EU to Boost Greenland Investment Amid Trump Pressure

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to announce a major increase in EU investment in Greenland on Monday, strengthening economic and political ties as U.S. President Donald Trump continues to push for American control of the Arctic territory.

Von der Leyen arrived in Greenland on Sunday for a two-day visit aimed at demonstrating European support for Greenland and Denmark. Both governments have firmly rejected Trump's calls for the United States to acquire the world's largest island.

The European Union investment package is expected to target critical minerals, satellite communications and renewable energy, reflecting Greenland's growing strategic importance. Von der Leyen described the planned funding as "substantial" but did not disclose its value.

Greenland Premier Jens-Frederik Nielsen said the territory wants to expand its close relationship and partnership with the EU.

Interest in Greenland and the wider Arctic has intensified as climate change melts ice, opening potential shipping routes and making mineral resources more accessible. The region has become increasingly important to the United States, Europe, Russia and China.

Von der Leyen highlighted the changing Arctic environment after visiting a fjord near Nuuk, saying the effects of climate change were clearly visible. "As the ice melts, a new reality is taking shape," she wrote on X.

Trump's renewed campaign to gain control of Greenland has strained relations between Washington and European allies. He has argued that Denmark cannot adequately defend the territory, despite Greenland being covered by NATO's collective defence arrangements.

Tensions eased after Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte agreed in Davos in January that the U.S., Denmark and Greenland would hold talks, alongside efforts to strengthen NATO's Arctic security role. However, no agreement has emerged, and Trump reiterated his demand for U.S. control of Greenland at a NATO summit in Turkey in July.

Greenland left the European Economic Community, the EU's predecessor, in 1985 but maintains close ties with Europe. The EU already provides funding for fishing rights and education. The new package is expected to significantly increase that support while expanding investment into strategically important industries.