Greenland PM Advocates for Independence from Denmark

Greenland’s Prime Minister renews calls for independence, highlighting aspirations for sovereignty and self-determination while balancing relations with Denmark.

Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, has once again advocated for independence from Denmark following US President-elect Donald Trump’s expressed interest in buying the Arctic island.

In his New Year’s address, Egede emphasized the importance of “eliminating barriers to cooperation—which we can call the remnants of colonialism—and progressing forward,” suggesting a possible referendum on independence.

“Our collaboration with other countries and our trade interactions cannot persist exclusively through Denmark,” he stated. “Efforts are already underway to establish the groundwork for Greenland as a sovereign nation.”

Greenland, the largest non-continental island in the world with a population of approximately 56,000 people, has been an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark since 1979. It manages its own internal affairs while Copenhagen is responsible for foreign and defense policies.

The island possesses the legal authority to declare independence, yet there are ongoing concerns about its economic viability. Greenland’s economy is largely dependent on fishing and yearly subsidies from Denmark, which make up approximately two-thirds of its budget. According to a 2016 survey, 64% of Greenlanders supported full independence. Nevertheless, in a subsequent poll conducted in 2017, 78% opposed it if living standards were likely to drop as a result.

In a December post on Truth Social, the US president-elect stated that “ownership and control of Greenland is absolutely essential for national security purposes and freedom worldwide from the perspective of the United States.”

During his first term, Trump frequently stated his intention to buy Greenland, describing it as “a large real estate deal.” His revived interest has been firmly rejected by officials from both Greenland and Denmark.

“Greenland belongs to us. We are not for sale and will never be sold,” Egede declared in December. In the same vein, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen rejected the idea, emphasizing that Greenland is not available for purchase.

Soon after Trump’s post, Denmark declared its intention to strengthen its military presence in both the region and Greenland. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen unveiled a defense package worth over $1.5 billion designed to improve surveillance and security efforts there. This plan involves deploying patrol vessels, long-range drones, and additional personnel to the Arctic Command.

“We have neglected our investment in the Arctic for many years, but now we are planning to establish a stronger presence,” Poulsen remarked, describing the timing of this announcement as an “irony of fate.”

Greenland’s strategic significance has increased because of its rich natural resources, including rare earth minerals, and its crucial position in the Arctic. This region is becoming more accessible due to climate change. The potential for resource extraction and emerging shipping routes in the Arctic have drawn global attention from countries such as Russia, China, and the United States.

Greenland’s upcoming parliamentary elections, set to occur before April 6, 2025, are anticipated to be pivotal in shaping the island’s future direction. “Major steps need to be taken… The forthcoming election period should collaborate with citizens to create these new initiatives,” Egede stated.