Nuuk, January 4, 2025 – The Europe Today: Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, has once again emphasized the need for independence from Denmark in the wake of US President-elect Donald Trump’s renewed interest in purchasing the Arctic island.
In his New Year’s address, Egede stated the necessity of breaking free from the colonial-era constraints, hinting at the possibility of a referendum on Greenland’s independence.
“Our cooperation with other countries and our trade relations cannot continue to take place solely through Denmark,” Egede said. He added that work had already begun on establishing the framework for Greenland as an independent state.
Greenland, the world’s largest island with a population of approximately 56,000, has been an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark since 1979. While it manages its internal affairs, Copenhagen retains control over its foreign and defense policies.
The legal right to declare independence exists, but economic challenges remain a concern. Greenland’s economy relies heavily on fishing and annual grants from Denmark, which account for nearly two-thirds of its budget. Public opinion is divided; while a 2016 poll showed that 64% of Greenlanders supported independence, a 2017 survey found that 78% opposed it if it would lead to a decline in living standards.
President-elect Trump recently reiterated his interest in acquiring Greenland, stating on Truth Social that its ownership is vital for US national security and global freedom. During his first term, Trump described the potential purchase as “a large real estate deal,” a proposal that was firmly rejected by both Greenlandic and Danish officials.
“Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale,” Egede said in December. Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen echoed this sentiment, reaffirming that Greenland is not on the market.
In response to Trump’s comments, Denmark has announced plans to strengthen its military presence in the Arctic. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen revealed a defense package exceeding $1.5 billion, which includes deploying patrol vessels, long-range drones, and additional personnel to enhance security in Greenland and the surrounding region.
“We have not invested enough in the Arctic for many years; now we are planning a stronger presence,” Poulsen said, referring to the timing as an “irony of fate.”
