tourism, and housing.

At a press conference, von der Leyen characterized Greenland as a "strategic ally and reliable friend," underscoring the EU's full solidarity with the Kingdom of Denmark and the people of Greenland. She added, "The Arctic is a key arena of colliding geopolitical interests," noting plans to present a new Arctic strategy at the EU level within months.

The European Commission has already proposed more than doubling Greenland's seven-year funding envelope from the current 225 million euros (approximately 350 billion won) to 530 million euros (approximately 830 billion won) under the 2028–2034 budget framework.

The visit and funding announcement come amid U.S. President Donald Trump's persistent assertions regarding the necessity of securing U.S. control over Greenland.

While Trump has called for U.S. intervention by questioning Denmark's sole defense capabilities, European officials emphasize that Greenland remains protected under NATO's mutual defense treaty.

                                                                                                           Lee Jeong-eun