Greenland’s PM pushes for independence from Denmark

The renewed call comes after US President-elect Donald Trump expressed interest in purchasing the island once again

Greenland's Prime Minister, Mute Egede, has renewed calls for independence from Denmark following US President-elect Donald Trump's reiterated interest in purchasing the Arctic island.

In his New Year's address, Egede emphasized the need to “remove the obstacles to cooperation – which we can describe as the shackles of the colonial era – and move on,” signaling a potential referendum on independence.

“Our cooperation with other countries and our trade relations cannot continue to take place solely through Denmark,” he said. “Work has already begun on creating the framework for Greenland as an independent state.”

Greenland, the world's largest island with a population of around 56,000, has been an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark since 1979, managing its internal affairs while Copenhagen oversees foreign and defense policies.

The island has the legal right to declare independence, but concerns persist regarding economic sustainability, as Greenland's economy heavily relies on fishing and annual grants from Denmark, which constitute about two-thirds of its budget. A 2016 poll indicated that 64% of Greenlanders favored full independence. However, a 2017 survey revealed that 78% voiced opposition if it would lead to a decline in living standards.

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The US President-elect stated in a December post on Truth Social 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 repeatedly expressed his intention to buy Greenland, referring to the possible purchase as “a large real estate deal.” His renewed interest has met firm rejections from both Greenlandic and Danish officials.

“Greenland is ours. We are not for sale and will never be for sale,” Egede stated unequivocally in December. Similarly, Denmark's Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen dismissed the proposal, emphasizing that Greenland is not on the market.

Shortly after Trump’s post, Denmark announced plans to bolster its military presence in the region and in Greenland. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen revealed a defense package exceeding $1.5 billion aimed at enhancing surveillance and security in the area. This initiative includes deploying 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 said, calling the timing of the announcement an “irony of fate.”

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Greenland's strategic importance has grown due to its abundant natural resources, such as rare earth minerals, and its pivotal location in the Arctic, which is becoming increasingly accessible due to climate change. The Arctic’s potential for resource extraction and new shipping routes has attracted global interest, particularly from Russia, China, and the United States.

The upcoming parliamentary elections in Greenland, scheduled before April 6, 2025, are expected to play a crucial role in determining the island's path forward. “It is necessary to take major steps… The upcoming election period must, together with the citizens, create these new steps,” Egede said.