European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen signed a declaration to deepen EU–Greenland relations and announced a €200 million ($232m) investment package to be paid this year and in 2027. Funds will back development of critical raw materials, secure satellite and undersea internet links, and capacity-building for Greenland’s government, along with tourism and housing projects. The declaration also commits to cooperation on cybersecurity, infrastructure protection and combating disinformation amid renewed U.S. pressure over Greenland.
EU Signs €200M Investment Deal With Greenland as Ties Deepen Amid U.S. Pressure
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen (2nd R) walks with Greenland's government leader Jens-Frederik Nielsen in the streets of Nuuk. (is associated with: «EU signs €200m investment package with Greenland in signal to Trump») Julien Mattia/European Commission/dpa
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday signed a declaration during a visit to Greenland aimed at deepening the European Union's political and economic ties with the resource-rich Arctic island, and announced a new €200 million ($232 million) investment package.
The package, to be disbursed this year and again in 2027, will support the development of critical raw materials and improve secure internet connectivity through satellites and undersea cables. A portion of the funding will bolster Greenland's government capacity, while additional programmes will promote sustainable tourism and finance housing construction.
Broader Security and Strategic Cooperation
The declaration also outlines closer cooperation on cybersecurity, protection of critical infrastructure and countering hybrid threats — including measures to combat disinformation and other forms of external influence. Officials framed the deal as both an economic boost and a strategic signal about Europe’s presence in the Arctic.
White-tailed eagles rest on small grassy islands in Nuuk Fjord off the coast of Nuuk. (is associated with: «EU signs €200m investment package with Greenland in signal to Trump») Ben Birchall/PA Wire/dpa
"Greenland needs the European Union, and the European Union needs Greenland," Greenland's Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said at a press conference.
Von der Leyen’s two-day visit carried political sensitivity because the United States has reasserted interest in Greenland on security grounds. In 2019, then-President Donald Trump floated buying the island — a proposal that many in Denmark and Greenland dismissed at the time — and he has since pressed for greater U.S. influence over the Danish autonomous territory, citing concerns about potential threats from Russia and China.
Greenland, the world's largest island, has a population of just under 57,000 and significant strategic value because of its location and natural resources. EU officials said the investment package aims to support Greenland’s economic autonomy while strengthening joint security and resilience in the Arctic region.
Photo caption: White-tailed eagles rest on small grassy islands in Nuuk Fjord off the coast of Nuuk.
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