Greenland’s Prime Minister Advocates for Sovereignty from Denmark
Greenland’s Prime Minister Mute Egede has revived discussions about independence from Denmark in light of US President-elect Donald Trump's continued interest. Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
The renewed push for independence from Denmark by Greenland’s Prime Minister, Mute Egede, follows US President-elect Donald Trump’s reiterated interest in acquiring the Arctic island.
In his New Year's address, Egede underscored the importance of “removing the obstacles to cooperation – which we can describe as the shackles of the colonial era – and move on,” hinting at the possibility of a referendum on independence.
“Our cooperation with other countries and our trade relations cannot continue to take place solely through Denmark,” he asserted. “Work has already begun on creating the framework for Greenland as an independent state.”
Greenland, which is the world’s largest island and has 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 oversees its foreign and defense policies.
Although Greenland has the legal right to declare independence, there are ongoing concerns about its economic sustainability. The economy is predominantly dependent on fishing and substantial annual grants from Denmark, which account for around two-thirds of its budget. A 2016 poll found that 64% of Greenlanders supported complete independence; however, a 2017 survey indicated that 78% opposed it if it might result in a decline in living standards.
In a December post on Truth Social, Trump stated that “for purposes of national security and freedom throughout the world, the US feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.”
During his first term, Trump had frequently expressed a desire to purchase Greenland, framing it as “a large real estate deal.” His renewed interest has been met with strong disapproval from officials in both Greenland and Denmark.
“Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale,” Egede firmly declared in December. Likewise, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland is not available for purchase.
Following Trump’s statement, Denmark announced plans to enhance its military presence in the region and specifically in Greenland. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen revealed a defense package exceeding $1.5 billion aimed at improving security and surveillance in the area, which includes the deployment of patrol vessels, long-range drones, and additional personnel to the Arctic Command.
“We have not invested enough in the Arctic for many years; now we are planning a stronger presence,” Poulsen remarked, noting the timing of the announcement as an “irony of fate.”
The strategic significance of Greenland has grown, attributed to its wealth of natural resources, particularly rare earth minerals, and its crucial location in the Arctic, which is becoming more accessible due to climate change. The region’s potential for resource extraction and new shipping routes has garnered global attention, especially from Russia, China, and the United States.
The parliamentary elections in Greenland, slated for before April 6, 2025, are anticipated to be pivotal in shaping the island’s future. “It is necessary to take major steps… The upcoming election period must, together with the citizens, create these new steps,” Egede stated.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
In his New Year's address, Egede underscored the importance of “removing the obstacles to cooperation – which we can describe as the shackles of the colonial era – and move on,” hinting at the possibility of a referendum on independence.
“Our cooperation with other countries and our trade relations cannot continue to take place solely through Denmark,” he asserted. “Work has already begun on creating the framework for Greenland as an independent state.”
Greenland, which is the world’s largest island and has 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 oversees its foreign and defense policies.
Although Greenland has the legal right to declare independence, there are ongoing concerns about its economic sustainability. The economy is predominantly dependent on fishing and substantial annual grants from Denmark, which account for around two-thirds of its budget. A 2016 poll found that 64% of Greenlanders supported complete independence; however, a 2017 survey indicated that 78% opposed it if it might result in a decline in living standards.
In a December post on Truth Social, Trump stated that “for purposes of national security and freedom throughout the world, the US feels that the ownership and control of Greenland is an absolute necessity.”
During his first term, Trump had frequently expressed a desire to purchase Greenland, framing it as “a large real estate deal.” His renewed interest has been met with strong disapproval from officials in both Greenland and Denmark.
“Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale,” Egede firmly declared in December. Likewise, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen reiterated that Greenland is not available for purchase.
Following Trump’s statement, Denmark announced plans to enhance its military presence in the region and specifically in Greenland. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen revealed a defense package exceeding $1.5 billion aimed at improving security and surveillance in the area, which includes the deployment of patrol vessels, long-range drones, and additional personnel to the Arctic Command.
“We have not invested enough in the Arctic for many years; now we are planning a stronger presence,” Poulsen remarked, noting the timing of the announcement as an “irony of fate.”
The strategic significance of Greenland has grown, attributed to its wealth of natural resources, particularly rare earth minerals, and its crucial location in the Arctic, which is becoming more accessible due to climate change. The region’s potential for resource extraction and new shipping routes has garnered global attention, especially from Russia, China, and the United States.
The parliamentary elections in Greenland, slated for before April 6, 2025, are anticipated to be pivotal in shaping the island’s future. “It is necessary to take major steps… The upcoming election period must, together with the citizens, create these new steps,” Egede stated.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
