STRASBOURG (CHATNEWSTV) — European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Wednesday firmly backed Greenland’s right to decide its own future, calling it essential for protecting global peace, democratic norms and a rule-based international order.
Speaking before the European Parliament in Strasbourg, Kallas said the EU stands fully behind Greenland and Denmark, adding that any decision over the Arctic territory’s path forward “must be decided by the people of Greenland.”
“This is exactly how it should be: government for the people, decided by the people,” Kallas told MEPs.
“The only way to maintain the rules-based world order is the full respect of the principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and sanctity of borders.”
Her remarks follow the March 11 elections in Greenland, which led to the formation of a new coalition government in April. Kallas praised the democratic process and pointed to Greenland’s growing role in EU strategic and climate policy, especially as the Arctic region gains geopolitical significance.
EU Deepens Arctic Engagement, Opens Office in Nuuk
The EU’s relationship with Greenland has evolved rapidly in recent years. In 2024, Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited the island and inaugurated the first EU Office in Nuuk, in the presence of Greenland’s then-Prime Minister Múte B. Egede and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen.
“Having a permanent EU presence in Greenland is important for collaboration, investment promotion, and deepening cooperation in areas like renewable energy, biodiversity and raw materials,” Kallas said.
She noted that EU contributions already account for about 4% of Greenland’s national budget, more than any other international partner.
Greenland to Lead Arctic Council
Greenland’s diplomatic standing is also rising. Beginning next week, it will chair the Arctic Council for the first time under the Kingdom of Denmark’s rotating leadership, with newly appointed Arctic ambassador Kenneth Høegh taking the lead as Chair of the Senior Arctic Officials.
Kallas welcomed Greenland’s pledge to prioritize Indigenous knowledge and participation during its term.
Security, Climate, and Geopolitical Challenges
Amid heightened Arctic interest following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Kallas acknowledged concerns about dual-use infrastructure, submarine cable sabotage, and rising military activity in the region.
“While there is no direct military threat, in a context of economic security concerns and sabotage, it is essential to remain vigilant,” she said.
The EU is addressing these risks through closer coordination with NATO and Arctic allies such as Iceland, Norway, and Canada. Yet, Kallas said the greatest long-term threat remains climate change, which is warming the Arctic up to four times faster than the global average.
“This is a serious challenge for livelihoods,” she warned. “Melting ice opens up shipping lanes and resources, potentially escalating security tensions.”
The EU’s 2021 Arctic policy and the 2023 Joint Communication on the climate-security nexus remain central tools for the bloc’s Arctic engagement.
Final Message: Let Greenland Choose Its Own Path
In closing, Kallas reiterated that self-determination is not negotiable.
“Greenland’s future and destiny can only be decided by the Greenlandic people,” she said. “They should be able to make their choices free from outside pressure or external interference — as is the case for any democracy.”
“In close collaboration with Denmark, we stand with Greenland in upholding this right,” she added.
Kallas also cautioned against abandoning international norms in favor of power politics: “If we stop upholding principles, we will find ourselves in a world where might makes right. And that is a very dangerous world.”
Editor: Gabriel Ani
